Flat cable assembly and rotational connector device

Abstract

A cable connector assembly (30) includes a cable connector (31), a first flat cable (32), and a second flat cable (33). The first flat cable (32) includes a first conductor-exposed portion (32B). The second flat cable (33) includes a second conductor-exposed portion (33B). The cable connector (31) includes a limiting portion (37) that is able to contact the first flat cable (32) so as to limit movement of the first conductor-exposed portion (32B) toward the second conductor-exposed portion (33B) in a first direction (D1).

Description

Flat cable assembly and rotary connector device

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

[0002] In the rotary connector described in Patent Document 1, two flat cables are stacked one on top of the other, and a folded end is formed adjacent to the cut portion of the lower flat cable, and this folded end is inserted into a slit provided in the insulating base, thereby preventing a short circuit between the cut surfaces of the conductors of the two flat cables.

[0003] Patent No. 5833522

[0004] However, a structure in which the folded end of the flat cable is inserted into a slit in the insulating substrate requires a relatively time-consuming assembly process, which may increase costs. Furthermore, providing a slit in the insulating substrate as described in Patent Document 1 may require a complex mold structure, which may increase costs.

[0005] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to provide a cable connector assembly that can suppress or prevent short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0006] According to a first feature, a cable connector assembly includes a cable connector, a first flat cable, and a second flat cable. The cable connector includes a first bus bar having electrical conductivity, a second bus bar having electrical conductivity, and an electrically insulating connector body partially covering the first and second bus bars. The first flat cable includes a first conductor connecting portion electrically connected to the first bus bar and a first conductor exposed portion provided at a position different from the position of the first conductor connecting portion. The second flat cable includes a second conductor connecting portion electrically connected to the second bus bar and a second conductor exposed portion provided at a position different from the position of the second conductor connecting portion. The cable connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface in a first direction. The first flat cable is positioned so as to partially overlap the second flat cable when viewed in the first direction. The second flat cable is partially provided between the first surface and the first flat cable in the first direction. The cable connector includes a limiting portion contactable with the first flat cable to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in a first direction.

[0007] In the cable connector assembly according to the first aspect, the restricting portion restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction, thereby suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion with a relatively simple structure, thereby suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0008] According to a second feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the first feature, the restricting portion is arranged to partially overlap the first flat cable when viewed from the first direction, and the restricting portion is arranged not to overlap the second flat cable when viewed from the first direction.

[0009] In the cable connector assembly according to the second aspect, the restricting portion is arranged so as to partially overlap the first flat cable when viewed from the first direction, but not to overlap the second flat cable when viewed from the first direction, thereby suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable when the second flat cable is brought close to the cable connector. This allows the size of the restricting portion to be relatively small, thereby suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while reliably preventing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0010] According to a third feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the first feature, the restricting portion protrudes in the first direction from the first surface of the connector body.

[0011] In the cable connector assembly according to the third aspect, the restricting portion protrudes in the first direction from the first surface of the connector body, which allows the restricting portion to have a relatively simple structure, thereby suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while reliably suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0012] According to a fourth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the third feature, the first flat cable has a first thickness defined in a first direction when the first conductor connecting portion is electrically connected to the first bus bar. The second flat cable has a second thickness defined in the first direction when the second conductor connecting portion is electrically connected to the second bus bar. The limiting portion has a protruding length defined in the first direction from the first surface. The protruding length is longer than the second thickness.

[0013] In the cable connector assembly according to the fourth feature, the protruding length is longer than the second thickness, ensuring a long distance between the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction. Therefore, simply placing the first flat cable and the second flat cable on the first surface of the cable connector allows the first conductor exposed portion to be spaced apart from the second conductor exposed portion. This simplifies the assembly process, reliably suppresses or prevents short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while reliably preventing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0014] According to a fifth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the fourth feature, the protruding length is longer than the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness.

[0015] In the cable connector assembly according to the fifth aspect, the protruding length is longer than the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness, so that the distance between the first conductor exposed portion and the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction can be increased, thereby more reliably suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while reliably suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0016] According to a sixth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to any one of the first to fifth features, the restricting portion is provided integrally with the connector body.

[0017] In the cable connector assembly according to the sixth aspect, an increase in manufacturing costs due to the restricting portion can be suppressed or prevented.

[0018] According to a seventh feature, in a cable connector assembly according to any one of the first to fifth features, the first conductor exposed portion is positioned so as to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion when viewed from the first direction.

[0019] In the cable connector assembly according to the seventh feature, by overlapping the first flat cable and the second flat cable, the space occupied by the first flat cable and the first flat cable can be reduced, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the cable connector assembly.

[0020] According to an eighth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to any one of the first to fifth features, the first flat cable includes a main body portion including the first conductor connecting portion, and an overlapping portion at least partially including the first conductor exposed portion and arranged to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion when viewed from the first direction, and the limiting portion is contactable with the overlapping portion to limit movement of the overlapping portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction.

[0021] In the cable connector assembly according to the eighth feature, the overlapping portion moves in the first direction toward the second conductor exposed portion but is restricted by the restricting portion, thereby reliably suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0022] According to a ninth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the eighth feature, the limiting portion includes a contact surface that can come into contact with the overlapping portion. The contact surface includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0023] In the cable connector assembly according to the ninth aspect, the limiting portion has an inclined surface, which prevents an increase in the space occupied by the limiting portion, thereby reliably preventing an increase in manufacturing costs and suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0024] According to a tenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the eighth feature, the overlapping portion is inclined relative to the main body portion in a state in which the limiting portion limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion.

[0025] In the cable connector assembly according to the tenth feature, the overlapping portion is inclined relative to the main body, which prevents an increase in the space occupied by the overlapping portion, thereby reliably preventing an increase in manufacturing costs and suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0026] According to an eleventh feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the eighth feature, the overlapping portion protrudes from the main body portion when viewed from a first direction in a state in which the restricting portion restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion.

[0027] In the cable connector assembly according to the eleventh feature, since there is no need to pre-bend the overlapping portion, the work of attaching the first flat cable to the cable connector is relatively easy, and therefore, short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be suppressed or prevented while reliably suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0028] According to a twelfth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the eighth feature, the limiting portion includes a support groove capable of contacting the overlapping portion to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction, and the overlapping portion is at least partially disposed within the support groove.

[0029] In the cable connector assembly according to the twelfth feature, the support groove can restrict movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion, thereby realizing a restricting portion with a relatively simple structure, thereby reliably suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and suppressing or preventing short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0030] According to a thirteenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the twelfth feature, the overlapping portion is disposed in the support groove in a state where it is bent relative to the main body portion.

[0031] In the cable connector assembly according to the thirteenth feature, the support groove can support the overlapping portion by utilizing the elastic force of the overlapping portion, thereby realizing the limiting portion with a relatively simple structure, thereby reliably suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and suppressing or preventing short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0032] According to a fourteenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the thirteenth feature, the overlapping portion is positioned so as to at least partially overlap the main body portion with the overlapping portion positioned within the support groove when viewed from the first direction.

[0033] In the cable connector assembly according to the fourteenth feature, an increase in the space occupied by the overlapping portion can be suppressed, thereby reliably suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs and suppressing or preventing a short circuit between the first flat cable and the second flat cable.

[0034] According to a fifteenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to any one of the first to fifth features, the cable connector assembly further includes a retaining portion provided on the restricting portion, the retaining portion being capable of contacting the first flat cable so as to restrict movement of the first conductor exposed portion away from the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction.

[0035] In the cable connector assembly according to the fifteenth feature, the holding portion makes the position of the first conductor exposed portion relative to the second conductor exposed portion more stable.

[0036] According to a sixteenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the fifteenth feature, the holding portion protrudes in the first direction from the limiting portion.

[0037] In the cable connector assembly according to the sixteenth feature, the holding portion can be realized with a simple structure.

[0038] According to a seventeenth feature, in the cable connector assembly according to the sixteenth feature, the first flat cable includes a retaining opening, and the retaining portion protrudes in the first direction from the restricting portion through the retaining opening.

[0039] In the cable connector assembly according to the seventeenth feature, the holding portion can be realized with a simpler structure.

[0040] According to an eighteenth feature, a rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator, and the cable connector assembly according to any one of the first to fifth features.

[0041] In the rotary connector device according to the eighteenth feature, by using a cable connector assembly, it is possible to suppress or prevent short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing increases in the manufacturing costs of the rotary connector device.

[0042] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to provide a cable connector assembly that can suppress or prevent short circuits between the first flat cable and the second flat cable while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a top view of a rotary connector device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cable connector assembly of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded plan view of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a first flat cable of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a second flat cable of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of a cable connector assembly according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of a cable connector assembly according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a cable connector of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cable connector assembly according to a modified example.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0045] 1, a rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The stator 10 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body. The rotator 20 is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator 10. The rotator 20 is configured to be connected to a steering wheel.

[0046] The rotary connector device 2 includes a cable connector assembly 30. The cable connector assembly 30 includes a cable connector 31. The cable connector assembly 30 includes a cable connector 39. The cable connector 39 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector 31. Therefore, only the cable connector 31 will be described here, and a description of the cable connector 39 will be omitted. The description of the cable connector 31 can also be used as a description of the cable connector 39.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rotary connector device 2 includes a cable connector assembly 130. The cable connector assembly 130 includes cable connectors 131 and 139. The cable connector assembly 130 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector assembly 30. The cable connectors 131 and 139 have substantially the same structure as the cable connector 31. Therefore, only the cable connector assembly 30 will be described here, and a description of the cable connector assembly 130 will be omitted. The description of the cable connector assembly 30 can also be used as a description of the cable connector assembly 130.

[0048] The stator 10 includes a connector mounting portion 41. The rotator 20 includes a connector mounting portion 49. The cable connector 31 is attached to the connector mounting portion 41. The cable connector 39 is attached to the connector mounting portion 49.

[0049] The cable connector 31, the cable connector 131, and the connector mounting portion 41 constitute an electrical connector EC1. The cable connector 39, the cable connector 139, and the connector mounting portion 49 constitute an electrical connector EC9. The electrical connector EC1 is configured so that a vehicle body side connector can be removably attached thereto. The vehicle body side connector is electrically connected to electrical circuits such as a control device. The electrical connector EC9 is configured so that a steering side connector can be removably attached thereto. The steering side connector is electrically connected to electrical circuits such as steering wheel switches and an airbag device. The vehicle body side connector and the steering side connector may also be referred to as external connectors.

[0050] 2, the stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 that is provided to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable accommodating space 50 is annular and extends in a circumferential direction D4 with respect to the rotation axis A1.

[0051] The cable connector assembly 30 includes a first flat cable 32 and a second flat cable 33. The first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 are electrically connected to a cable connector 31 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 are electrically connected to a cable connector 39 (see, for example, FIG. 1). That is, the first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 electrically connect the cable connectors 31 and 39 (see, for example, FIG. 1), respectively.

[0052] The first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 are disposed in the cable accommodating space 50. The first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 are wound around the outer cylindrical portion 10A of the stator 10 and the inner cylindrical portion 20A of the rotator 20, respectively, so that the electrical connection between the cable connectors 31 and 39 is not broken even when the rotator 20 rotates relative to the stator 10.

[0053] Similarly, the cable connector assembly 130 includes a first flat cable 132 and a second flat cable 133. The first flat cable 132 and the second flat cable 133 are electrically connected to the cable connector 131 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The first flat cable 132 and the second flat cable 133 are electrically connected to the cable connector 139 (see, for example, FIG. 1). That is, the first flat cable 132 and the second flat cable 133 electrically connect the cable connectors 131 and 139 (see, for example, FIG. 1), respectively.

[0054] The first flat cable 132 and the second flat cable 133 are disposed in the cable accommodating space 50. The first flat cable 132 and the second flat cable 133 are wound around the outer cylindrical portion 10A of the stator 10 and the inner cylindrical portion 20A of the rotator 20, respectively, so that the electrical connection between the cable connectors 131 and 139 is not broken even when the rotator 20 rotates relative to the stator 10.

[0055] 3 , the cable connector 31 includes a first bus bar 34A, a second bus bar 35A, and a connector body 36. In this embodiment, the cable connector 31 further includes a first bus bar 34B and a second bus bar 35B. However, the total number of bus bars is not limited to this embodiment. For example, at least one of the first bus bar 34B and the second bus bar 35B may be omitted from the cable connector 31, or the cable connector 31 may include another bus bar in addition to the first bus bars 34A and 34B or the second bus bars 35A and 35B.

[0056] The first bus bar 34A is electrically conductive and includes a conductive material. The first bus bar 34B is electrically conductive and includes a conductive material.

[0057] The second bus bar 35A is electrically conductive and includes a conductive material. The second bus bar 35B is electrically conductive and includes a conductive material.

[0058] The connector body 36 has electrical insulation properties and partially covers the first bus bar 34 A and the second bus bar 35 A. The connector body 36 partially covers the first bus bars 34 A and 34 B and the second bus bars 35 A and 35 B. The connector body 36 includes an electrically insulating material.

[0059] The first bus bar 34A is partially exposed from the connector body 36. The second bus bar 35A is partially exposed from the connector body 36. The first bus bar 34B is partially exposed from the connector body 36. The second bus bar 35B is partially exposed from the connector body 36. For example, the first bus bars 34A and 34B and the second bus bars 35A and 35B are embedded in the connector body 36 by insert molding. However, the first bus bars 34A and 34B and the second bus bars 35A and 35B may also be embedded in the connector body 36 by a method other than insert molding.

[0060] The first bus bar 34A includes a first connection pin 34PA and a first cable connection portion 34CA. The first connection pin 34PA is exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to a conductor of a connector on the vehicle body side or the steering side. The first connection pin 34PA protrudes from the connector body 36. The first cable connection portion 34CA is exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to the first flat cable 32.

[0061] The first bus bar 34B includes first connection pins 34PB and first cable connection portions 34CB. The first connection pins 34PB are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to conductors of a connector on the vehicle body side or steering side. The first connection pins 34PB protrude from the connector body 36. The first cable connection portions 34CB are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to the first flat cable 32.

[0062] The second bus bar 35A includes second connection pins 35PA and second cable connection portions 35CA. The second connection pins 35PA are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to conductors of a connector on the vehicle body side or steering side. The second connection pins 35PA protrude from the connector body 36. The second cable connection portions 35CA are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to the second flat cable 33.

[0063] The second bus bar 35B includes second connection pins 35PB and second cable connection portions 35CB. The second connection pins 35PB are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to conductors of a connector on the vehicle body side or the steering side. The second connection pins 35PB protrude from the connector body 36. The second cable connection portions 35CB are exposed from the connector body 36 so as to be electrically connected to the second flat cable 33.

[0064] 4, the first flat cable 32 has flexibility and a flat shape. The first flat cable 32 may also be referred to as a first flexible flat cable 32.

[0065] The second flat cable 33 has flexibility and a flat shape. The second flat cable 33 may also be referred to as a second flexible flat cable 33.

[0066] The first flat cable 32 includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A and a first conductor exposed portion 32B. The first conductor connecting portion 32A is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A. The first conductor connecting portion 32A is electrically connected to the first bus bars 34A and 34B. For example, the first conductor connecting portion 32A is connected to the first bus bars 34A and 34B by welding. However, the first conductor connecting portion 32A may be electrically connected to the first bus bars 34A and 34B by other methods.

[0067] The first conductor exposed portion 32B is provided at a position different from the position of the first conductor connecting portion 32A. For example, the first conductor exposed portion 32B is provided along a part of the outline of the first flat cable 32.

[0068] The second flat cable 33 is flexible and has a flat shape. The second flat cable 33 may also be referred to as a second flexible flat cable. The second flat cable 33 includes a second conductor connecting portion 33A and a second conductor exposed portion 33B. The second conductor connecting portion 33A is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A. The second conductor connecting portion 33A is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35B. For example, the second conductor connecting portion 33A is connected to the second bus bars 35A and 35B by welding. However, the second conductor connecting portion 33A may be electrically connected to the second bus bars 35A and 35B by other methods.

[0069] The second conductor exposed portion 33B is provided at a position different from the position of the second conductor connecting portion 33A. For example, the second conductor exposed portion 33B is provided along a part of the contour of the second flat cable 33.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the first flat cable 32 includes a first conductor 32C and a first insulating cover 32D. The first conductor 32C includes a conductive material. The first insulating cover 32D includes an electrically insulating material and partially covers the first conductor 32C. The first conductor 32C is exposed from the first insulating cover 32D at the first conductor connection portion 32A. The first conductor 32C is exposed from the first insulating cover 32D at the first conductor exposed portion 32B. The first conductor 32C is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A. The first insulating cover 32D includes first insulators 32D1 and 32D2. The first conductor 32C is disposed between the first insulators 32D1 and 32D2.

[0071] For example, the first conductor connection portion 32A is formed by not forming the first insulating cover 32D on the first conductor 32C, or by peeling a portion of the first insulating cover 32D from the first conductor 32C. On the other hand, the first conductor exposed portion 32B is provided on a cut surface formed when the first flat cable 32 is cut from a flat cable material.

[0072] The first flat cable 32 includes a first additional conductor 32E. The first insulating cover 32D partially covers the first additional conductor 32E. The first additional conductor 32E is exposed from the first insulating cover 32D at the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The first additional conductor 32E is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34B at the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The first additional conductor 32E is connected to the first cable connecting portion 34CB at the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The first additional conductor 32E is not exposed from the first insulating cover 32D at the first conductor exposed portion 32B. However, the first additional conductor 32E may be exposed from the first insulating cover 32D at the first conductor exposed portion 32B.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, the second flat cable 33 includes a second conductor 33C and a second insulating cover 33D. The second conductor 33C includes a conductive material. The second insulating cover 33D includes an electrically insulating material and partially covers the second conductor 33C. The second conductor 33C is exposed from the second insulating cover 33D at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second conductor 33C is exposed from the second insulating cover 33D at the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The second conductor 33C is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A. The second insulating cover 33D includes second insulators 33D1 and 33D2. The second conductor 33C is disposed between the second insulators 33D1 and 33D2.

[0074] For example, the second conductor connection portion 33A is formed by not forming the second insulating cover 33D on the second conductor 33C, or by peeling a portion of the second insulating cover 33D off the second conductor 33C. On the other hand, the second conductor exposed portion 33B is provided on a cut surface formed when the second flat cable 33 is cut from the flat cable material.

[0075] The second flat cable 33 includes a second additional conductor 33E. The second insulating cover 33D partially covers the second additional conductor 33E. The second additional conductor 33E is exposed from the second insulating cover 33D at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second additional conductor 33E is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35B at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second additional conductor 33E is connected to the second cable connecting portion 35CB at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second additional conductor 33E is not exposed from the second insulating cover 33D at the second conductor exposed portion 33B. However, the second additional conductor 33E may be exposed from the second insulating cover 33D at the second conductor exposed portion 33B.

[0076] 4, the first conductor 32C is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A at the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The first conductor 32C is connected to the first cable connecting portion 34CA at the first conductor connecting portion 32A.

[0077] The first additional conductor 32E is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34B at the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The first additional conductor 32E is connected to the first cable connecting portion 34CB at the first conductor connecting portion 32A.

[0078] The second conductor 33C is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second conductor 33C is connected to the second cable connecting portion 35CA at the second conductor connecting portion 33A.

[0079] The second additional conductor 33E is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35B at the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The second additional conductor 33E is connected to the second cable connecting portion 35CB at the second conductor connecting portion 33A.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 7, the cable connector 31 includes a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B provided on the rear side of the first surface 31A in the first direction D1. The first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 are provided on the first surface 31A. The connector body 36 includes the first surface 31A and the second surface 31B. The first direction D1 corresponds to the up-down direction in Fig. 7.

[0081] The second flat cable 33 is partially disposed between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the second flat cable 33 is partially disposed between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1. However, the second flat cable 33 may be entirely disposed between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first flat cable 32 is arranged to partially overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The first conductor connection portion 32A is arranged to not overlap the second conductor connection portion 33A when viewed from the first direction D1. The first conductor connection portion 32A is arranged to be spaced apart from the second conductor connection portion 33A in the second direction D2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first conductor connection portion 32A is provided at an end of the first flat cable 32. The second conductor connection portion 33A is provided at an end of the second flat cable 33. The first flat cable 32 extends from the first conductor connection portion 32A in the third direction D3. The second flat cable 33 extends from the second conductor connection portion 33A in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The second direction D2 corresponds to the left-right direction in Fig. 8. The third direction D3 corresponds to the up-down direction in Fig. 8.

[0083] The first conductor exposed portion 32B is arranged to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the first conductor exposed portion 32B is arranged to partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the first conductor exposed portion 32B may be arranged to entirely overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0084] The first flat cable 32 includes a main body portion 32F and an overlapping portion 32G. The main body portion 32F includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A. The overlapping portion 32G at least partially includes the first conductor exposed portion 32B and is arranged to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 32G is arranged to partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the overlapping portion 32G may also be arranged to entirely overlap the second conductor exposed portion 33B when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0085] The first flat cable 32 includes a slit 32S provided between the main body portion 32F and the overlapping portion 32G. The main body portion 32F includes a first main body portion 32FA and a second main body portion 32FB. The first main body portion 32FA includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A. The second main body portion 32FB extends from the first main body portion 32FA. The overlapping portion 32G extends from the second main body portion 32FB. The slit 32S is provided between the first main body portion 32FA and the overlapping portion 32G in the second direction D2. The slit 32S may be a notch.

[0086] 9 , the cable connector 31 includes a restricting portion 37. The restricting portion 37 is capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 so as to restrict movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The restricting portion 37 protrudes from the first surface 31A of the connector body 36 in the first direction D1.

[0087] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 37 is provided as a single member integral with the connector body 36. However, the restricting portion 37 may be a separate member from the connector body 36. In that case, for example, the restricting portion 37 is attached to the connector body 36 by an attachment structure such as adhesive bonding or press fitting.

[0088] The limiting portion 37 is capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G to limit movement of the overlapping portion 32G toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 37 includes a contact surface 37A capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G. The contact surface 37A includes an inclined surface 37B inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is inclined with respect to the main body portion 32F when the limiting portion 37 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G is inclined with respect to the main body portion 32F when in contact with the inclined surface 37B. However, the inclined surface 37B may be omitted from the contact surface 37A. The contact surface 37A may be arranged so as not to be inclined with respect to the first direction D1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first flat cable 32 has a first thickness W1 defined in the first direction D1 when the first conductor connecting portion 32A is electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A. The second flat cable 33 has a second thickness W2 defined in the first direction D1 when the second conductor connecting portion 33A is electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A. The limiting portion 37 has a protruding length L1 defined in the first direction D1 from the first surface 31A. The protruding length L1 is longer than the second thickness W2. In this embodiment, the protruding length L1 is longer than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2. However, the protruding length L1 may be equal to or shorter than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2.

[0090] 8 , the limiting portion 37 is disposed so as to partially overlap the first flat cable 32 when viewed from the first direction D1. The limiting portion 37 is disposed so as not to overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to at least partially overlap the limiting portion 37 when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to partially overlap the limiting portion 37 when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be disposed so as to entirely overlap the limiting portion 37 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0091] The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 37 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F toward the first conductor connecting portion 32A when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 37 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G is arranged so as not to overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 37 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be arranged to protrude from the main body portion 32F in other directions. The overlapping portion 32G may be arranged so as to at least partially overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the restricting portion 37 restricts the movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B.

[0092] As described above, the cable connector assembly 30 includes a cable connector 31, a first flat cable 32, and a second flat cable 33. The cable connector 31 includes a conductive first bus bar 34A, a conductive second bus bar 35A, and an electrically insulating connector body 36 that partially covers the first bus bar 34A and the second bus bar 35A. The first flat cable 32 includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A and a first conductor exposed portion 32B provided at a position different from the position of the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The second flat cable 33 includes a second conductor connecting portion 33A electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A and a second conductor exposed portion 33B provided at a position different from the position of the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The cable connector 31 includes a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B provided on the rear side of the first surface 31A in the first direction D1. The first flat cable 32 is arranged to partially overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second flat cable 33 is partially provided between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1. The cable connector 31 includes a limiting portion 37 that can come into contact with the first flat cable 32 to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1.

[0093] In the cable connector assembly 30, the restricting portion 37 restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1, so that a short circuit between the first conductor exposed portion 32B and the second conductor exposed portion 33B can be suppressed or prevented with a relatively simple structure. Therefore, a short circuit between the first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 can be suppressed or prevented while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0094] 10 and 11, a cable connector assembly 230 according to a second embodiment will now be described. With the exception of the restricting portion 37, the cable connector assembly 230 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector assembly 30 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, components having substantially the same structure as those of the first embodiment are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again.

[0095] 10, the cable connector assembly 230 includes a cable connector 231, a first flat cable 32, and a second flat cable 33. The cable connector 231 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector 31 of the first embodiment.

[0096] 11 , the cable connector 231 includes a limiting portion 237. The limiting portion 237 is capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 so as to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The limiting portion 237 protrudes from the first surface 31A of the connector body 36 in the first direction D1.

[0097] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 237 is provided as a single member integral with the connector main body 36. However, the restricting portion 237 may be a separate member from the connector main body 36. In that case, for example, the restricting portion 237 is attached to the connector main body 36 by an attachment structure such as adhesive bonding or press fitting.

[0098] The limiting portion 237 is capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G to limit movement of the overlapping portion 32G toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the limiting portion 237 includes a support groove 237G that is capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is at least partially disposed within the support groove 237G. The overlapping portion 32G is disposed within the support groove 237G in a state bent relative to the main body portion 32F.

[0099] The limiting portion 237 has a protruding length L2 defined in the first direction D1 from the first surface 31A. The protruding length L2 is longer than the second thickness W2. In this embodiment, the protruding length L2 is longer than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2. However, the protruding length L2 may be equal to or shorter than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2.

[0100] 10 , the limiting portion 237 is disposed so as to partially overlap the first flat cable 32 when viewed from the first direction D1. The limiting portion 237 is disposed so as not to overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to at least partially overlap the limiting portion 237 when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to partially overlap the limiting portion 237 when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be disposed so as to entirely overlap the limiting portion 237 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0101] The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 237 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F toward the first conductor connecting portion 32A when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 237 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G is arranged so as not to overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 237 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be arranged to protrude from the main body portion 32F in other directions. The overlapping portion 32G may be arranged so as to at least partially overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 with the restricting portion 237 restricting the movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B.

[0102] The overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to at least partially overlap the main body portion 32F with the overlapping portion 32G disposed in the support groove 237G when viewed from the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to partially overlap the main body portion 32F with the overlapping portion 32G disposed in the support groove 237G when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the overlapping portion 32G may also be disposed so as to entirely overlap the main body portion 32F with the overlapping portion 32G disposed in the support groove 237G when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0103] As described above, the cable connector assembly 230 includes a cable connector 31, a first flat cable 32, and a second flat cable 33. The cable connector 31 includes a conductive first bus bar 34A, a conductive second bus bar 35A, and an electrically insulating connector body 36 that partially covers the first bus bar 34A and the second bus bar 35A. The first flat cable 32 includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A and a first conductor exposed portion 32B provided at a position different from the position of the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The second flat cable 33 includes a second conductor connecting portion 33A electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A and a second conductor exposed portion 33B provided at a position different from the position of the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The cable connector 31 includes a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B provided on the rear side of the first surface 31A in the first direction D1. The first flat cable 32 is disposed so as to partially overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second flat cable 33 is partially disposed between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1. The cable connector 31 includes a limiting portion 237 capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1.

[0104] In the cable connector assembly 230, the restricting portion 237 restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1, so that a relatively simple structure can suppress or prevent a short circuit between the first conductor exposed portion 32B and the second conductor exposed portion 33B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent a short circuit between the first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0105] 12 to 14, a cable connector assembly 330 according to a third embodiment will now be described. With the exception of the restrictor 37, the cable connector assembly 330 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector assembly 30 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, components having substantially the same structure as those of the first embodiment are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again.

[0106] 12, the cable connector assembly 330 includes a cable connector 331, a first flat cable 32, and a second flat cable 33. The cable connector 331 has substantially the same structure as the cable connector 31 of the first embodiment.

[0107] 13 , the cable connector 331 includes a limiting portion 337. The limiting portion 337 is capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 so as to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The limiting portion 337 protrudes from the first surface 31A of the connector body 36 in the first direction D1. The limiting portion 337 has substantially the same structure as the limiting portion 37 of the first embodiment.

[0108] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 337 is provided as a single member integral with the connector body 36. However, the restricting portion 337 may be a separate member from the connector body 36. In that case, for example, the restricting portion 337 is attached to the connector body 36 by an attachment structure such as adhesive bonding or press fitting.

[0109] The limiting portion 337 is capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G to limit movement of the overlapping portion 32G toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 337 includes a contact surface 337A capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G. The contact surface 337A includes an inclined surface 337B inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is inclined with respect to the main body portion 32F in a state in which the limiting portion 337 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The limiting portion 337 is capable of contacting the overlapping portion 32G to limit movement of the overlapping portion 32G toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is inclined with respect to the main body portion 32F in a state in which the limiting portion 337 contacts the inclined surface 337B. However, the inclined surface 337B may be omitted from the contact surface 337A. The contact surface 337A may be arranged so as not to be inclined with respect to the first direction D1.

[0110] In this embodiment, the cable connector assembly 330 further includes a holding portion 339 provided on the limiting portion 337. The holding portion 339 is capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 so as to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B away from the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. The holding portion 339 is capable of contacting the first flat cable 32 so as to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1. In other words, the holding portion 339 is configured to hold the first flat cable 32 so as to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B relative to the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1.

[0111] The holding portion 339 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the restricting portion 337. The first flat cable 32 includes a holding opening 32H. The holding portion 339 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the restricting portion 337 through the holding opening 32H. However, the contact portion between the first flat cable 32 and the holding portion 339 may have another structure. For example, the holding portion 339 may have a groove, and the first flat cable 32 may be inserted into the groove. Also, as shown in FIG. 12 , the holding opening 32H includes a notch. However, the holding opening 32H may include a hole into which the holding portion 339 is inserted.

[0112] In this embodiment, the holding portion 339 is provided as a single member integral with the limiting portion 337. However, the holding portion 339 may be a separate member from the limiting portion 337. In that case, for example, the holding portion 339 is attached to the limiting portion 337 by an attachment structure such as adhesive bonding or press fitting.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 14 , the retaining portion 339 is provided on the contact surface 337A of the limiting portion 337 and protrudes from the contact surface 337A in the first direction D1. The contact surface 337A includes an additional contact surface 337C. For example, the additional contact surface 337C is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The additional contact surface 337C is inclined with respect to the inclined surface 337B. The additional contact surface 337C extends from the inclined surface 337B in the third direction D3. The retaining portion 339 is provided on the additional contact surface 337A and protrudes from the additional contact surface 337C in the first direction D1. However, the additional contact surface 337C may be inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The retaining portion 339 may protrude from the inclined surface 337B.

[0114] 13 , the limiting portion 337 has a protruding length L3 defined in the first direction D1 from the first surface 31A. The protruding length L3 is defined in the first direction D1 from the first surface 31A to the additional contact surface 337C of the contact surface 337A. The protruding length L3 is longer than the second thickness W2. In this embodiment, the protruding length L3 is longer than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2. However, the protruding length L3 may be equal to or shorter than the sum of the first thickness W1 and the second thickness W2.

[0115] The holding portion 339 has an additional protrusion length L4. The additional protrusion length L4 is defined in the first direction D1 from the contact surface 337A of the limiting portion 337 to the end of the holding portion 339. In this embodiment, the additional protrusion length L4 is longer than the protrusion length L3. The additional protrusion length L4 is longer than the first thickness W1. However, the additional protrusion length L4 may be equal to or shorter than the protrusion length L3. The additional protrusion length L4 may be equal to or shorter than the first thickness W1.

[0116] 12 , the limiting portion 337 is disposed so as to partially overlap the first flat cable 32 when viewed from the first direction D1. The limiting portion 337 is disposed so as not to overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to at least partially overlap the limiting portion 337 when viewed from the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion 32G is disposed so as to partially overlap the limiting portion 337 when viewed from the first direction D1. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be disposed so as to entirely overlap the limiting portion 337 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0117] The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 337 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G protrudes from the main body portion 32F toward the first conductor connecting portion 32A when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 337 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. The overlapping portion 32G is arranged so as not to overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 in a state in which the limiting portion 337 limits movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B. However, the overlapping portion 32G may be arranged to protrude from the main body portion 32F in other directions. The overlapping portion 32G may be arranged so as to at least partially overlap with the main body portion 32F when viewed from the first direction D1 with the restricting portion 337 restricting the movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B.

[0118] 15 , the holding portion 339 may be melted after the first flat cable 32 is attached, thereby sandwiching the first flat cable 32 between the restricting portion 337 and the holding portion 339. By sandwiching the first flat cable 32 between the restricting portion 337 and the holding portion 339, movement of the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1 relative to the restricting portion 337 can be more reliably restricted, and the posture of the first flat cable 32 becomes more stable.

[0119] As described above, the cable connector assembly 330 includes a cable connector 31, a first flat cable 32, and a second flat cable 33. The cable connector 31 includes a conductive first bus bar 34A, a conductive second bus bar 35A, and an electrically insulating connector body 36 that partially covers the first bus bar 34A and the second bus bar 35A. The first flat cable 32 includes a first conductor connecting portion 32A electrically connected to the first bus bar 34A and a first conductor exposed portion 32B provided at a position different from the position of the first conductor connecting portion 32A. The second flat cable 33 includes a second conductor connecting portion 33A electrically connected to the second bus bar 35A and a second conductor exposed portion 33B provided at a position different from the position of the second conductor connecting portion 33A. The cable connector 31 includes a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B provided on the back side of the first surface 31A in the first direction D1. The first flat cable 32 is arranged to partially overlap the second flat cable 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. The second flat cable 33 is partially provided between the first surface 31A and the first flat cable 32 in the first direction D1. The cable connector 31 includes a limiting portion 337 that can come into contact with the first flat cable 32 to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1.

[0120] In the cable connector assembly 330, the restricting portion 337 restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion 32B toward the second conductor exposed portion 33B in the first direction D1, so that a relatively simple structure can suppress or prevent a short circuit between the first conductor exposed portion 32B and the second conductor exposed portion 33B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent a short circuit between the first flat cable 32 and the second flat cable 33 while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0121] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0122] 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). 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."

[0123] Furthermore, the terms "parallel," "perpendicular," and "coincidence" in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially perpendicular," and "substantially coincidence," respectively. Furthermore, other terms relating to arrangement should not be interpreted strictly either.

[0124] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure includes, for example, (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, (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 the present 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."

[0125] 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 of the present invention.

[0126] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2: Rotary connector device 10: Stator 20: Rotator 30, 130, 230: Cable connector assembly 31, 39, 131, 139: Cable connector 31A: First surface 31B: Second surface 32, 132: First flat cable 32A: First conductor connecting portion 32B: First conductor exposed portion 32C: First conductor 32D: First insulating cover 32F: Main body 32G: Overlapping portion 32S: Slit 32H: Retaining opening 33, 133: Second flat cable 33A: Second conductor connecting portion 33B: Second conductor exposed portion 33C: Second conductor 33D: Second insulating cover 33E: Second additional conductor 34A: First bus bar 34B: First bus bar 34CA: First cable connection portion 34CB: First cable connection portion 36: Connector body 37, 237, 337: Limiting portion 339: Holding portion 37A: Contact surface 37B: Inclined surface 50: Cable accommodating space 237G: Support groove A1: Rotation axis D1: First direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction D4: Circumferential direction W1: First thickness W2: Second thickness

Claims

1. A cable connector assembly comprising: a cable connector including a first bus bar having conductivity, a second bus bar having conductivity, and a connector body having electrical insulation and partially covering the first bus bar and the second bus bar; a first flat cable including a first conductor connecting portion electrically connected to the first bus bar and a first conductor exposed portion provided at a position different from that of the first conductor connecting portion; and a second flat cable including a second conductor connecting portion electrically connected to the second bus bar and a second conductor exposed portion provided at a position different from that of the second conductor connecting portion, wherein the cable connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface in a first direction, the first flat cable is arranged to partially overlap with the second flat cable when viewed from the first direction, and the second flat cable is partially provided between the first surface and the first flat cable in the first direction, and the cable connector includes a limiting portion capable of contacting the first flat cable to limit movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction.

2. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion is arranged so as to partially overlap the first flat cable when viewed from the first direction, and the restricting portion is arranged so as not to overlap the second flat cable when viewed from the first direction.

3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the restricting portion protrudes in the first direction from the first surface of the connector body.

4. A cable connector assembly as described in claim 3, wherein the first flat cable has a first thickness defined in the first direction when the first conductor connection portion is electrically connected to the first bus bar, the second flat cable has a second thickness defined in the first direction when the second conductor connection portion is electrically connected to the second bus bar, and the limiting portion has a protruding length defined in the first direction from the first surface, the protruding length being longer than the second thickness.

5. The cable connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the protruding length is longer than the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness.

6. A cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the restricting portion is provided integrally with the connector body.

7. A cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first conductor exposed portion is positioned so as to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion when viewed from the first direction.

8. A cable connector assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first flat cable includes a main body portion including the first conductor connecting portion, and an overlapping portion that at least partially includes the first conductor exposed portion and is arranged to at least partially overlap the second conductor exposed portion when viewed from the first direction, and the limiting portion is capable of contacting the overlapping portion to limit movement of the overlapping portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction.

9. The cable connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the limiting portion includes a contact surface that can come into contact with the overlapping portion, and the contact surface includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction.

10. The cable connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the overlapping portion is inclined relative to the main body portion with the restricting portion restricting movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion.

11. A cable connector assembly as described in claim 8, wherein the overlapping portion protrudes from the main body portion when viewed from the first direction in a state in which the restricting portion restricts movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion.

12. The cable connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the restricting portion includes a support groove that can come into contact with the overlapping portion so as to restrict movement of the first conductor exposed portion toward the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction, and the overlapping portion is at least partially disposed within the support groove.

13. The cable connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the overlapping portion is disposed in the support groove in a state where it is bent relative to the main body portion.

14. The cable connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the overlapping portion is positioned so as to at least partially overlap the main body portion with the overlapping portion positioned within the support groove when viewed from the first direction.

15. A cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a retaining portion provided on the restricting portion, the retaining portion being capable of contacting the first flat cable so as to restrict movement of the first conductor exposed portion away from the second conductor exposed portion in the first direction.

16. The cable connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retaining portion protrudes from the restricting portion in the first direction.

17. The cable connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first flat cable includes a retaining opening, and the retaining portion protrudes from the restricting portion through the retaining opening in the first direction.

18. A rotary connector device comprising: a stator; a rotator rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator; and the cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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