Rotary connector device

Abstract

The utility model provides a rotary connector device, which does not lose the effect of viscous fluid even at low temperature and high temperature, and can enable a winding direction reversing part arranged at the middle part of a flat cable to rotate reliably. A rotary connector device (1) is provided with a flat cable (11), and an inner housing (13) and an outer housing (15) that house the flat cable (11). Furthermore, the flat cable (11) is coated with a viscous fluid (17) on both surfaces of the flat cable (11), and has a winding direction reversal section (12) in the middle of the flat cable (11). The deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal part (12) is less than the friction force between the inner housing (13) and the outer housing (15) and the flat cable (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotary connector device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, in order to transmit electric signals, electric power and the like between a steering gear that is a rotary body and a vehicle body that is a fixed body in a vehicle, a rotary connector device (steering column connector (SRC)) is used. Generally, the rotary connector device is a connector that transmits an electric signal of a collision sensor to an airbag on the steering gear via a flat cable (FC) or the like in an airbag system of a vehicle, and is an important product that reliably transmits an electric signal related to human life without delay under any severe conditions.

[0003] In such a rotary connector device, the number of rotations that can be rotated is determined according to the number of windings of the flat cable, and thus if the number of rotations that can be rotated is to be increased, the number of windings of the flat cable must be increased. However, if the number of windings of the flat cable is increased, the rotational force on the rotary body side is difficult to transmit to the entire flat cable, and thus there is a problem in that a failure such as reverse bending of the flat cable is easily generated. In order to solve this problem, a method of reducing the number of windings of the flat cable and providing a winding direction reversing portion in an intermediate portion of the flat cable has been proposed. For example, a transmission device between a rotary body and a fixed body that prevents generation of a failure due to slack of a flat cable by applying an adhesive fluid to both surfaces of the flat cable is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, and as a result, the winding direction reversing portion of the flat cable can be reliably rotated.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-29658 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in the transmission device between a rotary body and a fixed body in Patent Literature 1 described above, if the amount of application of the adhesive fluid to the flat cable is small, there is a problem in that the windings of the flat cable are dispersed due to thermal deformation, that is, heat setting of a film that constitutes the flat cable when an operating environment changes from a high temperature state to a low temperature state, for example. In addition, if the amount of application of the adhesive fluid is large, there is a problem in that the windings of the flat cable are dispersed due to a decrease in viscosity of the adhesive fluid at low temperatures or high temperatures. Thus, there is a problem in that the winding direction reversing portion provided in the intermediate portion of the flat cable cannot be reliably rotated.

[0009] Therefore, this utility model was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a rotary connector device that does not lose the effect of viscous fluid even at low or high temperatures, and enables the winding direction reversal part located in the middle of the flat cable to rotate reliably.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] In the rotary connector device according to the first aspect of this utility model, the coaxially configured inner and outer housings are capable of rotating relative to each other. A flat cable is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer housings. One end of the flat cable is fixed to the inner housing, and the other end of the flat cable is fixed to the outer housing. The flat cable has a winding direction reversal portion in the middle. The flat cable is coated with a viscous fluid on both surfaces. The deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal portion is less than or equal to the frictional force between the inner housing and the flat cable, and less than or equal to the frictional force between the outer housing and the flat cable.

[0012] The rotary connector device according to the second aspect of this utility model is based on the rotary connector device according to the first aspect of this utility model described above. Multiple flat cables are overlapped and wound, and the winding direction reversal portions of each flat cable are arranged at multiple positions with intervals in the circumferential direction. Through the elastic reaction force of each winding direction reversal portion, the inner end of each flat cable is pressed against the main body of the inner housing and the outer end of each flat cable is pressed against the outer cylinder of the outer housing.

[0013] The rotary connector device according to the third aspect of this utility model is based on the rotary connector device according to the first or second aspect of this utility model. The flat cable is overlapped and wound with an elastic simulated cable. The winding direction reversal part of the flat cable and the winding direction reversal part of the simulated cable are arranged at multiple positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The two ends of the simulated cable are fixed to the main body and the outer cylinder, and the size of the simulated cable is the same as or similar to the size of the flat cable.

[0014] Effects of the utility model

[0015] In rotary connector assemblies, adjusting the amount of viscous fluid applied to the surface of a flat cable ensures that the viscous fluid's effectiveness is maintained even at low or high temperatures. By adjusting the amount of fluid applied, the reversing section at the middle of the flat cable can be reliably rotated. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotary connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 It is used to explain the storage in Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 A diagram showing the reverse winding direction of the flat cable in the rotary connector assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the deformation resistance A of the section where the winding direction is reversed.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a graph used to illustrate the heat set rate.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the frictional force B between the flat cable and the housing of the rotary connector assembly via a viscous fluid.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate relation (1). Figure 7 (a) is a diagram illustrating the state where relation (1) is not satisfied. Figure 7 (b) is a diagram illustrating the state that satisfies relation (1).

[0023] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotary connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a graph showing the relationship between the deformation resistance of the section where the winding direction reverses and the heat set rate.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a graph showing the relationship between the frictional force between the flat cable and the first platen via silicone grease and the amount of silicone grease applied.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the transmission device involved in this utility model.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the transmission device involved in this utility model.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the transmission device involved in this utility model.

[0029] Symbol Explanation

[0030] 1, 51: Rotary connector device (straight rod connector (SRC)), 11: Flat cable (FC), 11a: One end of flat cable (FC), 11b: The other end of flat cable (FC), 12: Winding direction reversal part, 13: Inner shell, 13a: Main body, 15: Outer shell, 15a: Outer cylinder, 17: Viscous fluid, 111, 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D: Flat cable, 111a, 111b: Winding direction reversal part, 113: Inner shell, 113a: Main body, 115: Outer shell, 115a: Outer cylinder, 121, 121A, 121B, 121C: Simulated cable, 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d: Winding direction reversal part. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description in this embodiment represents one example of the rotary connector device according to the present invention and is not limited thereto. The detailed structure of the rotary connector device in this embodiment can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it can also be applied to rotary connectors that connect rotating bodies and fixed bodies, with a structure similar to the rotary connector device.

[0032] First, the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment of this utility model will be described. Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is its longitudinal sectional view. Additionally, Figure 3 It is used to explain the storage in Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 A diagram showing the reverse winding direction of the flat cable in the rotary connector assembly.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in the rotary connector device (SRC) 1 according to the first embodiment of this utility model, the coaxially arranged inner housing 13 and outer housing 15 are rotatable relative to each other. A flat cable (FC) 11 is disposed within the space formed by the inner housing 13 and outer housing 15. One end of the flat cable 11 is fixed to the inner housing 13, and the other end is fixed to the outer housing 15. The flat cable 11 has a winding direction reversal portion 12 in the middle. A viscous fluid is coated on both surfaces of the flat cable 11. The deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal portion 12 is less than or equal to the frictional force between the inner housing 13 and outer housing 15 and the flat cable 11. Specifically, the rotary connector device 1 includes: a flat cable 11; and an inner housing 13 and an outer housing 15, which are a frame of the rotary connector device 1 for housing the flat cable 11. The inner housing 13 and outer housing 15 are made of the same material and are combined in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other. One end 11a of the flat cable 11 is fixed to the main body 13a of the inner housing 13, and the other end 11b of the flat cable 11 is fixed to the outer cylinder 15a of the outer housing 15. Furthermore, a viscous fluid 17 is coated on both surfaces of the flat cable 11, and a winding direction reversal portion 12 is provided in the middle of the flat cable 11. It should be noted that in... Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 Although the two surfaces of the flat cable 11 described do not appear to be coated with the viscous fluid 17, they are as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the description of the viscous fluid 17 on both surfaces of the flat cable 11, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The flat cable 11 described herein has a viscous fluid 17 coated on both surfaces.

[0034] Alternatively, two annular protrusions 20 may be provided on the surface of the outer housing 15 that contacts the side 11c of the flat cable 11. The annular protrusions 20 are provided to uniformly distribute the viscous fluid 17 coated on the surface of the flat cable 11. It should be noted that the number and cross-sectional shape of the annular protrusions 20 are not particularly limited and can be arbitrarily selected. Furthermore, the annular protrusions 20 may be provided not only on the outer housing 15, but also on both the inner housing 13 and the outer housing 15, or only on the inner housing 13.

[0035] The rotary connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized as follows: the amount of viscous fluid 17 applied to the surface S of the flat cable 11, which becomes the convex side in the winding direction reversal part 12, is adjusted in both surfaces of the flat cable 11: the frictional force B between the inner housing 13 and the outer housing 15 and the flat cable 11 via the viscous fluid 17 satisfies the following relationship (1).

[0036] A≤B·····(1)

[0037] The value of A in relation (1) is as follows: For example... Figure 4 As shown, a first plate 23 and a second plate 25, formed from the materials constituting the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 15, and a flat cable 11 with no viscous fluid 17 coated on both surfaces, are prepared and arranged in a state (state A1) where the flat cable 11 is clamped by the first plate 23 and the second plate 25 in such a way that a winding direction reversal portion 12 is formed. Starting from this state (state A1), either the first plate 23 or the second plate 25 is positioned along the length direction of the flat cable 11 (in the direction of the winding direction reversal portion 12). Figure 4 The direction of the arrow M is offset in the middle. When the winding direction reversal part 12, which has a heat set rate of 1, is deformed (state A2), the force, i.e. the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal part 12, is set as A.

[0038] Here, the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12 with a heat set rate of 1 refers to the value obtained by extrapolating the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12 when the heat set rate is different, based on the measurement results.

[0039] It should be explained that, for example Figure 5 As shown, the heat set rate refers to the ratio of the radius R0 of the winding direction reversal portion 12 when the flat cable 11 is sandwiched between the first plate 23 and the second plate 25 in a configuration where the winding direction reversal portion 12 is formed, to the radius R of the winding direction reversal portion 12 when the first plate 23 and the second plate 25 are removed from the state A1, i.e., the state A3. X The ratio (R0 / R) X The heat set rate is 0%. Therefore, a heat set rate of 0 means that, in state A3, the flat cable 11 has no tendency to deform due to the reversal of the winding direction 12. Conversely, a heat set rate of 1 means that, in state A3, the flat cable 11 has a complete tendency to deform due to the reversal of the winding direction 12, that is, the shape of the reversal of the winding direction 12 is the same in both state A1 and state A3.

[0040] Furthermore, B in relation (1) has the following values: For example... Figure 6 As shown, a first plate 23 (or a second plate 25) and a flat cable 11 coated with a viscous fluid 17 on its surface S are prepared. The first plate 23 (or the second plate 25) and the flat cable 11 are aligned so that the viscous fluid 17 is in contact with the first plate 23 (or the second plate 25), forming a state (state B1). Starting from this state (state B1), the flat cable 11 is moved along its length direction (…). Figure 6(In the direction of the middle arrow N) stretching, the force of the flat cable 11 when it moves (state B2), that is, the frictional force between the flat cable 11 and the first plate 23 (or the second plate 25) via the viscous fluid 17, is set as B.

[0041] When the frictional force B does not satisfy the above relationship (1), such as Figure 7 As shown in (a), when the inner housing 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the deformation resistance A of the winding direction reversal section 12 (between points a and b) is greater than the frictional force B (rotational force of the flat cable 11) between the flat cable 11 and the inner housing 13. At this time, the balance of forces applied to points c and a of the flat cable 11 is disrupted, and the flat cable 11 is peeled off from the inner housing 13 between points c and a.

[0042] Therefore, in order to achieve the frictional force B that satisfies the above relationship (1), the amount of viscous fluid 17 applied to the surface S of the flat cable 11 is adjusted, such as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the inner housing 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the frictional force B (rotational force of the flat cable 11) between the flat cable 11 and the inner housing 13 becomes greater than the deformation resistance A of the winding direction reversal portion 12. As a result, through the adsorption force of the viscous fluid 17, the winding direction reversal portion 12 of the flat cable 11 can be smoothly deformed without being peeled off between the inner housing 13 and the outer housing 15 and the flat cable 11. That is, the winding direction reversal portion 12 of the flat cable 11 can be reliably moved (rotated).

[0043] For example, in a flat cable 11 with a width of 15 mm, when the materials constituting the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 15, as well as the first plate 23 and the second plate 25, are polyoxymethylene (POM) and the viscous fluid 17 is silicone grease, the coating amount of the viscous fluid 17 on the surface S of the flat cable 11, which becomes the convex side in the winding direction reversal section 12, within both surfaces of the flat cable 11, is 0.00013 mg / mm². 2 In this configuration, the reversing winding direction portion 12 of the flat cable 11 can reliably move (rotate). This is because, according to experimental results, the deformation resistance A of the reversing winding direction portion 12, which has a heat set rate of 1, is approximately 0.12 N. Furthermore, the frictional force B between the flat cable 11 and the inner housing 13 is approximately 0.12 N or more. Therefore, according to experimental results, the coating amount of the viscous fluid 17 per unit area is 0.00013 mg / mm². 2 The above should be noted. It should be pointed out that the frictional force B increases with the amount of viscous fluid 17 coated per unit area, and becomes approximately constant above a certain coating amount. It should be noted that the coating amount is set to 0.00013 mg / mm². 2The details of the reasons mentioned above will be explained in the embodiments described later.

[0044] Next, the rotary connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotary connector device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 The rotary connector device (SRC) 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown herein and Figures 1 to 3 The difference in the rotary connector device 1 according to the first embodiment of this utility model is that it is configured to have multiple flat cables 11 overlapped and wound, with the winding direction reversal portions 12 of each flat cable 11 arranged at multiple positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that in Figure 8 The image shows the state of four flat cables 11 overlapping and wound together.

[0046] By configuring the structure in this way, the winding direction reversal section 12 at multiple positions can press one end of the flat cable 11 against the main body 13a of the inner housing 13 and the other end of the flat cable 11 against the outer cylinder 15a of the outer housing 15, thus further suppressing the slack of the flat cable 11. Therefore, the winding direction reversal section 12 of the flat cable 11 can rotate more reliably.

[0047] Alternatively, the structure could be as follows: a dummy cable, with the same or similar dimensions as the flat cable 11 and elastic, is wound around the flat cable 11, with both ends fixed to the main body 13a and the outer cylinder 15a. The flat cable 11 and the dummy cable's winding direction reversal portions 12 are arranged at multiple positions spaced apart circumferentially. Specifically, in Figure 8 In the rotary connector device 51 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown, although multiple flat cables 11 are overlapped and wound, multiple simulated cables such as plastic tapes can also be overlapped and wound around the flat cables 11. In this case, a winding direction reversal portion 12 is provided on both the flat cables 11 and the simulated cables, and each winding direction reversal portion 12 is arranged at multiple positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. When multiple simulated cables are overlapped and wound around the flat cables 11, the same effect as when multiple flat cables 11 are overlapped and wound can be obtained. It should be noted that the simulated cables can also have a structure including a conductor.

[0048] (Example)

[0049] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0050] (Measurement of deformation resistance A at the section where the winding direction is reversed)

[0051] The following describes the use of polyoxymethylene (POM) as the material for the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 15. However, the shell material is not limited to POM and can also be other resins. Examples include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA), polyphenylene ether (PPE, PPE alloy), polypropylene (PP), etc. Furthermore, different materials can be used as the materials for the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 15. (See reference...) Figure 4 As explained, firstly, a first sheet 23 and a second sheet 25, made of polyoxymethylene (POM) used as the material for the inner housing 13 and outer housing 15 of the rotary connector assembly, are prepared. Next, a flat cable 11 with a width of 15 mm is positioned to be clamped between the first sheet 23 and the second sheet 25. Figure 4 (State A1)) to form the winding direction reversal section 12. It should be noted that neither surface of the flat cable 11 is coated with the viscous fluid 17. Next, either the first plate 23 or the second plate 25 is placed along the length of the flat cable 11 (in state A1) to form the winding direction reversal section 12. Figure 4 The direction of arrow M is offset in the middle. Flat cables 11 with different heat set rates are used to measure the deformation of the winding direction reversal part 12. Figure 4 The force (state A2) is the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12. The measurement results are shown in... Figure 9 It should be explained that... Figure 9 The vertical axis of the graph shown represents the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12, and the horizontal axis represents the heat set rate of the flat cable 11.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, if the heat set rate is increased, the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12 increases proportionally with the heat set rate. Based on this result, it can be predicted that the deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section 12 reaches its maximum value when the heat set rate is 1. Figure 9 When interpolating the curve, the deformation resistance value A of the winding direction reversal section 12 when the heat set rate is 1 is approximately 0.12 N. It should be noted that the maximum heat set rate achievable after actual use of the rotary connector device is approximately 0.8. For example, when state A1 is placed at 105°C for 48 hours, the heat set rate is approximately 0.8. Furthermore, the heat set rate of rotary connector devices from market recycled products is 0.4 or less.

[0053] (Measurement of the frictional force B between the flat cable and the rotary connector housing via a viscous fluid)

[0054] The following explanation uses silicone grease as an example of a viscous fluid; however, viscous fluids are not limited to silicone grease and can also be other lubricants. (See reference...) Figure 6 As explained, firstly, a first plate 23 and a 15mm wide flat cable 11 with silicone grease 17 coated on its surface S are prepared. The first plate 23 is made of polyoxymethylene (POM), the material used for the housing of the rotary connector assembly, namely the inner shell 13 and the outer shell 15. Next, the flat cable 11 and the first plate 23 are arranged in an overlapping state, with the silicone grease in contact with the first plate 23. Figure 6 (State B1). Next, the flat cable 11 is stretched along its length ( Figure 6 The flat cable 11 is measured by stretching it in the direction of the middle arrow N to change the amount of silicone grease applied per unit area as it moves. Figure 6 The force (state B2) is the frictional force between the silicone-greased flat cable 11 and the first plate 23. The measurement results are shown in Table 1 and... Figure 10 It should be explained that... Figure 10 The vertical axis of the graph shows the frictional force between the flat cable 11 and the first plate 23 via silicone grease, and the horizontal axis shows the amount of silicone grease applied per unit area on the surface S of the flat cable 11.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056]

[0057] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the coating amount of the silicone grease per unit area is 0 mg / mm². 2 ~0.002mg / mm 2 If the coating amount is increased, the frictional force between the flat cable 11 and the first substrate 23 via the silicone grease increases, especially when the coating amount is approximately 0.002 mg / mm². 2 At the above values, the frictional force is approximately 0.5 N and remains roughly constant.

[0058] To achieve the frictional force B that satisfies the above relationship (1), the amount of silicone grease applied to the surface S of the flat cable 11 is adjusted, such as... Figure 7As shown in (b), when the inner housing 13 of the rotary connector assembly frame is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the frictional force B (rotational force of the flat cable 11) between the flat cable 11 and the inner housing 13 becomes greater than the deformation resistance A of the winding direction reversal portion 12. This allows the winding direction reversal portion 12 of the flat cable 11 to deform smoothly between the inner housing 13 and the outer housing 15 and the flat cable 11 without being peeled off, thanks to the adsorption force of the viscous fluid 17. Therefore, it can be seen that in order to reliably move (rotate) the winding direction reversal portion 12 of the flat cable 11, it is only necessary to adjust the frictional force B to be greater than the deformation resistance A (approximately 0.12 N) of the winding direction reversal portion 12. That is, it can be seen that as long as the amount of silicone grease applied per unit area on the surface S1 of the flat cable 11 is set to 0.00013 mg / mm², it is sufficient to achieve this. 2 That's all.

[0059] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 11 An embodiment of the present invention is shown. The transmission device is the same as the conventional one in the following aspects: the inner end of the flat cable (FC) 111 is fixed to the main body 113a of the inner housing 113, while the outer end of the flat cable 111 is fixed to the outer cylinder 115a of the outer housing 115; the inner end of the flat cable 111 is wound around the main body 113a in one direction, while the outer end of the flat cable 111 is wound around the inner side of the outer cylinder 115a in the opposite direction to the inner end; and a winding direction reversal part 111a is provided in the middle of the flat cable 111.

[0060] The transmission device is characterized by having three analog cables 121A, 121B, and 121C overlapped and wound around a flat cable 111. Each analog cable 121A to analog cable 121C, like the flat cable 111, has its inner end fixed to the main body 113a of the inner housing and its outer end fixed to the outer cylinder 115a of the outer housing, and is wound in the same direction as the flat cable 111. A winding direction reversal section 121a, a winding direction reversal section 121b, and a winding direction reversal section 121c are provided in the middle section. The winding direction reversal section 111a of the flat cable 111 and the winding direction reversal sections 121a to 121c of the analog cables 121A to 121C are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0061] Therefore, the flat cable 111 is pressed against the main body 113a and the outer cylinder 115a at four circumferential positions by the elastic reaction forces of the winding direction reversal portions 111a, 121a, 121b, and 121c. Thus, even if the inner shell 113 or the outer shell 115 is rotated back and forth, the flat cable 111 will not become loose, eliminating the possibility of malfunctions caused by loosening of the flat cable. It should be noted that, as analog cables 121A to 121C, polyester tape or polyimide tape of approximately the same size and elasticity as the flat cable 111 can be used.

[0062] Figure 12 This illustrates other embodiments of the present invention. The transmission device is formed by alternately overlapping and winding two flat cables 111A and 111B and two analog cables 121A and 121B. 111a and 111b are the winding direction reversal portions of the flat cables 111A and 111B, and 121a and 121b are the winding direction reversal portions of the analog cables 121A and 121B. Structures other than those described above are... Figure 11 The same implementation method applies. Thus, the number of flat cables and analog cables can be appropriately selected as needed.

[0063] Figure 13 This illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. The transmission device is formed by overlapping and winding four flat cables 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D without using analog cables. 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d are the reverse-direction portions of the winding of the flat cables 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D. Structures other than those described above are... Figure 11 The same implementation method applies. This allows for the omission of analog cables when using multiple flat cables.

[0064] According to the present invention described above, the flat cable is pressed against the main body and outer cylinder at multiple circumferential positions by the elastic reaction force of the flat cable's winding direction reversal part and the simulated cable's winding direction reversal part. This suppresses the slack of the flat cable when the inner or outer shell is rotated, and the winding direction reversal part moves reliably according to the rotation of the inner or outer shell. Therefore, in a transmission device with a winding direction reversal part in the middle of the flat cable, malfunctions caused by the slack of the flat cable can be reliably prevented. Thus, a transmission device with a short flat cable length and stable operation (or a long flat cable but a large number of rotations of the rotating body) can be obtained.

Claims

1. A rotary connector device, characterized in that, In the rotary connector assembly, the coaxially arranged inner and outer housings are rotatable relative to each other. A flat cable is disposed within the space formed by the inner and outer housings, with one end fixed to the inner housing and the other end fixed to the outer housing. The flat cable has a winding direction reversal section in the middle. The flat cable has a viscous fluid coated on both surfaces. The deformation resistance of the winding direction reversal section is less than or equal to the frictional force between the inner housing and the flat cable, and less than or equal to the frictional force between the outer housing and the flat cable.

2. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple flat cables are overlapped and wound, and the winding direction reversal portions of each flat cable are arranged at multiple positions with circumferential intervals. Through the elastic reaction force of each winding direction reversal portion, the inner end of each flat cable is pressed against the main body of the inner housing and the outer end of each flat cable is pressed against the outer cylinder of the outer housing.

3. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, characterized in that, An elastic analog cable is overlaid and wound around the flat cable. The winding direction reversal portion of the flat cable and the winding direction reversal portion of the analog cable are arranged at multiple positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The two ends of the analog cable are fixed to the main body and the outer cylinder, and the size of the analog cable is the same as or similar to that of the flat cable.

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