JP5802154B2

JP5802154B2 - Rotating connector

Info

Publication number: JP5802154B2
Application number: JP2012053499A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 静始高橋
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-03-09
Filing date: 2012-03-09
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-09
Also published as: JP2013187150A

Description

本発明は、可動側ハウジングと固定側ハウジング間の環状空間に平型ケーブルを巻回して構成される回転コネクタに係り、特に、平型ケーブルと外部導出用の絶縁被覆導線に接続される複数本のピン端子が保持されたリードブロックを備えた回転コネクタに関する。 The present invention relates to a rotary connector configured by winding a flat cable in an annular space between a movable housing and a fixed housing, and in particular, a plurality of cables connected to a flat cable and an insulated lead wire for external lead-out. The present invention relates to a rotary connector including a lead block that holds the pin terminals of the same.

自動車のステアリング装置に組み込まれてエアバッグシステム等の電気的接続手段として使用される回転コネクタには、回動自在に連結された可動側ハウジングと固定側ハウジングとの間に環状空間が画成されており、この環状空間内にフラットケーブル（平型ケーブル）が巻回状態で収納されている。このフラットケーブルの両端部はそれぞれリードブロック（接続部材）と接続されており、ハンドル（ステアリングホイール）と一体的に回転する可動側ハウジングに一方のリードブロックが取り付けられていると共に、ステアリングコラム等に設置された固定側ハウジングに他方のリードブロックが取り付けられている。そして、ハンドルが左右いずれの方向へ回転操作されても、回転コネクタを介してハンドル側のエアバッグシステムやホーン回路等と車両本体側の電気装置との電気的接続が維持されるようになっている。 An annular space is defined between a movable housing and a stationary housing that are rotatably connected to a rotary connector that is incorporated in an automobile steering device and used as an electrical connection means for an airbag system or the like. In this annular space, a flat cable (flat cable) is housed in a wound state. Both ends of the flat cable are connected to lead blocks (connecting members), and one lead block is attached to a movable housing that rotates integrally with the handle (steering wheel). The other lead block is attached to the installed fixed housing. Even if the steering wheel is rotated in either the left or right direction, the electrical connection between the airbag system on the steering wheel side, the horn circuit, etc. and the electric device on the vehicle body side is maintained via the rotary connector. Yes.

このように概略構成された回転コネクタにおいて、従来より用いられているリードブロックは、平行に配列された複数本の導体が先端部側の外部接合部と基端部側の内部接合部とを除いて絶縁材に被覆されており、各導体の内部接合部は絶縁材の溶接用孔部に露出する構成になっているため、インサート成形によってリードブロックを製造していた。また、回転コネクタに用いられているフラットケーブルは、複数本の帯状導体が両端部を除いて絶縁フィルムに被覆されており、このフラットケーブルの帯状導体とリードブロックの導体とが交差するように、フラットケーブルの端部とリードブロックとを重ね合わせて、帯状導体の露出部分と前記内部接合部とをスポット溶接にて接続している（例えば、特許文献１参照）。なお、このリードブロックの導体に外部導出用の絶縁被覆導線を接続する場合、絶縁被覆導線の導体部は溶接等によってリードブロックの導体の前記外部接合部に接続される。 In a rotary connector having such a general configuration, a conventional lead block has a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel except for an outer joint on the distal end side and an inner joint on the proximal end side. The lead block is manufactured by insert molding because the inner joint portion of each conductor is exposed to the welding hole of the insulating material. In addition, the flat cable used for the rotary connector has a plurality of strip conductors covered with an insulating film except for both ends, so that the strip conductor of the flat cable and the conductor of the lead block intersect. The end portion of the flat cable and the lead block are overlapped, and the exposed portion of the strip conductor and the internal joint are connected by spot welding (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Note that, when connecting an insulating lead wire for lead-out to this lead block conductor, the conductor portion of the insulating lead wire is connected to the external joint portion of the lead block conductor by welding or the like.

特開平１１−９７０８８号公報JP-A-11-97088

前述したように、従来の回転コネクタに用いられているリードブロックは、複雑な構造の金型を必要とするインサート成形によって製造されているため、安価に製造することが困難であり、これが回転コネクタの低コスト化を阻害する要因となっていた。 As described above, since the lead block used in the conventional rotary connector is manufactured by insert molding that requires a mold having a complicated structure, it is difficult to manufacture the lead block at a low cost. It was a factor that hindered cost reduction.

本発明は、このような従来技術の実情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、低コスト化が容易な回転コネクタを提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary connector that can be easily reduced in cost.

上記の目的を達成するために、本発明による回転コネクタは、回動自在に連結された可動側ハウジングおよび固定側ハウジングと、複数本の帯状導体が接続部を除いて絶縁フィルムに被覆されてなり、前記両ハウジング間に画成された環状空間内に巻回状態で収納される平型ケーブルと、絶縁性の支持部材および該支持部材に保持されて平行に配列された複数本のピン端子を有するリードブロックとを備え、前記ピン端子の基端部側を前記平型ケーブルの前記接続部に接続して先端部側を外部導出用の絶縁被覆導線に接続した回転コネクタであって、前記ピン端子が、前記平型ケーブルの前記接続部に接続されるケーブル接続部と、前記支持部材に設けられた２つのピン挿入孔に個別に嵌入して保持される第１および第２嵌入部と、前記絶縁被覆導線をかしめて電気的かつ機械的に接続した状態となすかしめ部と、前記可動側ハウジングまたは前記固定側ハウジングに当接させることで前記嵌入方向とは逆向きの移動が阻止される抜け止め部とを有し、前記ケーブル接続部に対して該ピン端子の先端部側に前記第１嵌入部が位置して基端部側に前記第２嵌入部が位置すると共に、前記かしめ部および前記抜け止め部よりも前記第１嵌入部が該ピン端子の基端部側に設けられているという構成にした。 In order to achieve the above object, a rotary connector according to the present invention comprises a movable housing and a fixed housing that are rotatably connected, and a plurality of strip-shaped conductors covered with an insulating film except for a connecting portion. A flat cable housed in a wound state in an annular space defined between the two housings, an insulating support member, and a plurality of pin terminals held in parallel by the support member A rotating connector having a base end side of the pin terminal connected to the connecting portion of the flat cable and a tip end side connected to an insulated lead wire for external lead, A cable connecting portion connected to the connecting portion of the flat cable, and first and second fitting portions that are individually fitted and held in two pin insertion holes provided in the support member; Said insulation A caulking portion that is in an electrically and mechanically connected state by caulking the covering wire, and a retainer that prevents movement opposite to the insertion direction by being brought into contact with the movable housing or the fixed housing. The first insertion part is located on the distal end side of the pin terminal with respect to the cable connection part, the second insertion part is located on the proximal end side, and the caulking part and the The first insertion portion is provided on the base end side of the pin terminal with respect to the retaining portion.

かかる構成によれば、絶縁性の支持部材に設けた２つのピン挿入孔にピン端子の第１および第２嵌入部を個別に嵌入して保持状態となすことができ、ピン端子の嵌入と反対方向への移動も抜け止め部によって阻止できるため、リードブロックを複雑な構造の金型でインサート成形する必要がなくなり、リードブロックの製造コストを大幅に低減できる。また、このリードブロックは、支持部材に予め設けられた複数組のピン挿入孔の一部または全部に必要本数のピン端子を嵌入すればよいため、ピン端子の本数が異なるリードブロックの支持部材を共通化することも可能である。 According to such a configuration, the first and second insertion portions of the pin terminal can be individually inserted into the two pin insertion holes provided in the insulating support member so as to be in a holding state. Since the movement in the opposite direction can also be prevented by the retaining portion, it is not necessary to insert-mold the lead block with a mold having a complicated structure, and the manufacturing cost of the lead block can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since this lead block should just insert a required number of pin terminals in a part or all of several sets of pin insertion holes previously provided in the support member, the support member of the lead block from which the number of pin terminals differs is provided. It is also possible to make common.

上記の回転コネクタにおいて、リードブロックの支持部材が、ピン端子のかしめ部を配置させる受け部と、第１嵌入部を嵌入するためのピン挿入孔が形成された第１保持部と、第２嵌入部を嵌入するためのピン挿入孔が形成された第２保持部とを有すると共に、ピン端子が第１嵌入部とかしめ部との間にストッパ部を有し、このストッパ部を第１保持部の受け部側の壁面に当接させることで嵌入部の嵌入量が規定されていると、一層好ましい。かかる構成によれば、リードブロックの組立て時に第１および第２保持部のピン挿入孔にピン端子を挿入していけば、ストッパ部が第１保持部の壁面に当接した時点でさらなる挿入が不能となってピン端子の嵌入量を自動的に規定できるため、リードブロックの組立て作業性が向上してピン端子の取付位置精度も高め易くなる。また、絶縁被覆導線をピン端子にかしめて接続したリードブロックを可動側ハウジングまたは固定側ハウジングに取り付ける前に、絶縁被覆導線の自重等に起因する外力がリードブロックに作用しても、この外力を受け部で受けることができるため、ピン端子に過大な曲げ応力が作用することを防止し易くなる。 In the above rotary connector, the support member of the lead block includes a receiving part for arranging the caulking part of the pin terminal, a first holding part in which a pin insertion hole for inserting the first insertion part is formed, and a second insertion And a pin terminal having a stopper portion between the first insertion portion and the caulking portion, and the stopper portion is used as the first holding portion. It is more preferable that the insertion amount of the insertion portion is defined by abutting against the wall surface on the receiving portion side. According to this configuration, if the pin terminal is inserted into the pin insertion hole of the first and second holding portions when the lead block is assembled, further insertion can be performed when the stopper portion comes into contact with the wall surface of the first holding portion. Since the amount of insertion of the pin terminal can be automatically defined, the assembling workability of the lead block is improved and the pin terminal mounting position accuracy is easily improved. In addition, even if an external force caused by the weight of the insulation-coated conductor acts on the lead block before attaching the lead block with the insulation-coated conductor crimped to the pin terminal to the movable housing or the fixed housing, this external force is applied to the lead block. Since it can receive in a receiving part, it becomes easy to prevent that an excessive bending stress acts on a pin terminal.

また、上記の回転コネクタにおいて、支持部材の受け部に、隣り合って配置される一方のピン端子と他方のピン端子との間を仕切る隔壁部が形成されていると、これら両ピン端子に個別に接続された２本の絶縁被覆導線の導体部どうしの短絡を隔壁部によって確実に防止することができるため、一層好ましい。 Further, in the above rotary connector, when the partition portion for partitioning between the one pin terminal and the other pin terminal arranged adjacent to each other is formed in the receiving portion of the support member, the two pin terminals are individually provided. Since the short-circuit between the conductor portions of the two insulation-coated conductors connected to each other can be surely prevented by the partition wall portion, it is more preferable.

また、上記の構成において、支持部材が、第１保持部のピン挿入孔に挿通されたピン端子を第２保持部のピン挿入孔へ案内するためのガイド溝を有すると共に、ピン端子の第１嵌入部が、第１保持部のピン挿入孔に食い込むように嵌入する形状に形成されていると、ピン端子を支持部材の所定位置に安定して固定できるので、その後の組み付け作業が円滑に行えてリードブロックの組立て作業性が向上し、かつピン端子の取付強度が高まるため、一層好ましい。 In the above configuration , the support member has a guide groove for guiding the pin terminal inserted through the pin insertion hole of the first holding part to the pin insertion hole of the second holding part, and the first of the pin terminals. If the insertion part is formed in a shape that fits into the pin insertion hole of the first holding part, the pin terminal can be stably fixed at a predetermined position of the support member, so that the subsequent assembling work can be performed smoothly. As a result, the assembly workability of the lead block is improved and the mounting strength of the pin terminal is increased, which is more preferable.

また、上記の回転コネクタにおいて、可動側ハウジングと固定側ハウジングの少なくとも一方が、リードブロックの支持部材を収納して保持する収納部と、絶縁被覆導線の外方への導出を許容しつつ該収納部が臨出する開口を蓋閉するカバー部材とを有し、ピン端子の抜け止め部がカバー部材に当接してピン端子の嵌入方向とは逆向き（反嵌入方向）への移動が阻止されていると、一層好ましい。かかる構成によれば、可動側ハウジングまたは固定側ハウジングの収納部によってリードブロックを位置決め状態で保持することができると共に、一端部がリードブロックに接続された絶縁被覆導線を開口から外方へと導出させてから該開口をカバー部材で蓋閉できるため、絶縁被覆導線の他端部に外部コネクタが取着されていても回転コネクタの組立て作業が支障なく行える。 Further, in the above rotary connector, at least one of the movable housing and the fixed housing accommodates the housing portion that houses and holds the support member of the lead block, and allows the insulation coated conductor to be led out to the outside. And a cover member that closes the opening from which the part protrudes, and the pin terminal retaining portion abuts against the cover member and is prevented from moving in a direction opposite to the pin terminal insertion direction (counter insertion direction). It is more preferable. According to such a configuration, the lead block can be held in a positioned state by the storage portion of the movable housing or the fixed housing, and the insulation coated conductor wire having one end connected to the lead block is led out from the opening. Then, the opening can be closed with a cover member, so that the assembly work of the rotary connector can be performed without any trouble even if an external connector is attached to the other end of the insulation coated conductor.

この場合において、前記開口を蓋閉する位置にカバー部材がスナップ結合によって装着されていると、カバー部材の取付作業が容易に行えピン端子の抜け止めも確実となるため、一層好ましい。 In this case, it is more preferable that the cover member is attached by snap coupling at a position where the opening is closed, since the cover member can be easily attached and the pin terminal can be prevented from coming off.

また、上記の回転コネクタにおいて、ケーブルが、絶縁フィルムに形成された孔部に帯状導体の接続部を露出させていると、一層好ましい。かかる構成によれば、孔部を利用してケーブルの接続部をピン端子とスポット溶接できると共に、ケーブルの端部に孔部を除いて絶縁フィルムを延在させておくことができるため該端部の機械的強度が向上し、よって回転コネクタの組立て工程でケーブルの端部に不良が発生しにくくなる。 In the above rotary connector, it is more preferable that the cable exposes the connecting portion of the strip conductor in the hole formed in the insulating film. According to such a configuration, the connection portion of the cable can be spot welded to the pin terminal using the hole portion, and the end portion of the cable can be made to extend the insulating film except for the hole portion. The mechanical strength of the cable is improved, so that it is difficult for defects to occur at the end of the cable in the assembly process of the rotary connector.

本発明の回転コネクタに用いられるリードブロックは、絶縁性の支持部材に設けた２つのピン挿入孔にピン端子の第１および第２嵌入部を個別に嵌入して保持状態となすことができ、ピン端子の嵌入方向と逆向きへの移動も抜け止め部によって阻止できるため、リードブロックを複雑な構造の金型でインサート成形する必要がなくなり、リードブロックの製造コストを大幅に低減できる。また、絶縁被覆導線をピン端子に接続してから該ピン端子を支持部材に嵌入してリードブロックを組み立てればよいため、支持部材に嵌入せしめた複数本のピン端子の隣接間隔が狭くても、嵌入前の各ピン端子を対応する絶縁被覆導線と接続する作業は容易に行える。しかも、このリードブロックは、支持部材に予め設けられた複数組のピン挿入孔の一部または全部に必要本数のピン端子を嵌入すればよいため、ピン端子の本数が異なるリードブロックの支持部材を共通化することも可能である。それゆえ、本発明によって回転コネクタの低コスト化が容易となる。 The lead block used in the rotary connector of the present invention can be brought into the holding state by individually inserting the first and second insertion portions of the pin terminal into the two pin insertion holes provided in the insulating support member. Further, since the movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the pin terminal can be prevented by the retaining portion, it is not necessary to insert-mold the lead block with a mold having a complicated structure, and the manufacturing cost of the lead block can be greatly reduced. Further, since it is only necessary to assemble the lead block by inserting the pin terminal into the support member after connecting the insulating coated conductor to the pin terminal, even if the adjacent interval between the plurality of pin terminals fitted into the support member is narrow, The operation of connecting each pin terminal before insertion with the corresponding insulation coated conductor can be easily performed. In addition, since the lead block only needs to be inserted into a part or all of the plurality of sets of pin insertion holes provided in advance in the support member, the lead block support member having a different number of pin terminals can be used. It is also possible to make common. Therefore, the present invention facilitates cost reduction of the rotary connector.

また、本発明において、リードブロックの支持部材が、ピン端子のかしめ部を配置させる受け部と、第１嵌入部を嵌入するためのピン挿入孔が形成された第１保持部と、第２嵌入部を嵌入するためのピン挿入孔が形成された第２保持部とを有すると共に、ピン端子が、第１嵌入部とかしめ部との間にストッパ部を有し、このストッパ部を第１保持部の受け部側の壁面に当接させることで嵌入部の嵌入量が規定されるように構成されていると、リードブロックの組立て作業性が向上してピン端子の取付位置精度も高め易くなり、かつ、ピン端子に過大な曲げ応力が作用することを防止し易くなるため、回転コネクタのさらなる低コスト化が図れると共に信頼性向上が図れる。 In the present invention, the support member of the lead block includes a receiving part for arranging the crimping part of the pin terminal, a first holding part in which a pin insertion hole for inserting the first insertion part is formed, and a second insertion. And a pin terminal has a stopper portion between the first insertion portion and the caulking portion, and the stopper portion is held first. If it is configured so that the amount of insertion of the insertion portion is regulated by contacting the wall surface on the receiving portion side of the portion, the assembly workability of the lead block is improved and the pin terminal mounting position accuracy is easily increased. Moreover, since it becomes easy to prevent an excessive bending stress from acting on the pin terminal, the cost of the rotary connector can be further reduced and the reliability can be improved.

本発明の実施形態例に係る回転コネクタの上面図である。It is a top view of the rotation connector concerning the example of an embodiment of the present invention. 図１のII−II線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the II-II line of FIG. 図２の要部拡大図である。FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. 図１のIV−IV線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the IV-IV line of FIG. 図４におけるリードブロックの一部をフラットケーブルを図示省略して示す説明図である。FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a part of the lead block in FIG. 4 with a flat cable omitted. 該リードブロックの分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the lead block. 図６に対応する要部断面図である。It is principal part sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 図６に示す絶縁被覆導線をピン端子に接続する前の状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state before connecting the insulation coating conducting wire shown in FIG. 6 to a pin terminal. 図８に示す１本の絶縁被覆導線を１本のピン端子に接続する前と後の状態を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the state before and after connecting one insulation coating conducting wire shown in FIG. 8 to one pin terminal. 図１に対応する分解斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1.

以下、発明の実施の形態について図面を参照しながら説明する。図１〜図４や図１０に示すように、本発明の実施形態例に係る回転コネクタは、ハンドル（図示せず）と一体的に回転する可動側ハウジング１と、ステアリングコラム等に設置された固定側ハウジング２とを回動自在に連結し、両ハウジング１，２間に画成された環状空間３（図２参照）内にフラットケーブル４（平型ケーブル）を巻回状態で収納した構成になっている。この回転コネクタは自動車のステアリング装置に組み込まれてエアバッグシステム等の電気的接続手段として使用されるものであり、図１や図１０に示すセンター孔５にはステアリングシャフト（図示せず）が挿通される。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 10, the rotary connector according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in a movable housing 1 that rotates integrally with a handle (not shown), a steering column, and the like. A structure in which the fixed side housing 2 is rotatably connected, and a flat cable 4 (flat cable) is housed in a wound state in an annular space 3 (see FIG. 2) defined between the housings 1 and 2. It has become. This rotary connector is incorporated in a steering device of an automobile and used as an electrical connection means for an airbag system or the like. A steering shaft (not shown) is inserted into the center hole 5 shown in FIGS. Is done.

可動側ハウジング１は、上部ロータ１０と下部ロータ１１とをスナップ結合によって一体化したものである。図３や図１０に示すように、この可動側ハウジング１にはリードブロック６を組み込むための収納部（上部コネクタ保持部）１ａが設けられており、リードブロック６の後述する支持部材６０が収納部１ａに収納・保持されるようになっている。一方、固定側ハウジング２は、外筒部２０と底板部２１とをスナップ結合によって一体化したものである。この固定側ハウジング２には図示せぬ別のリードブロックを組み込むための図示せぬ収納部（下部コネクタ保持部）が設けられている。両ハウジング１，２間に画成された環状空間３内には、フラットケーブル４が巻き締めおよび巻き戻し可能に収納されている。また、図２に示すように、この環状空間３内には、可動側ハウジング１の回転に伴ってフラットケーブル４の巻き締め動作や巻き戻し動作を案内する複数のローラ７と、ローラ７を回動自在に案内するローラホルダ８とが組み込まれている。 The movable housing 1 is obtained by integrating an upper rotor 10 and a lower rotor 11 by snap coupling. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the movable housing 1 is provided with a storage portion (upper connector holding portion) 1a for incorporating the lead block 6, and a support member 60 described later of the lead block 6 is stored. It is stored and held in the part 1a. On the other hand, the fixed-side housing 2 is obtained by integrating the outer cylinder portion 20 and the bottom plate portion 21 by snap coupling. The stationary housing 2 is provided with a storage portion (lower connector holding portion) (not shown) for incorporating another lead block (not shown). A flat cable 4 is housed in an annular space 3 defined between the housings 1 and 2 so as to be wound and unwound. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the annular space 3, a plurality of rollers 7 for guiding the tightening operation and the unwinding operation of the flat cable 4 as the movable housing 1 rotates, and the rollers 7 are rotated. A roller holder 8 that is movably guided is incorporated.

図４に示すように、フラットケーブル４は、平行に配列された複数本の帯状導体４０を絶縁フィルム４１でラミネート状に被覆してなる長尺な可撓性ケーブルである。フラットケーブル４の長手方向の両端部において、絶縁フィルム４１には複数の導体露出孔４１ａが形成されており、各導体露出孔４１ａに帯状導体４０の接続部４０ａを露出させている。そして、フラットケーブル４の一方の端部（内端部）がリードブロック６に取り付けられて、このリードブロック６のピン端子６１と帯状導体４０の接続部４０ａとがスポット溶接によって接続される。同様に、フラットケーブル４の他方の端部（外端部）が図示せぬ別のリードブロックに取り付けられて、この別のリードブロックのピン端子と帯状導体４０の接続部４０ａとがスポット溶接によって接続される。このようにフラットケーブル４の端部で絶縁フィルム４１が導体露出孔４１ａを除いて延在させてあると、該端部の機械的強度が高まるため、回転コネクタの組立て工程でフラットケーブル４の端部に不良が発生しにくくなる。なお、フラットケーブル４の両端部には、接続されるリードブロックに設けられた位置決め突起（例えば図３に示す位置決め突起６０ｉ）を挿入させるための透孔が形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the flat cable 4 is a long flexible cable formed by covering a plurality of strip-shaped conductors 40 arranged in parallel with an insulating film 41 in a laminate. At both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flat cable 4, a plurality of conductor exposure holes 41 a are formed in the insulating film 41, and the connection portions 40 a of the strip conductors 40 are exposed in the respective conductor exposure holes 41 a. Then, one end portion (inner end portion) of the flat cable 4 is attached to the lead block 6, and the pin terminal 61 of the lead block 6 and the connection portion 40a of the strip conductor 40 are connected by spot welding. Similarly, the other end (outer end) of the flat cable 4 is attached to another lead block (not shown), and the pin terminal of the other lead block and the connection portion 40a of the strip conductor 40 are spot-welded. Connected. When the insulating film 41 is extended at the end of the flat cable 4 except for the conductor exposing hole 41a, the mechanical strength of the end increases, so that the end of the flat cable 4 is assembled in the assembly process of the rotary connector. Defects are less likely to occur. Note that through holes for inserting positioning protrusions (for example, positioning protrusions 60 i shown in FIG. 3) provided on the connected lead block are formed at both ends of the flat cable 4.

図４〜図７に示すように、フラットケーブル４の一方の端部（内端部）と接続されるリードブロック６は、絶縁性の樹脂成形品からなる支持部材６０と、この支持部材６０に嵌入して平行に配列された複数本のピン端子６１とを有する。各ピン端子６１は基端部側の所定部位が、フラットケーブル４の帯状導体４０の露出部分である接続部４０ａとスポット溶接によって接続される。そのため、リードブロック６の支持部材６０には、フラットケーブル４の導体露出孔４１ａと対応する箇所に溶接用孔部６０ｃ（図５参照）が形成されている。また、図４に示すように、複数本の帯状導体４０とリードブロック６の複数本のピン端子６１とが直交するように、フラットケーブル４の該端部とリードブロック６とが重ねられている。リードブロック６の各ピン端子６１の先端部側は、外部導出用の絶縁被覆導線９の一端部とかしめによって接続されており、この絶縁被覆導線９の他端部には図示せぬ外部コネクタが取着されている。すなわち、本実施形態例に係る回転コネクタにおいて、環状空間３内に収納されたフラットケーブル４の一端部はリードブロック６の各ピン端子６１の基端部側に接続されており、このリードブロック６が可動側ハウジング１の収納部（上部コネクタ保持部）１ａに組み込まれて保持されていると共に、各ピン端子６１の先端部側に接続された絶縁被覆導線９が、天板部１０ａに形成された開口１０ｂを通って外方へ導出されている。そして、この絶縁被覆導線９に取着された外部コネクタが、ハンドル側のエアバッグシステム等から導出されたコネクタと接続されるようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the lead block 6 connected to one end portion (inner end portion) of the flat cable 4 includes a support member 60 made of an insulating resin molded product, and the support member 60. And a plurality of pin terminals 61 which are inserted and arranged in parallel. Each pin terminal 61 is connected to a predetermined portion on the base end side by a spot welding with a connecting portion 40a which is an exposed portion of the strip-like conductor 40 of the flat cable 4. Therefore, a welding hole 60c (see FIG. 5) is formed in the support member 60 of the lead block 6 at a location corresponding to the conductor exposure hole 41a of the flat cable 4. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portion of the flat cable 4 and the lead block 6 are overlapped so that the plurality of strip conductors 40 and the plurality of pin terminals 61 of the lead block 6 are orthogonal to each other. . The tip end side of each pin terminal 61 of the lead block 6 is connected by caulking to one end portion of the insulating lead wire 9 for external lead-out, and an unillustrated external connector is connected to the other end portion of the insulating lead wire 9. It is attached. That is, in the rotary connector according to this embodiment, one end portion of the flat cable 4 housed in the annular space 3 is connected to the base end portion side of each pin terminal 61 of the lead block 6. Is incorporated in and held in a storage portion (upper connector holding portion) 1a of the movable housing 1, and an insulating coated conductor 9 connected to the tip end side of each pin terminal 61 is formed on the top plate portion 10a. And is led out through the opening 10b. And the external connector attached to this insulation coating conducting wire 9 is connected with the connector derived | led-out from the airbag system etc. by the side of a handle | steering-wheel.

なお、図１と図１０に示すように、上部ロータ１０は天板部１０ａの一部が開口１０ｂと略同形のカバー部材１２によって構成されており、このカバー部材１２が、絶縁被覆導線９の外方への導出を許容しつつ開口１０ｂを蓋閉する位置に装着されている。また、開口１０ｂには収納部１ａが臨出しており、後述するように、この収納部１ａにリードブロック６を組み込んだ後、絶縁被覆導線９を外方へ導出させた状態でカバー部材１２を天板部１０ａにスナップ結合させて開口１０ｂを蓋閉するようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the upper rotor 10 has a part of the top plate portion 10 a constituted by a cover member 12 having substantially the same shape as the opening 10 b, and this cover member 12 is formed of the insulation coated conductor 9. The opening 10b is mounted at a position where the lid is closed while allowing outward lead-out. In addition, a storage portion 1a protrudes from the opening 10b. As will be described later, after the lead block 6 is assembled in the storage portion 1a, the cover member 12 is placed in a state where the insulating coated conductor 9 is led out to the outside. The opening 10b is closed by snap-coupling to the top plate portion 10a.

フラットケーブル４の他方の端部（外端部）と接続されている図示せぬ別のリードブロックは、固定側ハウジングの外筒部２０と底板部２１とを組み合わせて構成される前記下部コネクタ保持部に組み込まれて保持されている。この別のリードブロックの図示せぬピン端子は、車両本体側の電気装置から導出されたコネクタと接続されるようになっている。 Another lead block (not shown) connected to the other end (outer end) of the flat cable 4 is the lower connector holding unit configured by combining the outer cylinder part 20 and the bottom plate part 21 of the fixed housing. It is incorporated and held in the part. A pin terminal (not shown) of the other lead block is connected to a connector derived from an electric device on the vehicle main body side.

リードブロック６は、絶縁性の支持部材６０に必要本数のピン端子を嵌入して保持させることにより組み立てられている。図示せぬ別のリードブロックも同様にして組み立てられている。つまり、本実施形態例に係る回転コネクタで用いられているリードブロックはインサート成形によって製造されたものではない。 The lead block 6 is assembled by inserting and holding a necessary number of pin terminals on an insulating support member 60. Another lead block (not shown) is assembled in the same manner. That is, the lead block used in the rotary connector according to this embodiment is not manufactured by insert molding.

リードブロック６の構造について詳しく説明すると、このリードブロック６の各ピン端子６１は、その基端部側に、支持部材６０のピン挿入孔６０ａ（図７参照）とピン挿入孔６０ｂ（図６参照）に個別に嵌入される、嵌入部としての第１嵌入部６１ａおよび第２嵌入部６１ｂを有する。また、図５に示すように、各ピン端子６１は、その先端部側に、絶縁被覆導線９の端部をかしめて電気的かつ機械的に接続した状態となすかしめ部６１ｃ，６１ｄを有する。各ピン端子６１は第１および第２嵌入部６１ａ，６１ｂ間の所定部位がフラットケーブル４の帯状導体４０にスポット溶接されるケーブル接合部６１ｅとなる。図７や図９に示すように、第１嵌入部６１ａの両側面には楔形の凹凸が形成されているため、この第１嵌入部６１ａは支持部材６０のピン挿入孔６０ａに食い込むように嵌入させることができる。また、向かい合うように折り曲げられたかしめ部６１ｃは絶縁被覆導線９の導体部９ａをかしめており、互い違いに折り曲げられたかしめ部６１ｄは絶縁被覆導線９の絶縁筒部９ｂをかしめている。さらに、図５と図６に示すように、各ピン端子６１は、支持部材６０の第１保持部６０ｄの壁面に当接するストッパ部６１ｆと、カバー部材１２に当接させることで嵌入方向とは逆向きの移動が阻止される抜け止め部６１ｇとを有する。ストッパ部６１ｆは第１嵌入部６１ａとかしめ部６１ｃとの間に位置する起立片として形成されており、抜け止め部６１ｇはかしめ部６１ｃ，６１ｄやストッパ部６１ｆとは逆向きに折り曲げられた舌片として形成されている。 The structure of the lead block 6 will be described in detail. Each pin terminal 61 of the lead block 6 has a pin insertion hole 60a (see FIG. 7) and a pin insertion hole 60b (see FIG. 6) of the support member 60 on the base end side. ), The first insertion portion 61a and the second insertion portion 61b as insertion portions are individually inserted. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, each pin terminal 61 has crimped portions 61 c and 61 d on the tip end side thereof so that the end portion of the insulating coated conductor 9 is caulked electrically and mechanically. Each pin terminal 61 serves as a cable joint 61e where a predetermined portion between the first and second fitting portions 61a and 61b is spot-welded to the strip-shaped conductor 40 of the flat cable 4. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, since wedge-shaped irregularities are formed on both side surfaces of the first insertion portion 61a, the first insertion portion 61a is inserted so as to bite into the pin insertion hole 60a of the support member 60. Can be made. Further, the caulking portions 61 c bent so as to face each other caulk the conductor portions 9 a of the insulating coated conductive wires 9, and the caulked portions 61 d bent alternately are caulked the insulating cylindrical portions 9 b of the insulating coated conductive wires 9. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, each pin terminal 61 has a stopper portion 61 f that contacts the wall surface of the first holding portion 60 d of the support member 60, and the insertion direction by contacting the pin member 61 with the cover member 12. And a retaining portion 61g that prevents movement in the reverse direction. The stopper portion 61f is formed as an upright piece positioned between the first fitting portion 61a and the caulking portion 61c, and the retaining portion 61g is a tongue bent in the direction opposite to the caulking portions 61c, 61d and the stopper portion 61f. It is formed as a piece.

なお、図８および図９（Ａ）は、ピン端子６１のかしめ部６１ｃ，６１ｄを折り曲げる前の状態を示している。また、図６と図７と図９（Ｂ）は、かしめ部６１ｃ，６１ｄを折り曲げてピン端子６１に絶縁被覆導線９の導体部９ａおよび絶縁筒部９ｂをかしめつけた状態を示している。これらの図に示すように、ピン端子６１の基端部が第２嵌入部６１ｂに相当し、この基端部からピン端子６１の中央部側へ所定量離れた位置に第１嵌入部６１ａが形成されている。 8 and 9A show a state before the caulking portions 61c and 61d of the pin terminal 61 are bent. FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 (B) show a state in which the caulking portions 61 c and 61 d are bent and the conductor portion 9 a and the insulating cylinder portion 9 b of the insulating coated conductor 9 are caulked to the pin terminal 61. As shown in these drawings, the base end portion of the pin terminal 61 corresponds to the second insertion portion 61b, and the first insertion portion 61a is located at a position away from the base end portion toward the center portion of the pin terminal 61 by a predetermined amount. Is formed.

図５〜図７に示すように、リードブロック６の支持部材６０は、ピン挿入孔６０ａが形成された第１保持部６０ｄ（保持部）と、ピン挿入孔６０ｂが形成された第２保持部６０ｅ（保持部）と、ピン端子６１のかしめ部６１ｃ，６１ｄを配置させる受け部６０ｆと、ピン挿入孔６０ａに挿通されたピン端子６１をピン挿入孔６０ｂへ案内するための直線状のガイド溝６０ｇと、ガイド溝６０ｇを分断する所定位置に形成された溶接用孔部６０ｃと、フラットケーブル４の端部の前記透孔に挿入して該端部を位置決め状態に保持するための位置決め突起６０ｉとを有する。ピン挿入孔６０ａ，６０ｂとガイド溝６０ｇおよび溶接用孔部６０ｃは各ピン端子６１ごとに形成されており、すべてのガイド溝６０ｇが互いに平行に延びている。また、支持部材６０の受け部６０ｆには、隣り合って配置される一方のピン端子６１と他方のピン端子６１との間を仕切る隔壁部６０ｈが形成されており、これら両ピン端子６１に個別に接続された２本の絶縁被覆導線９の導体部９ａどうしの短絡が隔壁部６０ｈによって防止できる構造になっている。前述したように、溶接用孔部６０ｃはフラットケーブル４の導体露出孔４１ａと対応する箇所に形成されており、ピン端子６１のうち溶接用孔部６０ｃに臨出する部位がケーブル接合部６１ｅとなる。 As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the support member 60 of the lead block 6 includes a first holding part 60d (holding part) in which a pin insertion hole 60a is formed and a second holding part in which a pin insertion hole 60b is formed. 60e (holding portion), receiving portion 60f for placing the crimping portions 61c and 61d of the pin terminal 61, and a linear guide groove for guiding the pin terminal 61 inserted through the pin insertion hole 60a to the pin insertion hole 60b 60g, a welding hole 60c formed at a predetermined position for dividing the guide groove 60g, and a positioning projection 60i for inserting the end portion of the flat cable 4 into the through hole and holding the end portion in a positioning state. And have. The pin insertion holes 60a, 60b, the guide groove 60g, and the welding hole 60c are formed for each pin terminal 61, and all the guide grooves 60g extend in parallel to each other. In addition, the receiving portion 60f of the support member 60 is formed with a partition wall portion 60h that partitions between the one pin terminal 61 and the other pin terminal 61 that are arranged adjacent to each other. The short-circuit between the conductor portions 9a of the two insulation-coated conductive wires 9 connected to is prevented by the partition wall portion 60h. As described above, the welding hole 60c is formed at a location corresponding to the conductor exposure hole 41a of the flat cable 4, and the portion of the pin terminal 61 that protrudes from the welding hole 60c is the cable joint 61e. Become.

リードブロック６を組み立てる際には、ピン端子６１の基端部側を支持部材６０の第１保持部６０ｄのピン挿入孔６０ａに挿入していく。つまり、まず第２嵌入部６１ｂをピン挿入孔６０ａに挿入し、この第２嵌入部６１ｂをガイド溝６０ｇで案内しながらピン端子６１をさらに挿入していくと、第１嵌入部６１ａがピン挿入孔６０ａに嵌入され始めると共に、第２嵌入部６１ｂが第２保持部６０ｅのピン挿入孔６０ｂに嵌入され始める。これにより、ピン端子６１の基端部となる第２嵌入部６１ｂのふらつきをピン挿入孔６０ｂで防止しつつ、第１嵌入部６１ａをピン挿入孔６０ａに食い込むように嵌入させていくことができる。そして、ストッパ部６１ｆが第１保持部６１ｄの受け部６０ｆ側の壁面に当接した時点で、さらなる挿入が不能となるため、ピン端子６１の嵌入量は自動的に規定される。また、第１嵌入部６１ａが第１保持部６０ｄに位置決め状態で保持され、かつ第２嵌入部６１ｂが第２保持部６０ｅに位置決め状態で保持されるため、このピン端子６１は支持部材６０の所定位置に保持されることになる。それゆえ、支持部材６０に嵌入して保持された複数本のピン端子６１は互いに平行に配列される。 When assembling the lead block 6, the base end side of the pin terminal 61 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 60 a of the first holding portion 60 d of the support member 60. That is, when the second insertion portion 61b is first inserted into the pin insertion hole 60a and the pin terminal 61 is further inserted while guiding the second insertion portion 61b with the guide groove 60g, the first insertion portion 61a is inserted into the pin. The second insertion portion 61b starts to be inserted into the pin insertion hole 60b of the second holding portion 60e while starting to be inserted into the hole 60a. Thus, the first insertion portion 61a can be fitted into the pin insertion hole 60a while preventing the second insertion portion 61b, which is the base end portion of the pin terminal 61, from wobbling with the pin insertion hole 60b. . Further, when the stopper portion 61f comes into contact with the wall surface of the first holding portion 61d on the receiving portion 60f side, further insertion becomes impossible, so that the insertion amount of the pin terminal 61 is automatically defined. Further, since the first insertion portion 61a is held in the positioning state by the first holding portion 60d and the second insertion portion 61b is held in the positioning state by the second holding portion 60e, the pin terminal 61 is connected to the support member 60. It will be held in place. Therefore, the plurality of pin terminals 61 fitted and held in the support member 60 are arranged in parallel to each other.

また、本実施形態例においてリードブロック６は、複数本のピン端子６１にそれぞれ絶縁被覆導線９をかしめて接続した後、これら複数本のピン端子６１を支持部材６０に嵌入して保持させることにより製造されたものである。すなわち、各ピン端子６１の先端部側に予め対応する絶縁被覆導線９の端部を接続しておき、これら絶縁被覆導線９付きのピン端子６１を基端部側から支持部材６０に嵌入してそれぞれ所定位置に固定せしめることにより、リードブロック６を組み立てている。なお、ピン端子６１の先端部側に絶縁被覆導線９の端部を接続する際には、一対のかしめ部６１ｄで絶縁筒部９ｂをかしめると共に、一対のかしめ部６１ｃで導体部９ａをかしめ、これにより絶縁被覆導線９をピン端子６１に電気的かつ機械的に接続することができる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the lead block 6 is configured such that after the insulation-coated conductive wires 9 are caulked and connected to the plurality of pin terminals 61, the plurality of pin terminals 61 are fitted and held in the support member 60. It is manufactured. That is, the end portions of the corresponding insulation-coated conductors 9 are connected in advance to the distal end side of each pin terminal 61, and the pin terminals 61 with these insulation-coated conductors 9 are fitted into the support member 60 from the proximal end side. The lead block 6 is assembled by fixing each to a predetermined position. When connecting the end portion of the insulation coated conductor 9 to the tip end side of the pin terminal 61, the insulating tube portion 9b is caulked with a pair of caulking portions 61d, and the conductor portion 9a is caulked with the pair of caulking portions 61c. As a result, the insulating coated conductor 9 can be electrically and mechanically connected to the pin terminal 61.

こうして絶縁被覆導線９付きのリードブロック６を組み立てた後、このリードブロック６にフラットケーブル４の端部（内端部）を接続する。その接続手順について説明すると、まず、フラットケーブル４の端部を、その帯状導体４０がピン端子６１と直交するようにリードブロック６上に重ね合わせて、前記透孔に挿入した位置決め突起６０ｉを熱がしめする。これにより、フラットケーブル４の端部が位置決め状態で支持部材６０に保持され、各導体露出孔４１ａが各溶接用孔部６０ｃの真上に配置される。しかる後、導体露出孔４１ａ内と溶接用孔部６０ｃ内にそれぞれスポット溶接機の電極を挿入し、これら一対の電極によって、ピン端子６１のケーブル接合部６１ｅと帯状導体４０の接続部４０ａとを圧接させた状態で通電してスポット溶接を行う。フラットケーブル４の端部に露出するすべての接続部４０ａをリードブロック６の対応するピン端子６１にスポット溶接し終えると、フラットケーブル４の端部はリードブロック６と電気的かつ機械的に接続された状態になる。 After assembling the lead block 6 with the insulated conductor 9 in this way, the end (inner end) of the flat cable 4 is connected to the lead block 6. The connection procedure will be described. First, the end of the flat cable 4 is overlaid on the lead block 6 so that the strip conductor 40 is orthogonal to the pin terminal 61, and the positioning projection 60i inserted into the through hole is heated. To show. Thereby, the edge part of the flat cable 4 is hold | maintained at the support member 60 in the positioning state, and each conductor exposure hole 41a is arrange | positioned just above each welding hole 60c. After that, the electrodes of the spot welder are inserted into the conductor exposure hole 41a and the welding hole 60c, respectively, and the cable joint 61e of the pin terminal 61 and the connection part 40a of the strip conductor 40 are connected by the pair of electrodes. Spot welding is performed by energizing in the pressed state. When all the connection portions 40a exposed at the end of the flat cable 4 are spot welded to the corresponding pin terminals 61 of the lead block 6, the end of the flat cable 4 is electrically and mechanically connected to the lead block 6. It becomes a state.

また、このリードブロック６を可動側ハウジング１の収納部（上部コネクタ保持部）１ａに組み付ける際には、フラットケーブル４を環状空間３内に巻回状態で収納すると共に、リードブロック６の支持部材６０を収納部１ａに組み付ける。図２やその要部拡大図である図３に示すように、収納部１ａは支持部材６０を位置決め状態で保持できる形状に形成されており、上部ロータ１０の天板部１０ａの開口１０ｂ付近に配置されるピン端子６１の抜け止め部６１ｇは、開口１０ｂを蓋閉するカバー部材１２を天板部１０ａに装着した時点で、このカバー部材１２に当接して位置規制されるようになっている。すなわち、収納部１ａに組み付けたリードブロック６には、各ピン端子６１の先端部側に絶縁被覆導線９の一端部がかしめつけられているため、図１０に示すように、これら複数本の絶縁被覆導線９を開口１０ｂから外方へと導出させたうえで、カバー部材１２を天板部１０ａにスナップ結合させて開口１０ｂを蓋閉する。図１と図１０に示すように、このカバー部材１２は、絶縁被覆導線９の外方への導出を許容しつつ開口１０ｂを蓋閉できる形状に形成されている。そして、開口１０ｂを蓋閉する位置に装着されたカバー部材１２の裏面が、図３に示すように各ピン端子６１の抜け止め部６１ｇの天面と当接するように設計されているため、各ピン端子６１の同図上方への移動、すなわち、支持部材６０への各ピン端子６１の嵌入方向と逆向きの移動はカバー部材１２によって阻止される。したがって、絶縁被覆導線９の他端部に外部コネクタが取着されていても、絶縁被覆導線９付きのリードブロック６を可動側ハウジング１に取り付ける作業は支障なく行える。 When the lead block 6 is assembled to the storage portion (upper connector holding portion) 1 a of the movable housing 1, the flat cable 4 is stored in a state of being wound in the annular space 3 and a support member for the lead block 6 is used. 60 is assembled to the storage section 1a. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 which is an enlarged view of a main part thereof, the storage portion 1a is formed in a shape that can hold the support member 60 in a positioned state, The retaining portion 61g of the pin terminal 61 to be arranged comes into contact with the cover member 12 and is regulated when the cover member 12 that closes the opening 10b is attached to the top plate portion 10a. . That is, the lead block 6 assembled in the storage portion 1a has one end portion of the insulation-coated conductor wire 9 crimped to the tip end side of each pin terminal 61, so that a plurality of these insulations as shown in FIG. After the covered conducting wire 9 is led out from the opening 10b, the cover member 12 is snap-coupled to the top plate portion 10a to close the opening 10b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the cover member 12 is formed in a shape that allows the opening 10 b to be closed while allowing the insulation-coated conductive wire 9 to be led outward. Since the back surface of the cover member 12 mounted at the position where the opening 10b is closed is designed to come into contact with the top surface of the retaining portion 61g of each pin terminal 61 as shown in FIG. The movement of the pin terminal 61 upward in the figure, that is, the movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of each pin terminal 61 to the support member 60 is blocked by the cover member 12. Therefore, even if the external connector is attached to the other end portion of the insulating coated conductor 9, the work of attaching the lead block 6 with the insulating coated conductor 9 to the movable housing 1 can be performed without any trouble.

なお、絶縁被覆導線９付きのリードブロック６を可動側ハウジング１に取り付ける前に、絶縁被覆導線９の自重等に起因する外力がリードブロック６に作用しても、こうした外力は支持部材６０の受け部６０ｆで受けることができるため、ピン端子６１に過大な曲げ応力が作用しないように取り扱うことは容易である。 Even if an external force due to the weight of the insulating coated conductive wire 9 acts on the lead block 6 before the lead block 6 with the insulated coated conductive wire 9 is attached to the movable housing 1, the external force is received by the support member 60. Since it can be received by the portion 60f, it is easy to handle so that excessive bending stress does not act on the pin terminal 61.

また、リードブロック６を収納部１ａに組み付けて絶縁被覆導線９を外方へ導出させ、開口１０ｂをカバー部材１２で蓋閉した後に、絶縁被覆導線９に抜き方向の引っ張り力が作用した場合にも、天板部１０ａにスナップ結合されたカバー部材１２が抜け止め部６１ｇの移動を阻止するため、各ピン端子６１が引っ張り方向へ移動してフラットケーブル４の帯状導体４０との溶接箇所が剥離してしまう危険性は少ない。つまり、絶縁被覆導線９が抜き方向へ引っ張られた場合でも、リードブロック６とフラットケーブル４との導通不良が発生しないように配慮されている。 In addition, when the lead block 6 is assembled to the housing portion 1a and the insulating coated conductor 9 is led out, the opening 10b is closed with the cover member 12, and then a pulling force is applied to the insulating coated conductor 9. In addition, since the cover member 12 snap-coupled to the top plate portion 10a prevents the retaining portion 61g from moving, each pin terminal 61 moves in the pulling direction, and the welded portion with the strip conductor 40 of the flat cable 4 is peeled off. There is little risk of doing it. In other words, even when the insulation coated conductor 9 is pulled in the pulling direction, consideration is given so that a conduction failure between the lead block 6 and the flat cable 4 does not occur.

以上説明したように、本実施形態例の回転コネクタに用いられるリードブロック６は、絶縁性の支持部材６０のピン挿入孔６０ａ，６０ｂにピン端子６１を嵌入して保持状態となすことができ、ピン端子６１の反嵌入方向への移動も抜け止め部６１ｇによって阻止できるため、リードブロック６を複雑な構造の金型でインサート成形する必要がなくなり、リードブロック６の製造コストを大幅に低減できる。また、絶縁被覆導線９をピン端子６１に接続してから該ピン端子６１を支持部材６０に嵌入してリードブロック６を組み立てればよいため、支持部材６０に嵌入せしめた複数本のピン端子６１の隣接間隔が狭くても、嵌入前の各ピン端子６１を対応する絶縁被覆導線９と接続する作業は容易に行える。それゆえ、この回転コネクタは低コスト化が容易である。 As described above, the lead block 6 used in the rotary connector of this embodiment can be brought into the holding state by inserting the pin terminals 61 into the pin insertion holes 60a and 60b of the insulating support member 60, Since the movement of the pin terminal 61 in the anti-insertion direction can be prevented by the retaining portion 61g, it is not necessary to insert-mold the lead block 6 with a mold having a complicated structure, and the manufacturing cost of the lead block 6 can be greatly reduced. Further, since the lead block 6 may be assembled by connecting the insulating coated conductor wire 9 to the pin terminal 61 and then inserting the pin terminal 61 into the support member 60, the plurality of pin terminals 61 fitted into the support member 60 are arranged. Even if the adjacent interval is narrow, the operation of connecting each pin terminal 61 before fitting with the corresponding insulation coated conductor 9 can be easily performed. Therefore, this rotary connector can be easily reduced in cost.

また、このリードブロック６は、支持部材６０に予め設けられた複数のピン挿入孔６０ａ等の一部または全部に必要本数のピン端子６１を嵌入すればよいため、ピン端子の本数が異なるリードブロックの支持部材を共通化することも可能であり、この点からも回転コネクタの低コスト化に有利である。 In addition, the lead block 6 has only to have the necessary number of pin terminals 61 inserted into a part or all of the plurality of pin insertion holes 60a provided in the support member 60 in advance, so that the number of pin terminals differs. It is also possible to make the supporting member common, and this is also advantageous for reducing the cost of the rotary connector.

また、本実施形態例において、リードブロック６のピン端子６１は第１嵌入部６１ａとかしめ部６１ｃとの間にストッパ部６１ｆを有しており、このストッパ部６１ｆを支持部材６０の第１保持部６０ｄの受け部６０ｆ側の壁面に当接させることでピン端子６１の嵌入量が規定されるようにしてある。それゆえ、このリードブロック６は組立て作業性が良好であり、ピン端子６１の取付位置精度も高め易くなっている。 In this embodiment, the pin terminal 61 of the lead block 6 has a stopper portion 61f between the first fitting portion 61a and the caulking portion 61c, and this stopper portion 61f is used as a first holding member for the support member 60. The amount of insertion of the pin terminal 61 is defined by contacting the wall surface of the portion 60d on the receiving portion 60f side. Therefore, the lead block 6 has good assembly workability, and the mounting position accuracy of the pin terminal 61 is easily increased.

また、本実施形態例において、リードブロック６は、支持部材６０の第１保持部６０ｄがピン端子６１の第１嵌入部６１ａを保持すると共に、支持部材６０の第２保持部６０ｅがピン端子６１の基端部である第２嵌入部６１ｂを保持し、これら第１および第２保持部６０ｄ，６０ｅによってピン端子６１が位置決めされるように構成されている。それゆえ、支持部材６０に対するピン端子６１の取付位置精度が高く、複数本のピン端子６１を平行に配列させたリードブロックを組み立てることが容易であると共に、各ピン端子６１の取付強度が高め易くなっている。 In this embodiment, the lead block 6 includes the first holding portion 60 d of the support member 60 holding the first insertion portion 61 a of the pin terminal 61 and the second holding portion 60 e of the support member 60 being the pin terminal 61. The second fitting portion 61b that is the base end portion of the pin terminal 61 is held, and the pin terminal 61 is positioned by the first and second holding portions 60d and 60e. Therefore, the mounting position accuracy of the pin terminal 61 with respect to the support member 60 is high, it is easy to assemble a lead block in which a plurality of pin terminals 61 are arranged in parallel, and the mounting strength of each pin terminal 61 is easy to increase. It has become.

しかも、この支持部材６０には、第１保持部６０ｄのピン挿入孔６０ａに挿通されたピン端子６１を第２保持部６０ｅのピン挿入孔６０ｂへと案内するガイド溝６０ｇが形成されており、かつ、ピン端子６１の第１嵌入部６１ａはピン挿入孔６０ａに食い込むように嵌入する形状に形成されている。そのため、このリードブロック６は、ピン端子６１を支持部材６０の所定位置に所要の取付強度で組み付ける作業を円滑に行うことができる。なお、支持部材６０に、ピン端子６１の基端部（第２嵌入部６１ｂ）が位置決め状態で保持できる形状のガイド溝６０ｇを形成しておけば、第２保持部６０ｅやピン挿入孔６０ｂを省略することも可能である。 Moreover, the support member 60 is formed with a guide groove 60g for guiding the pin terminal 61 inserted through the pin insertion hole 60a of the first holding part 60d to the pin insertion hole 60b of the second holding part 60e. And the 1st insertion part 61a of the pin terminal 61 is formed in the shape inserted so that it may bite into the pin insertion hole 60a. Therefore, the lead block 6 can smoothly perform the work of assembling the pin terminal 61 to a predetermined position of the support member 60 with a required mounting strength. In addition, if the guide member 60g having a shape that can hold the base end portion (second fitting portion 61b) of the pin terminal 61 in the positioning state is formed in the support member 60, the second holding portion 60e and the pin insertion hole 60b are formed. It can be omitted.

また、本実施形態例では、可動側ハウジング１の収納部１ａにリードブロック６を組み付けて、天板部１０ａの開口１０ｂから外方へ絶縁被覆導線９を導出させたうえで、カバー部材１２を天板部１０ａにスナップ結合させて開口１０ｂを蓋閉することにより、このカバー部材１２が各ピン端子６１の反嵌入方向への移動を阻止できるようにしてある。そのため、天板部１０ａに容易に装着できるカバー部材１２によって各ピン端子６１の抜け止めが確実に行えると共に、絶縁被覆導線９に予め外部コネクタが取着されていても回転コネクタの組立て作業を支障なく行うことができる。 Further, in this embodiment, the lead block 6 is assembled to the storage portion 1a of the movable housing 1, and the insulating covering conductor 9 is led out from the opening 10b of the top plate portion 10a, and then the cover member 12 is attached. The cover member 12 can be prevented from moving in the opposite insertion direction of the pin terminals 61 by being snap-coupled to the top plate portion 10a and closing the opening 10b. Therefore, each pin terminal 61 can be reliably prevented from coming off by the cover member 12 that can be easily attached to the top plate portion 10a, and the assembly work of the rotary connector is hindered even if an external connector is previously attached to the insulating coated conductor 9. Can be done without.

ただし、リードブロック６に接続された絶縁被覆導線９に外部コネクタが取着されていない場合には、この絶縁被覆導線９を天板部１０ａの孔やスリットに通すことができるため、可動側ハウジング１から開口１０ｂやカバー部材１２を省略することも可能である。この場合は、回転コネクタを組み立てた後に、天板部１０ａの孔やスリットを通して外方へ導出させた絶縁被覆導線９に外部コネクタを取着すればよい。 However, in the case where an external connector is not attached to the insulation coated conductor 9 connected to the lead block 6, the insulation coated conductor 9 can be passed through the hole or slit of the top plate portion 10a. It is also possible to omit the opening 10b and the cover member 12 from 1. In this case, after assembling the rotary connector, it is only necessary to attach the external connector to the insulated conductor 9 that is led out through the hole or slit of the top plate portion 10a.

なお、上記した実施形態例では、フラットケーブル４および絶縁被覆導線９に接続されて可動側ハウジング１に取り付けられるリードブロック６について説明したが、フラットケーブル４および絶縁被覆導線９に接続されて固定側ハウジング２に取り付けられるリードブロックであっても、本発明を同様に適用できることは勿論である。 In the above-described embodiment, the lead block 6 connected to the flat cable 4 and the insulation-coated conductor 9 and attached to the movable housing 1 has been described. However, the lead block 6 connected to the flat cable 4 and the insulation-coated conductor 9 is fixed to the fixed side. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a lead block attached to the housing 2.

１可動側ハウジング
１ａ収納部
２固定側ハウジング
３環状空間
４フラットケーブル（平型ケーブル）
６リードブロック
９絶縁被覆導線
９ａ導体部
９ｂ絶縁筒部
１０上部ロータ
１０ａ天板部
１０ｂ開口
１１下部ロータ
１２カバー部材
２０外筒部
２１底板部
４０帯状導体
４０ａ接続部
４１絶縁フィルム
４１ａ導体露出孔（孔部）
６０支持部材
６０ａ，６０ｂピン挿入孔
６０ｃ溶接用孔部
６０ｄ第１保持部（保持部）
６０ｅ第２保持部（保持部）
６０ｆ受け部
６０ｇガイド溝
６０ｈ隔壁部
６０ｉ位置決め突起
６１ピン端子
６１ａ第１嵌入部（嵌入部）
６１ｂ第２嵌入部（嵌入部）
６１ｃ，６１ｄかしめ部
６１ｅケーブル接合部
６１ｆストッパ部
６１ｇ抜け止め部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Movable side housing 1a Storage part 2 Fixed side housing 3 Annular space 4 Flat cable (flat cable)
6 Lead block 9 Insulated coated conductor 9a Conductor portion 9b Insulating tube portion 10 Upper rotor 10a Top plate portion 10b Opening 11 Lower rotor 12 Cover member 20 Outer tube portion 21 Bottom plate portion 40 Strip conductor 40a Connection portion 41 Insulating film 41a Conductor exposure hole ( Hole)
60 support member 60a, 60b pin insertion hole 60c hole for welding 60d first holding part (holding part)
60e Second holding part (holding part)
60f Receiving part 60g Guide groove 60h Partition part 60i Positioning protrusion 61 Pin terminal 61a First insertion part (insertion part)
61b 2nd insertion part (insertion part)
61c, 61d Caulking part 61e Cable joint part 61f Stopper part 61g Retaining part

Claims

A movable housing and a fixed housing, which are rotatably connected, and a plurality of strip conductors are covered with an insulating film except for a connecting portion, and are wound in an annular space defined between the two housings. A flat cable that is housed in a state; a lead block having an insulating support member and a plurality of pin terminals that are held by the support member and arranged in parallel; A rotary connector that is connected to the connection portion of the flat cable and connected to an insulating coated conductive wire for leading end side,
The pin terminal is connected to the connection portion of the flat cable, and the first and second insertion portions are individually fitted and held in two pin insertion holes provided in the support member. And a caulking portion that is electrically and mechanically connected by caulking the insulating coated conductor, and a movement opposite to the insertion direction is prevented by contacting the movable housing or the fixed housing. The first insertion portion is located on the distal end side of the pin terminal with respect to the cable connection portion, the second insertion portion is located on the proximal end side, and The rotary connector, wherein the first insertion portion is provided closer to the proximal end portion of the pin terminal than the caulking portion and the retaining portion.

The support member according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes a receiving portion for arranging the caulking portion of the pin terminal, and a first holding portion in which the pin insertion hole for inserting the first insertion portion is formed, A second holding portion in which the pin insertion hole for inserting the second insertion portion is formed, and the pin terminal has a stopper portion between the first insertion portion and the caulking portion, The rotary connector is characterized in that the insertion amount of the insertion portion is defined by bringing the stopper portion into contact with the wall surface of the first holding portion on the receiving portion side.

The partition part which partitions off between the one said pin terminal arrange | positioned adjacent to the other said pin terminal in the said receiving part of the said supporting member in Claim 2 is characterized by the above-mentioned. Rotating connector.

In the description of claim 2 or 3, wherein the support member, a guide groove for guiding the pin terminals are inserted through the pin insertion holes of the first holding portion to the pin insertion hole of the second holding portion rotary connector together, the first fitting portion of the pin terminal, characterized in that it is formed in a shape to fit to bite into the pin insertion holes of the first holding portion having.

5. The storage device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the movable-side housing and the fixed-side housing stores and holds the support member of the lead block; And a cover member that closes the opening from which the storage portion protrudes while allowing the lead-out to protrude outwardly, and the retaining portion of the pin terminal contacts the cover member and is opposite to the insertion direction. A rotary connector characterized in that the movement of the direction is prevented.

6. The rotary connector according to claim 5 , wherein the cover member is attached by snap coupling at a position where the opening is closed.

The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the cable exposes the connecting portion in a hole formed in the insulating film.