Rotating connector device and flat cable assembly for rotating connector device

Abstract

A flat cable assembly (60) is provided with a first lead block (61), a first flat cable (62), and a second flat cable (63). The first lead block (61) includes a first lead block body (61A) and a first conductor (61B) that includes a first exposed surface (61C) exposed from the first lead block body (61A) and that is attached to the first lead block body (61A). The first flat cable (62) includes a first cable end (62A) connected to the first exposed surface (61C) so as to extend from the first exposed surface (61C) in a first direction (D21). The second flat cable (63) includes a second cable end (63A) connected to the first exposed surface (61C) so as to extend from the first exposed surface (61C) in a second direction (D22) different from the first direction (D21).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this application relates to a rotating connector device and a flat cable assembly for a rotating connector device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Flexible flat cables used in rotary connector devices are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3889231 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the flat cable described in Patent Document 1, in order to overlap two flat cables, it is necessary to provide a notch in the exposed conductor portion provided at the end, which increases the manufacturing cost.

[0005] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to reduce the manufacturing costs of a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a first aspect includes a first lead block, a first flat cable, and a second flat cable. The first lead block includes a first lead block body and a first conductor attached to the first lead block body, the first flat cable including a first exposed surface exposed from the first lead block body. The first flat cable includes a first cable end connected to the first exposed surface so as to extend from the first exposed surface in a first direction. The second flat cable includes a second cable end connected to the first exposed surface so as to extend from the first exposed surface in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0007] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the first feature, the second cable end portion extends from the first exposed surface in a second direction different from the first direction in which the first cable end portion extends, which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable and the second flat cable, thereby enabling a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device.

[0008] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a second feature is the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the first feature, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.

[0009] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the second aspect, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be further increased.

[0010] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a third feature is the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, wherein the second direction is generally parallel to the first direction.

[0011] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the third aspect, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be further increased.

[0012] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a fourth feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third features, wherein the second cable end is positioned so as not to overlap the first cable end on the first exposed surface.

[0013] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing interference between the first cable end and the second cable end.

[0014] A fifth feature of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device is the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device of the fourth feature, wherein the first cable end includes a first conductive end, the second cable end includes a second conductive end, and the second conductive end is disposed on the first exposed surface so as not to overlap with the first conductive end.

[0015] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing interference between the first cable end and the second cable end.

[0016] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a sixth feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the first conductor includes a first protruding portion protruding from the first lead block body in a first protruding direction different from at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0017] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, the first protrusion can be utilized to connect another connector to the flat cable assembly.

[0018] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a seventh feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to sixth features, wherein the second cable end extends in a second direction from the first exposed surface and is further bent to extend in the first direction.

[0019] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be configured compactly around the first lead block.

[0020] The flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to an eighth feature is the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to seventh features, further comprising a second lead block. The second lead block includes a second lead block body and a second conductor including a second exposed surface exposed from the second lead block body and attached to the second lead block body. The first flat cable includes a third cable end connected to the second exposed surface so as to extend from the second exposed surface in a third direction. The second flat cable includes a fourth cable end connected to the second exposed surface so as to extend from the second exposed surface in a fourth direction different from the third direction.

[0021] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, the fourth cable end portion extends from the second exposed surface in a fourth direction different from the third direction in which the third cable end portion extends, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first flat cable and the second flat cable, thereby enabling a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device.

[0022] A ninth feature of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device is the same as the eighth feature, in which the fourth direction is generally opposite to the third direction.

[0023] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be further increased.

[0024] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a tenth feature is the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the eighth or ninth feature, wherein the fourth direction is generally parallel to the third direction.

[0025] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be further increased.

[0026] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to an eleventh feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the eighth to tenth features, wherein the fourth cable end is positioned so as not to overlap the third cable end on the second exposed surface.

[0027] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device of the eleventh feature, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing interference between the third cable end and the fourth cable end.

[0028] A twelfth feature of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature is that the third cable end includes a third conductive end. The fourth cable end includes a fourth conductive end. The fourth conductive end is disposed on the second exposed surface so as not to overlap with the third conductive end.

[0029] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device of the twelfth feature, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing interference between the third cable end and the fourth cable end.

[0030] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a thirteenth feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the eighth to twelfth features, wherein the fourth cable end extends from the second exposed surface in a fourth direction and is further bent to extend in the third direction.

[0031] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be configured compactly around the second lead block.

[0032] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a fourteenth feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth features, wherein the second conductor includes a second protruding portion protruding from the second lead block body in a second protruding direction different from at least one of the third direction and the fourth direction.

[0033] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, the second protrusion can be utilized to connect another connector to the flat cable assembly.

[0034] A fifteenth feature of the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth features is that the first flat cable extends from the first cable end to the third cable end, and the second flat cable extends from the second cable end to the fourth cable end.

[0035] In the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to the fifteenth feature, the first lead block and the second lead block can be disposed on both ends of the first flat cable and on both ends of the second flat cable.

[0036] A rotary connector according to a sixteenth aspect includes a stator, a rotor provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator, and the flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the eighth to fifteenth aspects at least partially disposed in a cable accommodating space defined by the stator and the rotor. The first lead block is attached to the rotor. The second lead block is attached to the stator.

[0037] In the rotary connector according to the sixteenth aspect, the manufacturing cost of the flat cable assembly for the rotary connector device can be reduced, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can also be reduced.

[0038] A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to a seventeenth feature is a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, wherein the length of the first flat cable is different from the length of the second flat cable. Effect of the Invention

[0039] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of flat cable assemblies for use in rotary connector devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a partial perspective view of the flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a partial perspective view of the flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a perspective view of a flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6]6 is a partial perspective view of another flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a partial perspective view of the flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of a flat cable assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0042] 1, the rotary connector device 100 includes a stator 10 and a rotor 20. The rotor 20 is 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 rotor 20 is configured to be fixed to a steering wheel.

[0043] The rotary connector device 100 includes a first connector 30, a second connector 40, and a third connector 50. The first connector 30 and the second connector 40 are attached to the rotating body 20. The first connector 30 and the second connector 40 are configured to be electrically connected to, for example, a steering-side electrical connector. The first connector 30 and the second connector 40 are electrically connected to electrical circuits such as switches of the steering wheel and an airbag device via the steering-side electrical connector. The third connector 50 is attached to the stator 10. The third connector 50 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, a vehicle body-side electrical connector. The third connector 50 is connected to electrical equipment (for example, a control device and a battery) provided in the vehicle body via the vehicle body-side electrical connector.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 2, the stator 10 and the rotor 20 define a cable-accommodating space S1 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20, the space surrounding the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device 100 includes a flat cable assembly 60 for a rotary connector device. The flat cable assembly 60 for a rotary connector device may also be referred to as a flat cable assembly 60. The flat cable assembly 60 is at least partially disposed within the cable-accommodating space S1 defined by the stator and the rotor. For example, the cable-accommodating space S1 is annular and extends in a circumferential direction D1 with respect to the rotation axis A1.

[0045] The flat cable assembly 60 is electrically connected to the first connector 30 and the third connector 50 (see FIG. 1). The flat cable assembly 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The flat cable assembly 60 may also be called a flexible flat cable.

[0046] 3, the flat cable assembly 60 includes a first lead block 61, a first flat cable 62, and a second flat cable 63. The first lead block 61 includes a first lead block body 61A and a first conductor 61B. The first conductor 61B has a first exposed surface 61C exposed from the first lead block body 61A, and is attached to the first lead block body 61A.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first conductor 61B is disposed in the first lead block body 61A. The first lead block body 61A is formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the first lead block body 61A is formed of an insulating resin material. On the other hand, the first conductor 61B is formed of a metallic material. The first conductor 61B is embedded in the first lead block body 61A by insert molding. However, the structure of the first lead block 61 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0048] The first flat cable 62 is flexible and has a flat cross-sectional shape. The second flat cable 63 is flexible and has a flat cross-sectional shape. The first flat cable 62 includes a first cable end 62A. The first cable end 62A is connected to the first exposed surface 61C so as to extend from the first exposed surface 61C in a first direction D21. The second flat cable 63 includes a second cable end 63A. The second cable end 63A is connected to the first exposed surface 61C so as to extend from the first exposed surface 61C in a second direction D22 different from the first direction D21.

[0049] In this embodiment, first cable end 62A includes first conductive end 62B. Second cable end 63A includes second conductive end 63B. First conductive end 62B and second conductive end 63B are connected to first exposed surface 61C. For example, first conductive end 62B and second conductive end 63B are connected to first exposed surface 61C by a joining structure such as soldering or crimping.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second direction D22 is generally opposite to the first direction D21. The second direction D22 is generally parallel to the first direction D21. More specifically, the second direction D22 is opposite to the first direction D21. The second direction D22 is parallel to the first direction D21. However, the relationship between the first direction D21 and the second direction D22 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0051] Second cable end 63A is disposed on first exposed surface 61C so as not to overlap first cable end 62A. Second conductive end 63B is disposed on first exposed surface 61C so as not to overlap first conductive end 62B. Second conductive end 63B is disposed at a distance from first conductive end 62B.

[0052] The first conductor 61B includes a first protruding portion 61D. The first protruding portion 61D protrudes from the first lead block body 61A in a first protruding direction D23 that is different from at least one of the first direction D21 and the second direction D22. In this embodiment, the first protruding direction D23 is different from the first direction D21 and the second direction D22. However, the relationship between the first direction D21, the second direction D22, and the first protruding direction D23 is not limited to this embodiment. The first protruding direction D23 may be the same as at least one of the first direction D21 and the second direction D22.

[0053] 4, the flat cable assembly 60 further includes a second lead block 64. The second lead block 64 includes a second lead block body 64A and a second conductor 64B. The second conductor 64B has a second exposed surface 64C exposed from the second lead block body 64A and is attached to the second lead block body 64A.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second conductor 64B is disposed in the second lead block body 64A. The second lead block body 64A is formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the second lead block body 64A is formed of an insulating resin material. On the other hand, the second conductor 64B is formed of a metallic material. The second conductor 64B is embedded in the second lead block body 64A by insert molding. However, the structure of the second lead block 64 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0055] The first flat cable 62 includes a third cable end 62C. The third cable end 62C is connected to the second exposed surface 64C so as to extend from the second exposed surface 64C in a third direction D31. The second flat cable 63 includes a fourth cable end 63C. The fourth cable end 63C is connected to the second exposed surface 64C so as to extend from the second exposed surface 64C in a fourth direction D32 different from the third direction D31.

[0056] In this embodiment, the third cable end 62C includes a third conductive end 62D. The fourth cable end 63C includes a fourth conductive end 63D. The third conductive end 62D and the fourth conductive end 63D are connected to the second exposed surface 64C. For example, the third conductive end 62D and the fourth conductive end 63D are connected to the second exposed surface 64C by a joining structure such as soldering or crimping.

[0057] In this embodiment, the fourth direction D32 is generally opposite to the third direction D31. The fourth direction D32 is generally parallel to the third direction D31. More specifically, the fourth direction D32 is opposite to the third direction D31. The fourth direction D32 is parallel to the third direction D31. However, the relationship between the third direction D31 and the fourth direction D32 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0058] Fourth cable end 63C is disposed on second exposed surface 64C so as not to overlap with third cable end 62C. Fourth conductive end 63D is disposed on second exposed surface 64C so as not to overlap with third conductive end 62D. Fourth conductive end 63D is disposed at a distance from third conductive end 62D.

[0059] The second conductor 64B includes a second protruding portion 64D. The second protruding portion 64D protrudes from the second lead block body 64A in a second protruding direction D33 different from at least one of the third direction D31 and the fourth direction D32. In this embodiment, the second protruding direction D33 is different from the third direction D31 and the fourth direction D32. However, the relationship between the third direction D31, the fourth direction D32, and the second protruding direction D33 is not limited to this embodiment. The second protruding direction D33 may be the same as at least one of the third direction D31 and the fourth direction D32.

[0060] 3 and 4, the first flat cable 62 includes a first conductive wire 62E and an insulating first covering portion 62F that covers the first conductive wire 62E. The first conductive wire 62E includes a first conductive end 62B and a third conductive end 62D.

[0061] The second flat cable 63 includes a second conductive wire 63E and an insulating second covering portion 63F that covers the second conductive wire 63E. The second conductive wire 63E includes a second conductive end 63B and a fourth conductive end 63D.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the first flat cable 62 extends from the first cable end 62A to the third cable end 62C. The second flat cable 63 extends from the second cable end 63A to the fourth cable end 63C. The first flat cable 62 extends in a strip shape from the first cable end 62A to the third cable end 62C. The second flat cable 63 extends in a strip shape from the second cable end 63A to the fourth cable end 63C. That is, the first cable end 62A and the third cable end 62C constitute both ends of the first flat cable 62. The second cable end 63A and the fourth cable end 63C constitute both ends of the second flat cable 63.

[0063] The second cable end 63A of the second flat cable 63 extends from the first exposed surface 61C in the second direction D22 and is bent to extend further in the first direction D21. Similarly, the fourth cable end 63C of the second flat cable 63 extends from the second exposed surface 64C in the fourth direction D32 and is bent to extend further in the third direction D31. Therefore, in a state where the first lead block 61, the second lead block 64, the first flat cable 62, and the second flat cable 63 are assembled, the second flat cable 63 overlaps with the first flat cable 62. In addition, in a state where the flat cable assembly 60 is assembled, the second protruding direction D33 is opposite to the first protruding direction D23. The length of the first flat cable 62 is different from the length of the second flat cable 63. In this embodiment, the length of the first flat cable 62 is longer than the length of the second flat cable 63.

[0064] 2, in a state where the flat cable assembly 60 is assembled to the stator 10 and the rotating body 20, the first lead block 61 is attached to the rotating body 20, and the second lead block 64 is attached to the stator 10. The flat cable assembly 60 is wound in the circumferential direction along the walls of the stator 10 and the rotating body 20 in the cable accommodating space S1.

[0065] 6 to 8, the rotary connector device 100 includes a flat cable assembly 70 for a rotary connector device. The flat cable assembly 70 includes a first lead block 71, a second lead block 74, a first flat cable 72, and a second flat cable 73. The first lead block 71, the second lead block 74, the first flat cable 72, and the second flat cable 73 of the flat cable assembly 70 have substantially the same structures as the first lead block 61, the second lead block 64, the first flat cable 62, and the second flat cable 63 of the flat cable assembly 60. Therefore, the descriptions of the first lead block 71, the second lead block 74, the first flat cable 72, and the second flat cable 73 can be reused from the descriptions of the first lead block 61, the second lead block 64, the first flat cable 62, and the second flat cable 63 by replacing “61”, “62”, “63”, “64”, “65”, “66”, “D21”, “D22”, “D23”, “D31”, “D32”, and “D33” with “71”, “72”, “73”, “74”, “D41”, “D42”, “D43”, “D51”, “D52”, and “D53”.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the second cable end 73A of the second flat cable 73 extends from the first lead block 71 in the second direction D42, but is bent in the first direction D41. Similarly, the fourth cable end 73C of the second flat cable 73 extends from the second lead block 74 in the fourth direction D52, but is bent in the third direction D51. Therefore, in a state where the first lead block 71, the second lead block 74, the first flat cable 72, and the second flat cable 73 are assembled, the second flat cable 73 overlaps with the first flat cable 72. In addition, in a state where the flat cable assembly 70 is assembled, the second protruding direction D53 is opposite to the first protruding direction D43. The length of the first flat cable 72 is different from the length of the second flat cable 73. In this embodiment, the length of the first flat cable 72 is longer than the length of the second flat cable 73.

[0067] The flat cable assembly 60 has the following features: (1) As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the flat cable assembly 60 includes a first lead block 61, a first flat cable 62, and a second flat cable 63. The first lead block 61 includes a first lead block main body 61A and a first conductor 61B including a first exposed surface 61C exposed from the first lead block main body 61A and attached to the first lead block main body 61A. The first flat cable 62 includes a first cable end 62A connected to the first exposed surface 61C so as to extend from the first exposed surface 61C in a first direction D21. The second flat cable 63 includes a second cable end 63A connected to the first exposed surface 61C so as to extend from the first exposed surface 61C in a second direction D22 different from the first direction D21.

[0068] In the flat cable assembly 60, the second cable end 63A extends from the first exposed surface 61C in the second direction D22 different from the first direction D21 in which the first cable end 62A extends, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the flat cable assembly 60. (2) Since the second direction D22 is substantially opposite to the first direction D21, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 can be further increased. (3) Since the second direction D22 is generally parallel to the first direction D21, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 can be further increased. (4) The second cable end 63A is disposed on the first exposed surface 61C so as not to overlap with the first cable end 62A. This makes it possible to further increase the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 while suppressing interference between the first cable end 62A and the second cable end 63A. (5) First cable end 62A includes first conductive end 62B. Second cable end 63A includes second conductive end 63B. Second conductive end 63B is arranged on first exposed surface 61C so as not to overlap first conductive end 62B. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of first flat cable 62 and second flat cable 63 while suppressing interference between first cable end 62A and second cable end 63A. (6) The first conductor 61B includes a first protruding portion 61D protruding from the first lead block body 61A in a first protruding direction D23 different from at least one of the first direction D21 and the second direction D22. Therefore, another connector can be connected to the flat cable assembly 60 by utilizing the first protruding portion 61D. (7) The second cable end 63A extends from the first exposed surface 61C in the second direction D22 and is bent to extend further in the first direction D21. Therefore, the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 can be configured compactly around the first lead block 61. (8) The flat cable assembly 60 further includes a second lead block 64. The second lead block 64 includes a second lead block body 64A and a second conductor 64B attached to the second lead block body 64A and including a second exposed surface 64C exposed from the second lead block body 64A. The first flat cable 62 includes a third cable end 62C connected to the second exposed surface 64C so as to extend from the second exposed surface 64C in a third direction D31. The second flat cable 63 includes a fourth cable end 63C connected to the second exposed surface 64C so as to extend from the second exposed surface 64C in a fourth direction D32 different from the third direction D31.

[0069] Since the fourth cable end 63C extends from the second exposed surface 64C in the fourth direction D32 different from the third direction D31 in which the third cable end 62C extends, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the flat cable assembly 60. (9) The fourth direction D32 is generally opposite to the third direction D31. This further increases the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63. (10) Since the fourth direction D32 is generally parallel to the third direction D31, the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 can be further increased. (11) The fourth cable end 63C is disposed on the second exposed surface 64C so as not to overlap with the third cable end 62C. This makes it possible to further increase the degree of freedom in arranging the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 while suppressing interference between the third cable end 62C and the fourth cable end 63C. (12) Third cable end 62C includes third conductive end 62D. Fourth cable end 63C includes fourth conductive end 63D. Fourth conductive end 63D is arranged on second exposed surface 64C so as not to overlap with third conductive end 62D. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the freedom of arrangement of first flat cable 62 and second flat cable 63 while suppressing interference between third cable end 62C and fourth cable end 63C. (13) The fourth cable end 63C extends from the second exposed surface 64C in the fourth direction D32 and is further bent to extend in the third direction D31. Therefore, the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 can be configured compactly around the second lead block 64. (14) The second conductor 64B includes a second protruding portion 64D protruding from the second lead block body 64A in a second protruding direction D33 different from at least one of the third direction D31 and the fourth direction D32. Therefore, another connector can be connected to the flat cable assembly 60 by utilizing the second protruding portion 64D. (15) The first flat cable 62 extends from the first cable end 62A to the third cable end 62C. The second flat cable 63 extends from the second cable end 63A to the fourth cable end 63C. Therefore, the first lead block 61 and the second lead block 64 can be disposed at both ends of the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63. (16) The rotary connector device 100 includes a stator 10, a rotor 20 rotatably mounted on the stator 10 about a rotation axis A1, and a flat cable assembly 60 for the rotary connector device at least partially disposed within a cable accommodating space S1 defined by the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0070] The rotary connector device 100 enables a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device flat cable assembly 60. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device 100 can also be reduced.

[0071] Similarly to the flat cable assembly 60, the flat cable assembly 70 can also achieve the above-mentioned advantages (1) to (16).

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the first flat cable 62 is a flat cable separate from the second flat cable 63, but the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 may be an integrated flat cable. For example, the third cable end 62C and the fourth cable end 63C may be connected to each other, so that the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 63 are configured as an integrated flat cable. In that case, for example, an intermediate portion of the integrated flat cable corresponding to the third cable end 62C and the fourth cable end 63C is connected to the second lead block 64. A similar configuration may be applied to the first flat cable 72 and the second flat cable 73.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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."

[0075] 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. Other terms relating to arrangement should also not be interpreted strictly.

[0076] 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."

[0077] 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]

[0078] 100: Rotating connector device 10: Stator 20: Rotating body 60, 70: Flat cable assembly for rotating connector device 61, 71: 1st lead block 61A, 71A: First lead block body 61B, 71B: First conductor 61C, 71C: 1st exposed surface 61D, 71D: 1st protrusion 62, 72: 1st flat cable 62A, 72A: First cable end 62B, 72B: 1st conductive end 62C, 72C: 3rd cable end 62D, 72D: Third conductive terminal 62E, 72E: 1st conductor 62F, 72F: First coated section 63, 73: Second flat cable 63A, 73A: 2nd cable end 63B, 73B: 2nd conductive end 63C, 73C: 4th cable end 63D, 73D: 4th conductive end 63E, 73E: 2nd conductor 63F, 73F: Second coated section 64, 74: 2nd lead block 64A, 74A: Second lead block body 64B, 74B: Second conductor 64C, 74C: 2nd exposed surface 64D, 74D: 2nd protrusion A1: Rotation axis D1: Circumferential direction D21: 1st direction D22 :Second direction D23: 1st protrusion direction D31: 3rd direction D32: 4th direction D33: 2nd protrusion direction D41: 1st direction D42:Second direction D43: 1st protrusion direction D51: 3rd direction D52: 4th direction D53: 2nd protrusion direction S1: Cable storage space

Claims

1. a first lead block including a first lead block body and a first conductor attached to the first lead block body, the first conductor including a first exposed surface exposed from the first lead block body; a first flat cable including a first cable end connected to the first exposed surface so as to extend from the first exposed surface in a first direction; a second flat cable including a second cable end portion connected to the first exposed surface so as to extend from the first exposed surface in a second direction different from the first direction; Equipped with the first flat cable includes a first conductor and an insulating first covering portion that partially covers the first conductor, the second flat cable includes a second conductor and an insulating second covering portion that partially covers the second conductor, the first conductor includes a first conductive end included in the first cable end and exposed from the first covering portion; the second conductor includes a second conductive end included in the second cable end and exposed from the second covering portion; the first conductive end protruding from the first covering portion to form a terminal end of the first flat cable; the second conductive end protruding from the second covering portion to form a terminal end of the second flat cable, the first flat cable is a flat cable separate from the second flat cable, the first conductive end and the second conductive end are connected to one of the first exposed surfaces such that the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire are electrically connected via one of the first conductors, and are arranged on one of the first exposed surfaces so as not to overlap each other; A flat cable assembly for a rotating connector device.

2. The second direction is generally opposite to the first direction.

2. The flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1.

3. The second direction is generally parallel to the first direction.

3. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first conductive end and the second conductive end are spaced apart from each other on the first exposed surface.

4. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1.

5. the first conductor includes a first protruding portion protruding from the first lead block body in a first protruding direction different from at least one of the first direction and the second direction; 5. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1.

6. The second cable end portion extends in the second direction from the first exposed surface and is bent so as to extend further in the first direction.

6. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1.

7. a second lead block including a second lead block body and a second conductor attached to the second lead block body, the second conductor including a second exposed surface exposed from the second lead block body; the first flat cable includes a third cable end connected to the second exposed surface so as to extend from the second exposed surface in a third direction; the second flat cable includes a fourth cable end connected to the second exposed surface so as to extend from the second exposed surface in a fourth direction different from the third direction, 7. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 1.

8. The fourth direction is generally opposite to the third direction.

8. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 7.

9. The fourth direction is generally parallel to the third direction.

9. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The fourth cable end is disposed on the second exposed surface so as not to overlap with the third cable end.

10. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 7.

11. the third cable end includes a third conductive end; the fourth cable end includes a fourth conductive end; the fourth conductive end is disposed on the second exposed surface so as not to overlap with the third conductive end; 11. The flat cable assembly for a rotating connector device according to claim 10.

12. The fourth cable end portion extends in the fourth direction from the second exposed surface and is bent so as to extend in the third direction.

12. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to claim 7.

13. the second conductor includes a second protruding portion protruding from the second lead block body in a second protruding direction different from at least one of the third direction and the fourth direction; 13. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. the first flat cable extends from the first cable end to the third cable end; the second flat cable extends from the second cable end to the fourth cable end; 14. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

15. The length of the first flat cable is different from the length of the second flat cable. A flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A stator; a rotor provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator; and a flat cable assembly for a rotary connector device according to any one of claims 7 to 15, which is at least partially disposed within a cable accommodating space defined by the stator and the rotor; the first lead block is attached to the rotor, The second reed block is attached to the stator. Rotating connector device.

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