Abstract: There is provided an inter-relative rotating member relaying device which includes a first rotating unit having an inside cylinder section, a second rotating unit having an outside cylinder section which encircles the inside cylinder section with a predetermined distance and makes a relative rotation with respect to the inside cylinder, a flexible flat cable accommodated along within a ring-shaped space between the inside cylinder section and the outside cylinder section and having an inner peripheral end section held by the inside cylinder section and an outer peripheral end section held by the outside cylinder section, and a mobile unit provided movably along the space and for inverting the flexible flat cable at an opening section, wherein the first rotating unit has on its upper surface a flange for movably mounting the mobile unit on the flange, and the peripheral end section of the upper surface of the flange is formed at a lower level than a portion on which the mobile unit is mounted.

Abstract: A rotary connector including a fixed housing 1 equipped with an outer cylindrical wall 6, a movable housing 2 provided with an inner cylindrical wall 7, and two flat cables 3, 4 housed in a storage section 8 defined between the fixed housing 1 and the movable housing 2 and wound in a manner of inverting their winding direction halfway. Both end portions of each of the flat cables 3, 4 are fixed to the circumferential surfaces of the outer cylindrical wall 6 and the inner cylindrical wall 7. Cable fetching sections 7a, 7b for taking out the flat cables 3, 4 from the inner cylindrical wall 7 are disposed in substantially 180-degree opposed relation to each other, and a movable side joint section 12 is provided in the movable housing 2 to gather up the separated flat cables 3, 4 in one place. One end portions of the flat cables 3, 4 are led out through the movable side joint section 12 to the exterior of the movable housing 2.

Abstract: A steering column module electrically connected to the electrical system of a vehicle with the fewest number of connector parts is attached to the outer tube of a steering column of the motor vehicle. The module includes a carrier and functional units attached to the carrier. The carrier is attached to the outer tube of the steering column. Plug-in connector parts are provided on the lower sides of the functional units. A plate-shaped distributing device having upper and lower sides is also included. The distributing device encompasses the steering column and is aligned perpendicular thereto. The distributing device includes mating connector parts on its upper side and a plug-in connector arrangement on its lower side. Each mating connector part is coupled to a respective one of the plug-in connector parts.

Abstract: The signal transmission device 46 is structured such that a rotator formed as a rotating member is disposed inside and concentrically with an outer cylinder 47 formed as a fixed member, a spirally arranged electrical cable is stored in an annular storage chamber 60 formed between the outer cylinder 47 and rotator, and one end 50a of the electrical cable 50 is supported in the outer cylinder 47, whereas the other end 50b of the electrical cable 50 is supported in the rotator. In the signal transmission device for a steering roller connector 46, a canceler portion 57 is formed integrally in the upper cover 53 of the rotator. The canceler portion 57, as the steering is rotated and returned, contacts a return portion 59 formed in a turn signal cancel mechanism to thereby return turn signal lever 43 to a neutral position.

Abstract: A rotary contactor, comprising two coaxial parts which are mounted for movement in rotation of one with respect to the other against a flexible tape (8) providing electrical connection and wound between the said parts (2, 7) by being attached at one of its ends to one of the said parts and at its other end to the other said part, in which one of the said parts (2, 7) comprises a rotatable hub (2) and the other part a fixed hollow housing (7), in the interior of which the hub (2) is mounted, the said contactor including, firstly, a rotor (5) mounted for rotation in the housing (7), and secondly, an epicyclic gear train (40, 4, 20) carried by the housing (7) and by the hub (2) and the rotor (5), for driving the rotor (5) in rotation through the hub (2) and for reducing the number of turns between the hub (2) and the housing (7), the rotor (5) carrying, for rotation on the rotor, a pinion (4) adapted to mesh with a set of teeth (40) formed in the interior of the housing (7) and a set of teeth formed on the hub (

Abstract: The line connection (10) connects a first line (14.1) via an intermediate line (12.1) with a second line (16.1) and, functionally parallel therewith, a first branch line (14.2) via an additional intermediate line (12.2) with a second branch line (16.2). The line connection (10) itself comprises two coaxial cylinders (20, 22), which are rotatable in relation to each other, and a planet wheel (24) disposed in the space between the cylinder (20, 22), as well as the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2). Connections (18.1, 18.2) of the first line (14.1) and the first branch line (14.2) to the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2) are disposed on one of the cylinders (20 or 22), and on the other of the cylinders (22 or 20) the connections (19.1, 19.2) of the intermediate line (12.1) and the additional intermediate line (12.2) to the second line (16.1) or the second branch line (16.2). In a zero position all connections (18.1, 18.2, 19.1, 19.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A connection structure for connecting a connection mold to a fixed member, wherein a connection member which is connected to the fixed member to surround the connection mold is provided, the fixed member and the connection mold are provided with first position restraining means arranged to be slid from a predetermined direction X so as to be engaged to the fixed member and the connection mold in order to prevent mutual movement between the fixed member and the connection mold, and the fixed member and the connection member are provided with second position restraining means arranged to be slid from direction Y perpendicular to the direction X so as to be engaged to the fixed member and the connection member in order to prevent mutual movement between the fixed member and the connection member in a state where the connection mold is surrounded.

Abstract: In a spiral cable reel including a stator member, a rotor member rotatable with respect to the stator member, and a stopper, the stopper body has protrusions at its one end which are engageable with and disengageable from engaging holes which are formed in the protruded portion of the rotor member, and locking members which are engageable with and disengageable from bosses of the stator member. The stopper stops the relative rotation between the rotor member and the stator member, and correctly determines the positional relationship between the stator member and the rotor member, and maintains it unchanged during the installation of the spiral cable reel onto equipment.

Abstract: A rotary connector is disclosed. In the rotary connector, a movable housing having a second top plate is rotatably connected to a fixed housing having a first top plate, and a part of the second top plate is overlapped on the first top plate. At the overlapping portion of the first and second top plates, a ring-shaped first projection projecting upward is formed on the inner periphery of the first top plate, and ring-shaped second and third projections each projecting downward are formed on the second top plate. The third projection is in abutment with the inner peripheral surface of the first top plate so as to serve as a rotary slide sections for the first and second housings, and the second projection is arranged outside of the third and first projections.

Abstract: A rotary connector including a fixed housing 1 equipped with an outer cylindrical wall 6, a movable housing 2 provided with an inner cylindrical wall 7, and two flat cables 3, 4 housed in a storage section 8 defined between the fixed housing 1 and the movable housing 2 and wound in a manner of inverting their winding direction halfway. Both end portions of each of the flat cables 3, 4 are fixed to the circumferential surfaces of the outer cylindrical wall 6 and the inner cylindrical wall 7. Cable fetching sections 7a, 7b for taking out the flat cables 3, 4 from the inner cylindrical wall 7 are disposed in substantially 180-degree opposed relation to each other, and a movable side joint section 12 is provided in the movable housing 2 to gather up the separated flat cables 3, 4 in one place. One end portions of the flat cables 3, 4 are led out through the movable side joint section 12 to the exterior of the movable housing 2.

Abstract: A rotary connector having a mutually rotatable inside case and outside case and having a flat cable with one end fixed to the inside case and the other end fixed to the outside case inserted in the space therebetween. A plurality of annular belts are inserted in the circumferential direction to bias the turnabout portion of the flat cable to prevent the flat cable from becoming loose and rattling in the space. Contact prevention members are inserted between the adjoining annular belts to prevent the adjoining annular belts from coming into direct contact with each other and to smooth the rotation of the rotary connector.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly provides improved installation of a steering wheel assembly onto a steering column assembly. The steering wheel assembly includes a first mating cylinder having a key formed on its inner surface. A steering column assembly includes a second mating cylinder having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the first mating cylinder includes an axial guide on its outer surface. During installation, the second mating cylinder is inserted partially into the first mating cylinder. The steering wheel assembly is then rotated until the key is aligned with the axial guide. The second mating cylinder is then inserted into the first mating cylinder to a second position in which a first electrical connector on the steering wheel assembly engages a second electrical connector on the steering column assembly.

Abstract: A switch mounting structure for fixing integrally, securely and firmly a rotary connector, a switch base, and a bracket mounted to a steering column of a vehicle, by an easy single operation. The switch mounting structure has first frame members 3d having opening portions 3c formed therein provided on a fixing case 3 of a rotary connector 1, and second frame members 7c having opening portions 7b formed therein provided on a bracket 7 of the rotary connector 1. The first frame members 3d are engaged with first elastic engaging portions 5e in first engaging portions 5a provided in a base 5 of a switch 4 by a simple single action. Similarly, the second frame members 7c are engaged with second elastic engaging portions 5h in second engaging portions 5c by a simple single action.

Abstract: A rotary connector including a moving member (5) provided with first and second openings (14, 15) which is disposed in a holding space (10) formed between a fixed housing (1) having an upper case (6) and a movable housing (2) having a lower case (7) such that the moving member coaxially rotates with the movable housing (2) relative to the fixed housing (1). A width (W.sub.1) of the first opening (14) is made smaller than a width (W.sub.2) of the second opening (15) (i.e., W.sub.1 <W.sub.2). First and second flat cables (3, 4) are wound in the holding space (10) and have both ends thereof respectively fixed to the peripheral surfaces of the upper case (6) and the lower case (7), and reversal portions (3a, 4a) of the flat cables (3, 4) are passed through the first opening (14) and the second opening (15).

Abstract: A combination switch device having a rotating connector (2) containing a spirally wound flexible wire (1), a cancel cam (3) arranged about a central axis of the rotating connector (2), and a combination switch main body (4). The cancel cam (3) is movable in an axial direction between a first position (S) and a second position (R). When the cancel cam (3) moves to the first position (S), a bear (31) of the cancel cam (3) engages with a claw (41) of the combination switch main body (4). At the same time, a convex portion (32) of the cancel cam (3) engages with a concave portion (23) of a rotor attachment (22) attached to a rotor (21), whereby the rotor (21) is held at a neutral position. Thus, the rotating connector can be held at a neutral position without requiring special parts by modifying an existing structure of a combination switch device having a rotating connector.

Abstract: A rotary connector including a stationary housing, a rotating housing and a lock member. When the lock member is mounted on the rotary connector, both housings are reliably locked with no free rotation therebetween permitted. The lock member is easily broken at a thin portion to release the locked state. A holder having a slot is integrally formed with the outer cylindrical portion of the stationary housing, while a projection is formed on the top surface of the rotating housing. The lock member is integrally formed of a horizontally extending arm portion, a ring-shaped finger-hook portion integrally connected to one end of the arm portion, and a coupling portion that extends downward from the other end of the arm portion. Formed on the border between the arm portion and the coupling portion is a V-shaped groove, as the thin portion, which is mechanically weaker than the rest of the lock member.

Abstract: A relative rotary members relaying apparatus of the invention comprises, a rotary body having an internal cylindrical portion, a fixed body which surrounds the internal cylindrical portion with a predetermined distance and has an external cylindrical portion rotating relative to the internal cylindrical portion, a flexible flat cable stored along an annular space provided between the internal cylindrical portion and the external cylindrical portion, a lower cover for covering one side of the space in axial direction, and an upper cover for covering the other side of the space in axial direction which are fixedly mounted to the fixed body. A first radial clearance between the first cover and the first rotating body being configured to be different from a second radial clearance between the second cover and the rotary body.

Abstract: A clockspring connector is provided comprising a housing defining a chamber, including a carrier member having a first roller associated with a first turned-back loop of a first flat conductor cable and a second roller associated with a second turned-back loop of a second flat conductor cable wherein said first and second flat conductor cables are alternatingly coiled at an inner diameter of the chamber adjacent the hub or along said outer diameter of the chamber adjacent the housing wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for routing a resilient cable of specified length, such as an electric power transmission cable, across a rotary joint between first and second members, wherein the first member is supported for rotation with respect to the second member. The apparatus includes a first guide element disposed to rotate with the first member, for guiding a first component or portion of a cable along a first arcuate path of specified radius, the length of the first cable component disposed to vary as the first member rotates. The apparatus further includes a second guide element, in fixed relationship to the second member, for guiding a second component of the cable along a second arcuate path, the length of the second cable component disposed to vary in inverse relation to the length of the first cable component.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding.

Abstract: A combination switch (1) includes a wiper switch (11) and a lighting switch (12) that are fitted to a main body (10). A connection member (26) is accommodated in an accommodation space (23) defined by the main body (10) of the combination switch (1) and a rotor housing (24), and electrically connects a circuit on the chassis to a circuit on a steering wheel. The rotor housing (24) is engaged with the steering wheel by pins (241, 242) and is rotatably held by a rotor attachment (25) to the main body (10) of the combination switch (1). The result is a small combination switch apparatus combined with a rotary connector, which requires fewer parts and can be assembled by a small number of steps at a car production site.

Abstract: A rotary connector apparatus having an improved structure for connecting a flexible cable 4 of the apparatus with a wire harness 7. The rotary connector apparatus includes a stator housing 1 and a rotor housing 2 rotatably mounted on the stator housing 1. The flexible cable 4 is received in a spiral formation within a space formed between the stator housing 1 and the rotor housing 2. A terminal 5 is electrically connected to an electric wire 4a exposed from the flexible cable 4. A supporter 6 is molded with the terminal 5 and fixed to at least one of the stator housing 1 and the rotor housing 2. The wire harness 7 is electrically connected to the terminal 5 by welding or the like. The supporter 6 has a holding portion 6b, 13a in the form of a through hole 6b, 13a into which a core wire 7a, 11b or a coating film 7d at the end point of the harness is inserted.

Abstract: A device for transmitting electrical signals between components which can be rotated relative to one another, in particular in motor vehicle steering systems, with a rotatable hub surrounded by a stationary housing and with at least one electrical lead which is connected at one end to the rotatable hub and at the other end to a stationary component. The device is characterized in that the electrical lead is connected and guided such that, in both end positions when the hub rotates in the clockwise direction or in the counterclockwise direction, the electrical lead is wound up on the hub in the respective opposite direction, whereas the electrical lead is unwound from the hub in the center position thereof.

Abstract: A rotary connector apparatus having an improved structure for connecting a flexible cable 4 of the apparatus with a wire harness 7. The rotary connector apparatus includes a stator housing 1 and a rotor housing 2 rotatably mounted on the stator housing 1. The flexible cable 4 is received in a spiral formation within a space formed between the stator housing 1 and the rotor housing 2. A terminal 5 is electrically connected to an electric wire 4a exposed from the flexible cable 4. A supporter 6 is molded with the terminal 5 and fixed to at least one of the stator housing 1 and the rotor housing 2. The wire harness 7 is electrically connected to the terminal 5 by welding or the like. The supporter 6 forms a holding portion 6b for holding and guiding the end point of the wire harness 7, thereby facilitating welding of the flexible cable to the wire harness.

Abstract: A relay apparatus between relative rotary members comprises a first rotator (a rotator) 11 having an inner cylindrical portion, a second rotator (a fixed body) having an outer cylindrical portion for surrounding the inner cylindrical portion at a predetermined interval, and relatively rotating to the inner cylindrical portion, a flexible flat cable (a cable) coiled along an inside of a circular space K between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion, an upper cover having an aperture at a center portion, installed in the outer cylindrical portion in order to cover an upper side of the circular space, and an outer leading cover installed on the upper cover for rotating flexibly, and coupled to the first rotator through the aperture for leading the flexible flat cable outward. The outer leading cover has a circular rib A connected to the upper cover on its outer circumferential portion, whose diameter of an outer circumference is shorter than that of the upper cover.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device provided between a steering wheel and a steering column to establish an electric connection therebetween. The connecting device comprises a stationary body fixedly secured to the steering column, a rotatable body provided rotatably and placed to define a circular space with respect to the stationary body, a flexible flat cable located in the circular space, one end of which is fixedly secured to the rotatable body and the other end of which is fixedly secured to the stationary body so that the flat cable makes an electrical communication between the rotatable body and the stationary body, and a semi-fluid material adhered to a bottom surface of the stationary body which stands in opposed relation to both ends of the flat cable in its width direction. The flat cable is made to move to follow rotations of the rotatable body in forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: An articulating connector assembly having a housing, a hub being carried in rotatable relation to the housing; and means for signal coupling between the housing and the hub. The signal coupling can consist of means such as optical coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency coupling, capacitive coupling, and pressure wave coupling. In addition, the articulating connector assembly can further include power coupling which can be accomplished by siding contacts, inductively coupled coils, capacitively coupled electrodes, or optical transmitters and receivers on the hub and the housing. Furthermore, a method of efficiently transmitting and receiving signals between the housing and hub is provided. The method consists of (1) obtaining an input signal, by a signal driver, to produce a driven signal output; (2) coupling the driven signal output to produce a coupled signal; and (3) receiving the coupled signal, by a receiver, to produce an output signal.

Abstract: A relay device includes a first rotor having an inner cylinder, a second rotor having an outer cylinder, a flexible flat cable wound spirally in an annular space defined between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and a C-shaped moving member arranged so as to move along the annular space. The C-shaped moving member consists of an inner horizontal rib, an outer horizontal rib, an upper vertical rib and a lower vertical rib. When the flexible flat cable is rewound from the inner cylinder by the relative rotation between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, the contact area of the moving member with the cable can be reduced because the inner horizontal rib is in the form of a plate material projecting from the inner peripheral face of the moving member horizontally. Thus, it is possible to reduce the frictional force of the moving member on the cable and to prevent the cable from buckling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary connector mounting structure which involves no rattling after the mounting to thereby achieve a reduction in noise in spite of the adoption of a snap-in system, which allows the rotary connector to be easily mounted to the steering device of an automobile. A displacement absorbing member such as an elastic member 5 or a cushion member 13 is provided on the bottom surface of a first, stationary housing 1, and a mounting member 4 of the first housing 1 is snapped in on a switch casing 10 of a combination switch, which is the stationary member of a steering device. After this, the bottom surface of the stationary housing and the mounting surface of the stator member are biased by the displacement absorbing member such that they move away from each other, whereby rattling of the stationary housing is prevented.

Abstract: A seal is provided for indicating whether a clockspring has been tampered with. The clockspring consists of a housing, a hub rotatably mounted to the housing, and a ribbon cable connected to the housing and the hub. The seal is attached to the clockspring housing and hub. The seal may consist of a tamper indicating non-marking label stock having a facestock, flexographically printed indicia located on the facestock, and an adhesive coated over the flexographically printed indicia. Furthermore, the flexographically printed indicia may provide a message such as the word "VOID." Finally, the seal may include printed instructions for inspecting the seal.

Abstract: An interconnector electrically unites a rotatable air bag assembly with a stationary air bag sensor. The interconnector has a rotor rotatably associated with a stator to define a radial space including one or more complementary first and second electrically conductive tracks. The tracks are united with one or more rolling elastomer contacts to complete the electrical pathway from the sensor to the air bag.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel mounted on an outer end of a steering shaft. The steering shaft extends at least partially into a clock spring housing having a rotor rotatably disposed at least partially in the clock spring housing. A lower portion of the rotor includes at least one cancel cam extending radially from its outer surface. A wire ribbon is coiled about an upper portion of the rotor within the clock spring housing. Rotation of the rotor by the steering wheel causes the cancel cam to contact a cancel member of a turn signal switch, thereby returning the turn signal switch from an activated position to a deactivated position.

Abstract: A housing structure for rotary connectors that have a flexible cable 4 spirally received within a space formed by a stator housing 1 and a rotor housing 2. Terminals 51 connected to electric conductors 42 of the flexible cable 4 are supported by a supporter 11 mounted in the stator housing 1. The supporter 11 has a barrier 13 having a path 12 through which the flexible cable 4 can be passed. An angle .theta. of an opening 12a positioned at an end position of the path 12 is larger than 180.degree.. A gap width t1 of the path 12 is approximately equal to a thickness t2 of the flexible cable 4.

Abstract: A reel device for a flat cable through which electrical component parts mounted on a steering wheel are electrically connected with electrical component parts on a vehicle body side. The reel device is disposed between the steering wheel and a combination switch mounted on the vehicle body side and comprises a generally cylindrical frame section inside which a shaft section is disposed rotatable relative to the frame section. The frame section is fixed to the combination switch, whereas the shaft section is fixedly mounted around the steering shaft. The flat cable is movably disposed in an annular cable storing space formed between the frame section and the shaft section. A generally annular guide member is movably disposed in the cable storing space and located between the cable wound on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft section and the cable wound on the inner peripheral surface of the frame section.

Abstract: An electrical device is situated around the steering column of a motor vehicle underneath the steering wheel, including at least one steering column switch and one signal transfer device. In order that different components may be combined in different ways to form different units, the steering column switches are attached to the fixed section of the signal transfer device by cooperating male and female members so that a complete assembly module consisting of different and variable elements is created. The complete assembly module is attached to a carrier member by a cooperating male and female member means and/or force fitting fastener. The rotatable section of the signal transfer device is provided with an extension which cooperates with a finger-like element on the turn signal steering column switch in the finished module in order to provide a cancelling function.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device includes a rotor, a stator having a cover and an under cover, a flexible flat cable wound in a spiral manner and accommodated in an annular space defined between the stator and the rotor, and a locking structure for locking the cover to the under cover. The locking structure includes a plurality of engagement projections formed on the outer periphery of the under cover and a plurality of engagement recess formed on the inner periphery of the cover for engagement with the engagement projections. Since the engagement recesses are arranged on the inner periphery of the cover, the engagement projections under its engagement condition with the engagement recess do not project from the outer peripheral surface of the cover. Therefore, it is possible to avoid undesirable unlocking and breaking of the rocking structure in transporting the device.

Abstract: A rotary connector 1 has a fixed case 3 for being mounted on a base 5 for a switch 4. The fixed case 3 has a first screw insertion hole 3a formed open therein for insertion of a screw 6. The screw 6 has a flange 6a. The fixed case 3 or the base 5 has a resilient pawl 3f formed therein for engagement with the flange 6a. With such structure, it is possible to screw-fix both the rotary connector and the base onto the steering column. The screw is securely kept in the rotary connector during transport and assembly by the resilient pawl.

Abstract: A relay device 10 between relative rotating members has a flexible flat cable 13 wound in a spiral shape and arranged in a ring space K between sleeve-shaped members (an inside cylindrical portion, an outside cylindrical portion) 11a, 12a relatively rotating on inner and outer sides. The sleeve-shaped members 11a, 12a are electrically connected to each other through the flexible flat cable 13. The flexible flat cable 13 is constructed such that at least one end portion (an inner circumferential end portion, an outer circumferential end portion) 13a, 13b of the flexible flat cable is held in one of the sleeve-shaped members 11a, 12a through a holding member (an inner circumferential end holding portion, an outer circumferential end portion) 13g, 13h and a direction of the flexible flat cable is changed outward from one of the sleeve-shaped members 11a, 12a through a bent portion 13e, 13f bent at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A rotary electrical connector comprising first and second relatively rotatable housing parts, a spacer provided between the housing parts and rotatable with respect thereto, an elongate conductor carried, at one end, by the first housing part and, at the other end, by the second housing part, the conductor defining a first coiled portion between the spacer and the first housing part and a second coiled portion between the spacer and the second housing part, the first and second coiled portions being wound in opposite directions, and a bearing locating the spacer for rotational movement within the housing defined by the first and second housing parts.

Abstract: In a connector for electric wires (5) and a flat cable (6) in which said electric wires (5) and said flat cable (6) which have exposed conductor portions (5A, 6A) formed at distal ends of said electric wires (5) and said flat cable (6) are held along a plate surface of an attaching plate (21). The exposed conductor portions (5A, 6A) are welded to each other. Insert molding is performed using a synthetic resin material (70) such that at least one portion of said attaching plate (21) and a welded portion between the exposed conductor portions (5A, 6A) are covered, a window portion (25) is formed in said attaching plate (21), and a plurality of bus bars (30) whose front and rear surfaces are exposed to said window portion (25) are arranged at a pitch corresponding to a conductor pitch of said flat cable (6). The exposed conductor portions (6A) of said flat cable (6) and the exposed conductor portions (5A) of said electric wires (5) are sequentially stacked on each other on one surface of each bus bar (30).

Abstract: A cable type electric connector comprises an annular casing having a cylindrical wall; an annular rotor with a concentric collar portion coaxially and rotatably received in the annular casing thereby to define therebetween a cable receiving annular space; an annular guide body concentrically and rotatably received in the cable receiving annular space and having a cable passing slot; and a flat cable having an inner end connected to the collar portion and an outer end connected to the annular casing. The flat cable passes through the cable passing slot, so that when the collar portion and the annular casing make a relative rotation therebetween, the flat cable is forced to make a roll wound on the collar portion in one direction or a roll wound within the cylindrical wall of the annular casing in the other direction. A coupling structure is further employed which couples the annular guide body and the annular rotor in a manner to permit a relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: As a part of a cable type electric connector, an annular housing structure is used which has a first cable leading portion. An annular guide body is rotatably and coaxially received in the annular housing structure. The annular guide body has a cable passing slot. An annular rotor is coaxially disposed on the annular housing structure. The annular rotor has a second cable leading portion. A flat cable is passed through the cable passing slot of the annular guide body so that the flat cable is divided into an inner flat cable part movably received in a circular space surrounded by the annular guide body and an outer flat cable part movably received in an annular space formed around the annular guide body. The inner flat cable part has an inner end exposed to the outside through the second cable leading portion and the outer flat cable part has an outer end exposed to the outside through the first cable leading portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector such as a clockspring for carrying electrical signals through a steering wheel provides EMI/RFI shielding. The electrical connector includes a housing formed of a conductive plastic and/or a metallized exterior surface.

Abstract: A rotary connector 1 has a resilient engagement plate 3d to be snap-fitted to a base 5 of a switch 4. The base 5 has a first engagement portion 5b with which the resilient engagement plate 3d of the rotary connector 1 engages, and a second engagement portion 5c to which an engagement protuberance 7b of a bracket 7 fixed to a steering column, or the like, is fitted. The bracket 7 has the engagement protuberance 7b. The invention provides a fitting structure that permits the rotary connector to be easily fixed to the base, and the base to be easily fixed to the bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel body having a hole and a flexible outer cover. The cover and steering wheel body defines an air chamber. A diaphragm is disposed in line with the hole and includes an electrically conductive film on an opposed face. In an off position, the electrically conductive material is spaced from a pair of circuit traces in the clockspring. The circuit traces control a horn function. An operator may apply a force to the outer cover which drives the diaphragm and the electrically conductive material into contact with the circuit traces. An electrical circuit is closed and actuates the horn function. When the force is removed from the outer cover, the electrically conductive material moves out of contact with the circuit traces and into an off position.

Abstract: A locking member is provided for properly locking an electrical device turning member and fixed member together. The locking member includes an elastic engaging piece and an elastic touching piece. The elastic engaging piece engages an in-hole projection of an engaging hole of the turning member upon insertion of the locking member into the engaging hole. The locking member elastic touching piece contacts the inside wall of the engaging hole upon insertion of the locking member into the engaging hole. The locking member further includes a latching part for engaging a latching projection of the fixed member. The elastic engaging piece and elastic touching piece both provide for sway prevention of the locking member within the engaging hole, and securely lock the locking member within the hole.

Abstract: A relay apparatus for relatively rotating members includes a first member (rotating member) having an internal cylindrical portion, a second member (fixed member) having an external cylindrical portion which surrounds the internal cylindrical portion with a predetermined gap and is relatively rotated with respect to the internal cylindrical portion, a flexible flat cable which is stored along an annular space between the internal cylindrical portion and the external cylindrical portion to be spirally wound and which has an inner peripheral portion held by the internal cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral portion held by the external cylindrical portion, and a C-shaped moving member, movably arranged along the space, for inverting the flexible flat cable 13 in an opening portion 21c. One member of the first member 11 and the second member as rotatably driven and, has a flange formed on the cylindrical portion, and the moving member is arranged on the flange.

Abstract: A cover fixing structure for an end surface of a tubular body according to the present invention is constructed such that it comprises: a plurality of projections 1 having a tip end hook portion 1a on the mounting surface of an external joint cover 110 which is to be fitted onto the end surface of the tubular body 11, a groove 3 for receiving the locking projection formed at the position corresponding to the locking projection 1, a rib 5 formed on the inner surface of the external peripheral wall of the tubular body 11 within the groove 3, the groove 3 is formed with a through hole 3a for receiving the hook portion 1a on the inner peripheral wall of the tubular body 11, wherein gap between the inner end portion of the rib 5 and the inner peripheral wall of the tubular body 11 is made substantially equal to the thickness of the locking projection 1, and the rib 5 is formed with a tapering surface inclined toward the entrance side of the groove 3

Abstract: A tape cable provided with connector portions in its end portions is wound spirally, and a reinforcing tape having elasticity is stuck to the outer circumferential surface of the tape cable in the vicinity of the connector portion. In an inner cylinder, in the vicinity of the end portion on the connector side of the reinforcing tape provided on the tape cable, a support portion is provided in a position to support the tape cable together with the reinforcing tape. When the connector portion is installed in the inner cylinder, the tape cable is inserted and held between the support portion and the inner cylinder together with the reinforcing tape. Accordingly an end portion of the reinforcing tape is fixed, so that buckling between the connector portion and the support can be prevented. Buckling beyond the portion can be prevented by the rigidity of the reinforcing tape.