DE19512500A1 - Rotary connector system for vehicle steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

The rotary connector system has a pair of housing parts (21, 25) connected together so as to be rotatable relative to each other. A flexible cable (29) is contained within the housing parts (21, 25). System connectors are arranged at both ends of the cable (29), each having a number of connector terminals provided with connectors for external connections. At least one of the system connectors has a short circuit rail (7) to make a short circuit between the connector terminals (5). The terminals (5) each have a first contact area (5a) which is brought into contact with the terminals of the external connector (8), and a second contact area (5b) which is brought into contact with the short circuit rail (7). The first and second contact areas (5a, 5b) are offset from each other. The short circuit rail (7) is separated from the connector terminals (5) by a short circuit lifting area (8a) when the system connector is connected to the external connector.

Description

The present invention relates to a Rotary connector system according to the preamble of Claims 1 and 8; more precisely, it deals with Invention with a rotary connector system for Establishing an electrical connection between a pair of rotatably connected Housing parts using a flexible cable. In particular, the invention relates to Rotary connector system that with a short circuit function is equipped to the respective serenity of the cable to keep the same potential. Continues to relate the invention to a locking mechanism, the is used in a rotary connector system to the both housing parts in the rotational neutral position to hold until the connector system in an external Device is installed.

It now becomes a first type of a conventional one Rotary connector system explained. A Rotary connector system of this type includes large and whole a first housing part with an inner cylindrical area, with a second housing part an outer cylindrical region and an between the two cylindrical areas fitted flexible cable. The connector system of this type is as an electrical interconnection device for  Connect a rotating part and one stationary part used in one device are used in terms of their number of revolutions or in terms of their Is limited extent of rotation, as z. B. at a steering device of a vehicle is the case. The flexible cable is called a "flat cable" that from a multitude of parallel to each other Ladders is formed on which a pair Insulating layers are laminated on. The two ends of the cable are on the inner and outer cylindrical area and then set to the Outside of the first and the second housing part led to the outside. They are also system connectors provided for both ends of the cable. Of the Rotary connector is built into the steering device, and at the same time these connectors are included complementary external connectors coupled for a rotatable element or a stationary element are provided to thereby provide an electrical Establish connection between the connections that for the system connectors and for the complementary ones external connectors are provided.

In the conventional rotary connector system this first type, which is broadly in the is formed as described above carried out several types of inspections before entering the steering device is installed. During the Inspection process can be done from within the System connector protruding connections through a human body, more static Exposed to electricity or the like, which also creates a static charge on the elongated conductor can be caused in the flexible cables are embedded. If in this case  a potential difference between the respective Ladders is produced, and especially when high Potential difference generated between a pair of conductors is that for connecting an airbag circuit static damage to the for the control section of the airbag circuit provided, integrated circuits arise when the system connector with that for the steering device provided complementary external connector be coupled. To solve the above The problem recently is the one described below Type of rotary connector system has been proposed which is equipped with a short circuit function. A short circuit bar is for every system connector provided to short out between a To produce a pair of connections with the conductors of a Airbag circuit are connected. These Short circuit bar has the function, the pair of connections to keep at the same potential until that Rotary connector system built into the steering device is. If the connector system in the steering device is built in, is a short circuit cancellation protrusion, which is intended for each external connector to Disconnect the shorting bar from the connections designed.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing this first type of rotary connector system, Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of a system connector provided for the rotary connector system and a complementary external connector, and Fig. 14 is a perspective view for explaining a shorting bar provided for the system connector.

As can be seen in Fig. 12, a conventional rotary connector system has on the whole a first housing part 1 with an inner cylindrical region 1 a, a second housing part 2 with an outer cylindrical region 2 a and a flexible cable 3 , which between the inner and the outer cylindrical region 1 a and 2 a is fitted. The two housing parts 1 and 2 are rotatably connected to one another. The flexible cable 3 is a flat cable which is formed from a number of mutually parallel conductors on which a pair of insulating layers is laminated. The number of conductors is designed in accordance with the number of conductors of the circuits to be connected, which can be an airbag circuit, a speed control circuit, a horn circuit and the like, all of which are provided for a steering device. A rotatable connector 4 is integrally formed on the top of the first housing part 1 , and a number of connector terminals 5 extend upward inside the rotary connector 4 . The provided at the inner end of the flexible cable 3 , respective conductors with the arranged in the first housing part 1 connector terminals 5 z. B. connected by soldering or spot welding. The outer end of the flexible cable 3, on the other hand, is fixed to the outer cylindrical region 2 a and led out of the second housing part 2 . A stationary connector 6 is connected to the respective conductors provided at the outer end of the flexible cable 3 . As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, a U-shaped short bar 7 is disposed inside the rotary connector 4 , and free ends of the short bar 7 are each in contact with a pair of connector terminals 5 used for connecting an airbag circuit. The connector terminals 5 are thus short-circuited by this short-circuit bar 7 .

The first type of rotary connector system designed in the manner described above can be mechanically connected to a steering device by attaching the first and second housing parts 1 and 2 to a steering wheel or a vehicle body. In addition, an external connector 8 provided for the steering wheel is connected to the rotary connector 4 , while an external connector (not shown) provided for the vehicle body is connected to the stationary connector 6 , to thereby establish an electrical connection between the connector system and the steering device. A number of clip-type connections or clip connections 9 , which correspond to the connector connections 5 arranged in the rotary connector 4 , are provided in the interior of the external connector 8 . A short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a for driving the short-circuit rail 7 is arranged on a part of the outer wall of the external connector 8 . The external connector 8 is inserted into the rotary connector 4 in such a way that the projection 8 a can fit into the contacting area between the connector connections 5 and the short-circuit bar 7 . The short-circuit rail 7 is bent thereby, so that it is separated by the projection 8a of the connector terminals 5, lifted so that the short-circuit state of the terminals. 5 When the external connector is fully fitted in the rotary connector 4 8, the clip ports 9 are clamped onto the respective connector terminals 5, is achieved whereby a secure connection between the terminals 5 and. 9

A second type will now be explained a rotary connector system. The connector system of this Type broadly includes a pair Housing parts which are rotatably connected to one another, as well as a flexible cable that runs between the two housing parts housed formed annulus is. The two ends of the flexible cable are on the outside of the respective housing parts to the outside led and committed to this. This cable owns a number of parallel conductors, and dedicated connectors are on the front and the rear end attached from the housing parts are brought out. One of the housing parts becomes one Rotary movement in the normal direction or to exposed in the opposite direction. The flexible cable is depending on the direction of rotation in the space formed between the housings up or down handled. Regardless of the direction of rotation of the The electrical connection can be part of the housing between the two housing parts through the cable maintain.

The one trained in the manner described above second type of rotary connector system is in one limited external number of revolutions Device such. B. a steering device Vehicle, installed and as electrical Connection device for the connection for example an airbag system, one Horn circuit and the like used. More accurate said the housing parts of the connector system a steering column or a steering wheel attached. External connectors connected to a Airbag inflator, a horn switch and the like are attached, with respective System connectors coupled at both ends  of the cable are provided. This connection process should be designed so that the cable is in with respect to the rotational neutral position of the steering wheel wind up to substantially the same extent or unwind.

To achieve this, it is necessary that both Housing parts are locked in the neutral position, until the connector system into the steering device is installed. It is already one with one Locking mechanism equipped Connector system has been proposed. Such one Connector system is designed as follows. A Locking element is between the housing parts attached, which are adapted to the neutral position, to thereby create a free rotation between the Prevent housing parts until the housing parts in the steering device is installed. The Locking element can be from the housing parts separate if one of the housing parts on the Steering column is attached.

However, the first type of rotary connector system constructed as described above has the following problems. If the rotary connector 4 and the complementary external connector 8 are connected to each other, both part of the clip terminals 9 and the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a between the connector terminals 5 of the rotary connector 4 and the short-circuit bar 7 is fitted. This causes a large amount of deflection in the short-circuit bar 7 . After repeated connection and disconnection of the rotary connector 4 and the external connector 8 due to maintenance work or the like, it is possible that the shorting bar 7 can no longer return to its original shape. As a result, when the external connector 8 is disconnected from the rotary connector 4 , the short-circuit bar 7 is not brought into contact with the connector terminals 5 , thereby affecting the short-circuit function. In addition, since the clip terminals 9 slide on a contact area between the connector terminals 5 and the shorting bar 7 , powder material generated by the sliding motion sticks to the contact area between the connector terminals 5 and the shorting bar 7 during the rotation, while the rotary connector 4 and the external connector 8 are connected and disconnected several times, which in turn affects the short-circuit function.

As a second type of rotary connector system, this discloses U.S. Patent No. 5,230,713 a rotary connector system of the Direct coupling type. Doing so on both Connectors attached in ends of a flexible cable Housing parts arranged and directly with respective complementary external connectors coupled for an external device is provided. Because of this Type of connector system is designed such that direct connectors in an integral manner in the Housing parts are arranged, the electrical connection between the flexible cable and the external device simultaneously with the Installation of the rotary connector system in the external Device such. B. achieve a steering device. The process of connecting the connector system and the external device can thus be simplified.

With this type of connector systems arise however the following problems. When attaching the  locking mechanism described above the one equipped with a direct connector Rotary connector system need the following two Operations when installing the connector system in the Steering device to be carried out separately: It is the process of inserting the complementary external connectors in the direct Connector as well as the process of removing the Locking element from the housing parts. Of the The process as a whole is therefore time-consuming. also are after the installation of the rotary connector system in the Steering device the connection areas between the direct connectors and the external connectors behind hidden from the connector system and the steering device, and thus the state of connection between do not visually check this, which inevitably the Carrying out an inspection to check the Continuity of connectors, d. H. a check whether the direct connectors and the external connectors are securely coupled with each other. This also means additional time expenditure.

In view of the first type explained above of the slewing connector system is a first goal of present invention in creating an extremely reliable rotary connector system, in which a Short-circuit function over a longer period of time maintains.

With regard to the explained second type of There is still a second rotary connector system Object of the present invention in the creation of a Rotary connector system, which regarding its Assembly behavior is greatly improved.  

To achieve the first described above The present invention aims to achieve this Rotary connector system with a pair of housing parts that are rotatably connected to one another in the Housing parts included flexible cable as well System connectors that are on both ends of the cable are arranged and each have a number of Have connector terminals that with for one external connectors provided connections connect, wherein at least one of the System connector with a shorting bar for Short circuit between the connector terminals is provided and wherein the connector terminals each a first contact area, which with the External connector connections in contact is brought, as well as a second Contacting area with the short-circuit bar is brought into contact, and have the first and the second contact area offset from one another are provided, the short-circuit rail at Connect the system connector to the external one Connector through one for the external connector provided short circuit cancellation area of the Connector connections is separated.

With this construction, the connector connections be forked into two areas, the first or second contacting area are usable. In addition, the first and the second contact areas in the width direction the connector connections are offset from one another or be separated. However, you can also head towards the Length of connector connections offset from each other his.  

To achieve the second described above The present invention also provides an objective Rotary connector system with a pair of housing parts that are relatively and rotatably connected, and with a flexible cable that is in a between the Housing parts trained annulus is wound, with the two ends of the flexible cable on the Electrically outside of the respective housing parts are guided on the outside and are fixed to them, where at least one of the led out Areas of the cable through one for one Provided direct connector with a housing part provided for an external device Connector is connected, one Locking element in this way between the housing parts it is provided that there is a free rotational movement prevents between these, and the Locking element with an operating area is provided by the external connector can be actuated by drive, a Locked state of the locking element at Connection of the external connector with the direct one Connector removed by the external connector becomes.

Until the installation of the rotary connector system in the Steering device becomes a pair of Connector connections for the system connector are provided by the shorting bar short-circuited. With this arrangement one can pair of conductors connected to the terminals keep flexible cable at the same potential. To the Install the connector system in the steering device when connecting the system connector to the external connector the short circuit bar by for short-circuit provided for the external connector  Cancellation area shifted. This will make one Separation of the short-circuit bar from the Connector connections allows, which the Short circuit condition is canceled. The Connector connections are each designed such that the first contact area, which with the External connector connections in contact brought from the second contacting area, the brought into contact with the short circuit bar is offset or arranged separately from this is. Thus, only the short-circuit Cancellation area between the second Contacting areas and the short-circuit bar to be introduced, which is what Amount of displacement or amount of bending of the Short circuit bar can be reduced. Even if possibly powder particles due to abrasion due to the sliding movement of the connections of the external Connector on the first contact areas of the Connector connections are generated, reach them Powder particles not the second Contact areas from the first Contacting areas are provided remotely, so that a short circuit fault can thus be prevented. Due to the above construction and Procedure can thus be the first goal of Achieve invention.

In the manufacturing process of the rotary connector system the locking element between the two housing parts attached to the rotating Neutral position adjusted or adjusted to this are so that a free rotational movement between the Housing parts through the locking element can be prevented. That way to the The connector system can be adjusted in neutral position  an external device, such as. Legs Install the steering device. When installing the Connector system in the external device external devices provided for the external device Connector with the direct connector of the Connector system connected, and at the same time with it can the operating range of the locking element pressurized by the external connector become. The locked state of the Locking element can thus be automatically simultaneously with the connection between the external Remove the connector and the direct connector. With in other words, this means that an incomplete Connection between the external connector and the direct connector no lifting of the Locking state of the locking element allows. A free relative rotational movement between the housing parts after installing the connector system in the external device thus confirms the reliable connection between the external Connector and the direct connector. This leaves there is also a process to inspect the electrical connection between the connector system and eliminate the external device. Through the construction described above and Approach can thus be the second goal of Achieve invention.

Preferred developments of the invention result from the subclaims.

The invention and developments of the invention will in the following based on the graphic representations several embodiments explained in more detail. In the drawings show:  

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view showing a system connector provided for the connector system shown in Fig. 1 and an external connector;

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the essential parts of an external connector and a connector system which is intended for a connector system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an external connector and a connector system which is intended for a connector system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an external connector and a connector system which is intended for a connector system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an external connector and a connector system which is intended for a connector system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a rotary connector system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a locking mechanism provided for the connector system shown in Fig. 7;

9 (a) to 9 (c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 8. FIG.

Figure 10 is a top seen plan view showing the essential parts of a rotary connector system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 (a) and 11 (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of a locking mechanism which is provided for a rotary connector system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a first type of conventional rotary connector system;

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view showing an external connector and a system connector provided for the connector system shown in Fig. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a short-circuit bar which is provided for the system connector shown in FIG. 13.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are used for parts that correspond to the parts shown in FIGS. 12 to 14.

The first embodiment differs from the first type of connector system described above in the following respects. The front ends of a pair of connector terminals 5 used for connecting an airbag circuit are each bifurcated into two areas. One area is used as the first contacting area 5 a, which is brought into contact with a clip-like connection or clip connection 9 of the external connector 8 . The other area is used as the second contacting area 5 b, which is brought into contact with a short-circuit bar 7 . That is, the front end of the connector terminal 5 is bifurcated in the vertically extending first contact area 5 a and the L-shaped bent second contact area 5 b. The second contacting area 5 b is separated from the first contacting area 5 a and from the other connector connections 5 by a partition 4 a. The shorting bar 7 is located within the partition 4 a, and the free ends of the shorting bar 7 are in contact with the second contacting areas 5 b of the respective connector terminals 5th The remaining design and operating features are largely similar to those of the first type of the conventional rotary connector system described at the outset, so that the same will not be explained again.

The rotary connector system designed in the manner described above can be mechanically connected to a steering device by attaching the first and second housing parts 1 and 2 to a steering wheel or a vehicle body. In addition, the complementary external connector 8 provided for the steering wheel is connected to the rotary connector 4 , while an external connector (not shown) provided for the vehicle body is coupled to the stationary connector 6 , to thereby establish an electrical connection of the connector system to the steering device . In this connection process, the external connector 8 is inserted into the rotary connector 4 , so that the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a is fitted into a contact area between the second contacting areas 5 b of the connector connections 5 and the short-circuit bar 7 . The shorting bar 7 is thereby bent so that it is separated by the projection 8a of the connector terminals 5, is canceled so that the short-circuit state of the terminals. 5 The respective clip connections 9 perform a sliding movement when clamping onto the first contact areas 5 a of the connector connections 5 and the further connections 5 , as a result of which a secure connection between the connections 5 and 9 is established.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention formed in the manner described above, a pair of connector connections 5 , which is used for connecting the airbag circuit, are each bifurcated into two areas, namely the first and the second contacting areas 5 a and 5 b, which correspond to the Clip connections 9 or are brought into contact with the short-circuit bar 7 , these regions 5 a and 5 b being offset from one another. In this construction, only the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a needs to be inserted between the second contacting areas 5 b of the connector connections 5 and the short-circuit bar 7 , so that a degree of deflection of the short-circuit bar 7 is thereby reduced. Caused even after a by maintenance or the like, the repeated connection and disconnection of the rotary connector 4 and the external connector 8, the short-circuiting bar 7 can be achieved by a slight degree of bending of the rail 7 during cutting of the external connector 8 of the rotary connector 4 is still in a reliable manner with the Bring the first contacting areas 5 a into contact. This reliable connection between the short-circuiting bar 7 and the connector terminals 5 can maintain the established with the terminals 5 shorting function for a long period of time. Even if the powder particles may be due to wear on the first contact regions 5 is generated by the sliding movement of the clip terminals 9 a, so this powder b does not reach the second contact regions 5 which are positioned a remote from the first contact regions. 5 The presence of the partition 4 a arranged between the two areas 5 a and 5 b also reliably prevents failure of the short-circuit connection due to possible powder particles due to wear.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the essential portions of a complementary external connector and a connector system which is intended for the rotary connector system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Corresponding parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the previously described first embodiment in the following respects. Instead of forming the front ends of a pair of connector connections 5 , which are forked into two regions in each case, which are used for connecting the airbag circuit, the connector connections 5 in this exemplary embodiment are extended or widened in the width direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the external connector 8 , whereby the outer areas of the widened parts are used as first contacting areas 5 a, which are brought into contact with the clip connections 9 , and the inner areas are used as second contacting areas 5 b, which are brought into contact with the short-circuit bar 7 . This exemplary embodiment, like the first exemplary embodiment, is designed such that the first and second contacting regions 5 a and 5 b are offset from one another, in the present case in the horizontal direction, and thus only the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a is between them to introduce second contact areas 5 b and the short-circuit bar 7 . Advantages similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment can thus be achieved.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view showing a complementary external connector and a connector system which is intended for the rotary connector system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to the elements in FIG. 3 are identified by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the following respects. Instead of the elongated configuration of the pair of connector connections 5 which are used for connecting an airbag circuit, the connections 5 are designed to be somewhat elongated in the insertion direction of the external connector 8 , ie in the longitudinal direction. The upper regions of the connections 5 are used as first contact regions 5 a, which are brought into contact with the clip connections 9 , while the lower regions thereof are used as second contact regions 5 b, which are brought into contact with the short-circuit bar 7 . This exemplary embodiment, like the preceding exemplary embodiments, is designed such that the first and second contacting regions 5 a and 5 b are offset from one another, in the present case in the vertical direction. It is therefore only the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a between the second contact areas 5 b and the short-circuit bar 7 to be introduced. In this way, advantages similar to those in the first embodiment are obtained.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view showing a complementary external connector and a connector system which is intended for the rotary connector system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to the parts shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are again identified by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the conductors of the flexible cable 3 simultaneously have the function of the respective connections 5 of the rotary connector 4 . That is, as explained at the beginning, the cable 3 consists of a number of mutually parallel conductors 10 onto which a pair of insulating layers 11 and 12 are laminated. The inner end of this cable 3 is reversely U-shaped along a holding area 13 which is raised in the interior of the rotary connector 4 . The upper insulating layer 11 is removed from the curved portion of the cable 3 so that each conductor 10 can be exposed, such an exposed portion being used as the connector terminal 5 which is brought into contact with a clip terminal 9 of the external connector 8 . Of the connector connections 5 formed in the manner described above, a pair of connections 5 , which is used for the connection of an airbag circuit, each have a first contact area 5 a and a second contact area 5 b. This second contact area 5 b, which is brought into contact with the short-circuit bar 7 , is continued from the first contact area 5 a along the inner side of the partition 4 a upward. At this continued part of the second contacting region 5 b, the lower insulating layer 12 is removed from the conductor 10 , which is thus exposed. The flexible cable 3 is z. B. securely attached to the holding area 13 and the partition 4 a in the manner described below. Holes are provided in the cable 3 and fitted on elevations which are provided in the holding area 13 and the partition 4 a, after which the elevations are caulked or riveted. Alternatively, the cable 3 is simply connected to the holding area 13 and the partition 4 a using an adhesive. The other elements not described above are essentially similar to those of the first embodiment.

The exemplary embodiment described above, like the preceding exemplary embodiments, is designed such that the first and the second contacting regions 5 a and 5 b of the contact connections 5 are arranged offset from one another. It is therefore only necessary to insert the short-circuit cancellation projection 8 a between the second contacting areas 5 b and the short-circuit bar 7 . Advantages similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment are thus obtained. Since the conductors 10 of the flexible cable 3 also serve as connector connections 5 of the rotary connector 4 , no separate process for connecting the cable 3 to the connections 5 is required. In addition, the first and the second contacting regions 5 a and 5 b are held on the regions of the insulating layers 12 and 11 , respectively, which are not removed from the conductors 10 . This improves the mechanical strength of the connector terminals 5 to a greater extent compared to connector devices formed only from the conductors 10 .

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view showing a complementary external connector and a connector system which is intended for the rotary connector system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the Fig. 5, corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the second contact area 5 b of each connector terminal 5 is fastened to an opposite side wall facing the partition 4 a and in that the base end of the short-circuiting rail 7 is fastened to the partition 4 a. The other design features are substantially the same as in the fourth embodiment. In this fifth exemplary embodiment, both the first and the second contacting regions 5 a and 5 b are formed by the exposed conductor 10 , from which the upper insulating layer 11 has been removed and which is held only by the lower insulating layer 12 .

In the exemplary embodiments described above, the short-circuit bar 7 is provided for the rotary connector 4 of the direct type, which is formed in an integral manner on the first housing part 1 . This short-circuit bar 7 can, however, be arranged on a rotary connector which is connected to the first housing part 1 via a lead wire, or it can be provided for the stationary connector 6 .

Referring now to the drawings, a sixth embodiment of the present Invention explained.

The sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7 in a longitudinal sectional view of a rotary connector system. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism provided for the connector system, and Figs. 9 (a) to 9 (c) illustrate the operation of the locking mechanism. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 to 9, the connector system comprises a first housing part 21 made of synthetic resin material with a disk-like bottom region 22 and an outer cylindrical region 23 , which extends upwards from the circumference of the bottom region 22 . Furthermore, a central opening 24 is provided in the middle of the bottom area 22 . In addition, the connector system comprises a second housing part 25 made of synthetic resin material with a disk-like upper region 26 and an inner cylindrical region 27 which extends vertically downwards at the center of the upper region 26 . The inner cylindrical region 27 forms a through hole 28 . The outer peripheral end of the upper region 26 is guided through the upper end of the outer cylindrical region 23 , while the lower end of the inner cylindrical region 27 is guided through the central opening 24 provided for the lower region 22 . In this construction, the first and second housing parts 21 and 25 are connected to one another in a relatively freely rotatable manner. However, the free rotational movement is prevented by a locking element to be described below. A flexible cable 29 is designed as a loop-like flat cable which is formed from a number of mutually parallel conductors which are laminated between a few insulating layers. The cable is accommodated in an annular space which is formed by the base region 22 and the outer cylindrical region 23 provided for the first housing part 21 and the upper region 26 and the inner cylindrical region 27 provided for the second housing part 25 . This cable 29 is spirally wound in the room. It is led to the outside of the first housing part 21 , while it is fixed at one end to the outer cylindrical region 23 , with a dedicated cable, not shown, being connected to the front end of the exposed region of the cable 29 . The cable 29 is also led at the other end to the outside of the second housing part 25 , via a direct connector 30 which extends from the upper region 26 upwards. The direct connector 30 has a number of connections 30 a, which are connected to the respective conductors of the cable 29 , and a projecting housing 30 b, which encloses these connections 30 a. A slot 30 c is formed on the lower portion of a side surface of the housing 30 b.

The above-mentioned locking mechanism 31 has an operating area 31 a, which faces the direct connector 30 , an engagement area 31 b, which projects horizontally from the operating area 31 a, and a V-shaped elastic strip 31 c, which on one side surface of the engagement area 31 b is arranged, wherein all elements are made in an integral manner from a synthetic resin material or plastic material. The operating area 31 a has a recess 31 d, which extends from a side surface to the upper surface, and keyways 31 e, which run obliquely in a central region, are each formed in the inner surfaces of the recess 31 d in a mutually opposing manner. Furthermore, a guide wall 32 of L-shaped cross section is raised on the upper region 26 of the second housing part 25 . The engagement region 31 b is guided through this guide wall 32 such that the locking element 31 described above can be held in a radially movable manner on this housing part 25 by the second housing part 25 . In addition, a boundary wall 33 with a first and a second recess 33 a and 33 b extends upwards from the upper region 26 of the second housing part 25 . The elastic strip 31 c is fitted in one of the recesses 33 a and 33 b, so that the locking element 31 can be arranged either in the locking position or in the release position.

A pair of protrusions 34 are integrally formed at the outer peripheral end at the top of the outer cylindrical portion 23 of the housing part 21 in the locking member 31, respectively. The projections 34 form a recess groove for receiving the engagement region 31 b of the locking element 31 . The projections 34 face each other, are provided circumferentially at a predetermined distance from one another, which is selected to be larger than the width of the engagement region 31 b of the locking mechanism 31 .

A complementary external connector 35 has a drive area 36 on one side surface for displacing the locking element 31 from the locking position into the release position. This external connector 35 is specifically used for connecting an air bag inflator, a horn switch, or the like, which are attached to the steering wheel of a steering device (not shown). The external connector 35 is fitted into the housing 30 b of the direct connector 30 , to thereby establish an electrical connection between clip terminals, not shown, which are provided for the external connector 35 , and the corresponding terminals 30 a of the direct connector 30 . The drive region 36 has an L-shaped snap arm 36 a, a claw 36 b formed at the lower end of the snap arm 36 a and pins 36 c which are arranged opposite the claw 36 b, all of these elements being made of a synthetic resin material or plastic material are and are integrally formed with the external connector 35 .

The operation of the rotary connector system according to this exemplary embodiment is now explained, the first housing part 21 being used as the stator element in the exemplary embodiment and the second housing part 25 being used as the rotor element. In this case, the first housing part 21 of the connector system is attached to a steering column, while the second housing part 25 is attached to a steering wheel. To install the connector system in the steering device, it is necessary that the second housing part 25 , which is a rotatable part, in relation to the rotationally neutral position of the steering wheel to perform a rotational movement either in the normal direction or in the opposite direction is designed to the same extent. To achieve this, in the manufacturing process of the rotary connector system after the rotatable connection of the first and second housing parts 21 and 25 to one another, while the flexible cable 29 is wound in the annular space described above, the housing parts 21 and 25 are adapted to the rotational neutral position or in this set, while the elastic strip 31 c of the locking element 31 in the second recess 33 b of the boundary wall is fitted 33rd Thereafter, the locking member 31 is slid along the guide wall 32 radially outward until the front end of the engaging portion 31b between the pair of protrusions is positioned 34th Since the elastic strip 31 c is shifted from the second recess 33 b into the first recess 33 a during the sliding movement of the locking element 31 , the locking element 31 remains in the same state due to the elasticity of the elastic strip 31 c. When a torque is exerted on the second housing part 25 , the front ends of the engagement region 31 b thus abut the side walls of the respective projections 34 , as a result of which a relative rotational movement between the first and the second housing parts 21 and 25 is prevented by the locking element 31 . Even if a vibration acts on the rotary connector system in this construction, the z. B. transferred to the steering device, the connector system can remain in the same state until it is fully installed in the steering device.

To install the connector system in the steering device in the state in which the locking member 31 is attached to the connector system, the first housing part 21 is attached to the steering column and a steering shaft is fitted into the shaft through hole 28 of the second housing part 25 so that protrudes through them. A steering hub is then pressed onto the steering shaft, and at the same time a steering wheel formed in an integral manner with this hub is attached to the second housing part 25 . This process allows the rotational neutral position of the connector system to be adjusted to the rotational neutral position of the steering wheel. Then, the external connector 35 , which is attached to the steering wheel and used for connecting an air bag inflator, a horn switch, or the like, is inserted into the direct connector 30 provided on the second housing part 25 , around the two connectors 30 and 35 to connect with each other. For this compound in the (a) shown, the lower end of the external connector 35 b in Fig. 9 in a suitable manner to the open top of the housing 30 of the direct connector 30 is set, the drive portion 36 d with the recess 31 of the locking element 31 is aligned. In this state, the external connector 35 is pushed down. The external connector 35 is moved down along the inner surfaces of the housing 30 b, and at the same time the pins 36 c of the drive portion 36 along the splines 31 e of the locking member 31 are also moved down. As shown in Fig. 9 (b), the locking arm 36 is bent a of the driving portion 36 to the outside when the pins 36 c passing through the obliquely extending portions of the splines 31 e. The external connector 35 is lowered further until the clip connections (not shown) of the external connector 35 are completely clamped onto the respective connections 30 a of the direct connector 30 . When this condition is reached, as shown in FIG. 9 (c) manner shown, the locking arm 36 a recycled due to its elasticity to its original state, and the claw 36 b of the driving portion 36 snaps into its intended for direct connector 30 slot 30 c a. As a result, the locking element 31 can be pulled together with the snap arm 36 a in the direction of the direct connector 30 and the front end of the engagement region 31 b is thereby withdrawn from the recess groove formed between the projections 34 , which in turn causes a displacement of the elastic strip 31 c the first recess 33 a in the second recess 33 b is made possible.

As a result, the locking state achieved by the locking element 31 between the first and second housing parts 21 and 25 is released , so that the second housing part 25 is freely rotatable with respect to the first housing part 21 . Immediately after the connection process of the connectors 30 and 35 , a connector (not shown), which is led out of the first housing part 21 and is intended for this purpose, is connected to an external device, such as an airbag circuit, a horn circuit or the like, which is attached to the vehicle body.

Upon completion of the installation process of the rotary connector system in the steering device in the manner described above, a free rotational movement of the steering wheel, or in other words, a free rotational movement of the second housing part 25 with respect to the first housing part 21 as a result of the release of the locking state of the locking element 31 , provide confirmation of the reliable connection between the direct connector 30 and the external connector 35 . This eliminates the need for a continuity check to check the continuity between the rotary connector system and an external device. More specifically, in this embodiment, if the external connector 35 is incompletely inserted into the direct connector 30, the locking member 31 is not allowed to move from the locking position to the release position as would normally be achieved by the drive portion 36 . A free rotation of the steering wheel after the connector system is installed in the external device thus confirms the reliable connection between the external connector 35 and the direct connector 30 . In this way, the process of checking the electrical connection between the rotary connector system and the external device can be dispensed with.

If a disconnection of the rotary connector system from the steering device is required due to a repair of the vehicle or the like, it is easy to carry out a procedure that is the reverse of the installation procedure described above. More specifically, after releasing the steering wheel from the second housing part 25 when the same is placed in the rotationally neutral position, the external connector 35 is separated from the direct connector 30 . This enables the locking element 31 to move from the position shown in FIG. 9 (c) to the position shown in FIG. 9 (a), which in turn defines the front or radially outer end of the engagement region 31 b between the projections 34 can and in turn a relative rotational movement between the first and second housing parts 21 and 25 is prevented by the locking element 31 . In this way, the locking mechanism of this embodiment can be used repeatedly as often as desired.

In use of the rotary connector system, the steering wheel is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, and the torque thus generated is transmitted to the second housing part 25 , which is thereby rotated in the selected direction.

For example, the steering wheel is rotated counterclockwise from the neutral position, thereby also causing the second housing part 25 to perform a counterclockwise rotational movement, which in turn enables the flexible cable 29 to be wound in the direction of the inner cylindrical region 27 . In contrast, when the steering wheel rotates clockwise, the second housing part 25 is rotated clockwise, as a result of which the flexible cable 29 is wound again in the direction of the outer cylindrical region 23 . Regardless of the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, the electrical connection between the two housing parts 21 and 25 can thus be maintained via the cable 29 .

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the essential portion of the rotary connector system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIGS. 7 to 9 corresponding elements with the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that a number of latching projections 23 are arranged on the inner circumferential surface on the top of the outer cylindrical region 23 of the first housing part 21 between the pair of projections 34 . The other design features are essentially similar to those of the sixth embodiment. The seventh embodiment formed as described above operates as follows. As mentioned above, when the two housing parts 21 and 25 are held in the locked state by the locking element 31 and a torque is exerted on the second housing part 25 , the second housing part 25 is pivoted to a degree over a small angular range until the front ends of the engagement portion 31 b abut the side walls of the respective projections 34 . During the rotational movement of the second housing part 25 , the front ends of the engagement region 31 are brought into engagement with the respective latching projections 23 a with the generation of click noises and released therefrom. With this construction, if the steering wheel is rotated into an external device after the rotary connector system has been installed without the external connector 35 being fully inserted into the direct connector 30 , the locking element 31 cannot be moved from the locking position into the release position by the drive region 36 . Of the engagement portion As a result, 31 b and a clicking sounds generated the click protrusions 23 through the engagement and release operation between the forward ends. These clicking noises indicate that the external connector 35 is incompletely inserted into the direct connector 30 .

The Fig. 11 (a) and 11 (b) show the operation of the locking mechanism which is provided for the rotary connector system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIGS. 7 to 9, corresponding parts with the same reference numerals.

This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the external connector 35 is formed in a typical configuration and in that the locking element 37 driven by the external connector 35 is held within the second housing part 25 . This locking element 37 is bent into a crank-like shape and has an actuation region 37 a at its upper end and an engagement region 37 b at its lower end. A return spring 38 is wound around the substantially central area of the locking element 37 . Due to the elastic urging force of the spring 38, the operating portion 37 a protrudes from the inner bottom surface of the housing 30 b out of the direct connector 30 while the engaging portion 37 b is positioned in a recess groove 39 which is formed in the bottom portion 22 of the first housing part 21st A cover 40 is attached to the bottom surface of the inner cylindrical portion 27 of the second housing part 25 . The other design features of this embodiment are substantially similar to those of the sixth embodiment.

The eighth embodiment formed as described above operates as follows. Prior to installation of the rotary connector system in the steering apparatus of the engagement portion 37 b of the lock member held in the second housing part 25 has been positioned in the formed in the first housing part 21 recessed groove 39 37th When a torque is applied to the second housing part 25 , the front ends of the engagement region 37 b abut the side walls of the recess groove 39 , as a result of which a relative rotational movement between the first and the second housing parts 21 and 25 is prevented by the locking element 37 . For the installation of the rotary connector system in the steering device, the lower end of the external connector 35 is first inserted into the housing 30 b of the direct connector 30 in the manner shown in FIG. 11 (a). As shown in Fig. 11 (b), the external connector 35 is then lowered until the respective clip terminals (not shown) of the external connector 35 are then fully clamped onto the terminals 30 a of the direct connector 30 . At this time, the operating area 37 a of the locking element 37 is pressurized by the bottom surface of the external connector 35 , so that a movement of the locking element 37 downward against the spring force of the return spring 38 is made possible, which also causes the engagement area 37 b to move out of the Recess groove 39 is made possible inside the cover 40 . Thereafter, the locking state achieved by the locking element 37 between the two housing parts 21 and 25 is released , whereby a free rotational movement of the second housing part 25 in relation to the first housing part 21 is made possible.

The sixth, seventh and eighth exemplary embodiments have been explained above in such a way that the first housing part 21 is a stationary part, while the second housing part 25 is a rotatable part. However, this can also simply be reversed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, only the second housing part 25 is provided with a connector 30 of the direct coupling type, while the first housing part 21 is provided with a connector intended for this purpose, which is led to the outside of the first housing part 21 to the outside. However, both housing parts 21 and 25 can also each be provided with a connector of the direct coupling type.

In the above-described embodiments, although a pair of projections 34 are arranged on the outer cylindrical region 23 in the locking element 31 accordingly, a plurality of pairs of projections 34 can also be arranged along the circumference of the outer cylindrical region 23 . In the latter case, if it is necessary to disconnect the connector system from the steering device due to repair of the vehicle or the like, it is not essential that the steering wheel be placed in the rotation neutral position. That is, when the connector system is disconnected from the steering device, the locking member 31 is engaged with any one of the many pairs of protrusions 34 , thereby maintaining the locked state until the connector system is reinstalled in the steering device.

As is clear from the description above is recognizable, the present invention provides the following mentioned advantages.

The connector terminals each have a first one and a second contact area. The first Contact areas with the respective External connector connections in contact are brought by the second Contacting areas with the shorting bar be brought into contact, staggered. If in this construction the external connector in the connector provided for the connector system is used, only the short-circuit  Removal area of the external connector between the second contact areas and the Introduce short-circuit bar. This makes it possible Deflection extent of the short-circuit bar on Reduce minimum. Even if possibly Powder particles due to abrasion by the Sliding movement of the connectors of the external connector on the first contact areas of the Connector connections are generated, reach them Powder particles not the second Contacting areas, so that a short circuit fault can be avoided. So it can be an extreme reliable rotary connector system can be created.

During the manufacturing process of the rotary connector system there is also a free rotation of the two adapted to the rotational neutral position Housing parts through the locking element prevent. When installing the rotary connector system in a steering device is also the one for external device provided with external connector the direct connector of the slewing connector system connected, and at the same time the Locked state of the locking element by automatically disconnected the external connector. At this arrangement is due to the relative free Rotational movement between the two housing parts after installing the connector system in the external Device confirmation of reliable Connection between the external connector and the direct connector created. This will also a conventionally required process for Check the electrical connection between the Rotary connector system and the external device eliminated.  

The present invention thus creates an extreme reliable rotary connector system, one Short circuit function for a long period of time can maintain. It becomes a rotary connector system created a good assembly and Has operational behavior, so that an operation to check an electrical connection between the connector system and an external device can be dispensed with. Of those with the respective Conductors of a flexible cable connected Connector terminals are the front ends of a Pair of connector connections for the Connection of an airbag circuit can be used each formed forked into two areas. Of the one of the forked areas will be the first Contact area used with a External connector clip in contact brought while the other bifurcated area is used as the second contacting area, the is brought into contact with a shorting bar. In this training, the connector system is in the external device installed, it being Example is a steering device. If the external connector inserted in a rotary connector a short circuit cancellation area of the external connector in a contacting area between the second contacting areas of the Connector connections and the shorting bar used. This enables the Short circuit bar from the second Contact areas to thereby the Short circuit condition between the connector terminals repeal. The respective clip connections of the external Connector can be at first Contacting areas for connecting the Airbag circuit used connector connections as well  clamp on further connections to thereby create a electrical connection between the Connector connections and the clip connections to manufacture. A locking element is through a second housing part used as a rotatable element kept movable, and a pair of protrusions, one Recess for receiving an engagement area of the Form locking element are on a as used stationary part, first housing part arranged. This area of engagement is springy compliant in the recess between the Projections pressed to thereby create a relative Rotational movement between the first and the second Prevent housing part from being attached to the neutral Position have been adjusted. Furthermore is a Drive area for an external connector provided external device, and one by the Operating area to be actuated is the operating area provided for the locking element. For installation of the connector system into the steering device is then if the external connector is in the for the second Housing part provided direct connector used through the drive area of the external connector a sliding movement of the locking element of the locking position to the release position enables.

Claims (11)

1. Rotary connector system with a pair of housing parts ( 21 , 25 ) which are rotatably connected to one another, with a flexible cable ( 29 ) accommodated in the interior of the housing parts and with system connectors which are arranged at both ends of the cable and each have a number of connector connections which are to be connected to connections provided for an external connector, characterized in that at least one of the system connectors is provided with a shorting bar ( 7 ) to create a short circuit between the connector connections ( 5 ), that the connector connections each have a first contacting area ( 5 a ), which is brought into contact with the connections of the external connector ( 8 ), and a second contacting area ( 5 b), which is brought into contact with the short-circuit bar ( 7 ), that the first and the second contacting area ( 5 a , 5 b) are provided offset from each other, and that the short ussschiene ( 7 ) is separated from the connector connections ( 5 ) by a short circuit cancellation area ( 8 a) provided for the external connector when the system connector is connected to the external connector. 2. rotary connector system according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector connections ( 5 ) are each forked into two areas, which are used as first and second contacting areas ( 5 a, 5 b). 3. rotary connector system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and the second contacting areas ( 5 a, 5 b) in the direction of the width of each of the connections ( 5 ) are offset from one another. 4. rotary connector system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and second contacting areas ( 5 a, 5 b) are offset from one another in the direction of the length of each of the connections ( 5 ). 5. rotary connector system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is in the flexible cable ( 3 ) is a band-like element which is formed from a plurality of mutually parallel conductors covered by a pair of insulating layers ( 11 , 12 ) and that the connector terminals ( 5 ) are formed by the exposed conductors from which the insulating layers ( 11 , 12 ) have been removed. 6. A rotary connector system according to claim 5, characterized in that the conductors forming the connector connections ( 5 ) are held on one of the insulating layers ( 11 , 12 ) which has not been removed from the conductors. 7. rotary connector system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first or the second contacting areas ( 5 a, 5 b) of the connector connections forming conductors are each held on different insulating layers ( 11 , 12 ). 8. rotary connector system with a pair of housing parts which are relatively and rotatably connected to each other, and with a flexible cable ( 29 ) which is wound in an annular space formed between the housing parts, the two ends of the flexible cable each on the outside of the housing parts are guided electrically to the outside and are fixed to the latter, at least one of the regions of the cable leading to the outside being connectable by a direct connector ( 30 ) provided for one of the housing parts to an external connector ( 35 ) provided for an external device, thereby characterized in that a locking element ( 31 ) is provided between the housing parts ( 21 , 25 ) in such a way that a free rotational movement between them is prevented, and that the locking element ( 31 ) is provided with an actuating area ( 31 a) which is provided by the external Connector ( 35 ) can be actuated by drive, a Ver Locking state of the locking element ( 31 ) when connecting the external connector ( 35 ) with the direct connector ( 35 ) by the external connector ( 35 ) is canceled. 9. rotary connector system according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking element ( 31 ) on one of the housing parts ( 25 ) is movably held, and that a recess groove for receiving one end of the locking element ( 31 ) is arranged in the other housing part ( 23 ), wherein the locking element ( 31 ) is positioned such that it fits into the recess groove. 10. A rotary connector system according to claim 9, characterized in that the width of the recess groove in the circumferential direction of the housing part ( 21 ) is chosen to be larger than the width of the end of the locking element ( 31 ), and that a click projection ( 23 a) with the Locking element ( 31 ) can be brought into engagement and can be detached therefrom, in which recess groove is arranged. 11. Rotary connector system according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the actuating region ( 31 a) of the locking element ( 31 ) is arranged within the outer wall of the direct connector ( 30 ).