Cable winding device and seat power supply device

Abstract

Provided is a cable winding device capable of pulling out and winding a flat cable according to a sliding action of an installation object, and capable of preventing the flat cable from being twisted due to a rotation action of the installation object. A housing section (3) for housing a flexible flat cable (2) is partitioned into a center-side space (Si) and an outer-peripheral-side space (So) by a partition section (4), and a boundary section (23) between a section housed in the center-side space (Si) and a section housed in the outer-peripheral-side space (So) is held by a holding section (5). In the flexible flat cable (2), a center-side winding part (21) which is wound in a spiral shape around the rotating shaft (6) in the center-side space (Si) and an outer-peripheral winding part (22) which is wound in a spiral shape around the partition part (4) in the outer-peripheral space (So) are formed, and one end extending from the inner-peripheral portion of the center-side winding part (21) is connected to the electrical component (E1) of the seat (200) and the other end extending from the outer-peripheral portion of the center-side winding part (21) is connected to the electrical component (E1) of the seat (200). The other end extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer peripheral winding portion (22) is connected to an electrical component (E2) of the vehicle (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable winding device capable of handling either sliding or rotating motions of an object being installed, and a seat power supply device using the cable winding device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, cable winding devices are known (see Patent Document 1). These devices include a strip of flat cable and a storage section for holding the flat cable, and are configured to pull out or wind the flat cable according to the sliding motion of the object being installed. Such cable winding devices are used as seat power supply devices for powering vehicle seats.

[0003] However, in recent years, seats capable of both sliding and rotating movements have been proposed. When using existing cable winding devices in such seats, the flat cables may twist due to rotation, and the flat cables may become tangled. Furthermore, the twisting of the flat cables may prevent smooth pulling and winding.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-218150 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cable winding device and a seat power supply device using the cable winding device, which can pull out and wind flat cables according to the sliding motion of the object being installed, and can prevent the flat cables from twisting due to the rotational motion of the object being installed.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] This invention relates to a cable winding device, comprising: a strip-shaped flat cable; a receiving section for receiving the flat cable; a dividing section for dividing the internal space of the receiving section into a central side space and an outer peripheral side space; and a holding section for holding the boundary portion of the flat cable received in the central side space and the portion received in the outer peripheral side space. A rotating shaft is provided in the central portion of the central side space, and this rotating shaft rotates about a direction along the bandwidth direction of the flat cable while holding the flat cable. A guide opening is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral side space, and this guide opening allows the cable to pass through the outer peripheral side space. The flat cable, which is pulled outward from the inner side of the peripheral space or wound inward from the outer side, is guided by the flat cable. A central winding portion is formed in the flat cable, which is wound in a spiral shape around the rotation axis in the central space, and an outer winding portion is formed in the flat cable, which is wound in a spiral shape around the partition in the outer peripheral space. One end of the flat cable extending from the inner peripheral portion of the central winding portion is connected to an electrical component of the installation object that can slide and rotate. The other end of the flat cable extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer winding portion is connected to an electrical component on the power supply side.

[0011] According to the present invention, the flat cable can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the installation object, and the flat cable can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the installation object.

[0012] In detail, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device moves to one side of the sliding direction (sliding action) and the flat cable is pulled, the outer peripheral winding portion in the outer peripheral space is tightened and pulled outward toward the outer side of the outer peripheral space. Conversely, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device moves to the other side of the sliding direction (sliding action) and the flat cable is pressed from the guide port into the inner side of the outer peripheral space, the outer peripheral winding portion in the outer peripheral space is unwound and wound inward toward the inner side of the outer peripheral space.

[0013] Furthermore, when the object to be mounted in the cable winding device rotates (rotational action) to one side of the rotation direction, the rotating shaft rotates around that side in conjunction with the rotational action of the object, thus loosening the center-side winding portion in the center-side space. In this way, by following the rotational action of the object, twisting of the flat cable can be prevented. Conversely, when the object to be mounted in the cable winding device rotates (rotational action) to the other side of the rotation direction, the rotating shaft rotates around that side in conjunction with the rotational action of the object, thus tightening the center-side winding portion in the center-side space. In this way, by following the rotational action of the object, twisting of the flat cable can be prevented.

[0014] Alternatively, the winding direction of the central winding portion may be the same as the winding direction of the outer peripheral winding portion.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent localized loads from acting on the boundary portion between the center-side winding portion and the outer peripheral winding portion when the center-side winding portion in a flat cable is tightened or loosened. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent localized loads from acting on the boundary portion between the center-side winding portion and the outer peripheral winding portion when the outer peripheral winding portion in a flat cable is tightened or loosened.

[0016] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion may be a through insertion hole formed in the partition portion for the flat cable to pass through and be inserted.

[0017] According to the present invention, a center-side winding portion and an outer-peripheral winding portion in a flat cable can be formed from a continuous flat cable. Furthermore, the boundary portion between the center-side winding portion and the outer-peripheral winding portion can be reliably maintained with a simple construction.

[0018] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, the cable winding device may be provided with a limiting piece that restricts the output direction of the flat cable extending from the holding portion.

[0019] According to the present invention, the output direction of the flat cable can be reliably limited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flat cable from bending due to the sliding and rotating movements of the mounting object, thus preventing localized load application.

[0020] Alternatively, as a method of the present invention, the flat cable may be a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

[0021] According to the present invention, flat cables can be bent with a small bending radius. Therefore, the diameters of the central and outer peripheral spaces can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the cable winding device. Furthermore, the bent flat cable has high elasticity in returning to its original shape, so each winding portion can be unwound and expanded solely by its reaction force. Therefore, structural simplification is also possible.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention provides a cable winding device comprising: a strip-shaped flat cable; a receiving section for receiving the flat cable in a spiral winding state; a dividing section for dividing the internal space of the receiving section into a central side space and an outer peripheral side space; and a holding section for holding the boundary portion of the flat cable received in the central side space and the portion received in the outer peripheral side space. A rotating shaft is provided in the central portion of the central side space, and the rotating shaft rotates around the direction of the width of the flat cable while holding the flat cable. A guide port is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral side space for guiding the flat cable as it is pulled out from the inside to the outside or wound from the outside to the inside of the outer peripheral side space. The cable is guided by a central winding portion formed in the flat cable, which is wound around the center side space and an outer peripheral winding portion formed in the outer peripheral side space. One end of the flat cable extending from the inner peripheral side portion of the central winding portion is connected to an electrical component of an installation object capable of sliding and rotating. The other end of the flat cable extending from the outer peripheral side portion of the outer peripheral winding portion is connected to an electrical component on the power supply side. At least one of the central winding portion and the outer peripheral winding portion has an inner winding portion wound around the flat cable on the inner diameter side, an outer winding portion wound around the flat cable on the outer diameter side, and an arc-shaped folded-back portion serving as the boundary between the inner winding portion and the outer winding portion.

[0023] According to the present invention, the flat cable can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the installation object, and the flat cable can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the installation object.

[0024] In detail, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device moves to one side in the sliding direction (sliding action) and the flat cable is pulled, the folded-back portion of the outer peripheral winding part moves to one side in the circumferential direction, while the flat cable extends from the inner winding part, or while being wound tightly in the sparsely spiraled outer peripheral winding part, the flat cable extends. In this way, the flat cable is pulled outward toward the outer peripheral space.

[0025] Conversely, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device moves to the other side of the sliding direction (sliding action) and presses the flat cable from the guide port into the inner side of the outer peripheral space, the folded-back portion of the outer peripheral winding section moves to the other side of the circumferential direction, while simultaneously winding the flat cable in the inner winding section, or while loosely winding and winding the flat cable in the sparsely spirally wound outer peripheral winding section. In this way, the flat cable is wound towards the inner side of the outer peripheral space.

[0026] Furthermore, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device rotates to one side of the rotation direction (rotational movement), the rotating shaft rotates around the same side in conjunction with the rotational movement of the object to be installed, thus winding the flat cable on the inner winding portion of the center winding section. At this time, the folded-back portion of the center winding section moves to one side in the circumferential direction, while the flat cable extends from the outer winding portion, or is wound tightly or loosely in the sparsely spirally wound center winding section. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the object to be installed, twisting of the flat cable can be prevented.

[0027] Conversely, when the object to be installed in the cable winding device rotates (rotational movement) to the opposite side of the rotation direction, the rotating shaft rotates to the opposite side in conjunction with the rotational movement of the object to be installed, causing the flat cable to extend from the inner winding portion of the center-side winding section. At this time, the folded-back portion of the center-side winding section moves to the opposite side in the circumferential direction and winds the flat cable in the outer winding portion, or winds it tightly or loosely in the sparsely spiral-shaped winding portion of the center-side winding section. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the object to be installed, twisting of the flat cable can be prevented.

[0028] Alternatively, the cable winding device may include: a rotating worktable that is rotatable about the rotation axis; and a rotating roller that is rotatable about the direction along the rotation axis while supported on the rotating worktable, the rotating roller being disposed on the inner circumferential side of the folded-back portion.

[0029] According to the present invention, if the folded-back portion moves to one side in the circumferential direction when the flat cable is wound and extended, the inner circumferential surface of the folded-back portion contacts the rotating roller, pulling the rotating roller. As a result, the rotary table rotates (revolves), and the rotating roller also rotates (rotates) in response to the extension of the flat cable. This allows for smooth guidance of the flat cable. Furthermore, it prevents the flat cable from wearing down due to friction.

[0030] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, a guide member may be provided at a position on the rotary worktable that is circumferentially separated from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary roller, and the guide member may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the folded-back portion.

[0031] According to the present invention, if the folded-back portion moves to the other side in the circumferential direction when the flat cable is wound and extended, the outer circumferential surface of the folded-back portion contacts the guide and presses the guide. This prevents the flat cable from contacting adjacent rotating rollers or the like while the rotary table is rotating (revolving). This allows for smooth guidance of the flat cable. Furthermore, it prevents the flat cable from wearing down due to friction.

[0032] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion may be a through insertion hole formed in the partition portion for the flat cable to pass through and be inserted.

[0033] According to the present invention, a center-side winding portion and an outer-peripheral winding portion in a flat cable can be formed from a continuous flat cable. Furthermore, the boundary portion between the center-side winding portion and the outer-peripheral winding portion can be reliably maintained with a simple construction.

[0034] Alternatively, as an embodiment of the present invention, the cable winding device may be provided with a limiting piece that restricts the output direction of the flat cable extending from the holding portion.

[0035] According to the present invention, the output direction of the flat cable can be reliably limited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flat cable from bending due to the sliding and rotating movements of the mounting object, thus preventing localized load application.

[0036] Alternatively, as a method of the present invention, the flat cable may be a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

[0037] According to the present invention, flat cables can be bent with a small bending radius. Therefore, the diameters of the central and outer peripheral spaces can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the cable winding device. Furthermore, the bent flat cable has high elasticity in returning to its original shape, so each winding portion can be unwound and expanded solely by its reaction force. Therefore, structural simplification is also possible.

[0038] In addition, the present invention is a seat power supply device that uses the aforementioned cable winding device. The device is characterized in that the rotating shaft is connected to a seat capable of sliding and rotating, one end of the flat cable extending from the inner peripheral portion of the central winding portion is connected to the electrical components of the seat, and the other end of the flat cable extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer winding portion is connected to the electrical components of the power supply source.

[0039] According to the present invention, the flat cable can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding motion of the seat, and the flat cable can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation of the seat.

[0040] Invention Effects

[0041] According to the present invention, a cable winding device and a seat power supply device using the cable winding device can be provided, which can pull out and wind flat cables according to the sliding action of the object being installed, and can prevent flat cables from twisting due to the rotational action of the object being installed. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of the area around the seats in the vehicle.

[0043] Figure 2It is a 3D view of a cable winding device.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a cable winding device.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a top view of the lower shell that makes up the storage section.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a top view of the lower casing housing the flat cables.

[0047] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of moving the seat to the rearward side.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of moving the seat forward.

[0049] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of rotating the seat around the left side.

[0050] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the seat rotates around the right side.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a top view of the lower housing of a cable winding device according to other embodiments.

[0052] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of a cable winding device.

[0053] Figure 12 It is an exploded 3D view of each rotating unit.

[0054] Figure 13 This is a top view of the lower shell that makes up the storage section.

[0055] Figure 14 This is a top view of the lower casing housing the flat cables.

[0056] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of moving the seat to the rearward side.

[0057] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of moving the seat forward.

[0058] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing the action of rotating the seat around the left side.

[0059] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the seat rotates around the right side.

[0060] Figure 19 This is a top view of the lower housing of a cable winding device according to other embodiments.

[0061] Figure 20 This is a top view of the lower housing of a cable winding device according to other embodiments.

[0062] Figure 21 This is a top view of the lower housing of a cable winding device according to other embodiments.

[0063] Figure 22 This is a top view of the lower housing of a cable winding device according to other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0064] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] In this application, arrow F represents the front side, arrow B represents the rear side, arrow L represents the left side, and arrow R represents the right side. Additionally, arrow U represents the top side, and arrow D represents the bottom side. In this application, the front-to-back direction is defined as X, the left-to-right direction as Y, and the up-down direction as Z.

[0066] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of the area surrounding seat 200 in vehicle 100. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the cable winding device 1. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the cable winding device 1. Figure 4 This is a top view of the lower housing 31 that constitutes the storage section 3. Figure 5 This is a top view of the lower housing 31 containing the flexible flat cable 2. (About...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image shows a partially enlarged view of the lower housing 31.

[0067] in addition, Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the seat 200 moves to the rearward side B. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation mode when the seat 200 moves forward to the side F. Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the seat 200 when it rotates around the left side R1. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the seat 200 rotating around its right side Rr. (Regarding...) Figures 6 to 9 (a) shows the operation mode of seat 200, and (b) shows the operation mode of cable winding device 1.

[0068] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 100 has a seat support structure 300 that supports the seat 200. The seat support structure 300 has a pair of guide rails 301, a pair of sliders 302, a lower plate 303 and an upper plate 304.

[0069] The guide rails 301 extend along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 100. Each guide rail 301 is arranged parallel to each other at predetermined intervals and fixed to the floor panel 101 of the vehicle 100. A track groove 30r is formed on the upper surface of each guide rail 301.

[0070] The slider 302 is supported in a state of fitting into the track groove 30r of the guide rail 301. Therefore, each slider 302 can move freely in the front-back direction X (refer to arrows Sf, Sb). A bolt 30b protrudes from the upper surface portion of each slider 302 toward the upward side U.

[0071] The lower plate 303 has through holes at both ends in the left-right direction Y, and is supported by bolts 30b through which the slider 302 is inserted. Therefore, the lower plate 303 and the slider 302 can move freely together in the front-back direction X (refer to arrows Sf, Sb). A cylindrical rotating shaft 30s is provided in the central part of the lower plate 303.

[0072] The upper plate 304 has a rotation bearing portion in its central part, which is supported in a state where the rotation shaft portion 30s of the lower plate 303 is inserted. Therefore, the upper plate 304 and the lower plate 303 can move freely in the front-rear direction X (refer to arrows Sf, Sb), and can rotate freely relative to the lower plate 303 (refer to arrows Rl, Rr). Moreover, the seat cushion 201 of the seat 200 is mounted and fixed on the upper surface of the upper plate 304.

[0073] With this structure, the seat 200 can move freely to the front F and rear B of the vehicle 100 (see arrows Sf and Sb). Furthermore, the seat 200 can rotate freely around the left and right sides of the vehicle 100 (see arrows Rl and Rr). However, the structure of the seat support structure 300 is not limited. Moreover, the application of the seat 200 and seat support structure 300 is not limited to automobiles or other vehicles. For example, they can be used in railway vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

[0074] Additionally, a seat power supply device 10 is installed on the lower plate 303. The seat power supply device 10 is mainly composed of a cable winding device 1, and the rotating shaft 6 constituting the cable winding device 1 is connected to the seat 200 via the rotating shaft portion 30s of the lower plate 303. Furthermore, one end of the flexible flat cable 2 is connected to the electrical component E1 of the seat 200, and the other end of the flexible flat cable 2 is connected to the electrical component E2 of the vehicle 100.

[0075] use Figures 2 to 5The cable winding device 1 will be described below. The cable winding device 1 includes: a strip-shaped flexible flat cable 2; a storage section 3 that stores the flexible flat cable 2; and a rotating shaft 6 that rotates around a direction along the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z) of the flexible flat cable 2 while holding the flexible flat cable 2.

[0076] Flexible flat cable 2 is an electrical wire formed in the shape of a strip. Flexible flat cable 2 is constructed by sandwiching multiple parallel conductive sheets between sheet-like insulators. Therefore, it can be bent with a small bending radius and has high elasticity, returning to its original shape even after bending. Flexible flat cable 2 can use a single sheet or multiple sheets stacked together.

[0077] Furthermore, the flexible flat cable 2 is housed in the housing section 3 in a spiral-shaped coiled state. More specifically, the spiral-shaped central side coiled portion 21 is housed in the central side space Si of the housing section 3, and the spiral-shaped outer peripheral side coiled portion 22 is housed in the outer peripheral side space So of the housing section 3. The coiling direction of the central side coiled portion 21 and the outer peripheral side coiled portion 22, when viewed from the direction along the central axis C, i.e., the upper side U, is left-handed from the radially inward side to the radially outward side (see reference). Figure 5 (Arrows Ri and Ro in the text).

[0078] The housing 3 is a casing for housing the flexible flat cable 2. The housing 3 has: a lower housing 31 having a central side space Si and an outer peripheral side space So; and an upper cover 32 that fits into the lower housing 31 to close the openings (openings on the upper side U) of the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So. The lower housing 31 and the upper cover 32 will be described below.

[0079] The lower housing 31 has a generally circular base plate 311, an outer peripheral plate 312 extending upward from the outer edge of the base plate 311 towards the upper side U, a right end plate 313 extending forward from the right end edge of the outer peripheral plate 312 towards the front side F, and a front end plate 314 extending to the right from the front end edge of the outer peripheral plate 312 towards the right side R. A through hole 31h is formed on the base plate 311, extending in the vertical direction Z with its central axis C as the center.

[0080] Additionally, the lower housing 31 has a generally cylindrical middle plate 315 centered on its central axis C. This middle plate 315 extends radially from the middle portion of the bottom plate 311 toward the upper side U, dividing the internal space into an inner central side space Si and an outer peripheral side space So. Therefore, the middle plate 315 can be considered as a partition 4 separating the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So.

[0081] Furthermore, a through-hole 31s for inserting a flexible flat cable 2 is formed on the middle plate 315. This through-hole 31s bends radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 31a of the middle plate 315 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Following the reference numeral 31sc, a narrow, slit-like passage formed in connection with the inner peripheral surface 31b of the middle plate 315 can reliably hold the through-inserted flexible flat cable 2. Therefore, the through-insertion hole 31s can be considered as a holding part 5 that holds the boundary portion 23 located between the central side winding portion 21 housed in the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side winding portion 22 housed in the outer peripheral side space So of the flexible flat cable 2.

[0082] Furthermore, a guide passage 31p for the flexible flat cable 2 is formed in the space surrounded by the aforementioned outer peripheral plate 312, right end plate 313, and front end plate 314. The guide passage 31p is composed of a pair of guide plates 316 arranged along the front-rear direction X. Moreover, the rear end portion of the guide passage 31p opens towards the interior of the rear side B (outer peripheral space So), and its front end portion opens towards the exterior of the front side F. Therefore, the guide passage 31p can be considered as a guide port 7 for guiding the flexible flat cable 2 pulled out from the inside to the outside or wound from the outside to the inside of the outer peripheral space So.

[0083] On the other hand, the upper cover 32 has a generally circular cover plate 321, an outer peripheral plate 322 extending downward from the outer edge of the cover plate 321 towards the lower side D, a right end plate 323 extending forward from the right end edge of the outer peripheral plate 322 towards the front side F, and a front end plate 324 extending to the right from the front end edge of the outer peripheral plate 322 towards the right side R. A through hole 32h is formed on the cover plate 321, extending in the vertical direction Z with its central axis C as the center.

[0084] Additionally, the upper cover 32 has a generally cylindrical inner peripheral plate 325 centered on its central axis C. This inner peripheral plate 325 extends radially downward from the midpoint of the cover plate 321 toward the lower side D, and its outer diameter is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer peripheral plate 312 of the lower housing 31. Therefore, when the upper cover 32 is installed on the lower housing 31, the outer peripheral plate 312 and the inner peripheral plate 325 fit together.

[0085] With this structure, the upper cover 32 can close the openings of the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So (the opening on the upper side U). At this time, the front ends of the outer peripheral plate 312 of the lower shell 31 and the outer peripheral plate 322 of the upper cover 32 abut against each other. Similarly, the front ends of the right end plate 313 of the lower shell 31 and the right end plate 323 of the upper cover 32, and the front end plate 314 of the lower shell 31 and the front end plate 324 of the upper cover 32 also abut against each other.

[0086] Furthermore, the cable winding device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a partition 4 is provided in the lower housing 31, and the front end of the partition 4 abuts against the cover plate 321 of the upper cover 32. Alternatively, the partition 4 can be provided in the upper cover 32, and the front end of the partition 4 abuts against the bottom plate 311 of the lower housing 31. In this case, the through insertion hole 31s formed in the partition 4 can also be used as a holding part 5. Additionally, the guide port 7 can also be provided on the upper cover 32 side.

[0087] Next, the rotating shaft 6 will be described. The rotating shaft 6 is a rotating body that rotates about the direction along the bandwidth (vertical direction Z) of the flexible flat cable 2 while holding the flexible flat cable 2. The rotating shaft 6 has a rotor 61 that holds the flexible flat cable 2 and a sleeve 62 that functions as an insertion shaft for the rotor 61. The rotor 61 and the sleeve 62 will be described below.

[0088] The rotor 61 has a generally annular cover plate 611 and a cylindrical plate 612 extending downward from the inner edge of the cover plate 611 toward the lower side D. A connector retainer 613 extending toward the upper side U is formed on a portion of the cover plate 611 in the circumferential direction, and a connector (not shown) that is electrically connected to each conductor of the flexible flat cable 2 is housed inside the connector retainer 613.

[0089] Furthermore, the flexible flat cable 2 is spirally wound around the bobbin 612. Therefore, the radius of the bobbin 612 is set to be greater than the allowable bending radius of the flexible flat cable 2. Also, the length of the bobbin 612 in the vertical direction Z is set to be longer than the length of the flexible flat cable 2 in the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z). Moreover, the innermost circumferential portion of the flexible flat cable 2 at the center-side winding portion 21 is bent towards the upper side U, and the aforementioned connector (not shown) is installed at its end.

[0090] On the other hand, the sleeve 62 has a generally annular base plate 621 and a cylindrical plate 622 extending from the outer edge of the base plate 621 toward the upper side U and the lower side D. A bolt guide 623 extending toward the upper side U is formed on the base plate 621, and a bolt (not shown) that engages with the rotation shaft portion 30s of the lower plate 303 is inserted through the inner side of the bolt guide 623.

[0091] Furthermore, the cylindrical plate 622 is inserted into the through hole 31h formed in the central portion of the lower housing 31. Therefore, the outer diameter of the cylindrical plate 622 is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 31h. Also, the vertical length Z of the cylindrical plate 622 is set to be sufficiently longer than the vertical length Z of the through hole 31h. More specifically, it is set to be sufficiently long by extending it further downwards towards the lower side D. Therefore, the head of the aforementioned bolt (not shown) is accommodated. However, this configuration is not limited to any configuration that allows the rotating shaft 6 to rotate in conjunction with the seat 200.

[0092] Thus, the cable winding device 1 includes: a strip-shaped flexible flat cable 2; a storage section 3 that stores the flexible flat cable 2; a dividing section 4 that divides the internal space of the storage section 3 into a central side space Si and an outer peripheral side space So; and a holding section 5 that holds the boundary portion 23 of the portion of the flexible flat cable 2 stored in the central side space Si and the portion stored in the outer peripheral side space So. Furthermore, a rotating shaft 6 is provided in the central portion of the central side space Si, which rotates around the direction along the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z) of the flexible flat cable 2 while holding it. A guide port 7 is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral side space So, which guides the flexible flat cable 2 pulled out from the inside to the outside or wound from the outside to the inside of the outer peripheral side space So. Furthermore, the flexible flat cable 2 has a central winding portion 21 that is spirally wound around the rotation axis 6 in the central space Si, and an outer peripheral winding portion 22 that is spirally wound around the partition portion 4 in the outer peripheral space So. One end of the flexible flat cable 2 extending from the inner peripheral portion 21 is connected to the electrical component E1 of the seat 200, which is capable of sliding and rotating. The other end of the flexible flat cable 2 extending from the outer peripheral portion is connected to the electrical component E2 on the vehicle 100 side.

[0093] According to such a cable winding device 1, the flexible flat cable 2 can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the seat 200, and the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the seat 200.

[0094] In detail, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the seat 200 moves rearward to side B (sliding motion) and the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled (refer to arrow Ro), the outer peripheral winding portion 22 in the outer peripheral space So is wound tightly and pulled outward toward the outer side of the outer peripheral space So. Conversely, as Figure 7As shown, when the seat 200 moves forward (sliding action) and the flexible flat cable 2 is pressed from the guide port 7 into the inner side of the outer peripheral space So (refer to arrow Ru), the outer peripheral winding portion 22 in the outer peripheral space So is unwound and wound towards the inner side of the outer peripheral space So.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the seat 200 rotates around its left side Rl (rotation action) (refer to arrow Tl), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its left side Rl in conjunction with the rotation of the seat 200, thus loosening the central winding portion 21 in the central space Si. This prevents the flexible flat cable 2 from twisting by following the rotation of the seat 200. Conversely, when the seat 200 rotates around its right side Rr (rotation action) (refer to arrow Tr), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its right side Rr in conjunction with the rotation of the seat 200, thus tightening the central winding portion 21 in the central space Si. This also prevents the flexible flat cable 2 from twisting by following the rotation of the seat 200.

[0096] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1, the winding direction of the center-side winding section 21 is the same as the winding direction of the outer peripheral-side winding section 22 (see reference). Figure 5 (Arrows Ri and Ro in the text).

[0097] According to such a cable winding device 1, it is possible to prevent localized loads from acting on the boundary portion 23 between the center-side winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 when the center-side winding portion 21 of the flexible flat cable 2 is tightened or loosened. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent localized loads from acting on the boundary portion 23 between the center-side winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 when the outer peripheral winding portion 22 of the flexible flat cable 2 is tightened or loosened.

[0098] In addition, in the cable winding device 1, the holding part 5 is a through insertion hole 31s formed in the partition part 4 for the flexible flat cable 2 to be inserted through.

[0099] According to such a cable winding device 1, a central winding portion 21 and an outer peripheral winding portion 22 in a flexible flat cable 2 can be formed from a continuous flexible flat cable 2. In addition, the boundary portion 23 between the central winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 can be reliably maintained with a simple structure.

[0100] In addition, in the cable winding device 1, the flexible flat cable 2 is a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

[0101] According to this cable winding device 1, the flexible flat cable 2 can be bent with a small bending radius. Therefore, the diameters of the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the cable winding device 1. In addition, since the bent flexible flat cable 2 has high elasticity to return to its original shape, each winding portion 21, 22 can be unwound and expanded by its reaction force alone. Therefore, the structure can also be simplified.

[0102] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1 of this embodiment, the through insertion hole 31s is used to restrict the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2. Regarding this, as... Figure 10 As shown, the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2 is restricted by the limiting piece 317.

[0103] That is, the flexible flat cable 2 can also be appropriately bent by using the through insertion hole 31s to limit the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2. Alternatively, a limiting piece 317 can be provided to limit the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2 output from the holding part 5.

[0104] Such a cable winding device 1 can also reliably limit the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2. Therefore, it can prevent the flexible flat cable 2 from bending due to the sliding and rotating movements of the seat 200, thus preventing localized load application.

[0105] Next, according to Figures 11 to 19 The cable winding device 1a, which, like the cable winding device 1, can pull out and wind the flexible flat cable 2 according to the sliding action of the seat 200, and can prevent the flexible flat cable 2 from twisting due to the rotation action of the seat 200, will be described.

[0106] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the cable winding device 1a. Figure 12 These are exploded 3D diagrams of rotating units 8 and 9. Furthermore, Figure 13 This is a top view of the lower housing 31 that constitutes the storage section 3. Figure 14 This is a top view of the lower housing 31 containing the flexible flat cable 2. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The image shows the state in which the rotating units 8 and 9 are housed inside the lower housing 31.

[0107] in addition, Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the seat 200 moves to the rearward side B. Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation mode when the seat 200 moves forward to the side F. Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the seat 200 when it rotates around the left side R1. Figure 18This is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the seat 200 rotating around its right side Rr. (Regarding...) Figures 15 to 18 (a) shows the operation of seat 200, and (b) shows the operation of cable winding device 1.

[0108] Furthermore, in the following description of the cable winding device 1a, structures identical to or the same as those in the cable winding device 1 will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Also, descriptions will be omitted where there are no structures in the cable winding device 1 that require special explanation, and will be described where there are structures in the cable winding device 1 that require special explanation.

[0109] use Figures 11 to 14 The cable winding device 1a will be described. Like the cable winding device 1, the cable winding device 1a includes: a strip-shaped flexible flat cable 2; a storage section 3 that stores the flexible flat cable 2; and a rotating shaft 6 that rotates around a direction centered on the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z) of the flexible flat cable 2 while holding it in place. Furthermore, the cable winding device 1a has two rotating units 8 and 9.

[0110] The flexible flat cable 2 in the cable winding device 1a is stored in the storage section 3 in a winding state in a prescribed manner. More specifically, the center-side winding section, namely the center-side winding section 21, is stored in the center-side space Si in the storage section 3, and the outer-peripheral winding section, namely the outer-peripheral winding section 22, is stored in the outer-peripheral space So in the storage section 3. Here, the center-side winding section 21 and the outer-peripheral winding section 22 will be described in detail.

[0111] The center-side winding portion 21 has an inner winding portion 211 on the inner diameter side of the center-side space Si, an outer winding portion 212 on the outer diameter side, and an arc-shaped fold-back portion 213 serving as the boundary between the inner winding portion 211 and the outer winding portion 212. The winding directions of the inner winding portion 211 and the outer winding portion 212 are opposite when viewed from the direction along the central axis C, i.e., from the upper side U.

[0112] The outer peripheral winding portion 22 has an inner winding portion 221 on the inner diameter side of the outer peripheral space So, an outer winding portion 222 on the outer diameter side, and an arc-shaped folded-back portion 223 serving as the boundary between the inner winding portion 221 and the outer winding portion 222. The winding directions of the inner winding portion 221 and the outer winding portion 222 are opposite when viewed from the direction along the central axis C, i.e., from the upper side U.

[0113] Furthermore, in the cable winding apparatus 1a of this embodiment, the outer winding portion 212 of the center-side winding portion 21 and the inner winding portion 221 of the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 are wound with respect to the middle plate 315 described later, and their winding directions are opposite when viewed from the direction along the central axis C, i.e., the upper side U. However, they can also be wound in the same direction.

[0114] Furthermore, the lower housing 31 of the cable winding device 1a has a generally cylindrical middle plate 315 centered on its central axis C. This middle plate 315 extends radially from the middle portion of the bottom plate 311 toward the upper side U, dividing the internal space into an inner central side space Si and an outer peripheral side space So. Therefore, the middle plate 315 can be considered as a partition 4 separating the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So.

[0115] Furthermore, a through-hole 31s for inserting a flexible flat cable 2 is formed on the middle plate 315. This through-hole 31s is a narrow, slit-like passage formed by gently bending radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 31a of the middle plate 315 and then folding back to connect with the inner peripheral surface 31b of the middle plate 315. This through-hole 31s can clamp and reliably hold the inserted flexible flat cable 2. Therefore, the through-hole 31s can be considered a holding portion 5 that holds the boundary portion 23 between the central winding portion 21 housed in the central side space Si and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 housed in the outer peripheral side space So of the flexible flat cable 2.

[0116] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1a, a flexible flat cable 2 is wound around a spool 612 along its outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the radius of the spool 612 is set to be greater than the allowable bending radius of the flexible flat cable 2. Also, the length of the spool 612 in the vertical direction Z is set to be longer than the length of the flexible flat cable 2 in the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z). Moreover, the flexible flat cable 2 is bent upwards at the innermost peripheral portion of the central winding section 21, and the aforementioned connector (not shown) is installed at its end.

[0117] Next, the rotating unit 8 housed in the central side space Si will be described. The rotating unit 8 includes: a rotating worktable 81, which rotates freely about the rotation axis 6; and a rotating roller 82, which, while supported by the rotating worktable 81, rotates freely about the direction along the rotation axis 6 (vertical direction Z). Furthermore, the rotating unit 8 has a guide member 83 located circumferentially separate from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 82.

[0118] The rotary table 81 is a roughly annular component. The rotary table 81 can rotate freely around the rotation axis 6 on either the left or right side (see reference). Figure 12As indicated by the arrow Rm, a total of six support shafts 812 are formed on the upper side of the annular plate 811. Each support shaft 812 refers to a cylindrical protrusion that extends from the annular plate 811 toward the upper side U. The support shafts 812 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0119] The rotating roller 82 is a generally cylindrical component. The rotating roller 82 rotates freely together with the rotating worktable 81 (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rm in the image), and can rotate freely around the support shaft 812 on either the left or right side (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rn in the image). All rotating rollers 82 are the same size, one of which is located on the inner circumferential side of the arc-shaped fold-back portion 213, which serves as the boundary between the inner winding portion 211 and the outer winding portion 212 (see reference). Figure 14 (A magnified view of a portion of the image).

[0120] The guide 83 is an arc-shaped wall portion formed on the rotary table 81. Therefore, the guide 83 rotates integrally with the rotary table 81 (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rm in the image). The guide 83 is formed as an arc shape with an opposing surface 83s opposite to the rotating roller 82, curved along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 82. This guide 83 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the arc-shaped folded-back portion 213, which is the boundary portion between the inner winding portion 211 and the outer winding portion 212 (see reference). Figure 14 (A magnified view of a portion of the image).

[0121] Next, the rotating unit 9 housed in the outer peripheral space So will be described. The rotating unit 9 includes: a rotating worktable 91, which rotates freely about the rotation axis 6; and a rotating roller 92, which, while supported by the rotating worktable 91, rotates freely about the direction along the rotation axis 6 (vertical direction Z). Furthermore, the rotating unit 9 has a guide member 93 located circumferentially separate from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 92.

[0122] The rotary table 91 is a roughly annular component. The rotary table 91 can rotate freely around the rotation axis 6 on either the left or right side (see reference). Figure 12 As indicated by the arrow Rp, a total of six support shafts 912 are formed on the upper side of the annular plate 911. Each support shaft 912 refers to a cylindrical protrusion that extends from the annular plate 911 toward the upper side U. The support shafts 912 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0123] The rotating roller 92 is a generally cylindrical component. The rotating roller 92 rotates freely together with the rotating worktable 91 (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rp in the image), and can rotate freely around the left or right side with the support shaft 912 as the center (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rq in the image). All rotating rollers 92 are the same size, one of which is located on the inner circumferential side of the arc-shaped fold-back portion 223, which forms the boundary between the inner winding portion 221 and the outer winding portion 222 (see reference). Figure 14 (A magnified view of a portion of the image).

[0124] The guide 93 is an arc-shaped wall portion formed on the rotary table 91. Therefore, the guide 93 rotates integrally with the rotary table 91 (see reference). Figure 12 (See arrow Rp in the image). The guide 93 is formed as an arc shape with an opposing surface 93s opposite to the rotating roller 92, curved along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 92. This guide 93 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the arc-shaped fold-back portion 223, which is the boundary portion between the inner winding portion 221 and the outer winding portion 222 (see reference). Figure 14 (A magnified view of a portion of the image).

[0125] In addition, on the rotary table 81 constituting the rotary unit 8, besides the guide 83, other guides 84 and 85 are formed adjacent to each other (see reference). Figure 13 and Figure 14 In addition, on the rotary table 91 constituting the rotary unit 9, besides the guide 93, other guides 94 and 95 are formed adjacent to each other (see reference). Figure 13 and Figure 14 These guide components 84, 85, 94, and 95 will be explained in detail later.

[0126] Thus, the cable winding device 1a includes: a strip-shaped flexible flat cable 2; a receiving section 3 that receives the flexible flat cable 2 in a spiral winding state; a dividing section 4 that divides the internal space of the receiving section 3 into a central side space Si and an outer peripheral side space So; and a holding section 5 that holds the boundary portion 23 between the portion of the flexible flat cable 2 received in the central side space Si and the portion received in the outer peripheral side space So. Furthermore, a rotating shaft 6 is provided in the central portion of the central side space Si, which rotates around the direction along the bandwidth direction (vertical direction Z) of the flexible flat cable 2 while holding it. A guide port 7 is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral side space So, which guides the flexible flat cable 2 pulled out from the inside of the outer peripheral side space So or wound from the outside to the inside. Furthermore, the flexible flat cable 2 has a central winding portion 21 wound in the central side space Si and an outer peripheral winding portion 22 wound in the outer peripheral side space So. One end of the flexible flat cable 2 extending from the inner peripheral side portion of the central winding portion 21 is connected to the electrical component E1 of the seat 200, which is capable of sliding and rotating. The other end of the flexible flat cable 2 extending from the outer peripheral side portion of the outer peripheral winding portion 22 is connected to the electrical component E2 on the vehicle 100 side. Both the central winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 have inner winding portions 211 and 221 wound on the inner diameter side of the flexible flat cable 2, outer winding portions 212 and 222 wound on the outer diameter side of the flexible flat cable 2, and arc-shaped folded portions 213 and 223 that serve as the boundary portions of the inner winding portions 211 and 221 and the outer winding portions 212 and 222.

[0127] According to such a cable winding device 1a, the flexible flat cable 2 can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the seat 200, and the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the seat 200.

[0128] In detail, such as Figure 15 As shown, when the seat 200 moves to the rearward side B (sliding action) and the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled (refer to arrow Ro), the folded-back portion 223 of the outer peripheral winding portion 22 moves to the left (refer to arrow Rp), while the flexible flat cable 2 extends from the inner winding portion 221. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled outward toward the outer peripheral space So.

[0129] Conversely, such as Figure 16As shown, when the seat 200 moves forward (sliding motion) and presses the flexible flat cable 2 from the guide port 7 into the inner side of the outer peripheral space So (refer to arrow Ru), the folded-back portion 223 of the outer peripheral winding portion 22 moves to the right (refer to arrow Rp), while the flexible flat cable 2 is wound around the inner winding portion 221. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is wound towards the inner side of the outer peripheral space So.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, when the seat 200 rotates around its left side R1 (rotational movement) (refer to arrow T1), the rotation axis 6 rotates around its left side R1 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat 200, thus winding the flexible flat cable 2 on the inner winding portion 211 of the center winding portion 21. At this time, the folded-back portion 213 of the center winding portion 21 moves around the left side, while the flexible flat cable 2 extends from the outer winding portion 212. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the seat 200, the twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0131] Conversely, such as Figure 18 As shown, when the seat 200 rotates around its right side Rr (rotational movement) (refer to arrow Tr), the rotation axis 6 rotates around its right side Rr in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat 200, causing the flexible flat cable 2 to extend from the inner winding portion 211 of the center winding portion 21. At this time, the folded-back portion 213 of the center winding portion 21 moves around its right side, while the flexible flat cable 2 is wound around the outer winding portion 212. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the seat 200, the twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0132] In addition, the cable winding device 1a is provided with a rotary worktable 81 and 91 that can rotate freely around the rotation axis 6, and a rotary roller 82 and 92 that can rotate freely around the direction of the rotation axis 6 (vertical direction Z) while supported on the rotary worktable 81 and 91. The rotary roller 82 and 92 are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the folded-back portions 213 and 223.

[0133] According to this cable winding device 1a, if the folded-back portions 213 and 223 move to the left side during the winding and extension of the flexible flat cable 2, the inner circumferential surfaces of the folded-back portions 213 and 223 contact the rotating rollers 82 and 92, pulling the rotating rollers 82 and 92. As a result, the rotating tables 81 and 91 rotate (revolve), and the rotating rollers 82 and 92 also rotate (rotate) in response to the extension of the flexible flat cable 2. This allows for smooth guidance of the flexible flat cable 2. Furthermore, it prevents the flexible flat cable 2 from wearing down due to friction.

[0134] In addition, in the cable winding device 1a, guides 83 and 93 are provided at positions on the rotary worktables 81 and 91 that are circumferentially separated from the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary rollers 82 and 92. The guides 83 and 93 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the fold-back portions 213 and 223.

[0135] According to this cable winding device 1a, if the folded-back portions 213 and 223 move to the right side during the winding and extension of the flexible flat cable 2, the outer peripheral surfaces of the folded-back portions 213 and 223 contact the guide members 83 and 93, pressing the guide members 83 and 93. This prevents the rotating worktables 81 and 91 from rotating (revolving) and prevents the flexible flat cable 2 from contacting adjacent rotating rollers 82 and 92. This allows for smooth guidance of the flexible flat cable 2. Furthermore, it prevents the flexible flat cable 2 from wearing down due to friction.

[0136] In addition, in the cable winding device 1a, the holding part 5 is a through insertion hole 31s formed in the partition part 4 for the flexible flat cable 2 to be inserted through.

[0137] According to such a cable winding device 1a, a central winding portion 21 and an outer peripheral winding portion 22 in a flexible flat cable 2 can be formed from a continuous flexible flat cable 2. In addition, the boundary portion 23 between the central winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral winding portion 22 can be reliably maintained with a simple structure.

[0138] In addition, in the cable winding device 1a, the flexible flat cable 2 is a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

[0139] According to this cable winding device 1a, the flexible flat cable 2 can be bent with a small bending radius. Therefore, the diameters of the central side space Si and the outer peripheral side space So can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the cable winding device 1a. In addition, since the bent flexible flat cable 2 has high elasticity to return to its original shape, each winding portion 21, 22 can be unwound and expanded by its reaction force alone. Therefore, the structure can also be simplified.

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, when the flexible flat cable 2 is a structure formed by overlapping multiple flexible flat cables, one flexible flat cable 2a is routed between the rotating rollers 82 and 92 and the guides 83 and 93, while the remaining flexible flat cables 2b, 2c... are routed between the guides 84 and 94 and the guides 85 and 95. In this case, it is also possible for only the flexible flat cable 2a to contact the rotating rollers 82 and 92 and the guides 83 and 93.

[0141] In this way, when the overlapping flexible flat cables bend along the rotating rollers 82 and 92 or along the guides 83 and 93, wear due to mutual friction can be prevented. Furthermore, the remaining flexible flat cables 2b, 2c… can be routed along different paths instead of between the guides 84 and 94 and the guides 85 and 95. For example, in the case of a configuration consisting of four overlapping flexible flat cables, routing can be performed every 90 degrees around the rotation axis 6.

[0142] In the correspondence between the structure of the present invention and the aforementioned embodiments, the cable winding device corresponds to cable winding devices 1 and 1a, the flat cable corresponds to flexible flat cable 2, the storage part corresponds to storage part 3, and the partition part corresponds to partition part 4. The holding part corresponds to holding part 5, the rotating shaft corresponds to rotating shaft 6, the guide port corresponds to guide port 7, the seat power supply device corresponds to seat power supply device 10, the center-side winding part corresponds to center-side winding part 21, the outer peripheral-side winding part corresponds to outer peripheral-side winding part 22, the storage housing corresponds to the lower housing 31, the storage cover corresponds to the upper cover 32, the limiting piece corresponds to limiting piece 317, the through insertion hole corresponds to through insertion hole 31s, the power supply source corresponds to vehicle 100, the installation object corresponds to seat 200, and the center-side space... Corresponding to the central side space Si, the outer peripheral side space corresponds to the outer peripheral side space So, the rotary worktable corresponds to the rotary worktables 81 and 91, the rotary rollers correspond to the rotary rollers 82 and 92, the guides correspond to the guides 83 and 93, the inner winding portion corresponds to the inner winding portion 211 and 221, the outer winding portion corresponds to the outer winding portion 212 and 222, and the folded-back portion corresponds to the folded-back portion 213 and 223. However, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the aforementioned embodiments, and many embodiments can be obtained.

[0143] For example, in the cable winding device 1, the winding direction of the center-side winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22, when viewed from the direction along the central axis C, i.e., the upper side U, is left-handed from the radially inward side to the radially outward side. Regarding this, as... Figure 20 As shown, consider reversing the winding directions of either the center-side winding portion 21 or the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 (refer to...). Figure 20 (Arrows Ri and Ro in the text).

[0144] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1, the flexible flat cable 2 is a flexible flat cable. However, it can also be a so-called strip wire with a flat cross-sectional shape. A strip wire refers to a wire in which wires covered with a conductor are arranged in parallel and integrated, and it can be bent with a small bending radius, just like a flexible flat cable. Even with strip wires, one or more strips can be used in overlapping.

[0145] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1, the technical concept of this application is embodied in the case of a seat power supply device 10 applied to a seat 200 capable of sliding and rotating movements. However, an application to a steering power supply device for a steering wheel capable of both rotating and telescopic movements is also considered. That is, the technical concept of this application can also be embodied in a so-called rotary connector device.

[0146] For example, in the cable winding device 1a, a center-side winding portion 21 and an outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 are formed on the flexible flat cable 2. Moreover, the center-side winding portion 21 and the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 have inner winding portions 211 and 221 on the inner diameter side of the flexible flat cable 2, outer winding portions 212 and 222 on the outer diameter side of the flexible flat cable 2, and arc-shaped folded-back portions 213 and 223 that serve as the boundary portions of the inner winding portions 211 and 221 and the outer winding portions 212 and 222.

[0147] Regarding this point, such as Figure 21 As shown, the center-side winding portion 21 is configured to have an inner winding portion 211 on the inner diameter side where the flexible flat cable 2 is wound, an outer winding portion 212 on the outer diameter side where the flexible flat cable 2 is wound, and an arc-shaped folded-back portion 213 serving as the boundary between the inner winding portion 211 and the outer winding portion 212. However, the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 can be configured to be wound in a spiral shape around the dividing portion 4. In this case, the winding direction of the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 is not limited to either one.

[0148] Even with such a cable winding device 1a, the flexible flat cable 2 can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the seat 200, and the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the seat 200.

[0149] In detail, when the seat 200 moves to the rearward side B (sliding action) and the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled (refer to arrow Ro), the spiral-shaped outer peripheral winding portion 22 is wound up, and the flexible flat cable 2 extends out. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled outward toward the outer peripheral space So.

[0150] Conversely, when the seat 200 moves forward (sliding motion) and presses the flexible flat cable 2 from the guide port 7 into the inner side of the outer peripheral space So (refer to arrow Ru), the spiral-shaped outer peripheral winding portion 22 unwinds while simultaneously winding the flexible flat cable 2. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is wound towards the inner side of the outer peripheral space So.

[0151] Furthermore, when the seat 200 rotates around its left side (rotational movement), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its left side in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat 200, thus winding the flexible flat cable 2 on the inner winding portion 211 of the center winding portion 21. At this time, the folded-back portion 213 of the center winding portion 21 moves around its left side, while the flexible flat cable 2 extends out from the outer winding portion 212. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the seat 200, twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0152] Conversely, when the seat 200 rotates around its right side (rotational movement), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its right side in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat 200, causing the flexible flat cable 2 to extend from the inner winding portion 211 of the central winding portion 21. At this time, the folded-back portion 213 of the central winding portion 21 moves around its right side, while the flexible flat cable 2 is wound around the outer winding portion 212. In this way, by following the rotational movement of the seat 200, the twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0153] Or, such as Figure 22 As shown, the center-side winding portion 21 is configured to be wound in a spiral shape around the rotation axis 6, but the outer peripheral-side winding portion 22 can be configured to have an inner winding portion 221 with the flexible flat cable 2 wound on the inner diameter side, an outer winding portion 222 with the flexible flat cable 2 wound on the outer diameter side, and an arc-shaped folded-back portion 223 serving as the boundary between the inner winding portion 221 and the outer winding portion 222. In this case, the winding direction of the center-side winding portion 21 is not limited to either one.

[0154] Even with such a cable winding device 1a, the flexible flat cable 2 can be pulled out and wound according to the sliding action of the seat 200, and the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented from twisting due to the rotation action of the seat 200.

[0155] In detail, when the seat 200 moves to the rearward side B (sliding action) and the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled (refer to arrow Ro), the folded-back portion 223 of the outer peripheral winding portion 22 moves around the left side, while the flexible flat cable 2 extends from the inner winding portion 221. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is pulled outward toward the outer periphery of the outer peripheral space So.

[0156] Conversely, when the seat 200 moves forward (sliding motion) and presses the flexible flat cable 2 from the guide port 7 into the inner side of the outer peripheral space So (refer to arrow Ru), the folded-back portion 223 of the outer peripheral winding portion 22 moves around to the right, while the flexible flat cable 2 is wound around the inner winding portion 221. In this way, the flexible flat cable 2 is wound toward the inner side of the outer peripheral space So.

[0157] Furthermore, when the seat 200 rotates around its left side (rotation action), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its left side in conjunction with the rotation action of the seat 200, thus tightening the vortex-shaped central winding portion 21. In this way, by following the rotation action of the seat 200, the twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0158] Conversely, when the seat 200 rotates around its right side (rotation action), the rotation shaft 6 rotates around its right side in conjunction with the rotation action of the seat 200, thus unwinding the vortex-shaped central winding portion 21. In this way, by following the rotation action of the seat 200, the twisting of the flexible flat cable 2 can be prevented.

[0159] Furthermore, in the cable winding apparatus 1a of this embodiment, the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2 is restricted by the through insertion hole 31s. Regarding this, as... Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2 can be restricted by the limiting piece 317. That is, the limiting piece 317 can also be provided to restrict the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2 output from the holding part 5.

[0160] Such a cable winding device 1a can also reliably limit the output direction of the flexible flat cable 2. Therefore, it can prevent the flexible flat cable 2 from bending due to the sliding and rotating movements of the seat 200, thus preventing localized load application.

[0161] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1a, the case where the flexible flat cable 2 is a flexible flat cable has been described. However, it can also be a so-called strip wire with a flat cross-sectional shape. A strip wire refers to a wire in which wires covered with a conductor are arranged in parallel and integrated, and it can be bent with a small bending radius, just like a flexible flat cable. Even with strip wires, one or more strips can be used in overlapping manner.

[0162] Furthermore, in the cable winding device 1a, the technical concept of this application is embodied in the case of a seat power supply device 10 applied to a seat 200 capable of sliding and rotating movements. However, an application to a steering power supply device for a steering wheel capable of both rotating and telescopic movements is also considered. That is, the technical concept of this application can also be embodied in a so-called rotary connector device.

[0163] Label Explanation

[0164] 1, 1a: Cable winding device; 2: Flexible flat cable; 3: Storage part; 4: Divider part; 5: Holding part; 6: Rotating shaft; 7: Guide port; 10: Seat power supply device; 21: Center side winding part; 22: Outer peripheral side winding part; 31: Lower housing; 32: Upper cover; 81, 91: Rotary worktable; 82, 92: Rotating roller; 83, 93: Guide; 317: Restricting piece; 31s: Through insertion hole; 100: Vehicle; 200: Seat; 211, 221: Inner winding part; 212, 222: Outer winding part; 213, 223: Fold-back part; Si: Center side space; So: Outer peripheral side space.

Claims

1. A cable winding device, comprising: Flat, ribbon-like cable; A storage section for storing the flat cable; A partition divides the interior space of the storage section into a central side space and an outer peripheral side space; as well as The retaining part retains the boundary portion of the flat cable that is housed in the central side space and the portion housed in the outer peripheral side space. A rotating shaft is provided in the central portion of the central side space. This rotating shaft rotates around the direction of the bandwidth of the flat cable while holding the flat cable in place. A guide opening is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral space to guide the flat cable as it is pulled out from the inside to the outside or wound from the outside to the inside of the outer peripheral space. The flat cable has a central winding portion that spirals around the rotation axis in the central space, and an outer winding portion that spirals around the partition in the outer peripheral space. One end of the flat cable extending from the inner peripheral portion of the central winding is connected to an electrical component of the mounting object capable of sliding and rotating, and the other end of the flat cable extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer winding is connected to an electrical component on the power supply side.

2. The cable winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The winding direction of the central side winding portion is the same as the winding direction of the outer peripheral side winding portion.

3. The cable winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining portion is a through insertion hole formed in the partition portion for the flat cable to pass through and be inserted.

4. The cable winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The cable winding device is provided with a limiting plate that restricts the output direction of the flat cable exiting from the holding part.

5. The cable winding device according to claim 1, wherein, The flat cable is a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

6. A cable winding device, comprising: Flat, ribbon-like cable; The storage section stores the flat cable in a spiral-shaped coiled state; A partition divides the interior space of the storage section into a central side space and an outer peripheral side space; as well as The retaining part retains the boundary portion of the flat cable that is housed in the central side space and the portion housed in the outer peripheral side space. A rotating shaft is provided in the central portion of the central side space. This rotating shaft rotates around the direction of the bandwidth of the flat cable while holding the flat cable in place. A guide opening is provided at the outer edge of the outer peripheral space to guide the flat cable as it is pulled out from the inside to the outside or wound from the outside to the inside of the outer peripheral space. The flat cable has a center-side winding portion formed in the center-side space and an outer-peripheral winding portion formed in the outer-peripheral space. One end of the flat cable extending from the inner circumferential portion of the central winding is connected to an electrical component of the mounting object capable of sliding and rotating; the other end of the flat cable extending from the outer circumferential portion of the outer winding is connected to an electrical component on the power supply side. At least one of the center-side winding portion and the outer peripheral-side winding portion has an inner winding portion on the inner diameter side where the flat cable is wound, an outer winding portion on the outer diameter side where the flat cable is wound, and an arc-shaped folded-back portion that serves as the boundary between the inner winding portion and the outer winding portion.

7. The cable winding device according to claim 6, wherein, The cable winding device is equipped with: A rotary worktable that can rotate freely about the said rotation axis; as well as The rotating roller, supported on the rotary table, can rotate freely about the direction of the rotation axis. The rotating roller is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the folded-back portion.

8. The cable winding device according to claim 7, wherein, A guide is provided at a position on the rotary table that is circumferentially separated from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller. The guide is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the folded-back portion.

9. The cable winding device according to claim 6, wherein, The retaining portion is a through insertion hole formed in the partition portion for the flat cable to pass through and be inserted.

10. The cable winding device according to claim 6, wherein, The cable winding device is provided with a limiting plate that restricts the output direction of the flat cable exiting from the holding part.

11. The cable winding device according to claim 6, wherein, The flat cable is a flexible flat cable formed by overlapping one or more cables.

12. A seat power supply device that uses the cable winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The rotating shaft is connected to a seat capable of sliding and rotating. One end of the flat cable extending from the inner peripheral portion of the central winding is connected to the electrical components of the seat, and the other end of the flat cable extending from the outer peripheral portion of the outer winding is connected to the electrical components on the power supply side.

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