Cable connector assembly and rotary connector device using cable connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a cable connector assembly which prevents short-circuiting between first and second flat cables in simple structure, and a rotary connector device using a cable connector assembly.SOLUTION: A cable connector assembly comprises: a cable connector which includes first and second bus bars and a connector body having an electric insulation property and partially covering the first and second bus bars and in which the first and second bus bars include first and second connection parts which are exposed parts from the connector body, the first and second connection parts having first faces and second faces exposed in first and second directions of the connector body in the cable connector; and first and second flat cables in which first and second conductor exposure parts extend from first and second cable ends. In the cable connector assembly, the first conductor exposure part is electrically connected to the first face of the first connection part, and the second conductor exposure part is electrically connected to the second face of the first connection part or the second face of the second connection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable connector assembly for transmitting electrical signals, power, etc. between members, and a rotary connector using the cable connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Although a flat cable can carry a large current, it is a wide cable, and therefore, when a plurality of flat cables are used, the connecting portion for connecting the flat cables becomes large in size.

[0003] Therefore, in order to prevent the connection portion for connecting the flat cables from becoming too large, a cable connector assembly has been proposed in which the first flat cable and the second flat cable have one side of their longitudinal ends cut away in the width direction to expose the strip conductor in the remaining narrow portion, the strip conductor of the first flat cable and the strip conductor of the second flat cable are individually connected to a pair of connection terminals provided on an insulating base on the same plane, the first flat cable and the second flat cable are stacked one on top of the other in a positional relationship in which the narrow portion of one is placed in the cut portion of the other, and a folded end is formed adjacent to the cut portion of the lower flat cable, and this folded end is inserted into a slit portion provided in the insulating base (Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in the cable connector assembly of Patent Document 1, although the strip conductors of the first flat cable and the second flat cable connected to a pair of connecting terminals on the same plane are arranged so as not to overlap, an end face of the strip conductor of the first flat cable is exposed at the cut portion of the first flat cable, and an end face of the strip conductor of the second flat cable is exposed at the cut portion of the second flat cable. Therefore, in the structure of Patent Document 1 in which the first flat cable and the second flat cable are stacked one on top of the other with the narrow portion of one positioned in the cut portion of the other, for example, the strip conductor of the lower first flat cable and the end face of the strip conductor exposed at the cut portion of the upper second flat cable will overlap in the vertical direction via the insulating coating of the second flat cable.

[0005] In this way, when the strip conductors of the first flat cable and the second flat cable are connected to a pair of connecting terminals on the same plane, and the strip conductors of the first flat cable and the end faces of the strip conductors of the second flat cable exposed at the cut portion of the second flat cable overlap in the thickness direction of the flat cables, the end faces of the strip conductors of the first flat cable and the second flat cable are close to each other, and there is a possibility of a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable depending on the condition of the end faces of the strip conductors or the adhesion of water droplets, etc.

[0006] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly of Patent Document 1, in order to prevent a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable, it is necessary to provide a folded end on the first flat cable placed below and insert the folded end into a slit portion provided in the insulating base, which poses the problem of complicating the structure of the cable connector assembly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-219007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a cable connector assembly that has a simple structure, can easily ensure insulation between a first flat cable having a wide conductor and a second flat cable having a wide conductor, and can prevent short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable, and a rotary connector device using the cable connector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The gist of the configuration of the present invention is as follows. [1] A cable connector comprising: a first bus bar having electrical conductivity; a second bus bar having electrical conductivity different from the first bus bar; and a connector body having electrical insulation and partially covering the first bus bar and the second bus bar, wherein the first bus bar has a first connection portion that is an exposed portion of the first bus bar from the connector body, and the second bus bar has a second connection portion that is an exposed portion of the second bus bar from the connector body, and wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion have a first surface exposed in a first direction of the connector body and a second surface exposed in a second direction opposite to the first direction of the connector body; a first flat cable having a first exposed conductor portion extending from a first cable end; a second flat cable having a second exposed conductor portion extending from a second cable end; A cable connector assembly comprising: A cable connector assembly in which the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connection portion, and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the first connection portion or the second surface of the second connection portion. [2] A cable connector assembly as described in [1], wherein the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connection portion, and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the second connection portion. [3] A cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion. [4] The cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the first exposed conductor portion is a narrow portion formed to be narrow in the width direction of the first flat cable. [5] The cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the second exposed conductor portion is a narrow portion formed to be narrow in the width direction of the second flat cable. [6] The cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged in parallel. [7] The cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the connector body has a positioning portion for positioning the first cable end and the second cable end. [8] The first flat cable has a first insulating portion in which a first conductor is covered with a first insulating coating, and the first insulating portion extends from the first cable end in a direction away from the first conductor exposed portion, The cable connector assembly according to [1] or [2], wherein the second flat cable has a second insulating portion in which the second conductor is covered with a second insulating coating, and the second insulating portion extends from the second cable end in a direction away from the second conductor exposed portion. [9] A cable connector assembly according to [8], wherein the first insulating portion has an insulating portion overlapping portion where the first insulating portion overlaps the second insulating portion.

[10] A rotary connector device using the cable connector assembly described in [1] or [2]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the cable connector assembly includes a cable connector, in which the first and second connection portions of the cable connector have a first surface exposed in a first direction of the connector body and a second surface exposed in a second direction opposite the first direction of the connector body; a first flat cable having a first conductor exposed portion; and a second flat cable having a second conductor exposed portion, wherein the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connection portion and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the first connection portion or the second surface of the second connection portion, thereby making it easier to ensure insulation between the first flat cable and the second flat cable and preventing short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable. In particular, since the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connecting portion and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the first connecting portion or the second surface of the second connecting portion, the first surface to which the first conductor exposed portion is connected and the second surface to which the second conductor exposed portion is connected are not located on the same plane, thereby preventing a short circuit due to contact between the end of the first conductor exposed portion and the end of the second conductor exposed portion. Furthermore, according to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, preventing the first conductor exposed portion electrically connected to the first connecting portion and the second conductor exposed portion electrically connected to the second connecting portion from coming close to each other does not require a complex structure such as providing a folded end on the flat cable and inserting the folded end into a slit provided in the insulating base, thereby making it possible to prevent a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable with a simple structure.

[0011] According to one aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connecting portion and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the second connecting portion, which facilitates electrical connection of the first conductor exposed portion to the first connecting portion and the second conductor exposed portion to the second connecting portion, further facilitating insulation between the first flat cable and the second flat cable, and more reliably preventing short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable. Furthermore, the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connecting portion and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the second connecting portion, which allows the first flat cable, in which the first conductor exposed portion extends from the end of the first cable, to have a common shape, and the second flat cable, in which the second conductor exposed portion extends from the end of the second cable, to have a common shape, thereby reducing the number of parts in the flat cable.

[0012] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at a predetermined distance in the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion, thereby reliably preventing the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion from coming close to each other, thereby making it easier to ensure insulation between the first flat cable and the second flat cable and more reliably preventing short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0013] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the first conductor exposed portion is a narrow portion formed to be narrow in the width direction of the first flat cable, thereby making it possible to save space in the first connection portion, and ultimately making it possible to save space even in a cable connector assembly having multiple flat cables.

[0014] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the second conductor exposed portion is a narrow portion formed narrow in the width direction of the second flat cable, thereby making it possible to save space in the second connection portion, and ultimately making it possible to save space even in a cable connector assembly equipped with multiple flat cables.

[0015] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged in parallel, which simplifies the process of electrically connecting the first flat cable and the second flat cable to the cable connector.

[0016] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the connector body has a positioning portion for positioning the first cable end and the second cable end, thereby more reliably preventing a short circuit between the first cable end and the first surface of the second connection portion and between the second cable end and the second surface of the second connection portion or the second surface of the first connection portion.

[0017] According to an aspect of the cable connector assembly of the present invention, the first insulating portion has an insulating portion overlapping portion in which the first insulating portion overlaps the second insulating portion, thereby making it possible to save space even in a cable connector assembly equipped with multiple flat cables. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of a rotary connector device in which a cable connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view illustrating a mode in which a first flat cable and a second flat cable are electrically connected to a cable connector of a cable connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view illustrating an outline of a cable connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a bottom view illustrating an overview of a cable connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view illustrating an overview of a cable connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view illustrating a mode in which a first flat cable and a second flat cable are electrically connected to a cable connector of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an outline of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating an outline of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an outline of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Next, details of the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of a rotary connector device in which the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a mode in which a first flat cable and a second flat cable are electrically connected to the cable connector of the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an outline of the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating an outline of the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an outline of the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] A cable connector assembly of the present invention (e.g., cable connector assembly 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention) is used, for example, for a rotary connector device. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable connector assembly 1 is attached to a connector assembly attachment portion 111 of a rotary connector device 100. Therefore, the rotary connector device 100 uses the cable connector assembly 1. Note that the cable connector assembly 1 is not limited to use for a rotary connector device, and may be attached to other connector devices as long as the connector device is one to which a flat cable is electrically connected.

[0021] The rotary connector device 100 includes a rotator (rotating body) 110 and a stator (fixed body) 120. The stator (fixed body) 120 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body. The rotator (rotating body) 110 is configured to be connected to a steering wheel. The rotator (rotating body) 110 and the stator (fixed body) 120 are combined to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0022] The rotator 110 and the stator 120 are combined to form an annular space (not shown) inside. A wide flat cable (not shown) is wound and housed in the annular space. The flat cable is a cable made up of multiple transmission lines, such as a transmission line for transmitting electrical signals, a transmission line for transmitting optical signals, and a transmission line for transmitting power, etc. The flat cable transmits electrical signals, optical signals, power, etc. between the rotator 110 and the stator 120.

[0023] 1, the cable connector assembly 1 is attached to a connector assembly mounting portion 111 provided on a rotator 110. One end of the flat cable is electrically connected to a cable connector 10 of the cable connector assembly 1 attached to the rotator 110. The other end of the flat cable is electrically connected to a cable connector (not shown) attached to a stator 120.

[0024] The flat cable is wound along the outer cylindrical portion 122 of the stator 120 and the inner cylindrical portion 112 of the rotator 110 so that the electrical connection between the cable connectors is not broken even when the rotator 110 rotates relative to the stator 120.

[0025] For ease of explanation, the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the flat cable in the cable connector assembly 1 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 will be referred to as the first direction (D1 direction). The D1 direction is the up-down direction. The downward direction is referred to as the -D1 direction, and the upward direction is referred to as the +D1 direction. The second direction (D2 direction), which is one of the directions perpendicular to the D1 direction of the cable connector assembly 1, is referred to as the short direction (width direction). The D2 direction is also the left-right direction of the flat cable. The left direction is referred to as the -D2 direction, and the right direction is referred to as the +D2 direction. Furthermore, the third direction (D3 direction), which is the other of the directions perpendicular to the D1 direction of the cable connector assembly 1, is referred to as the thickness direction. The D3 direction is also the front-to-rear direction of the flat cable. The rear direction is referred to as the -D3 direction, and the front direction is referred to as the +D3 direction.

[0026] 2, the cable connector assembly 1 includes a cable connector 10. The cable connector 10 includes a first bus bar 11, a second bus bar 12 that is different from the first bus bar 11, and a connector body 20 that partially covers the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12.

[0027] First bus bar 11 contains a conductive material and has electrical conductivity. Second bus bar 12 contains a conductive material and has electrical conductivity. Connector body 20 contains an electrically insulating material and has electrical insulation properties.

[0028] In the cable connector assembly 1, the first bus bar 11 electrically connects the cable connector 10 to the component C among the components A, B, C, and D. The second bus bar 11 electrically connects the cable connector 10 to the component B among the components A, B, C, and D. In the cable connector assembly 1, the component A is electrically connected to the cable connector 10 via another bus bar 201, and the component D is electrically connected to the cable connector 10 via another bus bar 202.

[0029] The first bus bar 11 is partially exposed from the connector body 20. The portion of the first bus bar 11 that is partially exposed from the connector body 20 serves as a first connection portion 13. The first bus bar 11 has the first connection portion 13, which is the exposed portion of the first bus bar 11 from the connector body 20.

[0030] The second bus bar 12 is partially exposed from the connector body 20. The portion of the second bus bar 12 that is partially exposed from the connector body 20 serves as a second connection portion 14. The second bus bar 12 has the second connection portion 14, which is the exposed portion of the second bus bar 12 from the connector body 20.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the cable connector 10, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 have a first surface 21 exposed in the +D3 direction, which is a first direction of the connector main body 20. The first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 also have a second surface 22 exposed in the −D3 direction, which is a second direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., the +D3 direction) of the connector main body 20. As described above, the first connection portion 13 has the first surface 21, which is a front surface exposed in the first direction (i.e., the +D3 direction), and the second surface, which is a back surface exposed in the second direction (i.e., the −D3 direction). The second connection portion 14 has the first surface 21, which is a front surface exposed in the first direction (i.e., the +D3 direction), and the second surface, which is a back surface exposed in the second direction (i.e., the −D3 direction).

[0032] The first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the D2 direction (i.e., the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion described below). The first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged in parallel. The first connection portion 13 is located in the +D2 direction, and the second connection portion 14 is located in the -D2 direction.

[0033] First bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12 are embedded in connector body 20 by, for example, insert molding in a state in which they are partially exposed from connector body 20. The method for embedding first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12 in connector body 20 is not particularly limited, and they may be embedded in connector body 20 by a method other than insert molding.

[0034] 2 to 5, the cable connector assembly 1 includes a first flat cable 31 and a second flat cable 41. The first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41 are electrically connected to the cable connector .

[0035] The first flat cable 31 is flexible and has a flat shape. In the first flat cable 31, a first conductor 34 made of a conductive material is covered with a first insulating coating 35 made of an electrically insulating material. The first flat cable 31 also has a first cable end 33, which is one end in the +D1 direction of the D1 direction. In the first cable end 33, the first conductor 34 is covered with the first insulating coating 35.

[0036] The first flat cable 31 has a first conductor exposed portion 32. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is a portion of the first conductor 34 that is not covered with the first insulating coating 35, i.e., an exposed portion of the first conductor 34. The first conductor exposed portion 32 extends in the +D1 direction from the first cable end 33. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is one end of the first conductor 34 in the +D1 direction in the D1 direction. As described above, the first insulating coating 35 extends in the +D1 direction to the first cable end 33, but does not extend to the first conductor exposed portion 32. Therefore, the dimension of the first conductor exposed portion 32 in the D3 direction is smaller than the dimension of the first cable end 33 in the D3 direction.

[0037] The first conductor exposed portion 32 is formed by not forming the first insulating coating 35 on the first conductor 34.

[0038] The first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13 of the first bus bar 11. As described above, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 that forms the surface of the first connection portion 13. The first conductor exposed portion 32 extends from the first cable end portion 33 to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13 along the +D1 direction. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13, thereby electrically connecting the first flat cable 31 to the cable connector 10. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13 by, for example, resistance welding. Note that the method by which the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13 is not particularly limited, and a connection method other than resistance welding may be used.

[0039] The second flat cable 41 is flexible and has a flat shape. In the second flat cable 41, a second conductor 44 made of a conductive material is covered with a second insulating coating 45 made of an electrically insulating material. The second flat cable 41 also has a second cable end 43, which is one end in the +D1 direction of the D1 direction. In the second cable end 43, the second conductor 44 is covered with the second insulating coating 45.

[0040] The second flat cable 41 has a second conductor exposed portion 42. The second conductor exposed portion 42 is a portion of the second conductor 44 that is not covered with the second insulating coating 45, i.e., an exposed portion of the second conductor 44. The second conductor exposed portion 42 extends in the +D1 direction from the second cable end 43. The second conductor exposed portion 42 is one end of the second conductor 34 in the +D1 direction among the D1 directions. As described above, the second insulating coating 45 extends in the +D1 direction to the second cable end 43, but does not extend to the second conductor exposed portion 42. Therefore, the dimension of the second conductor exposed portion 42 in the D3 direction is smaller than the dimension of the second cable end 43 in the D3 direction.

[0041] The second conductor exposed portion 42 is formed by not forming the second insulating coating 45 on the second conductor 44 .

[0042] The second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14 of the second bus bar 12. As described above, the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 that forms the back surface of the second connection portion 14. The second conductor exposed portion 42 extends from the second cable end portion 43 to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14 along the +D1 direction. The second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14, thereby electrically connecting the second flat cable 41 to the cable connector 10. The second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14 by, for example, resistance welding. Note that the method by which the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14 is not particularly limited, and a connection method other than resistance welding may be used.

[0043] From the above, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 of the first flat cable 31 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 of the second flat cable 41 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14.

[0044] 2 to 4, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the direction D2, which is the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42. The first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14 are also arranged in parallel. Specifically, the first surface 21 of the first connecting portion 13 and the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14 are arranged in parallel on approximately the same plane along the direction D2, and the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 and the second surface 22 of the second connecting portion 14 are also arranged in parallel on approximately the same plane along the direction D2. From the above, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is arranged in parallel with the second conductor exposed portion 42 at a predetermined interval along the direction D2, which is the width direction of the first flat cable 31. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is located in the +D2 direction, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is located in the -D2 direction.

[0045] 2 to 4, the first cable end 33 is located in the -D1 direction relative to the second connection portion 14, and the second cable end 43 is located in the -D1 direction relative to the first connection portion 13. The first cable end 33 and the second cable end 43 are located at approximately the same position in the D1 direction. The first cable end 33 and the second cable end 43 are located on approximately the same straight line in the D2 direction.

[0046] 5, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are not arranged on approximately the same plane along the D2 direction. The first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are arranged at a predetermined interval along the D3 direction, which is the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are arranged along the D3 direction at an interval equal to the thickness t of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is located in the +D3 direction, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is located in the -D3 direction.

[0047] 5, the first cable end 33 and the second cable end 43 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The first cable end 33 and the second cable end 43 are arranged in the direction D3 at a distance equal to the thickness t of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The first cable end 33 is located in the +D3 direction, and the second cable end 43 is located in the -D3 direction.

[0048] In the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is a narrow portion where the first conductor 34 is narrowed along the direction D2, which is the width direction of the first flat cable 31. As described above, the dimension of the first conductor exposed portion 32 in the D2 direction is smaller than the dimension of the first flat cable 31 in the D2 direction and the dimension of the first cable end portion 33 in the D2 direction.

[0049] 2 and 3, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is a narrow portion in which there is no portion in the -D2 direction of the first conductor 34 in the D2 direction, for example, where the portion in the -D2 direction has been removed. As described above, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is formed in the D2 direction of the first flat cable 31 from the center portion to the portion in the +D2 direction, but is not formed in the portion from the center portion to the portion in the -D2 direction.

[0050] In the cable connector assembly 1, the second conductor exposed portion 42 is a narrow portion where the second conductor 44 is narrowed along the direction D2, which is the width direction of the second flat cable 41. As described above, the dimension of the second conductor exposed portion 42 in the D2 direction is smaller than the dimension of the second flat cable 41 in the D2 direction and the dimension of the second cable end portion 43 in the D2 direction.

[0051] 2 and 4, the second conductor exposed portion 42 is a narrow portion in which there is no portion in the +D2 direction of the second conductor 44 in the D2 direction, for example, where the portion in the +D2 direction has been removed. As described above, the second conductor exposed portion 42 is formed in the D2 direction of the second flat cable 41 from the center to the portion in the -D2 direction, but is not formed in the portion from the center to the portion in the +D2 direction.

[0052] The second conductor exposed portion 42 is disposed in a portion of the first conductor 34 that does not have a portion in the -D2 direction, for example, a portion corresponding to a cut portion where the portion in the -D2 direction has been cut away. The first conductor exposed portion 32 is disposed in a portion of the second conductor 44 that does not have a portion in the +D2 direction, for example, a portion corresponding to a cut portion where the portion in the +D2 direction has been cut away.

[0053] 2, 3, and 5, the first flat cable 31 has a first insulating portion 36 in which the first conductor 34 is covered with a first insulating covering 35. In the cable connector 10, the first insulating portion 36 extends from the first cable end 33 in the direction D1 away from the first exposed conductor portion 32. Specifically, in the cable connector 10, the first insulating portion 36 extends from the first cable end 33 toward the other end of the first flat cable 31 in the -D1 direction.

[0054] 2, 4, and 5, the second flat cable 41 has a second insulating portion 46 in which the second conductor 44 is covered with a second insulating covering 45. In the cable connector 10, the second insulating portion 46 extends from the second cable end 43 in the direction D1 away from the second exposed conductor portion 42. Specifically, in the cable connector 10, the second insulating portion 46 extends from the second cable end 43 toward the other end of the second flat cable 41 in the -D1 direction.

[0055] As described above, the cable connector assembly 1 has an insulating overlapping portion in which the first insulating portion 36 overlaps the second insulating portion 46 along the D3 direction. Furthermore, the shape of the first flat cable 31 in which the first exposed conductor portion 32 extends from the first cable end portion 33 and the shape of the second flat cable 41 in which the second exposed conductor portion 42 extends from the second cable end portion 43 are the same.

[0056] The other end of the first flat cable 31 is electrically connected to a cable connector (not shown) attached to the stator 120. The first conductor exposed portion formed at the other end of the first flat cable 31 may be a narrow portion in which the first conductor is narrowed along direction D2, which is the width direction of the first flat cable 31, or may be a first conductor exposed portion in which the first conductor is not narrowed along direction D2.

[0057] The other end of the second flat cable 41 is electrically connected to a cable connector (not shown) attached to the stator 120. The second conductor exposed portion formed at the other end of the second flat cable 41 may be a narrow portion in which the second conductor is narrowed along direction D2, which is the width direction of the second flat cable 41, or may be a second conductor exposed portion in which the second conductor is not narrowed along direction D2.

[0058] In the cable connector assembly 1, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 of the cable connector 10 have a first surface 21 exposed in the +D3 direction, which is a first direction of the connector body 20, and a second surface 22 exposed in the −D3 direction, which is a second direction opposite to the first direction of the connector body 20, and the first conductor exposed portion 32 of the first flat cable 31 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 of the second flat cable 41 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14. Therefore, the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the D3 direction, which is the thickness direction of the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14. As described above, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 electrically connected to the first connection portion 13 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 electrically connected to the second connection portion 14 can be prevented from coming into close proximity. Therefore, in the cable connector assembly 1, insulation between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41 can be easily ensured, and short circuits can be prevented between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41. Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connecting portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connecting portion 14. Therefore, the first surface 21 to which the first conductor exposed portion 32 is connected and the second surface 22 to which the second conductor exposed portion 42 is connected are not located on the same plane, and therefore short circuits caused by contact between the end of the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the end of the second conductor exposed portion 42 can be prevented. Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, in order to prevent the first conductor exposed portion 32 electrically connected to the first connection portion 13 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 electrically connected to the second connection portion 14 from coming close to each other, a complex structure such as providing a folded end on the flat cable, providing a slit portion in the connector body, which is an insulating base, and inserting the folded end into the slit portion is not required, so a short circuit between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41 can be prevented with a simple structure.

[0059] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14, thereby facilitating the electrical connection of the first conductor exposed portion 32 to the first connection portion 13 and the electrical connection of the second conductor exposed portion 42 to the second connection portion 14.

[0060] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connecting portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connecting portion 14. Therefore, the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14, and are also arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction D2, which is the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42. From the above, it is possible to further easily ensure insulation between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41, and to more reliably prevent short circuits between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41. Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connection portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14. Therefore, the shape of the first flat cable 31 in which the first conductor exposed portion 32 extends from the first cable end 33 and the shape of the second flat cable 41 in which the second conductor exposed portion 42 extends from the second cable end 43 can be made common, thereby reducing the number of parts in the flat cable.

[0061] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction D2, which is the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42, thereby reliably preventing the first conductor exposed portion 32, which is electrically connected to the first connection portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42, which is electrically connected to the second connection portion 14, from coming close to each other. This makes it even easier to ensure insulation between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41, and more reliably prevents short circuits between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41.

[0062] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first conductor exposed portion 32 is a narrow portion formed narrow in the width direction of the first flat cable 31, so the first connection portion 13 can be made space-saving, and ultimately, even a cable connector assembly 1 having multiple flat cables (the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41) can be made space-saving.

[0063] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, the second conductor exposed portion 42 is a narrow portion formed narrow in the width direction of the second flat cable 41, so the second connection portion 14 can be made space-saving, and ultimately, even a cable connector assembly 1 having multiple flat cables (the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41) can be made space-saving.

[0064] In addition, in the cable connector assembly 1, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged in parallel, which simplifies the work of electrically connecting the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41 to the cable connector 10.

[0065] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 1, since the first insulating portion 36 has an insulating portion overlapping portion where the first insulating portion 36 overlaps the second insulating portion 46, space can be saved even in a cable connector assembly 1 that has multiple flat cables (first flat cable 31 and second flat cable 41).

[0066] Next, details of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The cable connector assembly according to the second embodiment shares major components with the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment, and therefore the same components as those in the cable connector assembly according to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a mode in which a first flat cable and a second flat cable are electrically connected to cable connectors in a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating an overview of the cable connector assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating an overview of the cable connector assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating an overview of the cable connector assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 6 to 9, in the cable connector assembly 2 according to the second embodiment, the connector main body 20 further has a positioning portion 50 for positioning the first cable end portion 33 and the second cable end portion 43. In the cable connector assembly 2, the positioning portion 50 is a pin-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the connector main body 20 in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14.

[0068] 6, 7, and 9, in the cable connector assembly 2, protrusions serving as positioning portions 50 are provided on the first surface 21 sides of the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14, protruding in the +D3 direction, which is the first direction, of the connector main body 20. One protrusion serving as the positioning portion 50 is provided near each end of the connector main body 20 along the D2 direction. Specifically, one positioning portion 50 is provided near the first connection portion 13 at the end of the connector main body 20 in the +D2 direction, and one positioning portion 50 is provided near the second connection portion 14 at the end of the connector main body 20 in the -D2 direction.

[0069] In the first flat cable 31, a through hole 51 is provided in the first insulating portion 36 near the first cable end 33, and another through hole 51 is provided near the first conductor exposed portion 32. The through holes 51 are provided along the D2 direction, one near each end of the first insulating portion 36. Specifically, one through hole 51 is provided near the first conductor exposed portion 32 at the end of the first insulating portion 36 in the +D2 direction, and one through hole 51 is provided near the first cable end 33 at the end of the first insulating portion 36 in the −D2 direction.

[0070] The through hole 51 has a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the protrusion that is the positioning portion 50, and the protrusion that is the positioning portion 50 is inserted into the through hole 51, so that the positioning portion 50 can fit into the through hole 51. Furthermore, the positioning portion 50 is provided at a predetermined position in the connector body 20, and the through hole 51 is provided at a predetermined position in the first insulating portion 36, so that the first cable end portion 33 is positioned opposite the first surface 21 of the second connection portion 14 at a predetermined interval in the D1 direction.

[0071] As described above, when the first exposed conductor portion 32 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connecting portion 13, the positioning portion 50 is fitted into the through hole 51, so that the first cable end portion 33 is positioned opposite the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14 at a predetermined distance in the D1 direction. As a result, in the cable connector assembly 2, the first cable end portion 33 can be prevented from coming close to the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14.

[0072] 8 and 9, in the cable connector assembly 2, protrusions serving as positioning portions 50 that protrude in the −D3 direction, which is the second direction of the connector main body 20, are provided on the second surface 22 sides of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The protrusions serving as positioning portions 50 on the second surface 22 side are provided along the D2 direction, one on each side near both ends of the connector main body 20. Specifically, one positioning portion 50 is provided near the first connecting portion 13 at the end of the connector main body 20 in the +D2 direction, and one positioning portion 50 is provided near the second connecting portion 14 at the end of the connector main body 20 in the −D2 direction.

[0073] In the second flat cable 41, a through hole 51 is provided in the second insulating portion 46 near the second cable end 43, and another through hole 51 is provided near the second conductor exposed portion 42. One through hole 51 is provided near each end of the second insulating portion 46 along the D2 direction. Specifically, one through hole 51 is provided near the second conductor exposed portion 42 at the end of the second insulating portion 46 in the -D2 direction, and one through hole 51 is provided near the second cable end 43 at the end of the second insulating portion 46 in the +D2 direction.

[0074] The through hole 51 has a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the protrusion that is the positioning portion 50, and the protrusion that is the positioning portion 50 is inserted into the through hole 51, so that the positioning portion 50 can fit into the through hole 51. Furthermore, the positioning portion 50 is provided at a predetermined position in the connector body 20, and the through hole 51 is provided at a predetermined position in the second insulating portion 46 so that the second cable end portion 43 is positioned opposite the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 at a predetermined interval in the D1 direction.

[0075] As described above, when the second exposed conductor portion 42 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connecting portion 14, the positioning portion 50 is fitted into the through hole 51, so that the second cable end portion 43 is positioned opposite the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 at a predetermined distance in the D1 direction. As a result, in the cable connector assembly 2, the second cable end portion 43 can be prevented from coming close to the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13.

[0076] In some cases, the tip of the first conductor 34 is exposed at the tip of the first cable end 33, and the tip of the second conductor 44 is exposed at the tip of the second cable end 43. However, in the cable connector assembly 2, the connector body 20 has a positioning portion 50 for positioning the first cable end 33 and the second cable end 43, so that short circuits between the first cable end 33 and the first surface 21 of the second connection portion 14 and between the second cable end 43 and the second surface 22 of the first connection portion 13 can be more reliably prevented.

[0077] Next, other embodiments of the cable connector assembly of the present invention will be described. In the cable connector assemblies 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments, the second conductor exposed portion 42 was electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the second connection portion 14. However, instead, the second conductor exposed portion 42 may be electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the first connection portion 13. In other words, the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 may be connected to the connection portion of the same bus bar.

[0078] The first conductor exposed portion 32 of the first flat cable 31 is electrically connected to the first surface 21 of the first connecting portion 13, and the second conductor exposed portion 42 of the second flat cable 41 is electrically connected to the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13. As a result, the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 13. As described above, the cable connector assemblies of the other embodiments can also prevent the first conductor exposed portion 32 and the second conductor exposed portion 42, which are electrically connected to the first connecting portion 13, from coming close to each other. Therefore, the cable connector assemblies of the above other embodiments can also easily ensure insulation between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41, and prevent short circuits between the first flat cable 31 and the second flat cable 41.

[0079] Furthermore, in the cable connector assembly 2 according to the second embodiment described above, the positioning portion 50 was a pin-shaped protrusion that protruded from the connector body 20 in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14. However, instead of this, the positioning portion 50 may be a stopper provided at a predetermined position on the connector body 20, against which the tip of the first cable end 33, where the tip of the first conductor 34 is exposed, abuts, and a stopper against which the tip of the second cable end 43, where the tip of the second conductor 44 is exposed, abuts.

[0080] The stopper is a protrusion that protrudes from the connector body 20 in the direction D3, which is the thickness direction of the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14. The stopper is, for example, a substantially rectangular portion that extends in the direction D2.

[0081] The stopper against which the tip of the first cable end 33 abuts is a portion that protrudes in the +D3 direction, which is the first direction of the connector main body 20, on the first surface 21 side of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The stopper against which the tip of the first cable end 33 abuts is provided in the connector main body 20 at a position facing the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14 in the D1 direction, so that the first cable end 33 is positioned opposite the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14 with a predetermined distance in the D1 direction.

[0082] The stopper against which the tip of the second cable end 43 abuts is a portion that protrudes in the −D3 direction, which is the second direction of the connector main body 20, on the second surface 22 side of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14. The stopper against which the tip of the second cable end 43 abuts is provided in the connector main body 20 at a position facing the first surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 in the D1 direction, so that the second cable end 43 is positioned opposite the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 with a predetermined distance in the D1 direction.

[0083] Even in the cable connector assembly of the other embodiment in which the positioning portion 50 is a stopper, the first cable end portion 33 can be prevented from coming close to the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14, and the second cable end portion 43 can be prevented from coming close to the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13. Therefore, short circuits between the first cable end portion 33 and the first surface 21 of the second connecting portion 14 and between the second cable end portion 43 and the second surface 22 of the first connecting portion 13 can be more reliably prevented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1, 2 Cable connector assembly 10 Cable Connector 11 First bus bar 12 Second bus bar 13 First connection part 14 Second connection part 20 Connector body 21 Page 1 22 Side 2 31 First flat cable 32 First exposed conductor 33 First cable end 41 Second flat cable 42 Second exposed conductor 43 Second cable end 50 Positioning part 100 Rotating connector device

Claims

1. a cable connector comprising: a first bus bar having electrical conductivity; a second bus bar having electrical conductivity different from the first bus bar; and a connector body having electrical insulation and partially covering the first bus bar and the second bus bar, wherein the first bus bar has a first connection portion that is an exposed portion of the first bus bar from the connector body, and the second bus bar has a second connection portion that is an exposed portion of the second bus bar from the connector body, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion have a first surface exposed in a first direction of the connector body and a second surface exposed in a second direction of the connector body opposite to the first direction; a first flat cable having a first exposed conductor portion extending from a first cable end; a second flat cable having a second exposed conductor portion extending from a second cable end; A cable connector assembly comprising: A cable connector assembly in which the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connection portion, and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the first connection portion or the second surface of the second connection portion.

2. 2. The cable connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the first surface of the first connection portion, and the second conductor exposed portion is electrically connected to the second surface of the second connection portion.

3. 3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion.

4. 3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first exposed conductor portion is a narrow portion formed to be narrow in the width direction of the first flat cable.

5. 3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second exposed conductor portion is a narrow portion formed to be narrow in the width direction of the second flat cable.

6. 3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged in parallel.

7. 3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector body has positioning portions for positioning the first cable end and the second cable end.

8. the first flat cable has a first insulating portion in which a first conductor is covered with a first insulating coating, and the first insulating portion extends from the first cable end in a direction away from the first conductor exposed portion, 3. A cable connector assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second flat cable has a second insulating portion in which the second conductor is covered with a second insulating coating, and the second insulating portion extends from the second cable end in a direction away from the second conductor exposed portion.

9. 9. The cable connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first insulating portion has an insulating portion overlapping portion overlapping the second insulating portion.

10. 3. A rotary connector device using the cable connector assembly according to claim 1.

Images