Flat cable

Abstract

We provide a flat cable that prevents uneven spacing between adjacent wires and prevents wires from becoming distorted or wavy. [Solution] The system comprises multiple electric wires 20a to 20e and a shield wire 33 that is woven into the multiple electric wires 20a to 20e by plain weave to hold the multiple electric wires 20a to 20e in parallel. The shield wire 33 has a width dimension W1 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e that is larger than the width dimension along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e, and has an intersection CP formed by twisting it 180 degrees. The intersection CP is positioned between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e. This reduces the width dimension of the intersection CP along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e, allowing the plain-woven shield wire 33 to be arranged closely together in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flat cable having a plurality of electric wires parallel to each other.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a flat cable including a plurality of electric wires and weft threads that hold these electric wires in parallel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the flat cable described in Patent Document 1, the interval between the weft threads is wide in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, and the exposed portion of the electric wire is large. Therefore, there is a risk that the holding force of the electric wire by the weft thread is insufficient, and the interval between adjacent electric wires varies or the electric wire is distorted like a wave.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a flat cable capable of preventing the interval between adjacent electric wires from varying or the electric wire from being distorted like a wave.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of electric wires and a string-like member that is woven into the plurality of electric wires by plain weaving and holds the plurality of electric wires in parallel. The string-like member has a width dimension along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire larger than a width dimension along the radial direction of the electric wire, and has a twisted portion formed by twisting at least 180 degrees. The twisted portions are respectively arranged between adjacent electric wires.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a flat cable can be realized that prevents uneven spacing between adjacent wires and prevents the wires from becoming distorted or wavy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a flat cable according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a close-up view showing details of the shielding material covering the power lines. [Figure 3] This is a view from arrow A in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the braiding method of shield wire (forward and return paths). [Figure 5] This diagram shows the braiding method (spacing reduction) of shielded wire. [Figure 6] This figure shows the state after the shielding wires have been spaced closer together. [Figure 7] This figure shows the braiding method of the shield wire according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the state after the shielding wires have been narrowed in spacing. [Figure 9] This figure shows the braiding method of the shield wire according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the shield sheet of Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 shows a flat cable according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view showing details of the shielding member covering the electric wire. Figure 3 is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the braiding method of the shield wire (forward and return sides). Figure 5 shows the braiding method of the shield wire (spacing reduction work). Figure 6 shows the state after the shield wire spacing reduction work.

[0011] <Overview of Flat Cable> The flat cable 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a flexible cable used for signal transmission between precision machines such as medical devices, for example. The flat cable 10 includes a cable main body 11 and connector portions 12 electrically connected to both longitudinal ends of the cable main body 11. Here, the connector portion 12 is connected to a connector connection portion (not shown) provided on the back surface of a precision machine, for example.

[0012] The cable main body 11 includes a plurality of electric wires 20a to 20h arranged in parallel with each other and a shield member 30 that holds these electric wires 20a to 20h in parallel. In FIG. 1, a total of eight electric wires 20a to 20h are shown, while the shield member 30 is shown in a simplified manner as a shaded area. Also, in FIGS. 2 and 3, only five electric wires 20a to 20e are shown, while a part of the shield member 30 is shown in detail.

[0013] <Structure of Electric Wire> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of electric wires 20a to 20e each have the same structure. Specifically, the electric wires 20a to 20e have a stranded wire 22 formed by twisting a total of seven conductors 21 and a vinyl coating 23 having insulation that covers the outer peripheral portion of the stranded wire 22. The vinyl coating 23 is provided around the stranded wire 22 by extrusion molding.

[0014] <Structure of Shield Member> As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the shield member 30 is made of thin conductive wires (fine wires) made of copper or aluminum and is woven around the electric wires 20a to 20e by plain weaving. Specifically, the shield member 30 weaves a shield wire 33 formed from a first fine wire 31 (shaded portion) and a second fine wire 32 (unshaded portion) around the electric wires 20a to 20e by plain weaving to hold the electric wires 20a to 20e in parallel.

[0015] Note that the shield wire 33 corresponds to the string-like member in the present invention. Also, the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are each a conductive wire and correspond to the string-like body in the present invention. Here, the first and second thin wires 31 and 32 have a circular cross-sectional shape (circular cross-section) in the direction intersecting their extending direction (see FIG. 6).

[0016] Thereby, the electric wires 20a to 20e are covered by the shield member 30 which is a conductor, and it is suppressed that external noise flying from the outside reaches each of the electric wires 20a to 20e. Therefore, it is suppressed that the transmission efficiency of the flat cable 10 decreases.

[0017] Here, the shield wire 33 is formed by arranging the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e. Thereby, the shield wire 33 has a width dimension W1 (see FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e larger than the width dimension W2 (see FIG. 3) along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e (W1>W2, W1≒2×W2). Specifically, in the present embodiment, the width dimension W1 of the shield wire 33 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e is about 0.050 mm, and the width dimension W2 of the shield wire 33 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e is about 0.025 mm.

[0018] And when the shield wire 33 is woven in a plain weave with respect to each of the electric wires 20a to 20e, the shield wire 33 is twisted by 180 degrees between adjacent electric wires 20a and 20b, between adjacent electric wires 20b and 20c, between adjacent electric wires 20c and 20d, and between adjacent electric wires 20d and 20e, respectively. Specifically, the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are twisted by 180 degrees so as to be bundled into one.

[0019] As a result, a single crossing portion CP formed by crossing the first fine wire 31 and the second fine wire 32 is provided between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e, respectively. And as shown in FIG. 6, the interval G1 (see FIG. 6) between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e is approximately 0.050 mm (G1≈W1) substantially equal to the width dimension W1 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e of the shield wire 33. Note that the crossing portion CP corresponds to the twisting portion in the present invention.

[0020] Further, the crossing portion CP is formed between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20c in both the direction of braiding toward the forward path side (right direction in the figure) shown in the upper stage of FIG. 4 and the direction of braiding toward the return path side (left direction in the figure) shown in the lower stage of FIG. 4. Here, in FIGS. 4 to 6, only three electric wires 20a to 20c are shown in order to make the braiding state of the shield wire 33 easier to understand.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the width dimension W3 of the crossing portion CP along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the electric wires 20a to 20c is smaller than the width dimension W1 (see FIG. 2) along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c of the shield wire 33 (W3 < W1). Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the crossing angle of the first fine wire 31 and the second fine wire 32 is 45 degrees, the width dimension W3 of the crossing portion CP along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c is approximately 0.035 mm.

[0022] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the width dimension W4 of the crossing portion CP along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e is larger than the width dimension W2 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e of the shield wire 33 (W4 > W2). Specifically, in the present embodiment, the width dimension W4 of the crossing portion CP along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e is approximately 0.050 mm (W4≈W1) substantially equal to the width dimension W1 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e of the shield wire 33.

[0023] Here, when arranging the magnitude relationship of the width dimensions W1 to W4 of the shield wire 33 and the crossing portion CP forming the shield wire 33, it becomes "W1≈W4>W3>W2".

[0024] <Manufacturing method for flat cables> Next, the manufacturing method of the flat cable 10 formed as described above will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. In the following explanation of the manufacturing method, three electric wires 20a to 20c will be selected, and the method of braiding the shield wire 33 around these three electric wires 20a to 20c will be explained.

[0025] In Figures 4 through 6, the front side will be referred to as the "front side," and the back side as the "back side." Furthermore, the upper side of Figures 4 through 6 will be referred to as "one side along the longitudinal direction of the wire," and the lower side as "the other side along the longitudinal direction of the wire."

[0026] First, as shown in the upper part of Figure 4, the braiding procedure for the forward path (right side in the figure) will be explained. In the braiding work for the forward path, the shield wire 33 is plain-woven around the electric wires 20a, 20b, and 20c in this order.

[0027] Specifically, the shield wire 33 is placed on the front side of the electric wire 20a. At this time, the first thin wire 31 forming the shield wire 33 is placed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20a, and the second thin wire 32 is placed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20a. Then, as shown by the solid arrow (1), the shield wire 33 is placed along the outer circumference of the electric wire 20a. Note that the arrangement of the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 may be reversed.

[0028] Next, as shown by the solid arrow (2), the shield wire 33 is twisted 180 degrees clockwise between wires 20a and 20b, viewed from the wire 20c side (right side in the diagram). Then, with the shield wire 33 twisted, it is pulled out to the back side of wire 20b. Finally, as shown by the dashed arrow (3), the shield wire 33 is positioned along the outer circumference of wire 20b.

[0029] As a result, a single intersection CP is formed between wire 20a and wire 20b. On the other side of wire 20b, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20b, while the second thin wire 32 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20b. In other words, by forming the intersection CP between wire 20a and wire 20b, the positions of the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are reversed between the portion of wire 20a and the portion of wire 20b.

[0030] Next, as shown by the solid arrow (4), the shield wire 33 is twisted 180 degrees clockwise when viewed from the wire 20c side, between the wire 20b and the wire 20c. Then, with the shield wire 33 twisted, it is pulled out to the front side of the wire 20c. Finally, as shown by the solid arrow (5), the shield wire 33 is positioned along the outer circumference of the wire 20c.

[0031] As a result, a single intersection CP is formed between wire 20b and wire 20c. On the front side of wire 20c, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20c, while the second thin wire 32 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20c. In other words, by forming the intersection CP between wire 20b and wire 20c, the positions of the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are reversed between the portion of wire 20b and the portion of wire 20c.

[0032] Furthermore, for wires 20d, 20e, etc., from wire 20c onward, a single intersection CP is formed as described above, and the shield wire 33 is braided into the wires alternately along the front and back sides of each wire. This completes the braiding work on the forward side.

[0033] Next, as shown in the lower part of Figure 4, the braiding procedure for the return path (left side in the figure) will be explained. In this braiding operation for the return path, the shield wire 33 is plain-woven around the electric wires 20c, 20b, and 20a in this order.

[0034] Specifically, as shown by the solid arrow (6), the shield wire 33 is folded back 180 degrees and positioned on the back side of the electric wire 20c. At this time, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20c, and the second thin wire 32 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20c. Then, as shown by the dashed arrow (7), the shield wire 33 is laid along the outer circumference of the electric wire 20c.

[0035] Next, as shown by the solid arrow (8), the shield wire 33 is twisted 180 degrees clockwise between wire 20c and wire 20b, viewed from the wire 20a side (left side in the diagram). Then, with the shield wire 33 twisted, it is pulled out to the front side of wire 20b. Finally, as shown by the solid arrow (9), the shield wire 33 is positioned along the outer circumference of wire 20b.

[0036] As a result, a single intersection CP is formed between the electric wire 20c and the electric wire 20b. On the front side of the electric wire 20b, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20b, while the second thin wire 32 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 20b. In other words, by forming the intersection CP between the electric wire 20c and the electric wire 20b, the positions of the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are reversed between the electric wire 20c and the electric wire 20b.

[0037] Next, as shown by the solid arrow (10), the shield wire 33 is twisted 180 degrees clockwise when viewed from the wire 20a side, between the wire 20b and the wire 20a. Then, with the shield wire 33 twisted, it is pulled out to the back side of the wire 20a. Finally, as shown by the dashed arrow (11), the shield wire 33 is positioned along the outer circumference of the wire 20a.

[0038] As a result, a single intersection CP is formed between wire 20b and wire 20a. On the back side of wire 20a, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20a, while the second thin wire 32 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of wire 20a. In other words, by forming the intersection CP between wire 20b and wire 20a, the positions of the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are reversed between the portion of wire 20b and the portion of wire 20a.

[0039] Then, even after this weaving process on the return side, as shown by the solid arrow (12), the shield wire 33 is folded back 180 degrees, and the weaving process on the forward side and the weaving process on the return side are repeated in the same manner as described above, and plain weave is carried out.

[0040] Furthermore, as the braiding work on the outbound and return sides is repeated, the spacing of the shield wires 33 is reduced in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c, as shown in Figure 5. The process of reducing the spacing of the shield wires 33 will be explained below using Figure 5.

[0041] When transitioning from braiding on the forward side to braiding on the return side, in the section of the electric wire 20c, the shield wire 33 braided on the forward side is placed on the "front side" of the electric wire 20c, and the shield wire 33 braided on the return side is placed on the "back side" of the electric wire 20c. Then, as shown by the solid arrow (13), the shield wire 33 braided on the return side is moved closer to the shield wire 33 braided on the forward side. After that, the intersection CP formed during the braiding on the return side is brought into contact with the intersection CP formed during the braiding on the forward side.

[0042] Here, as shown in Figure 5, the width dimension W3 of the intersection CP along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c is smaller than the width dimension W1 of the shield wire 33 (see Figure 2). This allows the first thin wire 31, which is placed on the "back side" of electric wire 20c when braiding on the return path, and the second thin wire 32, which is placed on the "front side" of electric wire 20c when braiding on the forward path, to be positioned opposite each other, sandwiching the electric wire 20c. In addition, as shown by the solid arrows (14) and (15) in Figure 5, the same method of reducing the spacing of the shield wire 33 is also performed in the electric wires 20b and 20a.

[0043] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, a portion of the shield wire 33 when braided on the forward path and a portion of the shield wire 33 when braided on the return path are arranged to sandwich the electric wires 20a to 20c, overlapping each other radially from the electric wires 20a to 20c. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide the shield wire 33, consisting of the first and second thin wires 31 and 32, densely with virtually no gaps on the "front side" and "back side" of the electric wires 20a to 20c and in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, the portion of the electric wires 20a to 20c exposed to the outside can be virtually eliminated.

[0044] In Figure 6, the case where the shield wire 33 is plain woven for only one return trip is shown, and in this case the width dimension of the intersection CP where they abut each other is (W3 × 2). Also, in the section of the electric wire 20a to 20c, the width dimension W5 of the shield wire 33 along its longitudinal direction is approximately three times the width dimension W2 (see Figure 3) of the shield wire 33 along the radial direction of the electric wire 20a to 20c (W5 ≈ W2 × 3 ≈ approximately 0.075 mm).

[0045] As described in detail above, the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises a plurality of electric wires 20a to 20e and a shield wire 33 that is woven in a plain weave with respect to the plurality of electric wires 20a to 20e and holds the plurality of electric wires 20a to 20e in parallel. The shield wire 33 has a width dimension W1 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e that is greater than the width dimension W2 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e (W1 > W2), and has intersections CP that are twisted 180 degrees, with the intersections CP being positioned between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e.

[0046] This reduces the width dimension W3 (see Figure 5) of the intersection CP along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e, making it possible to arrange the plain-woven shield wires 33 closely packed together along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e. Therefore, the holding force of the electric wires 20a to 20e by the shield wires 33 can be increased, and consequently, variations in the spacing between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e can be suppressed. In addition, the portion of the electric wires 20a to 20e exposed to the outside can be almost eliminated, and consequently, the electric wires 20a to 20e can be prevented from becoming distorted in a wavy manner. Thus, the electric wires 20a to 20e can be arranged in an orderly manner to prevent these distortions, and consequently, the transmission efficiency of the flat cable 10 can be improved.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1, the shield wire 33 is formed by a first thin wire 31 and a second thin wire 32 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20e.

[0048] This allows the shield wire 33 to be easily formed using a general-purpose wire with a circular cross-section. Consequently, it becomes possible to easily mass-produce the flat cable 10 using an industrial braiding machine or the like, and in turn, reduce the manufacturing cost of the flat cable 10.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1, the first thin wire 31 and the second thin wire 32 are conductive wires.

[0050] This allows the shielded wire 33 to have not only the function of holding multiple wires 20a to 20e in parallel, but also a shielding function that makes it difficult for external noise to reach the wires 20a to 20e. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the transmission efficiency of the flat cable 10.

[0051] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0052] Figure 7 shows the braiding method of the shield wire in Embodiment 2. Figure 8 shows the state after the spacing of the shield wire in Figure 7 has been reduced.

[0053] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the flat cable 40 of Embodiment 2 differs from the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the shield wire (string-like member) 42 that forms the shield member 41.

[0054] Specifically, the shield wire 42 comprises a third fine wire (shaded portion) 43, a fourth fine wire (white portion) 44, and a fifth fine wire (hatched portion) 45, as shown in the upper and lower sections of Figure 7. These third to fifth fine wires 43 to 45 correspond to the string-like body and conductive wire in the present invention, respectively.

[0055] As a result, the shield wire 42 has a width dimension W6 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c that is larger than the width dimension W2 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c (the same width dimension W2 as the shield wire 33 in Embodiment 1) (W6>W2, W6≈3×W2≈approximately 0.075mm).

[0056] Thus, the flat cable 40 of Embodiment 2 differs from the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1 only in that the shield wire 42 is formed from three thin wires (conductive wires).

[0057] Furthermore, in the flat cable 40, a fifth thin wire 45 is added, but the width dimension W7 of the intersection (twisted section) CP1 along the longitudinal direction (up and down direction in the figure) of the electric wires 20a to 20c is approximately equal to the width dimension W3 of the intersection CP in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 5) (W7 ≈ W3 ≈ approximately 0.035 mm).

[0058] Furthermore, in the flat cable 40, a fifth thin wire 45 is added, but the spacing G2 between adjacent wires 20a to 20c is approximately equal to the spacing G1 in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 6) (G2 ≈ G1 ≈ approximately 0.050 mm).

[0059] Then, as shown by the solid arrows (16), (17), and (18) in Figure 7, the shield wire 42 used for weaving on the return path (lower section in the figure) is moved closer to the shield wire 42 used for weaving on the forward path (upper section in the figure). As a result, in the radial direction of each of the electric wires 20a to 20c, two of the three thin wires of the shield wire 42 are positioned to overlap each other from the "front side" and "back side" of each of the electric wires 20a to 20c.

[0060] Here, as shown in Figure 8, in the flat cable 40, the shield wire 42 is plain-woven for one round trip, and the width dimension of the intersection CP1 where they abut each other is (W7 × 2). Also, in the electric wires 20a to 20c, the width dimension W8 of the shield wire 42 along its longitudinal direction is approximately four times the width dimension W2 of the shield wire 42 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c (the same width dimension W2 as the shield wire 33 in Embodiment 1) (W8 ≈ W2 × 4 ≈ approximately 0.100 mm).

[0061] The flat cable 40 of Embodiment 2, formed as described above, can also achieve the same effects and advantages as those of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0062] <Embodiment 3> Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the braiding method of the shield wire according to Embodiment 3.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, the flat cable 50 of Embodiment 3 differs from the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1 only in that a first intersection (twisted section) CP2 and a second intersection (twisted section) CP3 are provided between adjacent wires 20a to 20c. Note that in Figure 9, only the shield wire 33 when braided on the forward path side is shown.

[0065] Furthermore, between wires 20a and 20b, the shield wire 33 is twisted 360 degrees clockwise (180 degrees x 2) when viewed from the wire 20c side (right side in the diagram), as indicated by the solid arrows (19) and (20). Also, between wires 20b and 20c, the shield wire 33 is twisted 360 degrees clockwise (180 degrees x 2) when viewed from the wire 20c side (right side in the diagram), as indicated by the solid arrows (21) and (22).

[0066] As a result, in all parts of the electric wires 20a to 20c, the first thin wire 31 is positioned on one side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c, and the second thin wire 32 is positioned on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c.

[0067] Furthermore, two intersections, CP2 and CP3, are provided between adjacent wires 20a to 20c. The first and second intersections CP2 and CP3 move diagonally between the wires, following each of the adjacent wires 20a to 20c, as they move from the "front side" to the "back side" and then from the "back side" back to the "front side" (see Figure 3). Therefore, the spacing G3 between adjacent wires 20a to 20c is approximately equal to the spacing G1 in Embodiment 1 (see Figure 6) (G3 ≈ G1).

[0068] In the flat cable 50 of Embodiment 3, formed as described above, the same effects and advantages as those of Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 3, since two first and second intersections CP2 and CP3 are provided between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20c, it is possible to further increase the holding force (binding strength) of the electric wires 20a to 20c.

[0069] <Embodiment 4> Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Parts having the same function as those in Embodiment 1 described above will be denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0070] Figure 10 shows the shield sheet of Embodiment 4.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the only difference between the flat cable 60 of Embodiment 4 and the flat cable 10 of Embodiment 1 is that a tape-shaped shielding sheet 61 is used instead of the shielding wire 33 (see Figure 5).

[0072] The shield sheet 61 is a conductive sheet material made of thin copper foil or aluminum foil, and its cross-sectional shape along the direction intersecting its extension direction is rectangular (rectangular cross-section). Specifically, the width dimension W9 of the shield sheet 61 along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c is greater than the thickness dimension W10 along the radial direction of the electric wires 20a to 20c (W9 > W10). Specifically, the width dimension W9 of the shield sheet 61 is approximately 2.000 mm, and the thickness dimension W10 of the shield sheet 61 is approximately 0.005 mm.

[0073] Moreover, between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20c, there are provided crossing portions (twisting portions) CP4 formed by twisting the shield sheet 61 by 180 degrees. Here, the width dimension W11 of the crossing portion CP4 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in the figure) of the electric wires 20a to 20c is larger than the thickness dimension W10 of the shield sheet 61 (W11 > W10). Specifically, the width dimension W11 of the crossing portion CP4 is about 0.250 mm.

[0074] Note that the shield sheet 61 corresponds to the string-shaped member and the sheet material in the present invention. Also, the arrows (23) to (27) in FIG. 10 indicate the operation of the weaving work of the shield sheet 61 to the forward path side. The arrow (28) in FIG. 10 indicates the 180-degree folding operation of the shield sheet 61, that is, the transition operation to the weaving work to the return path side. The arrows (29) to (33) in FIG. 10 indicate the operation of the weaving work of the shield sheet 61 to the return path side. The arrow (34) in FIG. 10 indicates the 180-degree folding operation of the shield sheet 61, that is, the transition operation to the weaving work to the forward path side. The arrows (35) to (37) in FIG. 10 indicate the operation of the spacing work of the shield sheet 61.

[0075] Even in the flat cable 60 of the fourth embodiment formed as described above, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0076] In addition to this, in the fourth embodiment, the interval G4 between adjacent electric wires 20a to 20e can be made smaller (narrower) than the interval G1 (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment (G4 ≒ 0.040 mm < G1). Therefore, it is possible to further increase the holding force (bundling strength) of the electric wires 20a to 20e.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the embodiments described above, the shield wires 33 and 42 and the shield sheet 61 as string-like members are shown to be formed from conductive wires and conductive sheet materials, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, materials such as polyester, polyamide resin, polypropylene, cotton, and carbon may be used. Furthermore, because it can be plain-woven at high density, when an insulating material is applied to the string-like members, it becomes possible to use stranded wires with the vinyl coating removed.

[0078] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above show multiple wires 20a to 20h each being treated as a single wire, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of each of the wires 20a to 20h, for example, a twisted pair cable formed by twisting two wires together can also be used.

[0079] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 and 2 described above show shielding wires made of two or three thin wires, the present invention is not limited to these, and shielding wires can also be formed using four or more thin wires.

[0080] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above show cases where the shield wires 33, 42 and the shield sheet 61 are twisted 180 degrees or 360 degrees, respectively, to form intersections (twisted sections), the present invention is not limited to these cases. Three intersections may be formed by twisting the wires 180 degrees three times, or four intersections may be formed by twisting the wires 4 times.

[0081] Furthermore, although the flat cables 10, 40, 50, and 60 described above as being used for signal transmission between precision machines such as medical equipment, the present invention is not limited to this and can also be used for signal transmission between other precision machines (for example, between in-vehicle equipment).

[0082] Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, number, and installation location of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as they can achieve the present invention, and are not limited to the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10…Flat cable 11…Cable body 12…Connector section 20a~20h…Electric wire 21... Conductor 22... Stranded wire 23...Vinyl coating 30... Shielding component 31…First thin wire (string-like body, conductive wire) 32…Second thin wire (string-like body, conductive wire) 33...Shielded wire (string-like component) 40…Flat cable 41... Shielding component 42...Shielded wire (string-like member) 43…Third thin wire (string-like body, conductive wire) 44…Fourth thin wire (string-like body, conductive wire) 45…Fifth thin wire (string-like body, conductive wire) 50, 60... Flat Cable 61... Shield sheet (string-like member, sheet material) CP, CP1, CP4... Intersection (torsion section) CP2...First intersection (twisted section) CP3...Second intersection (twisted section) G1~G4...interval W1~W11...Width dimensions

Claims

1. Multiple power lines, A string-like member that is woven in a plain weave around multiple electric wires and holds the multiple electric wires in parallel, Equipped with, The string-like member has a width dimension along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire that is greater than the width dimension along the radial direction of the electric wire, and has a twisted portion formed by twisting at least 180 degrees. The twisted portions are each positioned between adjacent electric wires. Flat cable.

2. The string-like member is formed by at least two string-like bodies arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. The flat cable according to claim 1.

3. The string-like body is a conductive wire. The flat cable according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned string-like member is a sheet material whose cross-sectional shape is rectangular along the direction intersecting its extending direction. The flat cable according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned sheet material has conductivity, The flat cable according to claim 4.

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