Flat cable connector and rotary connector device

Abstract

A flat cable connector (33) is provided with a connector body (61), a first bus bar (62), and an electrical element (68). The connector body (61) includes an electrically insulating material. The first bus bar (62) includes a conductive material and is partially disposed in the connector body (61). The electrical element (68) is electrically connected to the first bus bar (62). The first bus bar (62) includes a first connection pin (62C) that can contact a terminal of an electrical connector (C11). The first connection pin (62C) protrudes from the connector body (61) in a first direction (D1). The electrical element (68) has a first length (ML1) defined in the first direction (D1) and a second length (ML2) defined as the maximum length of the electrical element (68) when viewed from the first direction (D1). The first length (ML1) is shorter than the second length (ML2).

Description

Flat cable connector and rotating connector device

[0001] The technology disclosed in this application relates to a flat cable connector and a rotary connector device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-191437 describes a lead block (11) equipped with a circuit protection component (28).

[0003] JP 2013-191437 A

[0004] The lead block (11) includes connection terminals (30, 30a) protruding from an insulating base (31). Depending on the structure of the vehicle body to which the rotary connector is attached, it may be preferable for the dimension of the lead block (11) to be small in a particular direction. For example, there may be cases where it is preferable for the dimension of the lead block (11) to be small in the protruding direction of the connection terminals (30, 30a).

[0005] However, when one considers the arrangement of the circuit protection component (28), it is difficult to reduce the dimension of the lead block (11) in the protruding direction.

[0006] The object of the technology disclosed in this application is to reduce the dimensions in a specific direction of a flat cable connector including an electric element.

[0007] Another object of the technology disclosed in this application is to reduce the dimensions in a specific direction of a rotary connector device that includes a flat cable connector containing an electrical element.

[0008] According to a first aspect, a flat cable connector includes a connector body, a first bus bar, and an electrical element. The connector body includes an electrically insulating material. The first bus bar includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body. The electrical element is electrically connected to the first bus bar. The first bus bar includes first connection pins that are contactable with terminals of the electrical connector. The first connection pins protrude from the connector body in a first direction. The electrical element has a first length defined in the first direction and a second length defined as the maximum length of the electrical element when viewed from the first direction. The first length is shorter than the second length.

[0009] In the flat cable connector according to the first feature, the first length defined in the first direction is shorter than the second length defined as the maximum length of the electrical element when viewed from the first direction, so that the dimension of the flat cable connector in the first direction can be reduced, thereby reducing the dimension of the flat cable connector including the electrical element in the first direction.

[0010] According to a second feature, the flat cable connector according to the first feature further includes a second bus bar. The second bus bar includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body. The first bus bar includes a first exposed portion including a first exposed surface facing a first direction. The second bus bar includes a second exposed portion including a second exposed surface facing the first direction. The first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The connector body includes a first connector body including a first opening and a second connector body protruding from the first connector body in the first direction. The first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are exposed from the first connector body through the first opening to be electrically connected to the flat cable. The first connection pins protrude from the second connector body in the first direction. The second bus bar includes second connection pins capable of contacting terminals of the electrical connector. The second connection pins protrude from the second connector body in the first direction.

[0011] In the flat cable connector according to the second feature, the number of lines can be increased by the second bus bar, improving the convenience of the flat cable connector.

[0012] According to a third feature, in the flat cable connector according to the second feature, the electrical element has a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In the flat cable connector according to the third aspect, the dimension of the flat cable connector in the first direction can be reliably reduced, and therefore the dimension of the flat cable connector including the electric element in the first direction can be reduced.

[0014] According to a fourth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the second or third feature, the electrical element has a longitudinal direction that is inclined with respect to the second direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0015] In the flat cable connector according to the fourth aspect, the first exposed portion, the second exposed portion, and the electrical element can be efficiently arranged, thereby making it possible to provide a flat cable connector that can reduce the dimension in the first direction in which the connection pins protrude and can also reduce the dimensions in directions other than the first direction.

[0016] According to a fifth feature, in the flat cable connector according to any one of the second to fourth features, the first connection pins and the second connection pins are arranged side by side in a third direction, and the second direction is inclined with respect to the third direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0017] In the flat cable connector according to the fifth aspect, the first connection pins, the second connection pins, and the electrical elements can be arranged efficiently, thereby reducing the dimension in the first direction in which the connection pins protrude and reducing the dimensions in directions other than the first direction.

[0018] According to a sixth feature, in the flat cable connector according to any one of the second to fifth features, the first and second connection pins are arranged side by side in a third direction, and the electrical element has a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the third direction when viewed from the first direction.

[0019] In the flat cable connector according to the sixth aspect, the first connection pins, the second connection pins, and the electrical elements can be arranged reliably and efficiently, thereby making it possible to provide a flat cable connector that can reduce the dimension in the first direction in which the connection pins protrude and can also reduce the dimensions in directions other than the first direction.

[0020] According to a seventh feature, in the flat cable connector according to any one of the second to sixth features, the first bus bar includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. The first conductive portion includes a first exposed portion. The second conductive portion is spaced apart from the first conductive portion and includes a first connection pin. The electrical element couples the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

[0021] In the flat cable connector according to the seventh feature, an electric element can be provided on the path provided between the first exposed portion and the first connection pin, and the electric element can be used effectively.

[0022] According to an eighth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the seventh feature, the electrical element has a longitudinal direction. The electrical element includes an element body, a first lead wire, and a second lead wire. The first lead wire protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the element body. The second lead wire protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the element body. The element body is disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion. The first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first conductive portion. The second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second conductive portion.

[0023] In the flat cable connector according to the eighth feature, the first lead wire and the second lead wire can connect the electric element to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

[0024] According to a ninth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the eighth feature, the first conductive portion includes a first mounting surface facing a first direction. A first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first mounting surface. The second conductive portion includes a second mounting surface facing the first direction. A second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second mounting surface.

[0025] In the flat cable connector according to the ninth feature, the electric element can be connected to the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by the first lead wire, the second lead wire, the first mounting surface, and the second mounting surface.

[0026] According to a tenth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the ninth feature, the first conductive portion includes a first plate including a first mounting surface. A first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first plate. The second conductive portion includes a second plate including a second mounting surface. A second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second plate.

[0027] In the flat cable connector according to the tenth feature, the dimension of the flat cable connector in the first direction can be reliably reduced.

[0028] According to an eleventh feature, in the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to tenth features, the connector body includes a positioning portion coupled to the connector body so as to be able to contact an electrical element.

[0029] In the flat cable connector according to the eleventh feature, when connecting an electrical element to the first bus bar, the positioning portion makes it easy to determine the position of the electrical element relative to the first bus bar.

[0030] According to a twelfth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the eleventh feature, the positioning portion includes a recess, and the electrical element is at least partially disposed within the recess.

[0031] In the flat cable connector according to the twelfth feature, the dimension of the flat cable connector in the first direction can be reduced, and the positioning portion makes it easier to determine the position of the electrical element relative to the first bus bar.

[0032] According to a thirteenth feature, in the flat cable connector according to the twelfth feature, the positioning portion includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface faces the electrical element, the second surface faces the electrical element, and the first surface and the second surface at least partially form a recess.

[0033] In the flat cable connector according to the thirteenth feature, when connecting an electrical element to the first bus bar, the first and second surfaces make it easy to determine the position of the electrical element relative to the first bus bar.

[0034] According to a fourteenth feature, a rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator, and a stator-side connector. The rotator is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The stator-side connector is provided on the stator. The stator-side connector includes a connector housing attached to the stator and the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fourteenth features. The first direction is defined along the rotation axis.

[0035] In the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, the stator-side connector includes the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, so that the dimension of the rotary connector device in the first direction defined along the rotation axis can be reduced. Therefore, the dimension of the rotary connector device in the first direction, which includes the flat cable connector including the electric element, can be reduced.

[0036] According to a fifteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, the connector housing includes a connector accommodating space, the stator includes an opening spaced apart from the connector accommodating space, the first connection pin is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space, and the first bus bar is partially exposed from the stator through the opening.

[0037] In the rotary connector device according to the fifteenth feature, when testing the continuity of the flat cable and the flat cable connector, the terminals of the testing device are pressed against the first bus bar through the opening, making it relatively easy to test whether the electric wires of the flat cable are connected to the first bus bar.

[0038] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to reduce the dimension in the first direction of a flat cable connector including an electrical element.

[0039] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to reduce the dimension in the first direction of a rotary connector device that includes a flat cable connector that includes an electrical element.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a side view of the rotary connector device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partial bottom view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a flat cable connector of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the flat cable connector of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable connector taken along line V-V in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the flat cable connector of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged bottom view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable connector taken along line X-X in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another flat cable connector of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the flat cable connector shown in FIG. 6 and the flat cable shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a flat cable connector according to a first modified example. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a flat cable connector according to the first modified example. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a flat cable connector according to a second modified example.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotary connector device 2 is electrically connected to a first electronic control unit 4 and a second electronic control unit 6. The first electronic control unit 4 is mounted on a vehicle body 7. The second electronic control unit 6 is mounted on a steering wheel 8 that is rotatable relative to the vehicle body 7. The second electronic control unit 6 is electrically connected to the first electronic control unit 4 via the rotary connector device 2. For example, electricity is supplied from the first electronic control unit 4 to the second electronic control unit 6 via the rotary connector device 2. Information is transmitted between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6 via the rotary connector device 2. In other words, a power supply line and a transmission path are provided between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6. The rotary connector device 2 is configured to maintain an electrical connection between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6 while allowing the steering wheel 8 to rotate relative to the vehicle body 7.

[0043] The rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The rotator 20 is rotatable about a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The stator 10 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body 7. The rotator 20 is configured to be connected to a steering wheel 8. The rotator 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 integrally with the steering wheel 8 relative to the stator 10.

[0044] The rotary connector device 2 includes a stator-side connector 30 and a rotator-side connector 40. The stator-side connector 30 is provided on the stator 10. The rotator-side connector 40 is provided on the rotator 20. The stator-side connector 30 is configured so that vehicle-body-side connectors C11 and C12 can be removably attached thereto. The vehicle-body-side connectors C11 and C12 are electrically connected to the first electronic control unit 4. The vehicle-body-side connectors C11 and C12 may also be referred to as electrical connectors C11 and C12.

[0045] The rotator-side connector 40 is configured so that the steering-side connectors C21 and C22 can be removably attached. The steering-side connectors C21 and C22 are electrically connected to the second electronic control unit 6. The steering-side connectors C21 and C22 may also be referred to as electrical connectors C21 and C22.

[0046] 2 , the rotator-side connector 40 includes a connector housing 41, a connector housing 42, a flat cable connector 43, a flat cable connector 44, and a flat cable connector 45. The flat cable connectors 43, 44, and 45 are attached to the rotator 20. The connector housings 41 and 42 are attached to the rotator 20.

[0047] The flat cable connector 43 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 41. The flat cable connector 44 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 41. The flat cable connector 45 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 42. The connector housing 41 includes a connector accommodating space 41S. The flat cable connector 43 is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 41S. The flat cable connector 44 is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 41S. The flat cable connector 45 is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 41S.

[0048] The electrical connector C21 (see FIG. 1) is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 41S in a state where the electrical connector C21 (see FIG. 1) is electrically connected to the flat cable connectors 43 and 44. The electrical connector C22 (see FIG. 1) is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 42S in a state where the electrical connector C22 (see FIG. 1) is electrically connected to the flat cable connector 45.

[0049] 3 , the stator-side connector 30 includes a connector housing 31, a connector housing 32, a flat cable connector 33, a flat cable connector 34, and a flat cable connector 35. That is, the rotary connector device 2 includes the flat cable connector 33. The flat cable connector 33 is attached to the stator 10. The flat cable connectors 34 and 35 are attached to the stator 10. The connector housings 31 and 32 are attached to the stator 10. The flat cable connector 33 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 31. The flat cable connector 34 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 31. The flat cable connector 35 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 32.

[0050] The connector housing 31 includes a connector receiving space 31S. The flat cable connector 33 is at least partially disposed within the connector receiving space 31S. The flat cable connector 34 is at least partially disposed within the connector receiving space 31S. The connector housing 32 includes a connector receiving space 32S. The flat cable connector 35 is at least partially disposed within the connector receiving space 32S.

[0051] The electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 31S in a state where the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is electrically connected to the flat cable connectors 33 and 34. The electrical connector C12 (see FIG. 1) is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space 32S in a state where the electrical connector C12 (see FIG. 1) is electrically connected to the flat cable connector 35.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the rotary connector device 2 includes at least one flat cable 50. The at least one flat cable 50 is at least partially provided within a cable accommodating space 60 formed by the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The at least one flat cable 50 electrically connects the stator-side connector 30 and the rotator-side connector 40. The at least one flat cable 50 includes, for example, a flat cable 51, a flat cable 52, a flat cable 53, and a dummy flat cable 54. The configuration of the at least one flat cable 50 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0053] The flat cable 51 is configured to electrically connect the flat cable connector 33 (see FIG. 3) of the stator-side connector 30 and the flat cable connector 43 (see FIG. 2) of the rotator-side connector 40. The flat cable 51 includes at least two wires and a cover that partially covers the at least two wires. The flat cable 52 is configured to electrically connect the flat cable connector 34 (see FIG. 3) of the stator-side connector 30 and the flat cable connector 44 (see FIG. 2) of the rotator-side connector 40. The flat cable 52 includes at least two wires and a cover that partially covers the at least two wires. The flat cable 53 is configured to electrically connect the flat cable connector 35 (see FIG. 3) of the stator-side connector 30 and the flat cable connector 45 (see FIG. 2) of the rotator-side connector 40. The flat cable 53 includes at least two wires and a cover that partially covers the at least two wires. The dummy flat cable 54 is configured so as not to be electrically connected to the stator-side connector 30 (see FIG. 3) and the rotator-side connector 40 (see FIG. 2).

[0054] The configuration of the flat cables 50 of the rotary connector device 2 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the rotary connector device 2 includes four flat cables 50, but the total number of flat cables 50 is not limited to four. The rotary connector device 2 only needs to include at least one flat cable 50. Furthermore, it is sufficient that there is at least one flat cable 50 that includes a conductor, and the other flat cables 50 may be dummy flat cables that do not include a conductor. The arrangement of the flat cables 50 is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 4. The at least one flat cable 50 may be arranged in any order.

[0055] 5 , the flat cable connector 33 includes a connector body 61. The connector body 61 includes an electrically insulating material, such as a resin material such as plastic. The flat cable connector 33 may also be referred to as a first flat cable connector 33.

[0056] The flat cable connector 33 includes a first bus bar 62 and a second bus bar 63. The first bus bar 62 includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body 61. The second bus bar 63 includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body 61. The first bus bar 62 is electrically connected to the wires of the flat cable 51. The second bus bar 63 is electrically connected to the wires of the flat cable 51.

[0057] In this embodiment, the flat cable connector 33 includes at least two second bus bars 63, but the total number of second bus bars 63 is not limited to the number shown in the figure. The conductive material of the first bus bar 62 includes, for example, a metal material such as copper, brass, or aluminum. The conductive material of the second bus bar 63 includes, for example, a metal material such as copper, brass, or aluminum.

[0058] The flat cable connector 33 includes a third bus bar 64. The third bus bar 64 includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body 61. The third bus bar 64 is electrically connected to the wires of the flat cable 51. In this embodiment, the flat cable connector 33 includes at least two third bus bars 64, but the total number of third bus bars 64 is not limited to the number of third bus bars 64 shown in the figure. The conductive material of the third bus bar 64 includes, for example, a metal material such as copper, brass, or aluminum.

[0059] The flat cable connector 33 includes a fourth bus bar 69. The fourth bus bar 69 includes a conductive material and is partially provided within the connector body 61. The conductive material of the fourth bus bar 69 includes a metal material such as copper, brass, or aluminum.

[0060] The first bus bar 62, the at least two second bus bars 63, the at least two third bus bars 64, and the fourth bus bar 69 are at least partially embedded within the connector body 61 by, for example, insert molding.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6 , the first bus bar 62 includes a first exposed portion 62B including a first exposed surface 62A facing the first direction D1. The second bus bar 63 includes a second exposed portion 63B including a second exposed surface 63A facing the first direction D1. The first exposed portion 62B and the second exposed portion 63B are spaced apart in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first exposed portion 62B and the second exposed portion 63B are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. The first exposed portion 62B and at least two second exposed portions 63B are arranged side by side in the second direction D2.

[0062] The third bus bar 64 includes a third exposed portion 64B including a third exposed surface 64A facing the first direction D1. The fourth bus bar 69 includes a fourth exposed portion 69B including a fourth exposed surface 69A facing the first direction D1. The first exposed portion 62B, at least two second exposed portions 63B, at least two third exposed portions 64B, and fourth exposed portion 69B are spaced apart in the second direction D2. The first exposed portion 62B, at least two second exposed portions 63B, at least two third exposed portions 64B, and fourth exposed portion 69B are arranged side by side in the second direction D2.

[0063] 1 , the first direction D1 is defined along the rotation axis A1 when the flat cable connector 33 is attached to the stator 10. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is defined as being parallel to the rotation axis A1 when the flat cable connector 33 is attached to the stator 10. However, the first direction D1 may be non-parallel to the rotation axis A1 when the flat cable connector 33 is attached to the stator 10.

[0064] 6 , the connector body 61 includes a first connector body 65 and a second connector body 66. The first connector body 65 includes a first opening 65A. The second connector body 66 protrudes from the first connector body 65 in a first direction D1.

[0065] The connector body 61 includes a third connector body 67. The third connector body 67 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the first connector body 65. The third connector body 67 is disposed at a distance from the second connector body 66.

[0066] The first exposed portion 62B and the second exposed portion 63B are exposed from the first connector body 65 through the first opening 65A so as to be electrically connected to the flat cable 51. The first exposed portion 62B, at least two second exposed portions 63B, and at least two third exposed portions 64B are exposed from the first connector body 65 through the first opening 65A so as to be electrically connected to the flat cable 51. For example, the wires of the flat cable 51 are fixed to the first exposed portion 62B by welding or soldering. The wires of the flat cable 51 are fixed to the second exposed portion 63B by welding or soldering. The wires of the flat cable 51 are fixed to the third exposed portion 64B by welding or soldering. The wires of the flat cable 51 may or may not be fixed to the fourth exposed portion 69B.

[0067] The first bus bar 62 includes first connection pins 62C. The first connection pins 62C protrude from the connector body 61 in the first direction D1. The first connection pins 62C protrude from the second connector body 66 in the first direction D1. The second bus bar 63 includes second connection pins 63C. The second connection pins 63C protrude from the connector body 61 in the first direction D1. The second connection pins 63C protrude from the second connector body 66 in the first direction D1. The third bus bar 64 includes third connection pins 64C. The third connection pins 64C protrude from the connector body 61 in the first direction D1. The third connection pins 64C protrude from the third connector body 67 in the first direction D1.

[0068] The first connection pin 62C is capable of contacting a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). The second connection pin 63C is capable of contacting a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). The third connection pin 64C is capable of contacting a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). When the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the stator-side connector 30, the first connection pin 62C is in contact with a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). When the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the stator-side connector 30, the second connection pin 63C is in contact with a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). When the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the stator-side connector 30, the third connection pin 64C is in contact with a terminal of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1).

[0069] 3, the first connection pin 62C is at least partially disposed within the connector receiving space 31S, and the second connection pin 63C is at least partially disposed within the connector receiving space 31S.

[0070] 5 , the flat cable connector 33 includes an electric element 68. The electric element 68 is electrically connected to the first bus bar 62. The electric element 68 is not electrically connected to the second bus bar 63 or the third bus bar 64.

[0071] The electric element 68 includes at least one of a resistor and a circuit protection element. In this embodiment, the electric element 68 includes a resistor. The resistor includes, for example, at least one of a fixed resistor, a semi-fixed resistor, and a variable resistor. The variable resistor includes, for example, a thermistor. In this embodiment, the electric element 68 includes a lead-type fixed resistor. However, the electric element 68 may include other types of resistors. The circuit protection element includes, for example, a fuse. However, the circuit protection element may include other protection elements.

[0072] The electric element 68 has a longitudinal direction D4. The longitudinal direction D4 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction D4 is inclined with respect to the second direction D2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The longitudinal direction D4 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the second direction D2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The relationship between the longitudinal direction D4 and the second direction D2 is not limited to the relationship shown in the figure. The longitudinal direction D4 may be parallel or perpendicular to the second direction D2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The longitudinal direction D4 may be non-perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0073] The first connection pin 62C and the second connection pin 63C are arranged side by side in the third direction D3. The first connection pin 62C and at least two second connection pins 63C are arranged side by side in the third direction D3. At least two third connection pins 64C are arranged side by side in the third direction D3.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is inclined with respect to the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1. The longitudinal direction D4 is perpendicular to the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the longitudinal direction D4 may be non-perpendicular to the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be parallel or perpendicular to the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0075] 5, the first bus bar 62 includes a first conductive portion 62D and a second conductive portion 62E. The first conductive portion 62D includes a first exposed portion 62B. The second conductive portion 62E is spaced apart from the first conductive portion 62D and includes a first connection pin 62C. The electric element 68 connects the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E.

[0076] The electric element 68 includes an element body 68A, a first lead wire 68B, and a second lead wire 68C. The first lead wire 68B protrudes from the element body 68A in the longitudinal direction D4. The second lead wire 68C protrudes from the element body 68A in the longitudinal direction D4.

[0077] The element body 68A is provided between the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E. A first lead wire 68B of the electric element 68 is attached to the first conductive portion 62D. A second lead wire 68C of the electric element 68 is attached to the second conductive portion 62E.

[0078] The first conductive portion 62D includes a first mounting surface 62F facing the first direction D1. A first lead wire 68B of the electric element 68 is attached to the first mounting surface 62F. The second conductive portion 62E includes a second mounting surface 62G facing the first direction D1. A second lead wire 68C of the electric element 68 is attached to the second mounting surface 62G. For example, the first lead wire 68B of the electric element 68 is attached to the first mounting surface 62F by welding or soldering. The second lead wire 68C of the electric element 68 is attached to the second mounting surface 62G by welding or soldering.

[0079] The first conductive portion 62D includes a first plate 62H including a first mounting surface 62F. A first lead wire 68B of the electrical element 68 is attached to the first plate 62H. The second conductive portion 62E includes a second plate 62K including a second mounting surface 62G. A second lead wire 68C of the electrical element 68 is attached to the second plate 62K. The first plate 62H is partially provided within the first connector body 65. The second plate 62K is partially provided within the first connector body 65.

[0080] 5 and 7, the electric element 68 has a first length ML1 and a second length ML2. The first length ML1 is defined in the first direction D1. The second length ML2 is defined as the maximum length of the electric element 68 when viewed from the first direction D1. The first length ML1 is shorter than the second length ML2.

[0081] In this embodiment, since the longitudinal direction D4 is perpendicular to the first direction D1, the second length ML2 is defined in the longitudinal direction D4. If the longitudinal direction D4 is not perpendicular to the first direction D1, the second length ML2 may be defined in a direction different from the longitudinal direction D4.

[0082] 5, the electrical element 68 has a maximum length L1 defined in the longitudinal direction D4. A first distance DS1 is defined between the first mounting surface 62F and the second mounting surface 62G in the longitudinal direction D4. The second length ML2 and the maximum length L1 are greater than the first distance DS1.

[0083] The electric element 68 has a width L2. The width L2 is defined in a width direction D5 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D4. The first mounting surface 62F has a third length L3 defined in the width direction D5. The second mounting surface 62G has a fourth length L4 defined in the width direction D5. The third length L3 and the fourth length L4 are longer than the width L2. In this embodiment, the first length ML1 (see FIG. 7) is equal to the width L2. Therefore, the third length L3 and the fourth length L4 are longer than the first length ML1 (see FIG. 7). However, the first length ML1 (see FIG. 7) may be different from the width L2.

[0084] The connector body 61 includes a positioning portion 61S. The positioning portion 61S is coupled to the connector body 61 so as to be able to come into contact with the electric element 68. The positioning portion 61S is coupled to the first connector body 65 so as to be able to come into contact with the electric element 68. When the electric element 68 is placed on the first mounting surface 62F and the second mounting surface 62G during manufacturing of the flat cable connector 33, the positioning portion 61S is configured to position the electric element 68 within a predetermined range with respect to the first mounting surface 62F and the second mounting surface 62G.

[0085] The first connector body 65 includes a second opening 65B. The electrical element 68 is at least partially disposed within the second opening 65B when viewed from the first direction D1. The positioning portion 61S is at least partially disposed within the second opening 65B. The first connector body 65 includes a first edge portion 65C and a second edge portion 65D. The first edge portion 65C and the second edge portion 65D at least partially define the second opening 65B. The first edge portion 65C is spaced apart from the second edge portion 65D. For example, the first edge portion 65C is spaced apart from the second edge portion 65D in the third direction D3. The positioning portion 61S extends from the first edge portion 65C to the second edge portion 65D and connects the first edge portion 65C and the second edge portion 65D.

[0086] 7 and 8 , the first conductive portion 62D includes a first back surface 62M. The first plate 62H also includes a first back surface 62M. The first back surface 62M is provided on the back side of the first mounting surface 62F (see FIG. 7 ). The first back surface 62M faces the first direction D1.

[0087] The second conductive portion 62E includes a second back surface 62N. The second plate 62K also includes a second back surface 62N. The second back surface 62N is provided on the back side of the second mounting surface 62G (see FIG. 7 ). The second back surface 62N faces the first direction D1.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9 , the stator 10 includes an opening 10A. The opening 10A is located away from the connector accommodating space 31S. The first bus bar 62 is partially exposed from the stator 10 through the opening 10A. The first conductive portion 62D is at least partially exposed from the stator 10 through the opening 10A. The first plate 62H is at least partially exposed from the stator 10 through the opening 10A. The first back surface 62M is at least partially exposed from the stator 10 through the opening 10A. The first connection pin 62C is disposed outside the opening 10A. The first connection pin 62C is exposed from the stator 10 through an opening other than the opening 10A (e.g., the connector accommodating space 31S).

[0089] For example, when testing the continuity of the flat cable 51 and the flat cable connector 33, the terminals of the testing device are pressed against the first rear surface 62M through the opening 10A. This makes it relatively easy to test whether the electric wires of the flat cable 51 are connected to the first exposed portion 62B of the first bus bar 62, even if the electric element 68 is electrically connected to the first bus bar 62.

[0090] 10 , the positioning portion 61S includes a recess 61R. The electric element 68 is at least partially provided within the recess 61R. For example, the electric element 68 may be partially provided within the recess 61R. The electric element 68 may also be entirely provided within the recess 61R.

[0091] The positioning portion 61S includes a first surface 61X facing the electric element 68 and a second surface 61Y facing the electric element 68. The first surface 61X and the second surface 61Y at least partially form a recess 61R. The first surface 61X is spaced apart from the second surface 61Y. The first surface 61X is inclined relative to the second surface 61Y. The first surface 61X is inclined relative to the first direction D1. The second surface 61Y is inclined relative to the first direction D1. The electric element 68 is at least partially disposed between the first surface 61X and the second surface 61Y. The first surface 61X is capable of contacting the electric element 68. The second surface 61Y is capable of contacting the electric element 68.

[0092] The positioning portion 61S includes a third surface 61Z facing the electric element 68. The first surface 61X, the second surface 61Y, and the third surface 61Z at least partially form a recess 61R. The third surface 61Z is provided between the first surface 61X and the second surface 61Y and connects the first surface 61X and the second surface 61Y. The first surface 61X includes a flat surface. The second surface 61Y includes a flat surface. The third surface 61Z includes a curved surface. The third surface 61Z is provided away from the electric element 68. A gap is provided between the third surface 61Z and the electric element 68. The shape of the recess 61R is not limited to the shape shown in the figures.

[0093] 6 , when attaching the electric element 68 to the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E, the position of the electric element 68 relative to the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E is kept within a predetermined range by the positioning portion 61S. When attaching the electric element 68 to the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E, the position of the electric element 68 relative to the first conductive portion 62D and the second conductive portion 62E is kept within a predetermined range by the first surface 61X and the second surface 61Y.

[0094] 6 , the first direction D1 includes a fourth direction D11 and a fifth direction D12 that is opposite to the fourth direction D11. The second connector body 66 protrudes from the first connector body 65 in the fourth direction D11. The first connection pin 62C and the second connection pin 63C protrude from the second connector body 66 in the fourth direction D11. The third connector body 67 protrudes from the first connector body 65 in the fourth direction D11. The third connection pin 64C protrudes from the third connector body 67 in the fourth direction D11.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the first exposed surface 62A faces the fifth direction D12. The second exposed surface 63A faces the fifth direction D12. The third exposed surface 64A faces the fifth direction D12. The fourth exposed surface 69A faces the fifth direction D12. The first mounting surface 62F faces the fifth direction D12. The second mounting surface 62G faces the fifth direction D12. However, the first exposed surface 62A, the second exposed surface 63A, the third exposed surface 64A, and the fourth exposed surface 69A may be arranged to face the fourth direction D11. The first mounting surface 62F and the second mounting surface 62G may be arranged to face the fourth direction D11.

[0096] 11 , the flat cable connector 34 has substantially the same structure as the flat cable connector 33, except for the electrical element 68. The flat cable connector 34 includes a connector body 71. The connector body 71 includes an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material includes, for example, a resin material such as plastic. The flat cable connector 34 may also be referred to as a second flat cable connector 34.

[0097] The flat cable connector 34 includes at least two fourth bus bars 73. The fourth bus bars 73 have substantially the same structure as the second bus bars 63. The at least two fourth bus bars 73 include a conductive material and are partially disposed within the connector body 71. The at least two fourth bus bars 73 are electrically connected to the flat cable 52 (see FIG. 4). The conductive material of the fourth bus bars 73 includes a metal material such as copper, brass, or aluminum. The at least two fourth bus bars 73 are at least partially embedded within the connector body 71 by, for example, insert molding.

[0098] The fourth bus bar 73 includes an exposed portion 73B. The connector body 71 includes a first connector body 75 and a second connector body 76. The first connector body 75 includes a first opening 75A. The exposed portion 73B is exposed from the first connector body 75 through the first opening 75A. The second connector body 76 protrudes from the first connector body 75.

[0099] The fourth bus bar 73 includes connection pins 73C protruding from the second connector body 76. The connection pins 73C are capable of contacting terminals of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1). When the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the stator-side connector 30, the connection pins 73C come into contact with the terminals of the electrical connector C11 (see FIG. 1).

[0100] 12 , the flat cable connectors 33 and 34 are attached to the stator 10 in a state where they overlap each other. The flat cable connectors 33 and 34 are attached to the stator 10 in a state where they overlap each other in the first direction D1. The flat cable connector 34 does not include an electrical element, but the flat cable connector 34 may include an electrical element. The flat cable connector 34 may also be omitted from the rotary connector device 2.

[0101] Since the flat cable connectors 35, 43, 44, and 45 have substantially the same structure as at least one of the flat cable connectors 33 and 34, detailed description of the flat cable connectors 35, 43, 44, and 45 will be omitted.

[0102] The flat cable connector 33 described above may have a shape as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In the flat cable connector 133 shown in Figures 13 and 14, a part of the first connector body 65 and the third connector body 67 of the flat cable connector 33 are omitted. The third connection pin 64C is omitted from the third bus bar 64. As shown in Figure 13, at least two third bus bars 64 are connected to each other.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 15 , after the electrical element 68 is attached, the positioning portion 61S may be removed from the flat cable connector 133 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . For example, the positioning portion 61S is removed from the first connector body 65 by cutting the connecting portion 61C (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ) between the first connector body 65 and the positioning portion 61S, as shown in FIG. 15 . To facilitate cutting the positioning portion 61S, the connecting portion 61C (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ) of the flat cable connector 133 is formed thinner than the connecting portion 61C (see FIG. 6 ) of the flat cable connector 33. In this case, for example, a mark where the positioning portion 61S has been removed may remain on the first edge portion 65C shown in FIG. 15 . Removing the positioning portion 61S can reduce heat transfer from the electrical element 68 to the first connector body 65 via the positioning portion 61S. The method of removing the positioning portion 61S is applicable to the flat cable connector 33 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . In this case, to make it easier to cut the positioning portion 61S, the portion where the positioning portion 61S is connected to one of the first edge portion 65C and the second edge portion 65D in Figures 5 and 6 may have the same shape as the connecting portion 61C shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, when the connector body 61 and the positioning portion 61S are formed, the positioning portion 61S does not have to be connected to the other of the first edge portion 65C and the second edge portion 65D.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment and its variations, the flat cable connector 33 or 133 is attached to the stator 10. However, the structure of the flat cable connector 33 or 133 is applicable to the flat cable connectors 43, 44, and 45 attached to the rotator 20.

[0105] The flat cable connector 33 includes a connector body 61, a first bus bar 62, and an electrical element 68. The connector body 61 includes an electrically insulating material. The first bus bar 62 includes a conductive material and is partially disposed within the connector body 61. The electrical element 68 is electrically connected to the first bus bar 62. The first bus bar 62 includes first connection pins 62C that are capable of contacting terminals of the electrical connector C11. The first connection pins 62C protrude from the connector body 61 in a first direction D1. The electrical element 68 has a first length ML1 defined in the first direction D1 and a second length ML2 defined as the maximum length of the electrical element 68 when viewed from the first direction D1. The first length ML1 is shorter than the second length ML2.

[0106] In the flat cable connector 33, the first length ML1 defined in the first direction D1 is shorter than the second length ML2 defined as the maximum length of the electrical element 68 when viewed from the first direction D1, so that the dimension of the flat cable connector 33 in the first direction D1 can be reduced. Therefore, the dimension of the flat cable connector 33 including the electrical element 68 in the first direction D1 can be reduced.

[0107] In this application, the word "comprise" and its derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the words "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0108] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0109] Words expressing degrees such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" can refer to reasonable deviations that do not significantly change the end result. All numerical values ​​described in this application can be interpreted to include words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0110] Furthermore, the expressions "parallel," "perpendicular," and "coincidence" in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, and allow for deviations due to design tolerances, manufacturing errors, and assembly errors. That is, the expressions "parallel," "perpendicular," and "coincidence" include the meanings of "generally parallel," "generally perpendicular," and "generally coincident," respectively. Furthermore, other expressions relating to arrangement should not be interpreted strictly either.

[0111] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure includes, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In the present disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not to be interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

[0112] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0113] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2: Rotary connector device 4: First electronic control unit 6: Second electronic control unit 7: Vehicle body 8: Steering 10: Stator 10A: Opening 20: Rotator 30: Stator side connector 31: Connector housing 31S: Connector accommodating space 32: Connector housing 32S: Connector accommodating space 33, 34, 35: Flat cable connector 40: Rotator side connector 41: Connector housing 41S: Connector accommodating space 42: Connector housing 42S: Connector accommodating space 43, 44, 45: Flat cable connector 50, 51, 52, 53: Flat cable 54: Dummy flat cable 60: Cable accommodating space 61: Connector body 61C: Coupling portion 61R: Recess 61S: Positioning portion 61X: First surface 61Y: Second surface 61Z: Third surface 62: First bus bar 62A: First exposed surface 62B: First exposed portion 62C: First connection pin 62D: First conductive portion 62E: Second conductive portion 62F: First mounting surface 62G: Second mounting surface 62H: First plate 62K: Second plate 62M: First back surface 62N: Second back surface 63: Second bus bar 63A: Second exposed surface 63B: Second exposed portion 63C: Second connection pin 64: Third bus bar 64A: Third exposed surface 64B: Third exposed portion 64C: Third connection pin 65: First connector body 65A: First opening 65B: Second opening 65C: First edge portion 65D : Second edge portion 66: Second connector body 67: Third connector body 68: Electric element 68A: Element body 68B: First lead wire 68C: Second lead wire 69: Fourth bus bar 69A: Fourth exposed surface 69B: Fourth exposed portion 71: Connector body 73: Fourth bus bar 73B: Exposed portion 73C: Connection pin 75: First connector body 75A: First opening 76: Second connector body 133: Flat cable connector A1: Rotation axis C11, C12, C21, C22: Electrical connector D1: First direction D11: Fourth direction D12: Fifth direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction D4: Longitudinal direction D5: Width direction DS1 :1st distance

Claims

1. A flat cable connector comprising: a connector body including an electrically insulating material; a first bus bar including a conductive material and partially disposed within the connector body; and an electrical element electrically connected to the first bus bar, wherein the first bus bar includes first connection pins capable of contacting terminals of an electrical connector, the first connection pins protruding from the connector body in a first direction, and the electrical element has a first length defined in the first direction and a second length defined as the maximum length of the electrical element when viewed from the first direction, and the first length is shorter than the second length.

2. The flat cable connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second bus bar comprising a conductive material and partially disposed within the connector body, wherein the first bus bar comprises a first exposed portion comprising a first exposed surface facing the first direction, the second bus bar comprises a second exposed portion comprising a second exposed surface facing the first direction, the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the connector body comprises a first connector body including a first opening and a second connector body protruding from the first connector body in the first direction, the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion are exposed from the first connector body through the first opening so as to be electrically connected to the flat cable, the first connection pins protrude from the second connector body in the first direction, and the second bus bar comprises second connection pins capable of contacting terminals of the electrical connector, and the second connection pins protrude from the second connector body in the first direction.

3. The flat cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the electrical element has a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction being perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The flat cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the electrical element has a longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the second direction when viewed from the first direction.

5. The flat cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the first connection pins and the second connection pins are arranged side by side in a third direction, and the second direction is inclined with respect to the third direction when viewed from the first direction.

6. The flat cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the first connection pin and the second connection pin are arranged side by side in a third direction, and the electrical element has a longitudinal direction, which is perpendicular to the third direction when viewed from the first direction.

7. The flat cable connector according to claim 2, wherein the first bus bar includes a first conductive portion including the first exposed portion and a second conductive portion spaced apart from the first conductive portion and including the first connection pin, and the electrical element connects the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

8. A flat cable connector as described in claim 7, wherein the electrical element has a longitudinal direction, the electrical element includes an element body, a first lead wire protruding from the element body in the longitudinal direction, and a second lead wire protruding from the element body in the longitudinal direction, the element body is provided between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first conductive portion, and the second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second conductive portion.

9. A flat cable connector as described in claim 8, wherein the first conductive portion includes a first mounting surface facing the first direction, the first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first mounting surface, the second conductive portion includes a second mounting surface facing the first direction, and the second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second mounting surface.

10. A flat cable connector as described in claim 9, wherein the first conductive portion includes a first plate including the first mounting surface, the first lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the first plate, the second conductive portion includes a second plate including the second mounting surface, and the second lead wire of the electrical element is attached to the second plate.

11. A flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connector body includes a positioning portion coupled to the connector body so as to be able to contact the electrical element.

12. The flat cable connector according to claim 11, wherein the positioning portion includes a recess, and the electrical element is at least partially disposed within the recess.

13. The flat cable connector according to claim 12, wherein the positioning portion includes a first surface facing the electrical element and a second surface facing the electrical element, the first surface and the second surface at least partially forming the recess.

14. A rotary connector device comprising: a stator; a rotator rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator; and a stator-side connector provided on the stator, wherein the stator-side connector includes a connector housing attached to the stator and the flat cable connector described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and wherein the first direction is defined along the rotation axis.

15. The rotary connector device according to claim 14, wherein the connector housing includes a connector accommodating space, the stator includes an opening spaced apart from the connector accommodating space, the first connection pin is at least partially disposed within the connector accommodating space, and the first bus bar is partially exposed from the stator through the opening.

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