Power supply device

Abstract

To provide a power supply device capable of making an electric cable smoothly follow even by a moving mechanism which has a long movement distance in an approaching / leaving direction.SOLUTION: A power supply device 10 comprises an electric cable 13 which is extended between a panel-side holding part 11 and a handle-side holding part 12 provided movably to and away from the panel-side holding part 11. The power supply device 10 is characterized in that the electric cable 13 is an FFC 130 which is a flatly-sectioned long-sized body. The FFC 130 has a curved part 13B formed which is curved in a thickness direction Dt of a flat cross section in a case in which the handle-side holding part 12 moves to approach the panel-side holding part 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device that supplies power to a second structure that can move in a direction approaching and separating from a first structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a moving mechanism is known in which a second structure can move in a direction approaching and separating from a first structure (see Patent Document 1). In such a moving mechanism, power supply is performed via an electric cable extending from the first structure to the second structure.

[0003] By the way, in recent years, due to an increase in electrical components, electric cables tend to become bulky. Therefore, there has been a problem that even when the second structure moves in a direction approaching and separating from the first structure, the electric cable cannot smoothly follow. In particular, in a moving mechanism with a long moving distance in the approaching and separating direction, the problem that the electric cable cannot smoothly follow has been remarkable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that can smoothly follow an electric cable even in a moving mechanism with a long moving distance in the approaching and separating direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This invention relates to a power supply device comprising an electrical cable spanning between a first structure and a second structure that is movable toward or toward the first structure, wherein the electrical cable is a flexible flat cable having a flat cross-section and is elongated, and the flexible flat cable has a bent portion formed in the thickness direction of the flat cross-section when the second structure moves toward the first structure. An outer covering member is provided that covers the electrical cable and changes shape in accordance with the deformation of the electrical cable, the outer covering member has a plurality of outer shell portions that cover the electrical cable, and has connecting portions on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the outer shell portions that connect the ends of adjacent outer shell portions, the connecting portions are configured to be rotatable along a predetermined two-dimensional plane including the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable, and extending plates extending from the outer shell portions in the longitudinal direction are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction, one of the extending plates provided on both sides of the outer shell portions in the longitudinal direction is positioned on one side in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction in the two-dimensional plane, and the other of the extending plates is positioned on the other side in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction in the two-dimensional plane, and when the outer covering member rotates along the two-dimensional plane, one of the extending plates abuts against the outer shell portion It is characterized by the following.

[0007] The flexible flat cable in the present invention has a structure in which parallel strip-shaped conductors are sandwiched between thin insulating sheets. Such flexible flat cables can be used individually or in combination of multiple sheets.

[0008] This invention makes it possible to smoothly follow an electrical cable even in a moving mechanism with a long travel distance in the direction of moving closer to or further away from another object. More specifically, the power supply device according to the present invention is a flexible flat cable, which is a long, flattened electrical cable. When the second structure moves toward the first structure, a bent portion is formed in the flexible flat cable, which is curved in the thickness direction of the flattened cross-section. In this way, by using a flexible flat cable as the electrical cable and forming a bent portion in the thickness direction of the flexible flat cable, it is possible to smoothly follow the movement of the second structure toward the first structure. Furthermore, because the insulating sheet covering the conductor of the flexible flat cable has high elasticity, the repulsive force of the insulating sheet, that is, the force that causes the bent insulating sheet to return to its original shape, makes it possible to smoothly follow the movement of the second structure toward the second structure as well.

[0009] Furthermore, an electrical cable constructed by overlapping multiple flexible flat cables does not experience entanglement between insulated wires, unlike an electrical cable made by bundling insulated wires, and also has low frictional resistance due to twisting. Therefore, it can smoothly follow the movement of the second structure in both the approaching and separating directions.

[0010] Furthermore, since an outer covering is provided that covers the electrical cable and changes shape in accordance with the deformation of the electrical cable, it is possible to protect the electrical cable regardless of how the electrical cable is deformed.

[0011] Furthermore, the exterior member has a plurality of outer shell portions that cover the electrical cable, and at least one connecting portion that connects the ends of adjacent outer shell portions, and the connecting portion is configured to be rotatable along a predetermined two-dimensional plane including the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable.

[0012] Therefore, it becomes possible to restrict deformation of the electrical cable in a direction that intersects a predetermined two-dimensional plane, without restricting deformation along that plane. This prevents the electrical cable from twisting or deforming into an unintended shape, thus preventing interference with surrounding components.

[0013] In one embodiment of this invention, the curved portion may be formed in an arc shape. With this invention, when the second structure moves in a direction toward the first structure, the electrical cable bends in one direction to form a relatively large arc, thus preventing localized bending of the electrical cable. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being placed on the electrical cable.

[0014] In addition, when the second structure moves in the direction of proximity, the electrical cable gradually bends to form an arc-shaped bend, shortening the length of the electrical cable. When the second structure moves in the direction of separation, the electrical cable is gradually pulled out from the arc-shaped bend, extending its length. This makes it possible to follow the electrical cable more smoothly.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, the curved portion may be formed in a corrugated shape. With this invention, when the second structure moves in a direction toward the first structure, the electrical cable becomes wavy as it is folded, thus making the bent portion of the electrical cable more compact. Therefore, it can be applied to moving mechanisms located in even smaller spaces.

[0016] In addition, when the second structure moves in the direction of proximity, the electrical cables gradually overlap, forming a corrugated bend and shortening the length of the cables. When the second structure moves in the direction of separation, the cables are gradually pulled out from the corrugated bend and the length of the cables is extended, making it possible to follow the structure more smoothly.

[0017] In another aspect of this invention, the curved portion may be formed in a spiral shape. With this invention, when the second structure moves in a direction toward the first structure, the electrical cable is wound up in a spiral shape, making it less likely for localized bending to occur in the electrical cable, and the bent portion of the electrical cable can be made more compact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load on the electrical cable and it can also be applied to moving mechanisms located in more confined spaces.

[0018] In addition, when the second structure moves in the direction of proximity, the electrical cable gradually coils up, forming a spiral bend and shortening the length of the electrical cable. When the second structure moves in the direction of separation, the electrical cable is gradually pulled out from the spiral bend and its length is extended, making it possible to follow the electrical cable more smoothly.

[0019] In another aspect of this invention, a guide member may be provided to guide the curved portion to a predetermined shape. This invention makes it possible to form a bent portion of a predetermined shape in an electrical cable when the second structure moves toward the first structure. Specifically, it makes it possible to form curved portions such as arc-shaped, wave-shaped, or spiral-shaped in the electrical cable.

[0020] In another aspect of this invention, a housing member that accommodates at least a portion of the curved portion may be provided. This invention prevents the bent portion formed in the electrical cable from sagging or deforming into an unintended shape and interfering with surrounding members when the second structure moves in a direction toward the first structure. It also prevents the bent portion from vibrating and generating abnormal noise.

[0021] In another embodiment of this invention, the second structure may correspond to a steering handle. According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly supply power while causing an electric cable to follow a steering wheel that is movable in the approach / separation direction from the first structure.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] Even in a moving mechanism with a long moving distance in the approach / separation direction, the electric cable can be made to follow smoothly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the power supply device. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A and partial enlarged view in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the cable rack viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the protector. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the protector link. [Figure 6] Front view of the protector link viewed from the direction of arrow Vx in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] Side view of the protector link viewed from the direction of arrow Vy in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] Plan view of the protector link viewed from the direction of arrow Vz in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional views taken along line B-B and line C-C in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the state where the lid portion is opened and closed with respect to the main body portion. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the state where the rear protector link is rotated with respect to the front protector link. [Figure 12] Explanatory view showing the situation of fixing the cable rack to the protector link. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view showing the state where the protector is accommodated along the inner peripheral surface of the cable rack. [Figure 14] Explanatory view of the situation where an arcuate bend is formed in the electric cable. [Figure 15]An explanatory diagram of the power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram of the power supply device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] A perspective view of the protector of a power supply device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this application, all drawings indicate the direction of the power supply device 10. Specifically, arrow F indicates the front, arrow B indicates the rear, arrow L indicates the left, and arrow R indicates the right. Furthermore, arrow U indicates the upward direction, and arrow D indicates the downward direction. In addition, in this application, the front-to-back direction is described as X, the left-to-right direction as Y, and the up-and-down direction as Z.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the power supply device 10. In Figure 1, the instrument panel I and steering wheel H are shown with dashed lines so that the power supply device 10 is visible. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 1 and a partially enlarged view. And Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cable rack 14 as seen from the direction of arrow V in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of protector 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of protector link 2. Figure 6 is a front view of protector link 2 viewed from the direction of arrow Vx in Figure 5, Figure 7 is a side view of protector link 2 viewed from the direction of arrow Vy in Figure 5, and Figure 8 is a top view of protector link 2 viewed from the direction of arrow Vz in Figure 5. Finally, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of BB and CC in Figure 8.

[0027] Furthermore, Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the lid 5 in the open and closed position relative to the main body 4. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the rear protector link 2 B rotating relative to the front protector link 2 F. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation in which the cable rack 14 is fixed to the protector link 2, and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the protector 1 housed along the inner circumferential surface of the cable rack 14. Finally, Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation in which an arc-shaped bend 13B is formed in the electrical cable 13. Note that in Figure 14, the handle-side holding part 12 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the power supply device 10 according to the first embodiment is used in the steering system of an automobile. The power supply device 10 supplies power from a panel-side holding part 11 provided in the instrument panel I to a steering wheel-side holding part 12 provided in the steering wheel H. The steering wheel-side holding part 12 is movable in the direction of approaching and separating from the panel-side holding part 11 together with the steering wheel H by a moving mechanism (not shown) (see arrow M).

[0029] The power supply device 10 includes a panel-side holding part 11, a handle-side holding part 12, and an electrical cable 13 that spans between the panel-side holding part 11 and the handle-side holding part 12. The power supply device 10 also has a cable rack 14 in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13. Furthermore, the power supply device 10 has a protector 1 to protect the electrical cable 13. The panel-side holding part 11, the handle-side holding part 12, the electrical cable 13, the cable rack 14, and the protector 1 will be described in that order below.

[0030] The panel-side holding portion 11 holds the front end portion of the electrical cable 13 while being fixed to the inside of the instrument panel I. The panel-side holding portion 11 mainly consists of a cable holder 111, and a connection connector 113 is attached to this cable holder 111 for connecting the electrical cable 112 and the electrical cable 13, which are routed inside the instrument panel I. In the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the electrical cable 112 is made up of a wire harness made of bundled insulated wires with a round cross-section.

[0031] The handle-side holding portion 12 is fixed inside the steering handle H and holds the rear end portion of the electrical cable 13. It is composed of a steering roll connector 121 (hereinafter referred to as SRC121) that can follow the rotational operation of the steering handle H.

[0032] SRC121 is fitted with a connector 123 that connects electrical cable 122 and electrical cable 13, which are routed inside the steering handle H. In the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the electrical cable 122 is made up of a bundle of insulated wires with a round cross-section.

[0033] Although a detailed explanation of the SRC121's structure is omitted here, it is configured to follow the rotational operation of the steering wheel H by using a flexible flat cable wound and housed inside.

[0034] The electrical cable 13 is stretched between the panel-side holding part 11 and the handle-side holding part 12. As shown in Figure 2, the electrical cable 13 is made up of multiple flexible flat cables 130 (hereinafter referred to as FFC130) stacked on top of each other, and each FFC130 has a structure in which parallel strip-shaped conductors 13c are sandwiched between thin insulating sheets 13s. Furthermore, each FFC130 has a flattened shape (flat cross section) in its cross section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, and is held by the aforementioned cable holder 111 and SRC121 so that its width direction Dw is aligned with the left-right direction Y and its thickness direction Dt is aligned with the up-down direction Z.

[0035] The cable rack 14 guides the curved portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in an arc shape and accommodates at least a portion of the curved portion 13B. As shown in Figures 3 and 12 to 14, the cable rack 14 mainly consists of a cable guide section 141 and a cable housing section 142. The cable guide section 141 is a passage portion through which the electrical cable 13 passes, and a projection 14p is formed on the inner surface of its upper side U, projecting downward D. The cable housing section 142 is located below the cable guide section 141 D and is positioned opposite the projection 14p. The projection 14p of the cable guide section 141 is a guide member that guides the curved portion 13B in an arc shape. The cable housing section 142 is a housing member that accommodates at least a portion of the curved portion 13B.

[0036] The cable housing section 142 has a pair of side plate sections 14s arranged perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and parallel to each other, and a peripheral plate section 14t that closes the gap between each side plate section 14s from the front side F to the lower side D. The portion of the peripheral plate section 14t located on its front side F is not a flat surface, but a curved surface that protrudes toward the front side F. Therefore, the peripheral plate section 14t of the cable housing section 142 also functions as a guiding member that guides the bent portion 13B in an arc shape. The cable housing section 142 has a shape in which the gap formed by the rear side B edge of each side plate section 14s is open (see opening 140). However, the cable housing section 142 only needs to be able to guide the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in an arc shape and accommodate at least a part of the bent portion 13B, and its shape is not limited.

[0037] Next, the protector 1 will be explained using Figures 4 to 13. The protector 1 protects the electrical cable 13. Here, one end of the electrical cable 13 on the panel-side retaining portion 11 side is designated as 13F, and the other end of the electrical cable 13 on the handle-side retaining portion 12 side is designated as 13M.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the protector 1 has multiple outer shells that cover the electrical cable 13, and is structured to connect the ends of the outer shells arranged along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) of the electrical cable 13. Therefore, if it has two outer shells, it will have at least one connecting portion. In this application, the outer shells will be referred to as protector links 2, and the connecting portion between the protector links 2 will be referred to as the connecting portion 3.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5 to 11, the protector link 2 includes a main body 4 through which an insertion space S is formed for inserting an electrical cable 13, a lid 5 that can open and close an opening 40 (see Figure 10(a)) formed along the front-rear direction X of the main body 4, a pivot 6 that allows the lid 5 to pivot relative to the main body 4, a locking 7 that allows the lid 5 to lock together when closed relative to the main body 4, and a fixing 8 for fixing additional parts to the main body 4 or fixing the main body 4 to a surrounding member.

[0040] The main body 4 is formed in a concave cross-section by a bottom plate 41 and a pair of side plates 42 arranged in the width direction of the bottom plate 41. Each side plate 42 is erected perpendicular to the bottom plate 41 and is arranged parallel to each other. In this way, an insertion space S through which an electrical cable 13 is inserted is formed inside the main body 4. The bottom plate 41 and the side plates 42 are made of a resin material such as polypropylene.

[0041] Furthermore, at the front end F of each side plate portion 42, a front connecting plate 43 is formed without any step from the central portion of the side plate portion 42 in the front-rear direction X. The front connecting plate 43 is approximately circular in shape when viewed from the left-right direction Y, and a pivot shaft 431 is formed in its central portion. The pivot shaft 431 has a small diameter portion that fits into the pivot hole 441 of the rear connecting plate 44, which will be described later, and a large diameter portion that functions as a retainer for the rear connecting plate 44.

[0042] Furthermore, at the rear end B of each side plate portion 42, a rear connecting plate 44 is formed via a step from the central portion of the side plate portion 42 in the front-rear direction X. The rear connecting plate 44 is approximately circular in shape when viewed from the left-right direction Y, and a pivot hole 441 is formed in its central portion. The pivot hole 441 is a circular hole that fits with the aforementioned pivot shaft 431 (more specifically, the small-diameter portion of the pivot shaft 431), and is connected to a guide groove 442 for guiding the pivot shaft 431. The guide groove 442 is formed at a position shifted upward U from the pivot hole 441. This upward shifted position is to prevent the pivot shaft 431 from coming out when a tensile load is applied to the protector 1.

[0043] In addition, an extension plate 45 is attached to the rear end B of the base plate portion 41. The extension plate 45 extends from the rear end surface of the base plate portion 41 toward the rear B, and its entirety is bent in a roughly arc shape when viewed from the left-right direction Y so as to follow the outer edge of the rear connecting plate 44 (see Figure 9(b)). Furthermore, a bulging portion 451 is formed at the base edge (front end F) of the extension plate 45, bulging downward D, and a curved portion 452 is formed at the tip edge (rear end B) of the extension plate 45, bending downward D. The extension plate 45 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0044] The lid 5 allows the opening 40 formed along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) of the main body 4 to be opened and closed. The lid 5 is a pivot plate 51 connected to the upper end portion of the left side L side plate 42. When the tip of the pivot plate 51 is raised away from the right side R side plate 42, the opening 40 opens (see Figure 10(a)). Conversely, when the tip of the pivot plate 51 is tilted closer to the right side R side plate 42, the opening 40 closes (see Figure 10(b)).

[0045] Furthermore, an inclined portion 52 is formed at the rear end B of the pivot plate 51. The inclined portion 52 extends between the pair of rear connecting plates 44 and is formed in a roughly wedge shape when viewed from the left-right direction Y, tapering towards the rear B (see Figure 9(b)).

[0046] In addition, an extension plate 55 is attached to the front end F of the pivot plate 51. The extension plate 55 extends from the front end surface of the pivot plate 51 toward the front F, and its entirety is bent in a roughly arc shape when viewed from the left-right direction Y so as to follow the outer edge of the front connecting plate 43 (see Figure 9(b)). Furthermore, a bulging portion 551 is formed at the base edge of the extension plate 55 (the rear end B), bulging upward U, and a curved portion 552 is formed at the tip edge of the extension plate 55 (the front end F), bending upward U. The extension plate 55 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel.

[0047] The pivot part 6 allows the lid part 5 to pivot relative to the main body part 4. The pivot part 6 is constructed by connecting one side of the upper end portion of the left side L side plate part 42 along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) with one side of the base portion of the pivot plate 51 along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) with a resin plate 61.

[0048] The resin plate 61 is formed with a thinner thickness than the side plate portion 42 and the pivot plate 51, and can bend or extend in the rotational direction with a virtual upper axis along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) as the axis of rotation. For this reason, the pivot portion 6 allows the pivot plate 51 to pivot relative to the left side plate portion 42 (see Figures 10(a) and 10(b)).

[0049] The locking portion 7 allows the lid portion 5 to be locked to the main body portion 4 when closed. The locking portion 7 is composed of a locking piece 71 provided along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) at the tip of the pivot plate 51 and a locking ring 72 provided along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction X) at the upper end portion of the right side R side plate portion 42.

[0050] The locking piece 71 is formed perpendicular to the pivot plate 51 at the tip of the pivot plate 51. When the pivot plate 51 closes the opening 40 of the main body 4, the locking piece 71 is a rectangular cross-section plate that is long in the front-to-back direction X and short in the left-to-right direction Y, and locking claws 71f are formed on the front end surface of the extension portion provided at the front end and on the rear end surface of the extension portion provided at the rear end.

[0051] The locking ring 72 is formed in a roughly rectangular tubular shape by a vertical plate 721 arranged parallel to the right side plate portion 42 at a predetermined distance apart, and a pair of horizontal plates 722 arranged perpendicular to the right side plate portion 42 and parallel to each other at a predetermined distance apart. A through hole is formed on the inside that penetrates in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when the locking piece 71 is inserted into the locking ring 72, the locking claw 71f of the locking piece 71 catches on the horizontal plates 722 that make up the locking ring 72 (see Figures 10(a) and 10(b)).

[0052] The fixing portion 8 is for fixing additional parts to the main body portion 4, or for fixing the main body portion 4 to a surrounding member. The fixing portion 8 consists of a mounting shaft portion 81 that protrudes perpendicularly from the right side R side plate portion 42.

[0053] The mounting shaft portion 81 is the part that is inserted into, for example, a through hole 14h provided in the cable rack 14 (see Figure 12). The mounting shaft portion 81 is a shaft with a substantially oval cross-section that protrudes from the side plate portion 42 on the right side R toward the right side R, and a locking claw 81f is formed on the outer circumferential surface of its tip portion. Therefore, when the mounting shaft portion 81 is inserted into the through hole 14h of the cable rack 14, the locking claw 81f will catch on the inner corner portion of the through hole 14h.

[0054] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the protector 1 pivotally supports the rear connecting plate 44 of the protector link 2 on the front side F and the front connecting plate 43 of the protector link 2 on the rear side B, with them overlapping in the left-right direction Y. Here, pivoting means that the pivot shaft 431 and the pivot hole 441 described above are fitted together so as to be pivotable in the circumferential direction. In this way, the protector link 2 on one side is rotatable around this fitted portion along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P that includes the longitudinal direction (front-back direction X) of the electrical cable 13 (see Figures 11(a) and 11(b)).

[0055] In other words, the rear protector link 2 B is rotatable along a two-dimensional plane P defined by the front-to-back direction X and the up-to-down direction Z relative to the front protector link 2 F. When the rear protector link 2 B rotates upward U, the extension plate 55 of the rear B slides up the inclined portion 52 of the front protector link 2 F, and eventually the extension plate 55 braces against the upper surface of the pivot plate 51 (see Figure 11(a)). Conversely, when the rear protector link 2 B rotates downward D, since there is no inclined portion on the bottom plate portion 41 of the rear protector link 2 B, the extension plate 45 braces against the front surface of the bottom plate portion 41 (see Figure 11(b)). For this reason, the extension plates 45, 55 in the protector 1 according to this embodiment can be said to be angle restricting portions 9 that restrict the rotation angle.

[0056] In addition, as shown in Figure 12, the protector 1 according to this embodiment can be fitted with the aforementioned cable rack 14. The cable rack 14 has a through hole 14h that penetrates in the left-right direction Y in a predetermined portion of the side plate portion 14s on the right side R. Therefore, the aforementioned mounting shaft portion 81 can be inserted into this through hole 14h. In this way, the cable rack 14 can be fitted to any protector link 2.

[0057] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 13, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the panel-side holding portion 11, the protector 1 is housed along the peripheral plate portion 14t of the cable rack 14. Conversely, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves away from the panel-side holding portion 11, the protector 1 is pulled out along the peripheral plate portion 14t of the cable rack 14.

[0058] Furthermore, to explain in detail the deformation of the electrical cable 13, when the handle-side holding part 12 is spaced apart from the panel-side holding part 11, and the electrical cable 13 is extended along the front-rear direction X, the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 is pushed by the protruding part 14p of the cable rack 14. As a result, a slightly downward-facing bend 13B is formed in the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 (see Figure 14(a)). When the handle-side holding part 12 moves in the direction of approaching the panel-side holding part 11, the bend 13B of the electrical cable 13 bends along the peripheral plate portion 14t of the cable housing part 142 and moves towards the rear B (see Figure 14(b)). Furthermore, when the handle-side holding part 12 moves in the direction of approaching the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 approaches the protruding part 14p again and then bends towards the rear B (see Figure 14(c)).

[0059] Thus, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding portion 11, the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 is formed in an arc shape, and the electrical cable 13 follows smoothly.

[0060] In addition, even when the handle-side holding part 12 moves away from the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 follows smoothly. This is because, when the electrical cable 13 is bent into an arc shape, a force acts on it to return it to a straight shape.

[0061] As described above, the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment includes an electrical cable 13 that spans between a panel-side holding portion 11 and a handle-side holding portion 12 that is movable in the direction of approaching or separating from the panel-side holding portion 11. Furthermore, the power supply device 10 is an FFC130, which is a long body with a flat cross-section, for the electrical cable 13. When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in the direction of approaching the panel-side holding portion 11, a bent portion 13B is formed in the FFC130 that is bent in the thickness direction Dt of the flat cross-section.

[0062] With such a power supply device 10, the electrical cable 13 can be smoothly followed even in a moving mechanism with a long travel distance in the direction of approaching and separating from others. More specifically, the power supply device 10 according to the present invention uses an FFC130, which is a long, flattened-section electrical cable 13. The FFC130 has a bent portion 13B formed in the thickness direction Dt of its flattened section when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the panel-side holding portion 11. Thus, by using an FFC130 as the electrical cable 13 and forming a bent portion 13B in the thickness direction Dt of the FFC130, it is possible to smoothly follow the movement of the handle-side holding portion 12 toward the panel-side holding portion 11. Furthermore, because the insulating sheet 13s covering the conductor 13c of the FFC130 has high elasticity, its repulsive force (force that tries to return to its original shape) allows it to smoothly follow the movement of the handle-side holding portion 12 toward the panel-side holding portion 12 as well. Furthermore, the electrical cable 13, which is constructed by overlapping multiple FFC130 sheets, does not experience entanglement between insulated wires like an electrical cable 13 made by bundling insulated wires, and also has low frictional resistance due to twisting. Therefore, it can smoothly follow the movement of the handle-side holding part 12 in both the approaching and separating directions.

[0063] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the curved portion 13B is formed in an arc shape. With this power supply device 10, when the handle-side holding part 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 bends in one direction to form a relatively large arc, so that localized bending does not occur in the electrical cable 13. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being placed on the electrical cable 13.

[0064] In addition, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 gradually bends to form an arc-shaped bend 13B, shortening the length of the electrical cable 13. When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 is gradually pulled out from the arc-shaped bend 13B, extending its length. This allows the electrical cable 13 to follow more smoothly.

[0065] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, a protruding portion 14p and a peripheral plate portion 14t are provided as guiding members that guide the curved portion to a predetermined shape. With this power supply device 10, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding portion 11, it becomes possible to form a bent portion 13B of a predetermined shape in the electrical cable 13. Specifically, it becomes possible to form an arc-shaped bent portion 13B in the electrical cable 13.

[0066] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, a cable housing portion 142 is provided as a housing member that accommodates at least a part of the bent portion 13B. With this power supply device 10, when the handle-side holding part 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding part 11, it is possible to prevent the bent portion 13B formed on the electrical cable 13 from hanging down or deforming into an unintended shape, thereby preventing interference with surrounding components. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the bent portion 13B from vibrating and generating abnormal noises.

[0067] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, a protector 1 is provided as an exterior member that covers the electrical cable 13 and changes shape in accordance with the deformation of the electrical cable 13. With such a power supply device 10, it is possible to protect the electrical cable 13 regardless of how the electrical cable 13 is deformed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the protector 1 has a plurality of protector links 2 that cover the electrical cable 13, and at least one connecting portion 3 that connects the ends of adjacent protector links 2, and the connecting portion 3 is configured to be rotatable along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P that includes the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13 (which in this embodiment is the front-to-back direction X).

[0069] With this power supply device 10, deformation of the electrical cable 13 in a direction along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P is not restricted, but deformation in a direction intersecting the two-dimensional plane P is restricted. This prevents the electrical cable 13 from twisting or deforming into an unintended shape and interfering with surrounding components.

[0070] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 according to this embodiment, the second structure corresponds to the handle-side holding portion 12. With this power supply device 10, it becomes possible to supply power to the handle-side holding part 12, which is movable in the direction of approaching and separating from the panel-side holding part 11, by allowing the electrical cable 13 to follow smoothly.

[0071] In addition, the protector 1 has a plurality of protector links 2 that are encased on the electrical cable 13, and at least one connecting portion 3 that connects the ends of the protector links 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13 (in this embodiment, the front-to-back direction X). The connecting portion 3 is configured to allow a protector link 2 located on the front side F and a protector link 2 located on the rear side B, which are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction via the connecting portion 3, to rotate along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P that includes the longitudinal direction.

[0072] Such a protector 1 has the flexibility to follow the deformation of the electrical cable 13, while also being able to restrict deformation in unacceptable directions. More specifically, the protector 1 has a plurality of protector links 2 that are encased on the electrical cable 13, and at least one connecting portion 3 that connects the ends of the protector links 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13. The connecting portion 3 is configured to allow the protector links 2 located on the front side F and the protector links 2 located on the rear side B, which are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction via the connecting portion 3, to rotate along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P that includes the longitudinal direction. As a result, all protector links 2 can rotate in a direction along the predetermined two-dimensional plane P, and all protector links 2 cannot rotate in a direction that intersects the predetermined two-dimensional plane P. In other words, deformation is not restricted in the direction along the predetermined two-dimensional plane P that includes the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13, but deformation can be restricted in the direction that intersects the two-dimensional plane P. This allows for flexibility to follow the deformation of the electrical cable 13, while restricting deformation in unacceptable directions.

[0073] Furthermore, in the protector 1, the connecting portion 3 is configured by pivotally supporting a rear connecting plate 44 formed parallel to the two-dimensional plane P in the front protector link 2 F and a front connecting plate 43 formed parallel to the two-dimensional plane P in the rear protector link 2 B, which are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction via the connecting portion 3, in an orthogonal direction.

[0074] With this protector 1, the front connecting plate 43 of the rear protector link 2 on the front side F can rotate along the rear connecting plate 44 of the protector link 2 on the front side F. Conversely, the rear connecting plate 44 of the protector link 2 on the front side F can rotate along the front connecting plate 43 of the protector link 2 on the rear side B. As a result, all protector links 2 can rotate in a direction along a predetermined two-dimensional plane P, and all protector links 2 cannot rotate in a direction intersecting the predetermined two-dimensional plane P. In other words, deformation is not restricted in the direction along the predetermined two-dimensional plane P, which includes the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable 13, but deformation can be restricted in the direction intersecting the two-dimensional plane P.

[0075] Furthermore, in the protector 1, an angle restricting section 9 is provided in which the pivot plate 51 or extension plate 45 of the front protector link 2 and the extension plate 55 or bottom plate portion 41 of the rear protector link 2 come into contact with each other, thereby restricting the rotation angle between them.

[0076] With this protector 1, the maximum angle of the protector link 2 on the front side F and the protector link 2 on the rear side B, centered on the connecting part 3, is restricted, and therefore the bending radius of the electrical cable 13 inserted through these protector links 2 is also restricted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electrical cable 13 from bending with a large curvature. In turn, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the deformed part of the electrical cable 13.

[0077] Furthermore, in the protector 1, the protector link 2 has a main body 4 through which an insertion space S is formed for inserting an electrical cable 13, and a lid 5 that can open and close an opening 40 formed along the longitudinal direction of the main body 4.

[0078] With this protector 1, the lid 5 can be opened and closed relative to the main body 4. This makes it easier to insert the long electrical cable 13 into the main body 4. It also makes it easier to remove the electrical cable 13 from the main body 4.

[0079] Furthermore, the protector 1 is provided with a pivot 6 that allows the lid 5 to pivot relative to the main body 4. With this protector 1, the lid 5 can be opened and closed while the main body 4 and the lid 5 remain connected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the main body 4 and the lid 5 from separating during operations such as inserting the electrical cable 13 into the main body 4.

[0080] Furthermore, the protector 1 is provided with a locking part 7 that allows the lid part 5 to be locked together with the main body part 4 when the lid part 5 is closed. With this type of protector 1, the lid 5 can be locked to the main body 4 simply by closing the lid 5. Therefore, when inserting the electrical cable 13 into the main body 4, the lid 5 can be quickly closed and held in place.

[0081] Furthermore, in the protector 1, a fixing portion 8 for securing to another component is provided on at least one of the main body portion 4 and the lid portion 5. With this type of protector 1, it becomes possible to fix additional components such as the aforementioned cable rack 14 to any protector link 2. It also becomes possible to fix any protector link 2 to surrounding components.

[0082] Next, the power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment will be described using Figure 15. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process by which a corrugated bend 13B is formed in the electrical cable 13. Note that in Figure 15, the handle-side holding portion 12 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0083] The power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment also includes a panel-side holding part 11, a handle-side holding part 12, and an electrical cable 13. However, this power supply device 10 is equipped with a cable rack 15 that is different from the cable rack 14 described above.

[0084] The cable rack 15 guides the curved portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in a corrugated shape and accommodates at least a part of the curved portion 13B. As shown in Figure 15, the cable rack 15 mainly consists of a cable guide section 151 and a cable housing section 152. The cable guide section 151 is a passage portion through which the electrical cable 13 passes, and a projection 15p is formed on the inner surface of its upper side U, projecting downward D. The cable housing section 152 is located below the cable guide section 151 D and is positioned opposite the projection 15p. The projection 15p of the cable guide section 151 is a guide member that guides the curved portion 13B in a corrugated shape. The cable housing section 152 is a housing member that accommodates at least a part of the curved portion 13B.

[0085] The cable housing section 152 has a pair of side plate sections 15s arranged perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and parallel to each other, and a peripheral plate section 15t that closes the gap between each side plate section 15s from the front side F to the lower side D. The peripheral plate section 15t is not flat at the front side F and the lower side D, but its rear end is a curved surface that curves upward and diagonally to the rear. Therefore, the peripheral plate section 15t of the cable housing section 152 functions as a guiding member that guides the bent portion 13B in a wave shape. The cable housing section 152 has a shape in which the gap formed by the rear edge B of each side plate section 15s is open (see opening 150). However, the cable housing section 152 only needs to be able to guide the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in a wave shape and accommodate at least a part of the bent portion 13B, and its shape is not limited.

[0086] With this configuration, the handle-side holding portion 12 is spaced apart from the panel-side holding portion 11, and when the electrical cable 13 is extended along the front-rear direction X, the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 is pushed by the protruding portion 15p of the cable rack 15. As a result, a slightly downward-facing bend 13B is formed in the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 (see Figure 15(a)). When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in the direction closer to the panel-side holding portion 11, the electrical cable 13 is bent along the peripheral plate portion 15t of the cable housing portion 152 and moves upward U (see Figure 15(b)). Furthermore, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in the direction closer, the electrical cable 13 is bent back downward D and folded (see Figure 15(c)). At this time, the electrical cable 13 is folded along the upper plate portion 15u that extends toward the rear B.

[0087] Thus, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding portion 11, the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 is formed in a wavy shape, allowing the electrical cable 13 to follow smoothly.

[0088] In addition, even when the handle-side holding part 12 moves away from the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 follows smoothly. This is because the electrical cable 13, once bent into a wavy shape, experiences a force that tries to return it to a straight shape.

[0089] As described above, in the power supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, the bent portion 13B is formed in a wave shape. With this power supply device 10, when the handle-side holding part 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 is folded and becomes wavy, so the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 can be made more compact. Therefore, it can be applied to moving mechanisms that are placed in a more confined space.

[0090] In addition, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 gradually overlaps to form a wavy bend 13B, shortening the length of the electrical cable 13. When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 is gradually pulled out from the wavy bend 13B, extending its length. This allows the electrical cable 13 to follow more smoothly.

[0091] Next, the power supply device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described using Figure 16. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process by which a spiral-shaped bend 13B is formed in the electrical cable 13. Note that in Figure 16, the handle-side holding portion 12 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0092] The power supply device 10 according to the third embodiment also includes a panel-side holding part 11, a handle-side holding part 12, and an electrical cable 13. However, this power supply device 10 is equipped with a cable rack 16 that is different from the cable racks 14 and 15 described above.

[0093] The cable rack 16 guides the curved portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in a spiral shape and accommodates at least a portion of the curved portion 13B. As shown in Figure 16, the cable rack 16 mainly consists of a cable guide section 161 and a cable housing section 162. The cable guide section 161 is a passage portion through which the electrical cable 13 passes, and a projection 16p is formed on the inner surface of its upper side U, projecting downward D. The cable housing section 162 is located below the cable guide section 161 D and is positioned opposite the projection 16p. The projection 16p of the cable guide section 161 is a guide member that guides the curved portion 13B in a spiral shape. The cable housing section 162 is a housing member that accommodates at least a portion of the curved portion 13B.

[0094] The cable housing section 162 has a pair of side plate sections 16s arranged perpendicular to the left-right direction Y and parallel to each other, and a peripheral plate section 16t that closes the gap between each side plate section 16s from the front side F to the lower side D. The peripheral plate section 16t is not flat at the front side F and the lower side D, but its rear end is a curved surface that curves upward and diagonally to the rear. Therefore, the peripheral plate section 16t of the cable housing section 162 functions as a guide member that guides the bent portion 13B in a spiral shape. The cable housing section 162 has a shape in which the gap formed by the rear edge B of each side plate section 16s is open (see opening 160). However, the cable housing section 162 only needs to be able to guide the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 in a spiral shape and accommodate at least a part of the bent portion 13B, and its shape is not limited.

[0095] With this configuration, the handle-side holding portion 12 is spaced apart from the panel-side holding portion 11, and when the electrical cable 13 is extended along the front-rear direction X, the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 is guided by the protruding portion 16p of the cable rack 16. As a result, a pre-wound bend 13B is formed in the middle portion of the electrical cable 13 (see Figure 16(a)). When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in the direction of approaching the panel-side holding portion 11, the electrical cable 13 is bent along the circumferential plate portion 16t and sent in the circumferential direction of the bend 13B (see Figure 16(b)). Furthermore, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in the direction of approaching the panel-side holding portion 12, the electrical cable 13 continues to be sent in the circumferential direction of the bend 13B and becomes wound up (see Figure 16(c)). At this time, the electrical cable 13 is wound up by the rotation of the central axis 16c provided in the cable housing portion 162.

[0096] Thus, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding portion 11, the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 is formed in a spiral shape, allowing the electrical cable 13 to follow smoothly.

[0097] In addition, even when the handle-side holding part 12 moves away from the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 follows smoothly. This is because the electrical cable 13, once bent into a spiral shape, experiences a force that tries to return it to a straight shape.

[0098] As described above, in the power supply device 10 according to the third embodiment, the curved portion 13B is formed in a spiral shape. With this power supply device 10, when the handle-side holding part 12 moves in a direction toward the panel-side holding part 11, the electrical cable 13 is wound up in a spiral shape, making it less likely for localized bending to occur in the electrical cable 13, and the bent portion 13B of the electrical cable 13 can be made more compact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being placed on the electrical cable 13, and it can also be applied to moving mechanisms that are located in a narrower space.

[0099] In addition, when the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 gradually coils up and forms a spiral-shaped bend 13B, shortening the length of the electrical cable 13. When the handle-side holding portion 12 moves toward the handle, the electrical cable 13 is gradually pulled out from the spiral-shaped bend 13B, extending its length. This allows the electrical cable 13 to follow more smoothly.

[0100] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The power supply device corresponds to the power supply device 10. The first structure corresponds to the panel-side holding portion 11, The second structure corresponds to the handle-side holding part 12, The electrical cable corresponds to electrical cable 13. The flexible flat cable is compatible with FFC130. The guide members correspond to the protrusions 14p, 15p, and 16p. The housing members correspond to cable housing sections 142, 152, and 162. The bend in the electrical cable corresponds to bend 13B. The exterior components correspond to Protector 1. The outer shell is compatible with ProtectorLink 2. The connecting part corresponds to connecting part 3, A two-dimensional plane corresponds to a two-dimensional plane P, The thickness direction of the flattened cross-section corresponds to the thickness direction Dt, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0101] For example, as shown in Figure 17, a protector 1 can be constructed by integrally connecting multiple outer shell sections 21. This can be achieved by connecting adjacent outer shell sections 21 with a resin plate 22. By making the resin plate 22 thinner than the bottom plate of the outer shell section 21, the outer shell section 21 on one side can be made rotatable relative to the outer shell section 21 on the other side. In such a protector 1, the resin plate 22 can be said to be the connecting section 3.

[0102] Incidentally, the protector 1, in which adjacent outer shell parts 21 are connected by a resin plate 22, can be formed entirely from a resin material such as polypropylene. However, the entire protector 1 may also be formed by bending a resin sheet material. Examples of resin sheet materials include flexible resin foam sheet materials such as polyethylene sheets and urethane sheets.

[0103] With such a protector 1, the same effects as those of the protector 1 according to each embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, it becomes possible to reduce the weight of the protector 1. In addition, it becomes possible to reduce the price by reducing production costs and transportation costs. Moreover, since it can be easily torn, it becomes possible to make dismantling work easier.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above description, the SRC121 is configured to follow the rotational operation of the steering handle H by a flexible flat cable wound and housed inside it. However, the flexible flat cable housed inside the SRC121 may be configured by extending the flexible flat cable 130 that constitutes the electrical cable 13.

[0105] Furthermore, although the power supply device 10 is configured to supply power to the handle-side holding part 12 which is configured to be movable in the direction of approach and separation indicated by arrow M relative to the panel-side holding part 11, the power supply device 10 may also be used to supply power to a moving mechanism which is configured to be movable by a sliding mechanism or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1… Protector 2…Protector Link 3...Connection part 10... Power supply device 11... Panel-side retaining part 12...Handle-side holding part 13… Electrical cable 13B...Bend 14p,15p,16p…Protrusion 130... Flexible flat cable 142, 152, 162… Cable housing section P...Two-dimensional plane Dt... thickness direction

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising an electrical cable spanning between a first structure and a second structure that is movable in the direction of approaching and separating from the first structure, The aforementioned electrical cable is a flexible flat cable, which is a long body with a flattened cross-section. The flexible flat cable has a bent portion formed in the thickness direction of the flat cross-section when the second structure moves in a direction toward the first structure. An outer covering member is provided that covers the electrical cable and changes shape in accordance with the deformation of the electrical cable. The exterior member is, It has multiple outer shell portions that cover the aforementioned electrical cable, The outer shell has connecting parts on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the outer shell that connect the ends of adjacent outer shell parts, The connecting portion is configured to be rotatable along a predetermined two-dimensional plane including the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable, An extended plate extending longitudinally from the outer shell portion is provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction. One of the extension plates provided on both sides of the outer shell in the longitudinal direction is positioned on one side in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction in the two-dimensional plane. The other of the extension plate is positioned on the other side in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction in the two-dimensional plane, When the exterior member rotates along the two-dimensional plane, one of the extended plates comes into contact with the outer shell. Power supply device.

2. The curved portion is formed in an arc shape. The power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The curved portion is formed in a wave shape. The power supply device according to claim 1.

4. The curved portion is formed in a spiral shape. The power supply device according to claim 1.

5. A guide member is provided to guide the curved portion into a predetermined shape. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A housing member is provided to accommodate at least a portion of the curved portion. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A housing member is provided to accommodate at least a portion of the curved portion. The power supply device according to claim 5.

8. The second structure corresponds to a steering handle. The power supply device according to claim 1.

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