JPH08213133A - Rotary connector - Google Patents
Rotary connectorInfo
- Publication number
- JPH08213133A JPH08213133A JP7020735A JP2073595A JPH08213133A JP H08213133 A JPH08213133 A JP H08213133A JP 7020735 A JP7020735 A JP 7020735A JP 2073595 A JP2073595 A JP 2073595A JP H08213133 A JPH08213133 A JP H08213133A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- lock pin
- housing
- rotary connector
- housings
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R35/00—Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
- H01R35/04—Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
- B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、相対的に回動自在に連
結された一対のハウジング間を可撓性ケーブルを介して
電気的に接続する回転コネクタに係り、特に、回転コネ
クタをステアリング装置に組み込むまで、両ハウジング
を回動中立位置に保持するためのロック機構に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotary connector for electrically connecting a pair of housings, which are relatively rotatably connected to each other, through a flexible cable, and more particularly, to a steering device for the rotary connector. The present invention relates to a lock mechanism for holding both housings in a rotationally neutral position until they are assembled into.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】この種の回転コネクタは、相対的に回動
自在に連結された一対のハウジングと、両ハウジング間
に画成される環状の収納空間内に収納された可撓性ケー
ブルとで概略構成されており、前記可撓性ケーブルの両
端は収納空間の内筒部と外筒部とに固定されて両ハウジ
ングの外部に導出されている。そして、一方のハウジン
グを正・逆いずれか一方に回転すると、可撓性ケーブル
は内筒部側に巻き締められ、該ハウジングをいずれか他
方に回転すると、可撓性ケーブルは外筒部側に巻き戻さ
れるようになっている。2. Description of the Related Art A rotary connector of this type includes a pair of housings which are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and a flexible cable which is housed in an annular housing space defined between the housings. Both ends of the flexible cable are fixed to the inner cylinder part and the outer cylinder part of the storage space and led out to the outside of both housings. When one of the housings is rotated forward or backward, the flexible cable is wound around the inner tube portion side, and when the housing is rotated to the other side, the flexible cable is moved toward the outer tube portion side. It is supposed to be rewound.
【０００３】このように構成された回転コネクタは、一
方のハウジングをステアリング・コラム側に、他方のハ
ウジングをハンドル側に固定した状態でステアリング装
置に組み込まれ、エアーバッグシステムやホーン回路等
の電気的接続手段として使用されるが、この場合におい
て可撓性ケーブルは、ハンドルの回動中立位置を基準に
内筒部と外筒部とにほぼ同量巻き締めあるいは巻き戻せ
るように組み込まれなければならない。そこで、回転コ
ネクタをステアリング装置に組み込むまで両ハウジング
を回動中立位置にロックする必要があり、かかるロック
機構を付設した回転コネクタの一例として、実開昭６４
−２７９９３号公報に記載されたものが提案されてい
る。The rotary connector thus constructed is incorporated in a steering device with one housing fixed to the steering column side and the other housing fixed to the steering wheel side, and is electrically connected to an air bag system, a horn circuit or the like. Used as a connecting means, in this case the flexible cable must be installed so as to be able to be tightened or unwound about the same amount on the inner cylinder part and the outer cylinder part based on the pivotal neutral position of the handle. . Therefore, it is necessary to lock both housings in the rotation neutral position until the rotary connector is incorporated in the steering device.
The one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 27993 has been proposed.
【０００４】同公報に開示された回転コネクタのロック
機構は、回動中立位置に位置合わせされた両ハウジング
にそれぞれ貫通孔を設け、これら貫通孔にロックピンを
挿通すると、該ロックピンによって両ハウジングの自由
な回動が阻止されるように構成されている。このロック
ピンには脚状の板ばね部が一体形成されており、この板
ばね部が貫通孔を通過した時点で開脚することにより、
ロックピンは回転コネクタに保持され、この状態は回転
コネクタがステアリング装置に組み込まれるまで維持さ
れる。また、回転コネクタがステアリング装置に組み込
まれた時点で、ロックピンを板ばね部の弾性力に抗して
両貫通孔から抜き取ると、両ハウジングは再び相対的に
回動自在な状態となり、ハンドルに連動して一方のハウ
ジングが回転する。The lock mechanism for a rotary connector disclosed in the above publication has through-holes in both housings which are aligned in the rotational neutral position, and when the lock pins are inserted into these through-holes, the two housings are locked by the lock pins. Is configured to be prevented from freely rotating. A leg-shaped leaf spring portion is integrally formed with the lock pin, and the leg is opened when the leaf spring portion passes through the through hole,
The lock pin is held by the rotary connector, and this state is maintained until the rotary connector is installed in the steering device. In addition, if the lock pin is pulled out from both through holes against the elastic force of the leaf spring when the rotary connector is installed in the steering device, both housings become relatively rotatable again and the handle One of the housings rotates in conjunction with it.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、前述し
た従来のロック機構にあっては、ロックピンをハウジン
グの貫通孔に挿入すると、該ロックピンの板ばね部が貫
通孔の周囲に弾性的に係止してロック状態となり、ロッ
クピンを挿入時と逆方向に引っ張って貫通孔から抜き取
ると、ロック状態が解除されるようになっているため、
板ばね部の弾性力が弱すぎてロックピンが緩く係止され
た場合、搬送時の振動等によってロックピンが回転コネ
クタから抜け落ち易くなり、回転コネクタのロック状態
が誤って解除されてしまうという問題があった。その反
対に、板ばね部の弾性力が強すぎてロックピンがきつく
係止された場合、ステアリング装置への組み込み時にロ
ックピンを回転コネクタから引き抜くのが困難となり、
無理に引き抜いて板ばね部が破断すると、その破片がハ
ウジング内に残って走行中に異音を生じるという問題が
あった。このため、ロックピンとハウジングを含む各部
の寸法を高精度に維持する必要があるが、通常これらの
部材は合成樹脂の成形品からなり、ある程度のばらつき
は避けられないというのが実情であった。However, in the above-described conventional locking mechanism, when the lock pin is inserted into the through hole of the housing, the leaf spring portion of the lock pin elastically engages around the through hole. When the lock pin is stopped and locked, and the lock pin is pulled out in the direction opposite to the insertion direction and pulled out from the through hole, the locked state is released.
If the elastic force of the leaf spring part is too weak and the lock pin is locked loosely, the lock pin will easily fall out of the rotary connector due to vibration during transportation, etc., and the locked state of the rotary connector will be accidentally released. was there. On the contrary, if the elastic force of the leaf spring part is too strong and the lock pin is locked tightly, it becomes difficult to pull out the lock pin from the rotary connector when installing it in the steering device.
If the leaf spring portion is forcibly pulled out and broken, the broken pieces remain in the housing, which causes an abnormal noise during traveling. For this reason, it is necessary to maintain the dimensions of each part including the lock pin and the housing with high accuracy. However, in reality, these members are molded products of synthetic resin and some variations cannot be avoided.
【０００６】また、前述した従来のロック機構にあって
は、両貫通孔の内径をロックピンの外径とほぼ等しく設
定し、ロック状態でロックピンがこれら貫通孔に強嵌合
されるようになっているため、ロックピンを両貫通孔に
挿入する際に、両ハウジングを微少回転させながら両貫
通孔を同軸線上に一致させる必要があり、作業性が悪い
という問題もあった。しかも、ロックピンによって両ハ
ウジングの回転が完全にロックされるため、ロック状態
にある回転コネクタをステアリング装置に組み込む際
に、ハウジングとハンドルとの間に回転方向の遊びがな
く、ハンドルとハウジングとを連結しにくいという問題
もあった。Further, in the above-described conventional locking mechanism, the inner diameters of both through holes are set to be substantially equal to the outer diameters of the lock pins so that the lock pins are strongly fitted into these through holes in the locked state. Therefore, when inserting the lock pin into both through holes, it is necessary to align both through holes on the coaxial line while slightly rotating both housings, which causes a problem of poor workability. Moreover, since the rotation of both housings is completely locked by the lock pin, there is no play in the rotational direction between the housing and the handle when the rotating connector in the locked state is incorporated into the steering device, and the handle and the housing are not separated from each other. There was also the problem that it was difficult to connect.
【０００７】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あって、その目的は、ロックピンに
よるロック状態を確実に維持できる回転コネクタを提供
することにあり、他の目的は、ロックピンの挿入動作が
簡単で、ステアリング装置への組み込み作業が簡単な回
転コネクタを提供することにある。The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the prior art as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary connector capable of reliably maintaining a locked state by a lock pin, and another object. The object of the present invention is to provide a rotary connector in which a lock pin can be easily inserted and incorporated into a steering device.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記した本発明の目的
は、相対的に回動自在に連結された第１および第２のハ
ウジングと、これら両ハウジング間の空間内に巻回され
た可撓性ケーブルと、前記第１のハウジングに設けられ
た第１の軸孔と、前記第２のハウジングに設けられた第
２の軸孔と、これら両軸孔に挿通されて前記両ハウジン
グ間の自由な回動を阻止するロックピンとを備え、前記
ロックピンには軸線と直交する方向に突出する抜け止め
部が設けられると共に、前記第１のハウジングには前記
抜け止め部の挿入を許容する挿入孔と、この挿入孔から
回転方向に偏倚した方向に位置する回転規制部とが設け
られ、前記抜け止め部が前記回転規制部と係止すること
により、前記ロックピンが前記両ハウジングに保持され
るように構成することで達成される。また、本発明の他
の目的は、上記の構成において、前記第２の軸孔と前記
ロックピンとの間に、前記両ハウジングの相対的な微少
回転を許容するギャップを形成することによって達成さ
れる。DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned object of the present invention is to provide a first and a second housings which are relatively rotatably connected to each other, and a flexible member which is wound in a space between these housings. Sex cable, a first shaft hole provided in the first housing, a second shaft hole provided in the second housing, and a free space between the housings inserted through both shaft holes. A lock pin that prevents the rotation of the lock pin, the lock pin is provided with a retaining portion that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the first housing has an insertion hole that allows the retaining portion to be inserted. And a rotation restricting portion located in a direction deviated from the insertion hole in the rotation direction, and the lock pin is held by the both housings by locking the retaining portion with the rotation restricting portion. Can be configured as In is achieved. Further, another object of the present invention is achieved by forming a gap between the second shaft hole and the lock pin, which allows a relative minute rotation of the both housings, in the above-mentioned configuration. .
【０００９】[0009]
【作用】回転コネクタの製造過程において、両ハウジン
グを回動中立位置に位置合わせした状態で、ロックピン
を第１および第２の軸孔に挿入すると共に、該ロックピ
ンの抜け止め部を挿入孔に挿入し、しかる後、ロックピ
ンを所定角度回転すると、抜け止め部が挿入孔から回動
偏倚して回転規制部と係止することにより、ロックピン
は両ハウジングに保持される。これにより、両ハウジン
グの自由な回動がロックピンによって阻止され、回動中
立位置に位置合わせされた回転コネクタをステアリング
装置に組み込むことができる。その際、ロックピンは挿
入と回転という異なる２方向の動作によって回転コネク
タに保持されているため、例えば搬送中に回転コネクタ
に振動が作用したとしても、ロックピンが回転コネクタ
から誤って抜け落ちにくくなり、ロックピンによるロッ
ク状態は確実に維持される。In the manufacturing process of the rotary connector, the lock pin is inserted into the first and second shaft holes with the both housings aligned with the rotation neutral position, and the lock pin retaining portion is inserted into the insertion hole. Then, when the lock pin is rotated by a predetermined angle, the slip-out preventing portion is rotationally biased from the insertion hole and engages with the rotation restricting portion, so that the lock pin is held by both housings. As a result, the free rotation of both housings is blocked by the lock pin, and the rotary connector positioned at the rotary neutral position can be incorporated in the steering device. At that time, since the lock pin is held in the rotary connector by two different directions of insertion and rotation, the lock pin is less likely to accidentally fall out of the rotary connector even if vibration is applied to the rotary connector during transportation. , The lock state by the lock pin is surely maintained.
【００１０】また、第２の軸孔とロックピンとの間にギ
ャップを形成した場合、両ハウジングを回動中立位置に
位置合わせした際に、第１の軸孔と第２の軸孔が回転方
向に若干ずれていても、ロックピンを第１および第２の
軸孔に簡単に挿入することができる。しかも、ギャップ
によってロック状態にある両ハウジングに回転方向の遊
びが与えられるため、回転コネクタをステアリング装置
に組み込む際に、ハウジングとハンドルとの間に回転方
向に余裕ができ、ハンドルとハウジングとを簡単に連結
することができる。Further, when a gap is formed between the second shaft hole and the lock pin, the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole rotate in the rotational direction when the two housings are aligned in the rotation neutral position. The lock pin can be easily inserted into the first and second shaft holes even if the lock pin is slightly displaced. In addition, since the play in the rotational direction is given to both housings in the locked state by the gap, when the rotary connector is incorporated in the steering device, there is a margin in the rotational direction between the housing and the handle, and the handle and the housing are easy. Can be connected to.
【００１１】[0011]
【実施例】以下、本発明の実施例を図に基づいて説明す
る。図１は本発明の一実施例に係る回転コネクタの分解
斜視図、図２は該回転コネクタの要部断面図、図３は該
回転コネクタに備えられるロックピンの斜視図、図４は
図１の回転コネクタに備えられるロック機構の動作説明
図である。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part of the rotary connector, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lock pin provided in the rotary connector, and FIG. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of a lock mechanism provided in the rotary connector of FIG.
【００１２】これらの図において、１は第１のハウジン
グ、２は第２のハウジングを示し、本実施例の場合、第
１のハウジング１を可動体として用い、第２のハウジン
グ２を固定体として用いている。第１のハウジング１
は、上端に鍔部を有する円筒状の内筒体３と、この内筒
体３の下面に固定された円板４とからなり、これら内筒
体３と円板４の中央にはセンタ孔５が、該センタ孔５の
外方には第１の軸孔６が互いに平行に開設されている。
また、内筒体３の天面には受部７が一体成形されてお
り、この受部７の上面と内筒体３の天面との間には所定
の間隔が形成されている。図４から明らかなように、受
部７の上面には鍵穴形状の挿入孔８が開設されると共
に、回転規制部としての窪み９が形成されており、これ
ら挿入孔８と窪み９は回転方向に偏倚している。挿入孔
８は矩形部８ａと円形部８ｂとを有し、該円形部８ｂは
前記第１の軸孔６と同一線上に位置している。In these figures, 1 is a first housing and 2 is a second housing. In the case of this embodiment, the first housing 1 is used as a movable body and the second housing 2 is used as a fixed body. I am using. First housing 1
Is composed of a cylindrical inner cylindrical body 3 having a flange at the upper end and a disc 4 fixed to the lower surface of the inner cylindrical body 3. A center hole is formed in the center of the inner cylindrical body 3 and the circular disc 4. A first shaft hole 6 is provided outside the center hole 5 in parallel with each other.
A receiving portion 7 is integrally formed on the top surface of the inner cylindrical body 3, and a predetermined space is formed between the upper surface of the receiving portion 7 and the top surface of the inner cylindrical body 3. As is apparent from FIG. 4, a keyhole-shaped insertion hole 8 is formed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 7, and a recess 9 is formed as a rotation restricting portion. The insertion hole 8 and the recess 9 are in the rotational direction. Is biased to. The insertion hole 8 has a rectangular portion 8a and a circular portion 8b, and the circular portion 8b is located on the same line as the first shaft hole 6.
【００１３】第２のハウジング２は、環状壁を有する外
筒体１０と、この外筒体１０の下面に固定された円板状
の底板１１とからなり、この底板１１の中央にはガイド
孔１２が開設されている。図１に示すように、ガイド孔
１２の周縁には第２の軸孔としての切欠き１３が形成さ
れており、この切欠き１３はガイド孔１２の周方向にに
沿って所定の範囲、例えばセンタ基準とした±１５°
（３０°）の範囲に渡って形成されている。一方、外筒
体１０の天面には段付きのガイド孔１４が開設されてお
り、このガイド孔１４に内筒体３の上端の鍔部が、底板
１１のガイド孔１２に内筒体３の下端と円板４がそれぞ
れ案内されることにより、第１のハウジング１と第２の
ハウジング２は相対的に回動自在に連結されているが、
後述するロックピンによってその自由な回動が阻止され
るようになっている。The second housing 2 comprises an outer cylindrical body 10 having an annular wall, and a disc-shaped bottom plate 11 fixed to the lower surface of the outer cylindrical body 10. A guide hole is formed in the center of the bottom plate 11. 12 have been opened. As shown in FIG. 1, a notch 13 as a second shaft hole is formed in the peripheral edge of the guide hole 12, and the notch 13 extends in a predetermined range along the circumferential direction of the guide hole 12, for example, ± 15 ° with reference to center
It is formed over the range of (30 °). On the other hand, a stepped guide hole 14 is formed on the top surface of the outer tubular body 10, and the flange portion of the upper end of the inner tubular body 3 is provided in the guide hole 14 and the inner tubular body 3 is provided in the guide hole 12 of the bottom plate 11. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected relatively rotatably by guiding the lower end of the disk and the disk 4, respectively.
The lock pin, which will be described later, prevents the free rotation.
【００１４】第１のハウジング１と第２のハウジング２
との間には環状の収納空間が画成されており、図１では
図示省略してあるが、この収納空間内には可撓性ケーブ
ル１５が例えば渦巻き状に巻回されている。この可撓性
ケーブル１５は互いに平行な導線を一対の絶縁フィルム
でラミネートした帯状のフラットケーブルと呼ばれるも
のからなり、その一端は前記内筒体３に固定された図示
せぬコネクタを介して第１のハウジング１の外部に導出
され、その他端は前記外筒体１０の環状壁に固定された
図示せぬコネクタを介して第２のハウジング２の外部に
導出されている。First housing 1 and second housing 2
An annular storage space is defined between the and, and although not shown in FIG. 1, the flexible cable 15 is wound, for example, in a spiral shape in this storage space. This flexible cable 15 is made up of what is called a strip-shaped flat cable in which parallel conductors are laminated with a pair of insulating films, and one end of the flexible cable 15 is connected to the inner cylindrical body 3 via a connector (not shown). Of the housing 1 and the other end thereof is led to the outside of the second housing 2 through a connector (not shown) fixed to the annular wall of the outer cylindrical body 10.
【００１５】１６は前述したロックピンを示し、図３か
ら明らかなように、該ロックピン１６は垂直方向に延び
る軸部１６ａと、軸部１６ａの中央部分から直角方向に
突出する抜け止め部１６ｂと、軸部１６ａの上端に形成
された把持部１６ｃとを有しており、これらは合成樹脂
によって一体成形されている。また、抜け止め部１６ｂ
の上面には半球状の突起１６ｄが形成されており、この
突起１６ｄは軸部１６ａから充分に離れた位置にある。
抜け止め部１６ｂは前記挿入孔８の矩形部８ａより若干
小さめに形成されると共に、軸部１６ａの外径は該挿入
孔８の円形部８ｂと第１の軸孔６の各内径に対して若干
小さめに設定されており、挿入孔８はロックピン１６の
挿入を許容する大きさに形成されている。図２は前記ロ
ックピン１６を回転コネクタに装着したロック状態を示
しており、このロック状態において、ロックピン１６の
軸部１６ａは第１の軸孔６と切欠き１３（第２の軸孔）
とに挿入されており、第１のハウジング１は第２のハウ
ジング２に対し、切欠き１３の両端が軸部１６ａに当接
する約３０°の角度しか回転できないように規制されて
いる。また、ロックピン１６の抜け止め部１６ｂは受部
７内に挿入されると共に、抜け止め部１６ｂの上面の突
起１６ｄは窪み９と係止しており、これによってロック
ピン１６の第１のハウジング１からの脱落が防止されて
いる。Reference numeral 16 denotes the above-mentioned lock pin, and as is apparent from FIG. 3, the lock pin 16 has a shaft portion 16a extending in the vertical direction and a retaining portion 16b protruding in a direction perpendicular to the central portion of the shaft portion 16a. And a grip portion 16c formed on the upper end of the shaft portion 16a, which are integrally molded of synthetic resin. In addition, the retaining portion 16b
A hemispherical projection 16d is formed on the upper surface of the projection 16d, and the projection 16d is located sufficiently away from the shaft portion 16a.
The retaining portion 16b is formed slightly smaller than the rectangular portion 8a of the insertion hole 8, and the outer diameter of the shaft portion 16a is smaller than the circular portion 8b of the insertion hole 8 and the inner diameters of the first shaft hole 6. The insertion hole 8 is formed to have a slightly smaller size, and is formed in a size that allows the lock pin 16 to be inserted therein. FIG. 2 shows a lock state in which the lock pin 16 is attached to the rotary connector. In this lock state, the shaft portion 16a of the lock pin 16 has the first shaft hole 6 and the notch 13 (second shaft hole).
The first housing 1 is regulated so that it can rotate relative to the second housing 2 only by an angle of about 30 ° in which both ends of the notch 13 contact the shaft portion 16a. In addition, the retaining portion 16b of the lock pin 16 is inserted into the receiving portion 7, and the protrusion 16d on the upper surface of the retaining portion 16b is engaged with the recess 9, whereby the first housing of the lock pin 16 is provided. It is prevented from dropping from 1.
【００１６】次に、上記実施例に係る回転コネクタの動
作を説明する。この場合、第１のハウジング１は図示せ
ぬステアリング装置のハンドルに固定され、第２のハウ
ジング２はステアリング・コラム側に固定されるが、か
かるステアリング装置への組み込みに際して、可動体で
ある第１のハウジング１はハンドルの回動中立位置から
正・逆両方向にそれぞれ等しい量だけ回転できなければ
ならない。そのために、回転コネクタの製造過程では、
収納空間内に可撓性ケーブル１５を巻回した状態で両ハ
ウジング１，２を回動自在に連結した後、両ハウジング
１，２を回動中立状態に位置合わせする。しかる後、ロ
ックピン１６の軸部１６ａを挿入孔８の円形部８ｂから
内筒体３側の第１の軸孔６に挿入し、抜け止め部１６ｂ
を挿入孔８の矩形部８ａから受部７内に挿入すると、そ
の挿入過程で軸部１６ａが切欠き１３を挿通し、その後
に円板４側の第１の軸孔６に達する。この時、第１の軸
孔６の内径に対して切欠き１３が充分に大きく形成され
ているため、第１の軸孔６と切欠き１３のセンタとが回
転方向に±約１５°の範囲内でずれていたとしても、軸
部１６ａを第１の軸孔６と切欠き１３に簡単に挿入する
ことができる。Next, the operation of the rotary connector according to the above embodiment will be described. In this case, the first housing 1 is fixed to a steering wheel of a steering device (not shown), and the second housing 2 is fixed to the steering column side. The housing 1 must be able to rotate by equal amounts in both forward and reverse directions from the rotational neutral position of the handle. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the rotary connector,
After the housings 1 and 2 are rotatably connected in a state in which the flexible cable 15 is wound in the storage space, the housings 1 and 2 are aligned in a rotation neutral state. Thereafter, the shaft portion 16a of the lock pin 16 is inserted from the circular portion 8b of the insertion hole 8 into the first shaft hole 6 on the inner cylinder body 3 side, and the retaining portion 16b is provided.
When is inserted into the receiving portion 7 from the rectangular portion 8a of the insertion hole 8, the shaft portion 16a is inserted through the notch 13 in the insertion process, and then reaches the first shaft hole 6 on the disc 4 side. At this time, since the notch 13 is formed sufficiently larger than the inner diameter of the first shaft hole 6, the first shaft hole 6 and the center of the notch 13 are in a range of ± about 15 ° in the rotational direction. Even if they are displaced inside, the shaft portion 16a can be easily inserted into the first shaft hole 6 and the notch 13.
【００１７】次いで、ロックピン１６の把持部１６ｃを
摘み、該ロックピン１６を軸部１６ａを中心として図４
の矢印方向に約９０°回転すると、抜け止め部１６ｂは
受部７内を回転して同図の破線位置に偏倚するため、抜
け止め部１６ｂの上面に形成した突起１６ｄが受部７の
窪み９に係止される。その際、突起１６ｄは受部７の上
面を摺動して窪み９に達するため、突起１６ｄが窪み９
と係止したことはクリック感を伴って容易に確認され
る。Next, the grip portion 16c of the lock pin 16 is picked up, and the lock pin 16 is centered around the shaft portion 16a as shown in FIG.
When rotated about 90 ° in the direction of the arrow, the retaining portion 16b rotates inside the receiving portion 7 and is biased to the position of the broken line in the figure, so that the projection 16d formed on the upper surface of the retaining portion 16b is recessed in the receiving portion 7. Locked at 9. At this time, the protrusion 16d slides on the upper surface of the receiving portion 7 and reaches the recess 9, so that the protrusion 16d is not recessed.
It can be easily confirmed that there is a click feeling.
【００１８】このようにしてロックピン１６の突起１６
ｄが窪み９に係止されると、抜け止め部１６ｂは受部７
内で回転方向のみならず上下方向にも位置規制されるた
め、ロックピン１６は第１のハウジング１に確実に保持
される。これにより、両ハウジング１，２の自由な回動
はロックピン１６によって阻止され、回動中立位置に位
置合わせされた回転コネクタをステアリング装置に組み
込むことができる。ただし、第１のハウジング１は第２
のハウジング２に対し微少角度だけ回転可能であり、具
体的には、切欠き１３の両端が軸部１６ａに当接する約
３０°の範囲だけ遊びが付与されている。また、ロック
ピン１６は挿入と回転という異なる２方向の動作によっ
て回転コネクタに保持されているため、例えば搬送中に
回転コネクタに振動が作用したとしても、ロックピン１
６が回転コネクタから誤って抜け落ちにくくなり、その
ままの状態をステアリング装置に組み込むまで維持する
ことができる。In this way, the protrusion 16 of the lock pin 16
When d is locked in the recess 9, the retaining portion 16b becomes the receiving portion 7.
Since the position of the lock pin 16 is regulated not only in the rotation direction but also in the vertical direction, the lock pin 16 is reliably held by the first housing 1. As a result, the free rotation of the housings 1 and 2 is blocked by the lock pin 16, and the rotary connector positioned at the rotary neutral position can be incorporated in the steering device. However, the first housing 1 is the second
Is rotatable with respect to the housing 2 by a slight angle, and more specifically, a play is provided within a range of about 30 ° in which both ends of the notch 13 contact the shaft portion 16a. Further, since the lock pin 16 is held by the rotary connector by two different directions of operation, that is, insertion and rotation, even if vibration is applied to the rotary connector during transportation, for example, the lock pin 1
It becomes difficult for 6 to fall out of the rotary connector by mistake, and the state as it is can be maintained until it is incorporated into the steering device.
【００１９】回転コネクタをステアリング装置に組み込
むに際しては、ロックピン１６を回転コネクタに装着し
たまま、第２のハウジング２をステアリング・コラム側
に固定し、ステアリング・シャフトを第１のハウジング
１のセンタ孔５より突出させる。しかる後、ステアリン
グ・シャフトにステアリング・ハブを圧入すると共に、
このステアリング・ハブと一体のハンドルを第１のハウ
ジング１に固定すると、ハンドルの回動中立位置に対し
て回転コネクタの回動中立位置を一致させることができ
る。この時、切欠き１３と軸部１６ａ間のギャップによ
り、ロック状態にある両ハウジング１，２に回転方向の
遊びが与えられるため、第１のハウジング１を少しずつ
回転調整しながら第１のハウジング１とハンドルとを位
置合わせすることができ、両者を簡単に連結することが
できる。最後に、ロックピン１６の把持部１６ｃを図４
の矢印と反対方向に約９０°回転し、抜け止め部１６ｂ
を同図の破線位置から実線位置に戻して挿入孔８から抜
き取ると、ロックピン１６は回転コネクタから取り除か
れ、両ハウジング１，２は再び相対的に回動自在な状態
となる。なお、第１のハウジング１から外部に導出され
たリード線はハンドルに装着されたエアーバッグ用イン
フレータやホーンスイッチ等に接続され、第２のハウジ
ング２から外部に導出されたリード線は車体側に装着さ
れたエアーバッグ駆動回路やホーン回路等に接続され
る。When the rotary connector is incorporated in the steering device, the second housing 2 is fixed to the steering column side while the lock pin 16 is mounted on the rotary connector, and the steering shaft is attached to the center hole of the first housing 1. Make it protrude from 5. Then, while pressing the steering hub into the steering shaft,
When the handle integrated with the steering hub is fixed to the first housing 1, the rotary neutral position of the rotary connector can be matched with the rotary neutral position of the handle. At this time, the gap between the notch 13 and the shaft portion 16a gives a play in the rotational direction to the housings 1 and 2 in the locked state, so that the first housing 1 can be rotated little by little while the first housing 1 is rotated. 1 and the handle can be aligned with each other, and both can be easily connected. Finally, the grip portion 16c of the lock pin 16 is shown in FIG.
Rotate about 90 ° in the direction opposite to the arrow, and the retaining portion 16b
Is returned from the position indicated by the broken line to the position indicated by the solid line and pulled out from the insertion hole 8, the lock pin 16 is removed from the rotary connector, and the two housings 1, 2 are again rotatable relative to each other. The lead wires led out from the first housing 1 are connected to an inflator for airbags mounted on a handle, a horn switch, etc., and the lead wires led out from the second housing 2 to the vehicle body side. It is connected to the installed air bag drive circuit and horn circuit.
【００２０】使用に際し、ハンドルを時計あるいは反時
計方向に回転すると、その回転力が第１のハウジング１
に伝達され、第１のハウジング１が同方向に回転する。
例えば、ハンドルを回動中立位置から反時計方向に回転
させると、それに連動して第１のハウジング１も反時計
方向に回転し、可撓性ケーブル１５は内筒体３の周面側
に巻き締められる。反対に、ハンドルを時計方向に回転
させると、それに連動して第１のハウジング１も時計方
向に回転し、可撓性ケーブル１５は外筒体１０の環状壁
側に巻き戻され、いずれの状態においても両ハウジング
１，２間の電気的接続は可撓性ケーブル１５を介して維
持される。In use, when the handle is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the rotational force is changed to the first housing 1.
And the first housing 1 rotates in the same direction.
For example, when the handle is rotated counterclockwise from the rotational neutral position, the first housing 1 is also rotated counterclockwise in conjunction with this, and the flexible cable 15 is wound around the inner cylindrical body 3 on the peripheral surface side. Can be tightened. On the contrary, when the handle is rotated in the clockwise direction, the first housing 1 is also rotated in the clockwise direction in conjunction with the rotation of the handle, and the flexible cable 15 is rewound to the annular wall side of the outer tubular body 10 in any state. Also in FIG. 1, the electrical connection between the housings 1 and 2 is maintained via the flexible cable 15.
【００２１】なお、上記実施例では、受部７の上面に回
転規制部としての窪み９を形成し、この窪み９にロック
ピン１６の突起１６ｄを係止する場合について説明した
が、回転規制部の形状や位置は適宜変更することが可能
である。例えば、上記実施例とは逆に、回転規制部とし
ての突起にロックピンの切欠きを係止したり、回転規制
部を受部７の側面や底面に形成しても良く、要は、ロッ
クピン１６の抜け止め部１６ｂの挿入を許容する挿入孔
８と、この抜け止め部１６ｂの回転を係止する回転規制
部とが、軸部１６ａを中心とする回転方向に偏倚してい
れば良い。In the above embodiment, the case where the recess 9 as the rotation restricting portion is formed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 7 and the projection 16d of the lock pin 16 is locked in the recess 9 has been described. The shape and position of can be changed appropriately. For example, contrary to the above embodiment, a notch of a lock pin may be engaged with a protrusion as a rotation restricting portion, or a rotation restricting portion may be formed on a side surface or a bottom surface of the receiving portion 7. It suffices that the insertion hole 8 that allows the retaining portion 16b of the pin 16 to be inserted and the rotation restricting portion that locks the rotation of the retaining portion 16b be biased in the rotation direction about the shaft portion 16a. .
【００２２】また、上記実施例では、第２のハウジング
２に第２の軸孔としての切欠き１３を形成し、この切欠
き１３の両端とロックピン１６の軸部１６ａとの間に±
約１５°の遊びを設けた場合について説明したが、切欠
き１３に代えて長孔を用いても良く、遊びの範囲も±約
１５°に限定されるものではない。Further, in the above-described embodiment, the second housing 2 is formed with the notch 13 as the second shaft hole, and the gap between the both ends of the notch 13 and the shaft portion 16a of the lock pin 16 is ±.
Although the case where the play of about 15 ° is provided has been described, a slot may be used instead of the notch 13, and the range of the play is not limited to ± 15 °.
【００２３】さらに、上記実施例では、第１のハウジン
グ１を可動体とし、第２のハウジング２を固定体として
用いた場合について説明したが、これとは反対に、第１
のハウジング１を固定体とし、第２のハウジング２を可
動体として用いることも可能である。Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the first housing 1 is used as the movable body and the second housing 2 is used as the fixed body has been explained.
It is also possible to use the housing 1 of 1 as a fixed body and the second housing 2 as a movable body.
【００２４】[0024]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明によれば、
ロックピンが挿入と回転という異なる２方向の動作によ
って回転コネクタに保持されるため、例えば搬送中に回
転コネクタに振動が作用したとしても、ロックピンが回
転コネクタから誤って抜け落ちにくくなり、回転コネク
タをステアリング装置に組み込むまで、両ハウジング間
のロック状態を確実に維持することができる。As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the lock pin is held in the rotary connector by two different directions of insertion and rotation, the lock pin is less likely to accidentally fall out of the rotary connector even if vibration is applied to the rotary connector during transportation, thus It is possible to reliably maintain the locked state between both housings until the steering device is assembled.
【００２５】また、第２の軸孔とロックピンとの間にギ
ャップを形成した場合、両ハウジングを回動中立位置に
位置合わせした際に、第１の軸孔と第２の軸孔が回転方
向に若干ずれていても、ロックピンを第１および第２の
軸孔に簡単に挿入することができる。しかも、ギャップ
によってロック状態にある両ハウジングに回転方向の遊
びが与えられるため、回転コネクタをステアリング装置
に組み込む際に、ハウジングとハンドルとの間に回転方
向に余裕ができ、ハンドルとハウジングとを簡単に連結
することができる。Further, when a gap is formed between the second shaft hole and the lock pin, the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole rotate in the rotational direction when the two housings are aligned in the rotation neutral position. The lock pin can be easily inserted into the first and second shaft holes even if the lock pin is slightly displaced. In addition, since the play in the rotational direction is given to both housings in the locked state by the gap, when the rotary connector is incorporated in the steering device, there is a margin in the rotational direction between the housing and the handle, and the handle and the housing are easy. Can be connected to.
【図１】本発明の一実施例に係る回転コネクタの分解斜
視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】該回転コネクタの要部断面図である。FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the rotary connector.
【図３】該回転コネクタに備えられるロックピンの斜視
図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lock pin included in the rotary connector.
【図４】図１の回転コネクタに備えられるロック機構の
動作説明図である。FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of a lock mechanism provided in the rotary connector of FIG.
１ 第１のハウジング ２ 第２のハウジング ３ 内筒体 ６ 第１の軸孔 ７ 受部 ８ 挿入孔 ８ａ 矩形部 ８ｂ 円形部 ９ 窪み（回転規制部） １０ 外筒体 １１ 底板 １３ 切欠き（第２の軸孔） １５ 可撓性ケーブル １６ ロックピン １６ａ 軸部 １６ｂ 抜け止め部 １６ｃ 把持部 １６ｄ 突起 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st housing 2 2nd housing 3 Inner cylinder 6 First shaft hole 7 Receiving part 8 Insertion hole 8a Rectangular part 8b Circular part 9 Dimple (rotation restricting part) 10 Outer cylinder 11 Bottom plate 13 Notch (first 2 shaft hole) 15 flexible cable 16 lock pin 16a shaft portion 16b retaining portion 16c grip portion 16d protrusion
フロントページの続き (72)発明者 荒木 俊二 東京都大田区雪谷大塚町１番７号 アルプ ス電気株式会社内Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Shunji Araki 1-7 Yukiya Otsukacho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
Claims (4)
び第２のハウジングと、これら両ハウジング間の空間内
に巻回された可撓性ケーブルと、前記第１のハウジング
に設けられた第１の軸孔と、前記第２のハウジングに設
けられた第２の軸孔と、これら両軸孔に挿通されて前記
両ハウジング間の自由な回動を阻止するロックピンとを
備え、前記ロックピンには軸線と直交する方向に突出す
る抜け止め部が設けられると共に、前記第１のハウジン
グには前記抜け止め部の挿入を許容する挿入孔と、この
挿入孔から回転方向に偏倚した方向に位置する回転規制
部とが設けられ、前記抜け止め部が前記回転規制部と係
止することにより、前記ロックピンが前記両ハウジング
に保持されるように構成したことを特徴とする回転コネ
クタ。1. A first and a second housing, which are relatively rotatably connected to each other, a flexible cable wound in a space between the two housings, and a flexible cable provided in the first housing. A first shaft hole, a second shaft hole provided in the second housing, and a lock pin that is inserted into the both shaft holes to prevent free rotation between the two housings. The lock pin is provided with a retaining portion that projects in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and the first housing has an insertion hole that allows insertion of the retaining portion, and a direction that is offset from the insertion hole in the rotational direction. And a rotation restricting portion positioned at a position, and the locking pin is held by the both housings by locking the retaining portion with the rotation restricting portion.
孔と前記ロックピンとの間に、前記両ハウジングの相対
的な微少回転を許容するギャップが形成されていること
を特徴とする回転コネクタ。2. The rotation according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the second shaft hole and the lock pin, the gap allowing relative minute rotation of the two housings. connector.
部は窪みであり、この窪みに前記抜け止め部に形成され
た突起が係止されるように構成したことを特徴とする回
転コネクタ。3. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the rotation restricting portion is a recess, and the projection formed on the retaining portion is locked in the recess.
ンに該ロックピンを回転操作するための把持部が形成さ
れていることを特徴とする回転コネクタ。4. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the lock pin is formed with a gripping portion for rotationally operating the lock pin.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP02073595A JP3231206B2 (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-02-08 | Rotating connector |
| KR1019960002861A KR100198875B1 (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1996-02-07 | Rotating connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP02073595A JP3231206B2 (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-02-08 | Rotating connector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH08213133A true JPH08213133A (en) | 1996-08-20 |
| JP3231206B2 JP3231206B2 (en) | 2001-11-19 |
Family
ID=12035459
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP02073595A Expired - Lifetime JP3231206B2 (en) | 1995-02-08 | 1995-02-08 | Rotating connector |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3231206B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100198875B1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008037189A (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2008-02-21 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Vehicular steering device, and its shaft cover |
| CN102790334A (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2012-11-21 | 上海盈智汽车电子有限公司 | Clock spring with rotating locking mechanism |
| KR20130047563A (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-08 | 신에쓰 가가꾸 고교 가부시끼가이샤 | Pellicle container |
| JP2013097046A (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-20 | Shin Etsu Chem Co Ltd | Pellicle storage container |
| CN113573950A (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2021-10-29 | Lg电子株式会社 | Modular control device and vehicle using same |
| EP4052970A1 (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2022-09-07 | American Furukawa, Inc. | Lock pin assembly |
-
1995
- 1995-02-08 JP JP02073595A patent/JP3231206B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-02-07 KR KR1019960002861A patent/KR100198875B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008037189A (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2008-02-21 | Nissan Motor Co Ltd | Vehicular steering device, and its shaft cover |
| CN102790334A (en) * | 2011-05-18 | 2012-11-21 | 上海盈智汽车电子有限公司 | Clock spring with rotating locking mechanism |
| KR20130047563A (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-08 | 신에쓰 가가꾸 고교 가부시끼가이샤 | Pellicle container |
| JP2013097046A (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-20 | Shin Etsu Chem Co Ltd | Pellicle storage container |
| JP2013097047A (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-20 | Shin Etsu Chem Co Ltd | Pellicle storage container |
| CN113573950A (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2021-10-29 | Lg电子株式会社 | Modular control device and vehicle using same |
| CN113573950B (en) * | 2020-02-28 | 2024-03-26 | Lg电子株式会社 | Modular control device and vehicle using same |
| EP4052970A1 (en) * | 2021-03-04 | 2022-09-07 | American Furukawa, Inc. | Lock pin assembly |
| US11498498B2 (en) | 2021-03-04 | 2022-11-15 | American Furukawa, Inc. | Lock-pin assembly |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR960032810A (en) | 1996-09-17 |
| KR100198875B1 (en) | 1999-06-15 |
| JP3231206B2 (en) | 2001-11-19 |
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