Rotary connector device

Abstract

To reduce sliding noise from a flat cable.SOLUTION: A rotary connector device comprises a stator, a rotator, a flexible sheet, and a flat cable. The rotator is provided such that it is rotatable around a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The flexible sheet is provided inside a cable housing space formed between the stator and the rotator. The flexible sheet has a first width in an axial direction along the rotation axis. The flat cable is provided inside the cable housing space. The flat cable includes: at least one first film having a second width wider than the first width in the axial direction; and a conductor wrapped with the at least one first film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A rotary connector device for use in a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 121741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Rotating connectors are constructed so that a flat cable, whose conductors are attached by two resin films with an adhesive, slides on the connector, but this can sometimes produce a sliding noise.

[0005] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to suppress the sliding noise generated when the flat cable slides. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A rotary connector device according to a first aspect includes a stator, a rotator, a flexible sheet, and a flat cable. The rotator is provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The flexible sheet is provided in a cable accommodating space formed between the stator and the rotator. The flexible sheet has a first width in an axial direction along the rotation axis. The flat cable is provided in the cable accommodating space. The flat cable includes at least one first film having a second width in the axial direction that is larger than the first width, and a conductor wrapped in the at least one first film.

[0007] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, since the flexible sheet contacts the housing defining the cable accommodating space, it is possible to reduce the sliding noise of the flat cable, compared to at least one first film that has an adhesive or the like added thereto, and the heat generated by the current in the flat cable can be dissipated via the flexible sheet.

[0008] A second feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device of the first feature, further comprising a viscous body provided between the flat cable and the flexible sheet.

[0009] In the rotary connector device of the second feature, the frictional force between different flat cables or between the flat cable and the flexible sheet, which are in radial contact with each other, is adjusted to such an extent that the different flat cables or the flat cable and the flexible sheet do not shift circumferentially and tend to separate from each other when bent into a U-shape.

[0010] A third feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, characterized in that the flexible sheet is made of a first insulating material.

[0011] In the rotating connector device of the third feature, by providing an additional flexible sheet rather than a flat cable, the sum of the number of flat cables and the number of flexible sheets can be increased, thereby strengthening the pressing force between different flat cables or between the flat cables and the flexible sheet, thereby preventing the flat cables from becoming tangled even when the rotator is rotated.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the rotary connector device is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device of the third aspect, at least one of the first films is made of two films made of a second insulating material, and the flat cable further includes an adhesive that bonds the two films together outside the conductor.

[0013] In the rotary connector device of the fourth feature, adhesive is prone to generating noise when it comes into contact with the case, but the flexible sheet prevents the flat cable from coming into direct contact with the housing that forms the cable accommodating space, thereby suppressing sliding noise.

[0014] A fifth feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, characterized in that the first material and the second material are made of resin.

[0015] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, since resin is an insulating material and can be easily molded, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0016] A rotary connector device according to a sixth feature is a rotary connector device according to any one of the third to fifth features, characterized in that the first material and the second material are each made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide.

[0017] In the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, since a versatile resin is used, the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

[0018] A seventh feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to any one of the third to sixth features, wherein the first material and the second material are the same material.

[0019] In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the same material is used for the flat cable and the flexible sheet, so that the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

[0020] The rotary connector device according to an eighth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein at least one corner of the flexible sheet is rounded.

[0021] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, if the corners corresponding to the sliding direction of the flexible sheet are rounded, sliding noise can be reduced.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, characterized in that the cable accommodating space is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a base plate, and a cover, and the rounded corner faces the base plate and faces away from the rotation axis in the radial direction. The first wall is provided on one of the stator and the rotator, which is provided radially inward with respect to the rotation axis, and extends in the axial direction along the rotation axis. The second wall is provided on the other of the stator and the rotator, which is different from the one of the stator and the rotator, extends in the axial direction, and is provided opposite the first wall in the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The base plate connects the first wall and the second wall and extends in the radial direction. The cover is provided opposite the base plate in the axial direction.

[0023] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the corners facing outward in the radial direction D2 are rounded, so that the sliding noise generated when the flexible sheet moves outward in the radial direction is reduced.

[0024] The rotary connector device of the tenth feature is the rotary connector device of the ninth feature, characterized in that the base plate is positioned vertically lower than the cover, and the rounded corners are vertically closer to the base plate than the lower end of the flat cable.

[0025] In the rotary connector device of the tenth feature, the flat cable is bonded with an adhesive, which generates a loud sliding noise, but the flexible sheet is more likely to come into contact with the base plate, so the sliding noise can be reduced. Effect of the Invention

[0026] The technology disclosed in the present application can reduce the sliding noise of a flat cable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is another perspective view of the rotary connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a flat cable. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is an exploded perspective view of a stator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components. [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The rotator 20 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. In this embodiment, for example, the stator 10 is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body, and the rotator 20 is configured to be fixed to a steering wheel.

[0029] The stator 10 includes a first stator body 11 and a second stator body 30. The second stator body 30 is a separate member from the first stator body 11 and is connected to the first stator body 11. The first stator body 11 is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body.

[0030] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotator 20 of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the rotator 20 includes a rotating plate 21, a cylindrical portion 22, a connector accommodating portion 24, and a sleeve 25. The rotating plate 21 has a generally annular shape. The cylindrical portion 22 extends from the inner periphery of the rotating plate 21 along the rotation axis A1, and includes a through hole 22A through which the steering shaft passes. The through hole 22A extends along the rotation axis A1. The sleeve 25 has an annular shape and is attached to the cylindrical portion 22.

[0031] The connector accommodating portion 24 is provided on the rotating plate 21. For example, a plurality of electrical connectors connected to a plurality of electrical devices (e.g., a horn switch and an airbag unit) provided on the steering wheel are accommodated in the connector accommodating portion 24.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator electrical connector 40 and a housing cover 45. The stator electrical connector 40 and the housing cover 45 are attached to the stator 10. The stator electrical connector 40 is connected to electrical connectors of electrical devices (e.g., a control device and a battery) provided in the vehicle body.

[0033] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a cable accommodating space 50 is formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The cable accommodating space 50 is provided so as to surround the rotation axis A1. The cable accommodating space 50 is annular. The rotary connector device 1 includes a flexible sheet 60 and a flat cable 70. The flexible sheet 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50. The flexible sheet 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The flexible sheet 60 is made of a first insulating material.

[0034] The flat cable 70 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50. It is electrically connected to the stator electrical connector 40 (FIG. 2). The flat cable 70 is flexible and has a flat shape. The flat cable 70 is also called a flexible flat cable. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the flat cable 70. The flat cable 70 has a plurality of conductors 72 and at least one first film 74. Each of the plurality of conductors 72 is wrapped in at least one first film 74. Each of the plurality of conductors 72 is made of a film-like copper having a thickness of 1 mm or less. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable 70 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. The at least one first film 74 is made of two films 75, 76 made of a second material of an insulator. The flat cable 70 further includes an adhesive 77 that bonds the two films together outside the conductors 72. The first material and the second material are made of resin. Preferably, the first material and the second material are each made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide. The first material and the second material are the same material. However, the materials of the multiple conductors 72 and the at least one first film 74 are not limited to these materials as long as the flat cable 70 is flexible. In the example shown in FIG. 4, three conductors 72 are provided in the flat cable 70, but the number of conductors 72 is not limited to this.

[0035] The flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are bent in a U-shape in the cable accommodating space 50 when viewed in the axial direction along the rotation axis A1. The flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. In other words, the angle θ formed by the U-shaped tips of two members, the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60, adjacent in the circumferential direction D3, is approximately equal regardless of the combination of the two members. In the example of FIG. 4, the sum of the number of flat cables 70 and the number of flexible sheets 60 is four, so θ is approximately 90 degrees. The flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are bent in a U-shape by pressing against each other, but if θ becomes small, the pressing force cannot be applied sufficiently, and the flat cable 70 does not bend into a U-shape and may become entangled. For this reason, it is preferable that θ is 90 degrees or less. Depending on the vehicle, the number of flat cables 70 may be three or less, and in such a case, by providing the flexible sheet 60, a pressing force between different flat cables 70 or between the flat cables 70 and the flexible sheet 60 can be sufficiently exerted, and entanglement of the flat cables 70 is prevented even when the rotator 20 is rotated. Note that since θ may be 90 degrees or less, the flexible sheet 60 may be provided even when the number of flat cables 70 is four or more, and the present embodiment will be described below assuming that the rotary connector device 1 includes the flexible sheet 60. The flexible sheet 60 may be referred to as a dummy cable.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the stator 10 of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the first stator body 11 includes a base plate 12. The base plate 12 includes an opening 12A and has an annular shape. The first stator body 11 includes a connector accommodating portion 13 and a plurality of fixing portions 14. The connector accommodating portion 13 extends from the base plate 12 along the axial direction D1 and accommodates, for example, an electrical connector for heat steering. The plurality of fixing portions 14 protrude radially outward from the base plate 12. The fixing portion 14 is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and has a fixing hole 14A. The first stator body 11 includes an intermediate wall 15. The intermediate wall 15 extends along the axial direction D1. Specifically, the intermediate wall 15 extends from the base plate 12 along the axial direction D1.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotary plate 21 and the base plate 12 at least partially define a cable accommodating space 50. The rotary plate 21 is located opposite the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. In the following embodiments, the rotary plate 21 may be referred to as a cover. When the rotary connector device 1 is installed on a vehicle body, the base plate 12 is located vertically lower than the cover (the rotary plate 21). The base plate 12 has an outer peripheral portion 12B. The intermediate wall 15 extends from the outer peripheral portion 12B of the base plate 12 along the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the rotator 20 is one of the members of the stator 10 and the rotator 20 that is provided on the inside of the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The cylindrical portion 22 may be referred to as a first wall that is provided on the one of the members and extends in the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. The stator 10 is the other member that is different from the one member.

[0038] The second stator body 30 includes a first stator wall 31 and a second stator wall 32. The first stator wall 31 extends along an axial direction D1 parallel to the rotation axis A1 and at least partially defines a cable accommodating space 50. The first stator wall 31 may be referred to as a second wall provided on the other member, extending in the axial direction D1, and opposite to the first wall in a radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The second stator wall 32 extends along the axial direction D1 and is spaced apart from the first stator wall 31 in a radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The first stator wall 31 is disposed between the cable accommodating space 50 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2. The first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 are disposed outside the cable accommodating space 50 in the radial direction D2. The second stator wall 32 is disposed outside the first stator wall 31 in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall 15 is disposed between the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2.

[0039] The second stator body 30 includes an intermediate groove 33 provided between the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall 15 is disposed in the intermediate groove 33. The second stator body 30 includes a connecting portion 34 connecting the first stator wall 31 to the second stator wall 32. The intermediate groove 33 is defined by the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 is capable of contacting the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction D2. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 is capable of contacting the base plate 12.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 can contact the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction D2. The first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 are in contact with the base plate 12. Therefore, it can be said that the base plate 12 connects the first wall (the cylindrical portion 22) and the second wall (the first stator wall 31) and extends in the radial direction D2. The first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the base plate 12 position the first stator body 11 and the second stator body 30 in the axial direction D1. The intermediate wall 15 is separated from the connecting portion 34 in the axial direction D1. However, at least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 may be in contact with the intermediate wall 15. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 may be separated from the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. In addition, a bonding structure such as an adhesive layer may be provided between the first stator wall 31 and the intermediate wall 15 and between the second stator wall 32 and the intermediate wall 15 .

[0041] In this embodiment, the intermediate wall 15 is provided integrally with the base plate 12 as one single member. However, the intermediate wall 15 may be a separate member from the base plate 12. The first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34 are provided integrally with each other as one single member. However, at least one of the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34 may be a separate member from the other portions. Also, the second stator wall 32 may be omitted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the flexible sheet 60 has a first width W1 in an axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. As shown in the enlarged view of region A in FIG. 8, at least one corner 62 of the flexible sheet 60 is rounded. The rounded corner 62 faces the base plate 12 and faces in a radial direction D2 away from the rotation axis A1. The rounded corner 62 is closer to the base plate 12 than the lower end 79 of the flat cable 70 in the vertical direction. The flat cable 70 has a second width W2 in the axial direction D1 that is larger than the first width W1. As shown in the enlarged view of region B in FIG. 8, the rotary connector device 1 further includes a viscous body 80 provided between the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60. The viscous body 80 is, for example, grease. The viscous body 80 serves to adjust the frictional force between different flat cables 70, or between the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60, to an extent that different flat cables 70 or the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60, which are in contact with each other in the radial direction D2, do not shift in the circumferential direction D3 and tend to separate from each other when bent into a U-shape.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the intermediate wall 15 extend along the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. The intermediate wall 15 includes a first end 15A and a second end 15B. The intermediate wall 15 extends from the first end 15A to the second end 15B around the rotation axis A1. The intermediate wall 15 includes a curved portion 15C, a first flat plate portion 15D, and a second flat plate portion 15E. The curved portion 15C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 15D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 15C and has a first end 15A. The second flat plate portion 15E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 15C and has a second end 15B. When viewed from a direction along the rotation axis A1, the intermediate groove 33 has a shape complementary to the intermediate wall 15. The curved portion 15C extends in a circumferential range R2 in an arc shape centered on the rotation axis A1.

[0044] The first stator wall 31 includes a first end 31A and a second end 31B. The first stator wall 31 extends from the first end 31A to the second end 31B around the rotation axis A1. The first stator wall 31 includes a curved portion 31C, a first flat plate portion 31D, and a second flat plate portion 31E. The curved portion 31C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 31D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 31C and has a first end 31A. The second flat plate portion 31E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 31C and has a second end 31B. Like the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 31C extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1 in a circumferential range R2.

[0045] The second stator wall 32 includes a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The second stator wall 32 extends from the first end 32A to the second end 32B around the rotation axis A1. The second stator wall 32 includes a curved portion 32C, a first flat plate portion 32D, and a second flat plate portion 32E. The curved portion 32C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 32D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 32C and has a first end 32A. The second flat plate portion 32E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 32C and has a second end 32B. Like the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 32C extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0046] The second stator body 30 includes a third wall 35. The third wall 35 extends from the first stator wall 31 along the circumferential direction D3. More specifically, the third wall 35 extends from the first flat plate portion 31D toward the second flat plate portion 31E along the circumferential direction D3. The third wall 35 is spaced apart from the second flat plate portion 31E. The third wall 35 partially defines the cable-accommodating space 50.

[0047] The second stator body 30 includes a cable passage 36. The cable passage 36 is connected to the cable accommodating space 50. The flat cable 70 is drawn from the cable accommodating space 50 to the outside of the cable accommodating space 50 through the cable passage 36. The cable passage 36 includes a first passage 36A and a second passage 36B. The first passage 36A extends from the cable accommodating space 50 along the second flat plate portion 31E of the first stator wall 31. The second passage 36B extends from the first passage 36A along the outer periphery of the cable accommodating space 50 toward the first flat plate portion 31D of the first stator wall 31. The cable passage 36 is disposed between the first flat plate portion 15D and the second flat plate portion 15E of the intermediate wall 15.

[0048] The up-down direction in FIG. 4 roughly coincides with the up-down direction of the stator 10 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body. This up-down direction is equal to the vertical direction described above. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, at least a portion of the intermediate wall 15 is disposed above the rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, a portion of the intermediate wall 15 is disposed at the uppermost portion of the stator 10. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, the intermediate wall 15 is disposed over the entire region above the rotation axis A1.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the second stator body 30 includes a stator cover portion 37. When the second stator body 30 is connected to the first stator body 11, the stator cover portion 37 partially covers the connector accommodating portion 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the stator cover portion 37 extends along the circumferential direction D3 from the first end portion 31A of the first stator wall 31 and the first end portion 32A of the second stator wall 32 to the second end portion 31B of the first stator wall 31 and the second end portion 32B of the second stator wall 32. The stator cover portion 37 connects the first end portion 31A of the first stator wall 31 and the first end portion 32A of the second stator wall 32 to the second end portion 31B of the first stator wall 31 and the second end portion 32B of the second stator wall 32. The stator cover portion 37 is connected to the third wall 35. A cable passage 36 is defined between the first stator wall 31 , the third wall 35 and the stator cover portion 37 .

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the first stator body 11 includes a connector 16A. The connector 16A extends from the base plate 12 along the axial direction D1. The connector 16A connects the second stator body 30 to the first stator body 11. In this embodiment, the first stator body 11 includes a plurality of connectors 16A. The connectors 16A are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The connectors 16A are arranged at approximately the same position in the axial direction D1. The connectors 16A are arranged radially outward of the intermediate wall 15. However, the total number and arrangement of the connectors 16A are not limited to this embodiment. At least one of the connectors 16A may be omitted from the first stator body 11.

[0051] The first stator body 11 includes an additional connector 16B. The additional connector 16B is disposed at a position offset in the axial direction D1 from the connector 16A. The additional connector 16B is disposed between the first end 15A and the second end 15B of the intermediate wall 15 at a position offset in the axial direction D1 from the first end 15A and the second end 15B. In this embodiment, the first stator body 11 includes a plurality of additional connectors 16B. However, the total number of the additional connectors 16B is not limited to this embodiment. At least one of the plurality of additional connectors 16B may be omitted from the first stator body 11.

[0052] The rotary connector device 1 has the following features. (1) As shown in FIG. 8, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10, a rotator 20, a flexible sheet 60, and a flat cable 70. The rotator 20 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The flexible sheet 60 is provided in a cable accommodating space 50 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The flexible sheet 60 has a first width W1 in an axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. The flat cable 70 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50. The flat cable 70 includes at least one first film 74 having a second width W2 larger than the first width W1 in the axial direction D1, and a conductor 72 wrapped in the at least one first film 74. As a result, compared to the at least one first film 74 to which an adhesive or the like is added and which generates a high sliding sound, the flexible sheet 60 comes into contact with the housing that defines the cable accommodating space 50, and therefore the sliding sound of the flat cable 70 can be reduced. Furthermore, heat generated by the current passing through the flat cable 70 can be dissipated via the flexible sheet 60 . (2) As shown in FIG. 8, a viscous body 80 is further provided between the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60. Therefore, the frictional force between different flat cables 70 or between the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60, which are in contact with each other in the radial direction D2, is adjusted to such an extent that they do not shift in the circumferential direction D3 and can easily separate from each other when bent into a U-shape. (3) The flexible sheet 60 is made of a first insulating material. By providing an additional flexible sheet 60 instead of the flat cables 70, the sum of the number of flat cables 70 and the number of flexible sheets 60 can be increased, thereby increasing the pressing force between different flat cables 70 or between the flat cables 70 and the flexible sheet 60. This prevents the flat cables 70 from becoming entangled even when the rotator 20 is rotated. (4) As shown in Fig. 8, at least one first film 74 is composed of two films 75, 76 made of a second insulating material. Flat cable 70 further includes adhesive 77 that bonds the two films 75, 76 together outside conductor 72. The adhesive is prone to generating noise when it comes into contact with the case because it is irregularly shaped and exposed, is made of a material with a high friction coefficient, or has an uneven surface; however, flexible sheet 60 prevents flat cable 70 from coming into direct contact with the housing that forms cable accommodating space 50, thereby suppressing the sliding noise. (5) The first and second materials are made of resin. Resin is an insulating material that is easy to mold. This reduces manufacturing costs. (6) The first and second materials are made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide. These resins are highly versatile, which can further reduce manufacturing costs. (7) Since the first material and the second material are the same material, the manufacturing cost can be further reduced. (8) At least one corner 62 of flexible sheet 60 is rounded. When the corner corresponding to the sliding direction of flexible sheet 60 is rounded, sliding noise can be reduced. (9) As shown in Fig. 8, the cable accommodating space 50 is defined by a first wall (cylindrical portion 22), a second wall (first stator wall 31), a base plate 12, and a cover (rotating plate 21), and the rounded corner 62 faces the base plate 12 and faces away from the rotation axis A1 in the radial direction D2. The first wall (cylindrical portion 22) is provided on one of the members of the stator 10 and the rotator 20 that is provided on the inside of the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1, and extends in the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. The second wall (first stator wall 31) is provided on the other member different from the one of the members of the stator 10 and the rotator 20, extends in the axial direction D1, and is provided opposite to the first wall (cylindrical portion 22) in the radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The base plate 12 connects the first wall (the cylindrical portion 22) and the second wall (the first stator wall 31) and extends in the radial direction D2. The cover (the rotating plate 21) is provided opposite the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. Since sliding noise is loud when the flexible sheet 60 moves outward in the radial direction D2, the corners facing outward in the radial direction D2 are rounded, thereby reducing the sliding noise. (10) As shown in Fig. 8, the base plate 12 is located vertically lower than the cover (rotating plate 21), and the rounded corners 62 are closer to the base plate 12 in the vertical direction than the lower end 79 of the flat cable 70. Since the flat cable 70 is bonded with an adhesive as described above, a loud sliding noise is generated, but since the flexible sheet 60 is more likely to come into contact with the base plate 12, the sliding noise can be reduced.

[0053] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

[0054] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order, etc.). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0055] In addition, the terms "parallel," "orthogonal," and "coincidence" in the present disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but rather include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," and "substantially coincidence," respectively. In addition, other terms relating to arrangement should not be interpreted strictly.

[0056] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not to be interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

[0057] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: Rotating connector device 10: Stator 12: Base plate 20: Rotator 22: First wall (cylindrical part) 31: Second wall (first stator wall) 50: Cable storage space 60: Flexible sheet 62: corner 70: Flat cable 72: Conductor 74: First film 75: Film 76: Film 77: Adhesive 79: Bottom edge 80: Viscous body A1: Rotation axis D1: Axial direction D2: Radial direction W1: 1st width W2: Second width

Claims

1. A stator; a rotator provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator; a flexible sheet having a first width in an axial direction along the rotation axis, the flexible sheet being provided in a cable accommodating space formed between the stator and the rotator; a flat cable provided in the cable accommodating space, the flat cable including at least one first film having a second width greater than the first width in the axial direction and a conductor wrapped in the at least one first film; Equipped with Rotating connector device.

2. The flexible sheet may further include a viscous body provided between the flat cable and the flexible sheet.

2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1.

3. The flexible sheet is made of a first material that is an insulator.

2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1.

4. the at least one first film comprises two films of an insulating second material; The flat cable further includes an adhesive that bonds the two films together outside the conductors.

4. The rotary connector assembly of claim 3.

5. The first material and the second material are made of resin.

5. The rotary connector assembly of claim 4.

6. The first material and the second material are each made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyphenylene sulfide.

5. The rotary connector assembly of claim 4.

7. The first material and the second material are the same material.

5. The rotary connector assembly of claim 4.

8. At least one corner of the flexible sheet is rounded. A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cable accommodation space is a first wall provided on one of the stator and the rotator, the first wall being disposed radially inward with respect to the rotation axis, and extending in an axial direction along the rotation axis; a second wall provided on the other member of the stator and the rotator, the second wall extending in the axial direction and opposite to the first wall in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis; a base plate connecting the first wall and the second wall and extending in the radial direction; a cover opposite to the base plate in the axial direction; It is stipulated by The rounded corner faces the base plate and faces away from the axis of rotation in the radial direction.

9. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 8.

10. the base plate is located vertically below the cover, the rounded corner is closer to the base plate than a lower end of the flat cable in the vertical direction; 10. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 9.

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