Abstract: A rotary connector capable of preventing a locking key from projecting from a housing and eliminating dead space between the rotary connector and other vehicle-mounted parts. The rotary connector has a locking mechanism for a movable housing and a stationary housing, which is constituted of a guide hole bored in the movable housing, an operating part slidably stored in the guide hole, a part of which is projected from one open end of the guide hole to the outside, a locking key slidably stored in the guide hole, a part of which is projected from the other open end to the outside, a rotor snap (stopper) disposed opposite to the locking key, a first spring member set between the operating part and the locking key, a second spring member set between the locking key and the rotor snap, and a key engaging part provided on the stationary housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector and a turning angle sensor using the same, which is comprised of a ring-like base, a plurality of springs extended from the base and having a bent portion, and a hole provided in the top of the bent portion.

Abstract: A rotary connector, which is generally used for the steering device of an automobile, for establishing electrical connections via a flexible flat cable between an electric circuit fixed to the steering column and an electric circuit attached to the steering wheel. The rotary connector of the present invention has guiding means for the flat cable for smooth winding. Guide piece 13 is formed at recess 12C on inner cylinder 12B, with one end formed in one piece with the bottom surface of lid 12A of inner case 12. A proximity to the inside end of flat cable 5 is inserted into gap 14 between the inner wall of guide piece 13 and the periphery of recess 12C disposed on inner cylinder 12B of inner case 12. Flat cable 5 is then guided out from the edge surface of edge portion 13A formed so as to tilt the tip of guide piece 13 in the periphery direction. It is thus possible to provide an easy to assemble and economical rotary connector with the number of parts minimized.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a plug-in connector adapted to be inserted into a complementary plug-in connector for connecting a component mounted on the steering wheel, the plug-in connector being mounted at the steering wheel so as to be shiftable in a direction which corresponds to a direction of insertion of the plug-in connector. The steering wheel further comprises a flip-flop spring element which extends from the steering wheel to the plug-in connector. The spring element is able to assume a first stable position in which it biases the plug-in connector into an installation position, and a second stable position in which it biases the plug-in connector away from the complementary plug-in connector.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a plug-in connector adapted to be inserted into a complementary plug-in connector for connecting a component mounted on the steering wheel, the plug-in connector being mounted at the steering wheel so as to be shiftable in a direction which corresponds to a direction of insertion of the plug-in connector. The steering wheel further comprises a flip-flop spring element which extends from the steering wheel to the plug-in connector. The spring element is able to assume a first stable position in which it biases the plug-in connector into an installation position, and a second stable position in which it biases the plug-in connector away from the complementary plug-in connector.

Abstract: A method of assembling a cable reel for a steering wheel is simplified. The method includes unrolling a flat cable having a first end portion from a coiled reel; fixing a first connector to the first end portion of the flat cable; preparing a rotor having a barrel portion, and a top plate provided with a fixing notch; fitting the first connector into the fixing notch; winding the flat cable around the barrel portion of the rotor up to a given length as the flat cable is being unrolled from the coiled reel; cutting off the flat cable, so as to form a second end portion; fixing a second connector to the second end portion; and mounting the rotor wound with the flat cable into the cylindrical casing in a freely rotatable manner.

Abstract: A rotary connector (1) is provided having a stator housing (2) provided on a body of an automobile, a rotor housing (3) rotatably assembled to the stator housing (2) and coupled to a steering wheel (11), and a flat cable (5) accommodated in a space defined between the rotor housing (3) and the stator housing (2). The rotary connector (1) includes a rotor (8) having projections (8a). The stator housing (2) is formed with engagement portions (2a). The projections (8a) engage the engagement portions (2a) to prevent the rotor housing (3) from rotating. With this construction, the rotary connector can be rotatably locked during assembly even if a turn signal switch is not to be assembled under the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column interconnector having a first plate with a center hole for the steering column and a first plurality of conductive rings, a second plate having a center hole for the steering column and a second plurality of conductive rings, a third plate having a center hole for the steering column and a plurality of apertures for rotatably positioning conductive rollers, and a plurality of conductive rollers, each conductive roller being rotatably positioned within an aperture of the third plate.

Abstract: A device for signal transmission between two terminals, having at least one cable (10) accommodated in an essentially circular cartridge (K) and positioned between the terminals. At least one of the two terminals is movable relative to the other. The cartridge (K) comprises a rotor (15) rotatable around its axis (A) and a fixed stator (16), which together delimit an acceptance space (17) serving to accept the cable (10). To allow the utilization of cables (10) of varying widths, a compensation body (18) with variable axial height is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the rotor (15) or stator (16) bordering the acceptor space (17).

Abstract: There is provided a simplified structure for mounting a cable reel and turn indicator switches onto a steering shaft. The structure includes three or four generally L-shaped first stays extending from the steering shaft and arranged at a given interval in the circumferential direction of the shaft, whereby the cable reel is fitted into the first stays. The structure further includes two second stays, respectively arranged at a given interval between two first stays and extending substantially perpendicularly from the steering shaft. The structure further includes third stays extending from the cable reel fitted into the first stays and arranged in substantially parallel relation over the length of the second stays, whereby turn indicator switches are fitted between the second stays and the third stays.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating assembly 10 which electively provides a relatively high voltage electrical signal to a heating element 16 which is coupled to a steering wheel, effective to heat the steering wheel. The assembly 10 includes a temperature sensor 28 which senses or monitors the temperature of the steering wheel and which communicates the monitored sensor to a controller 26. Should the temperature of the steering wheel be above a certain value, the controller 26 prevents the relatively high voltage signal from being communicated to the heating element 16. The controller 26 may also monitor the operating speed of the engine and prevent such signal communication when the engine is not being operated.

Abstract: A rotary connector, in which a guide ring is disposed in an annular space in such a manner that the guide ring elastically contacts with the lower side of the cover portion of an inner case, and the intermediate supporting portion of each of a plurality of cylindrical rollers is rotatably supported by the guide ring in the state that the rotation axis of each roller slants, also both end-sides of each roller contact with a flat cable, also the circumference-side of each roller contacts with the upper side of a lower-side-cover. The above structure realizes a highly reliable low cost rotary connector in which a noise caused by the each-other's bumps of the component parts of the rotary connector is suppressed and the stress applied to the flat cable is greatly decreased.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device is provided between a steering wheel of a vehicle and a steering column. The device includes a housing 1 and a rotor 2 rotatably arranged in the housing 1, defining an annular cable accommodating chamber 4 between the rotor 2 and the housing 1. A flexible flat cable 5 is accommodated in the cable accommodating chamber 4. The end portion of the cable 5 is wound along an inner peripheral face 4a of the chamber 4, while the other end portion of the cable 5 is wound along an outer peripheral face 4b. On an upper face 4c in the chamber 4, an inside projection 15 is formed so as to project downward on the inner peripheral side of the chamber 4, while an outside projection 16 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the chamber 4. The amount of projection of the inside projection 15 is smaller than the amount of projection of the outside projection 16.

Abstract: In a rotary connection device, since a film of a solid lubricant is coated on both sides or one side of the flat cable, only the film and the surface facing thereto, or the films slide with each other at the time of tightening or loosening the flat cable, and thus the sliding friction can be reduced at the time of rotational sliding.

Abstract: A rotary connector (1) is provided having a stator housing (2) provided on a body of an automobile, a rotor housing (3) rotatably assembled to the stator housing (2) and coupled to a steering wheel (11), and a flat cable (5) accommodated in a space defined between the rotor housing (3) and the stator housing (2). The rotary connector (1) includes a rotor (8) having projections (8a). The stator housing (2) is formed with engagement portions (2a). The projections (8a) engage the engagement portions (2a) to prevent the rotor housing (3) from rotating. With this construction, the rotary connector can be rotatably locked during assembly even if a turn signal switch is not to be assembled under the steering wheel.

Abstract: A cable reel includes a sound-absorbing material which can effectively attenuate both sliding noise and vibration noise and can be produced inexpensively. The cable reel comprises a stationary member assembly and a movable member assembly rotatably mounted on the stationary member assembly. The stationary and movable member assemblies define a cable containing chamber having an annular configuration and upper and lower bearing surfaces. The cable containing chamber accommodates a flat cable in a coiled manner between the upper and lower bearing surfaces. Opposite ends of the flat cable are led out from the stationary and movable member assemblies through electrical means. The sound-absorbing material is made of a foam material and includes at least three straps. The straps extend radially and are equally spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction on at least the lower bearing surface of the cable containing chamber so that the flat cable slides on the straps of the sound-absorbing material.

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 rotating connector including a movable body having a lower holder with an outer extension portion which faces a widthwise direction end of a flexible cable. The flexible cable has a connecting end portion which extends beyond the outer extension portion and which is connected to a stationary side connecting portion of a first housing. For example, a cutout is formed in the flexible cable to prevent an edge of the connecting end portion of the flexible cable and the outer extension portion from contacting each other at a location where they cross each other. Using a simple structure, the rotating connector which makes it possible to reduce the level of sliding noise produced when sliding occurs between the flexible cable and the outer extension portion of the lower holder of the movable body.

Abstract: A clockspring connector having a clockspring housing, a hub, a chamber defined by the housing, and a carrier member. The clockspring housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall. A flat conductor cable coiled within the clockspring housing. The hub is rotatably mounted within the clockspring housing. The chamber is defined by the clockspring housing. The carrier member is mounted within the chamber. The carrier member has roller members. One of the roller members is a hard roller member and another of the roller members is a compliant roller member. Typically, the hard roller member is positioned at a turn-back portion of the flat conductor cable.

Abstract: A rotary connector adapted to reliably operate a canceling mechanism for a winker, which is provided in a combination switch, and to reduce the distance between a steering wheel and the combination switch. Constituent components of the rotary connector are accommodated in a center hole provided in a casing of the combination switch. A canceling lever of the canceling mechanism protrudes into this center hole. The rotary connector broadly comprises a stator member supported on the casing, a rotor member rotating in response to rotation of a steering wheel, a slip-off preventing member, which is snap-connected to the rotor member, for preventing the rotor member from slipping off the stator member, and a flexible cable stored in an annular space defined between the stator member and the rotor member. A canceling lever is positioned in a turning region of the cancel cam provided on the upper portion of the rotor member.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing material and a cable reel including the same are produced inexpensively and are able to attenuate sliding noise and vibration noise. A sound-absorbing material 20 is made of a polyethylene film 20a and is formed into a thin waved sheet having continuous wave crests and wave troughs. A synthetic paper 20b having a lubricative surface is attached to the wave crests on a front side of the polyethylene film 20a through an adhesive. As an air layer 21 is defined in a space surrounded by the wave crests and wave troughs, any sounds which are transmitted to the polyethylene film 20a collide on the wave crests and wave troughs thereby being effectively attenuated and absorbed. The sound-absorbing material 20 is struck on a bearing surface 12a of a stationary member 11 by way of an adhesive. A lateral lower edge of a flat cable 15 slides on the lubricative surface of the synthetic paper 20b, thereby suppressing generation of sliding noise.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing material and a cable reel including the same are produced inexpensively and attenuates sliding noise and vibration noise. A sound-absorbing material 20 comprises a foam rubber 20a and a thin synthetic paper 20b having a smooth surface and laminated through an adhesive 20c on a top surface of the foam rubber 20a. The synthetic paper 20b can be easily attached to the foam rubber 20a by means of the adhesive 20c and is inexpensive in comparison with a conventional polytetrafluoroethylene resin sheet. The sound-absorbing material 20 is attached to a lower bearing surface 12a of a cable containing chamber 12 in a cable reel. The synthetic paper 20b of the sound-absorbing material 20 can attenuate a sliding noise which is generated when a flat cable 15 slides on the lower bearing surface 12a.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a connector having a housing adapted for mating with an appropriate complementary mating connector. A pivot post is fixed to and projects from the housing. A lever is pivotable about the pivot post between operative and inoperative positions for mating and unmating the connectors. The lever includes an aperture embracing the pivot post. The aperture is larger than the post to allow for lost motion between the lever and the post. The lever includes a latch portion engageable with the mating connector for drawing the connectors into mated condition in response to rotating the lever about the pivot post from the inoperative position to the operative position. A spring is operatively associated between the lever and the pivot post to bias the lever in the mating direction of the mating connector when the lever is in its operative position to, thereby, bias the mating connector into a fully mated position.

Abstract: A structure for connecting wires in a steering wheel. The steering wheel is mounted on a steering shaft to steer an automobile. The steering wheel includes a frame coupled to the steering shaft. The frame is manipulated to steer the automobile. An electric device is arranged in the steering wheel. A connector provides the electric device with electric power. The connector is manually inserted in the steering wheel during assembly. A mount holds the connector. A hole extends through the shaft frame near the mount. A guide is provided for guiding the connector toward the mount when inserting the connector through the hole. The guide is located between the shaft frame and the main frame. This results in more efficient assembly while limiting the number of parts.

Abstract: A clockspring having spring fingers so as to resistant vibratory motion of the hub. The clockspring includes a housing and a cover mounted to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. The hub is rotatably mounted in the cavity. Clearance is provided between the hub and both the housing and the cover. The spring fingers are attached to both the housing and the cover, the spring fingers press against the hub so as to eliminate or reduce the audible sounds due to the vibratory motion of the hub.

Abstract: A rotary connection unit includes a fixed-side member, a rotary-side member rotatable to the fixed-side member around a central rotational axis, the rotary-side member and the fixed-side member defining an annular space, and a cable received in the space in such a manner that one end portion thereof is held by the fixed-side member, and the other end portion thereof is held by the rotary-side member. The space has a winding surface on which the cable is wound to a predetermined direction at a predetermined taper angle with respect to the central rotational axis. The cable is received in the space in such a manner that the cable is folded back midway so that the cable is wound to a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A rotary connector which uses two flat cables and simplifies a process of connecting both the flat cables to a lead block. In this rotary connector, a through hole and a pair of window holes are formed in a supporting element of an outer lead block. Left-hand side and right-hand side groups of a plurality of joint bars are exposed in the window holes. Necessary first and second flat cables are preliminarily connected to one another into a flat cable. Further, each of conductors placed near this flat cable is exposed. Furthermore, the exposed portion of each of the conductors is made to overlap with the exposed portion of a corresponding one of joint bars, which are exposed in both the window holes of the outer lead block. The conductors are connected to the joint bars at two connection portions placed in a direction, in which the conductors extend, by ultrasonic-welding or spot-welding.

Abstract: A relaying device between relatively rotatable members for carrying out an electric connection between two relatively rotatable members via a cable is disclosed. In this relaying device, a first rotary unit having an inside cylindrical section, a second rotary unit having a relationship of making a relative rotation with respect to the first rotary unit by surrounding the Inside cylindrical section of the first rotary unit, and a cable for electrically connecting between the first rotary unit side and the second rotary unit side are provided.

Abstract: A cable reel includes a sound-absorbing material which can effectively attenuate both sliding noise and vibration noise and can be produced inexpensively. The cable reel comprises a stationary member assembly and a movable member assembly rotatably mounted on the stationary member assembly. The stationary and movable member assemblies define a cable containing chamber having an annular configuration and upper and lower bearing surfaces. The cable containing chamber accommodates a flat cable in a coiled manner between the upper and lower bearing surfaces. Opposite ends of the flat cable are led out from the stationary and movable member assemblies through electrical means. The sound-absorbing material is made of a foam material and includes at least three straps. The straps extend radially and are equally spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction on at least the lower bearing surface of the cable containing chamber so that the flat cable slides on the straps of the sound-absorbing material.

Abstract: An external locking clockspring assembly including a housing and a hub rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing having a first keyway. The hub having a second keyway. The first and second keyways being substantially coaxial in a locked position of the external clockspring assembly. A key insertable into both the first and second keyways. The key having a flexible tab. The hub having an indentation which is complementary to the flexible tab of the key when the flexible tab of the key is in a non-deformed state. An insertion tool is used to deflect the flexible tab of the key so that the key can be inserted into the first and second keyways. Upon insertion of the key into the first and second keyways, the flexible tab expands toward its undeflected position so as to engage the indentation of the second keyway of the hub. The engagement of the key with the second keyway prevents the key from falling out of the first and second keyways.

Abstract: An electrical connector such as a clockspring having a seal for sealing liquids and pressurized liquids, especially water, from ruining electrical connections existing within the clockspring. In one embodiment the clockspring includes a seal, where the seal prevents the liquid from corrupting the electrical connections existing within the clockspring. In another embodiment the clockspring includes a a housing, a cover, an electrical ribbon cable attached to an outer diameter circuit board, and a seal positioned between the housing and the outer diameter circuit board.

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 relative rotation temporary stop mechanism 14 is integrally provided in a first rotor 11, and has a lock mechanism 140 elastically displaceable relative to the first rotor 11, and a lock recess portion 120a provided in a second rotor (stator) 12. The lock mechanism 140 has a lock protrusion portion 140a and an inclined portion 140b at its top end portion and at its base end portion respectively such that the lock protrusion portion 140a is fitted to the lock recess portion 120a. When an external connector A is connected to a direct connector 15, the inclined portion 140b is pushed by the external connector A to make the lock mechanism 140 move so that the lock protrusion portion 140a comes off from the lock recess portion 120a.

Abstract: Comprising an outside case, an inside case installed rotatably in the outside case, a cable installed in a space formed by the outside case and the inside case, and a guide ring, the guide ring is accommodated in the space so as to abut against elastically. With the frictional resistance between the guide ring and inside case being greater than the frictional resistance of the guide ring and outside case, the guide ring rotates and moves. In this constitution, generation of noise is extremely reduced. Hence, an inexpensive and highly reliable rotary connector is obtained. In particular, this rotary connector is used in a steering device of automobile or the like.

Abstract: A column switch is provided with a rotary connector that makes electrical connection between a steering wheel and a vehicle by means of a coiled, flexible, flat cable 5 accommodated in a housing. The housing includes a lower housing defined by a base 1 of the column switch and an upper housing defined by a rotor 6 with a cancel cam 6f. The base 1 has a hollow cylinder 1a through which a steering shaft 2 is inserted in line with the hollow cylinder, and an annular groove 1b surrounding the hollow cylinder 1a and accommodating the flat cable 5 therein. The rotor 6 has an accommodating section 6c that closes the annular groove 1b, and a resilient fastening strap 6e that rotatably engages a fastening portion 1e formed on the hollow cylinder 1a. Since the same construction serves as both the base of the column switch and the housing of a rotary connector, the number of parts and assembly costs are minimized.

Abstract: A highly lubricative sound-absorbing material is produced inexpensively and attenuates sliding noise and vibration noise. The highly lubricative sound-absorbing material comprises a rubber sheet (21) and a highly lubricative coating layer (22) formed directly on a surface of the rubber sheet by coating the surface with a mixture of an adhesive and a fluororesin system coating agent such as an polytetrafluoroethylene resin or the like by a thickness of 1 to 10 .mu.m. The rubber sheet (21) is formed into an annular shape and coated on its surface with the highly lubricative sound-absorbing layer (22) having a thickness of 1 to 10 .mu.m, preferably 3 .mu.m. The rubber sheet (21) is attached to a surface of a cable reel on which a flat cable slides.

Abstract: A system for fixing one of two plugs (3, 4) of an electrical connector to a mechanical device (1), the one plug (4) being designed to be connected thereto in a detachable manner, the other plug (3) being attached to an assembly (2) to which the device (1) has just been coupled mechanically along an axis parallel to the axis of the electrical coupling, characterized in that it includes means for assembling/disassembling the plug (4) to and from the said mechanical device (1), the assembly/disassembly being carried out parallel to the coupling axes, assembly being made simply by clipping, while disassembly is carried out simply by pulling.

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. The clockspring connector includes a complaint roller member providing compression forces against the flat ribbon cable during rotation of the clockspring connector.

Abstract: A rotary connector configured so as to enable extension or contraction of a cable transmitting electrical signals etc. by connecting a spirally wound flat cable between two cable parts and making the spirally wound flat cable wind or unwind using a rotary body and a fixed body, more particularly a rotary connector able to protect the flat cable from fusing when an overcurrent flows. The plus side connection portion of connection portions between conductors of a flat cable and an outer conductor (cable) electrically connects the conductors of the flat cable and the outer conductor through members having a fuse function. When a short-circuit occurs in the circuit including the flat cable and the outer conductor, the member having a fuse function fuses first so as to prevent the flat cable from heating and fusing.

Abstract: A steering column switch has a spiral spring which produces a rotatable contact between terminals that are rigidly arranged on the housing of the steering column switch and terminals on the rotatable steering wheel. The receptacle for the spiral spring is attained by integrally forming an open receptacle onto the switch housing, with said receptacle being closed by a cover that can be turned relative to the housing. Consequently, the spiral spring is integrated into the switch housing such that a separate spring housing is eliminated. Advantageous additional developments of the invention pertain to an additional locking part that rotationally locks the cover relative to the switch housing while the switch is stored. The locking part also makes it possible to turn the cover only relative to the switch housing once the steering wheel is attached to the steering column.

Abstract: A clock spring comprises a cylindrical casing having a first connector, a cylindrical rotator disposed concentrically inside the casing, capable of rotating relative to the casing, and having a second connector, a carrier disposed rotatablly between the casing and the rotator, on which a rotatable cylindrical first roller is provided, a flexible cable in which one end thereof is connected to the second connector, is wound around an outer face of the rotator in a first direction, is reversed the winding direction into a second direction opposite to the first direction for being wound on an inner face of the outer casing in the second direction, and the other end thereof is connected to the first connector, a rotatable cylindrical second roller provided on the carrier next to the first roller, and a pillar-shaped first blocking member provided on that portion where between an outer face of the second roller and the inner face of the outer casing for preventing the flexible cable from invading the portion, the f

Abstract: A relaying apparatus between relative rotary members includes a rotary body 11, a fixed body 12 for surrounding the rotary body 11 with a predetermined distance and for rotating relative to the rotary body and a flexible flat cable 13 linked to the rotary body 11 and the fixed body 12 for electrically relaying between the rotary body 11 and the fixed body 12. The rotary body 11 and the fixed body 12 have a sliding surface A and a sliding surface B respectively for controlling a move in an axial direction by mutual sliding, and at least one of the sliding surface A and the sliding surface B has a lubricant storing portion 12d having a groove formed for storing lubricant grease G therein.

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. The clockspring connector includes a complaint roller member providing compression forces against the flat ribbon cable during rotation of the clockspring connector.

Abstract: A rotary connector apparatus for supplying electric power to an air bag mounted on a steering wheel has a stator housing, a rotor housing, a flexible cable within a space defined by the housings and a slidable sheet temporarily fixed by an engaging claw on the bottom housing until the stator housing is assembled. A bearing over the entire periphery of a lower end of the rotor housing includes a thrust bearing and a radial bearing. Crimp portions protruding from the rotor housing are inserted into a cord cover, and the cord cover is secured by crushing the crimp portions. The cord cover covers an outlet for the cord, and a holder for holding an end of the flexible cable is secured to the rotor housing. The holder has an arc-shaped surface on a side of a space accommodating the cable, and a tongue-shaped elastic piece is secured within a recess on the surface to prevent buckling of the cable.

Abstract: A rotary connector using a plurality of flat cables in which buckling of the flat cable is prevented is disclosed. In a space defined between a fixed housing having an outer cylindrical wall and a movable housing having an inner cylindrical wall, two flat cables having reverse parts in the middle are overlapped and wound, and both ends of each of the flat cables are gathered at a fixed side joint on the outer cylindrical wall and a movable side joint on the inner cylindrical wall. Each of the first and second flat cables is a band-shaped body in which a plurality of conductors are laminated between a pair of base films. By performing a surface roughening process to the surface of one of the base films, a rough face having the central line average roughness Ra of 0.03 .mu.m or larger is formed. The flat cables are overlapped so that the rough surface comes into contact with the flat face of the other cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing the electrical connection between a stationary body and a rotating body having flanges formed in the lower end portions of the inner portion and the outer portion of a carrier; and an annular and stepped restriction portion, the center of which is the center of rotation of the rotating body, and which is formed in either or both of the lower portions of the inner and outer portions of a cable accommodation chamber, wherein the flanges are accommodated and engaged to the lower portion of the restriction portion.

Abstract: A combination switch for a vehicle which employs only one connector for electrical connections. A body is formed with a first recess and second recess formed on the left and right sides of the body, respectively. A first switch is mounted to the first recess, and a second switch is mounted to the second recess. A terminal block is mounted to the body between the first and second switches. The terminal block electrically connects the first switch and the second switch. An electrical connector is provided on either the first switch or the second switch for connecting to an external connector.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing material and a cable reel including the same is produced inexpensively and attenuates sliding noise and vibration noise. A sound-absorbing material 20 has a dual layer structure comprising an upper rubber sheet 20b and a lower rubber sheet 20a. A front side surface 20e of the lower rubber sheet 20a and a back side surface 20f of the upper rubber sheet 20b are provided with a number of protrusions 20c and 20d, respectively. The front side surface 20e is opposed to the back side surface 20f through the protrusions 20c and 20d. The upper and lower rubber sheets 20b and 20a are integrated together by interconnecting the peripheral edges of the sheets to form the sound-absorbing material 20. The sound-absorbing material 20 has a thickness of about 1.3 mm and an air layer 21 between the upper and lower rubber sheets 20b and 20a.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary contactor comprising a fixed casing which houses a movable hub and a flexible strip attached at one end to the hub and at its other end to the casing. An internal rotor is disposed radially between the hub and the internal bore of the casing. A planetary gear train supported by the casing, the internal rotor and the hub is provided for rotating the internal rotor via the hub. The internal rotor comprises means for the passage of the flexible strip. The invention is useful for motor vehicles.

Abstract: In a connection structure of a flat cable to terminals of the present invention, the conductors held by the back film of the flat cable are ultrasonic welded to the terminals of an external part. In this arrangement, even if the conductors are formed to a very thin thickness, since they are neither twisted nor separated from each other, solid-state welding can be made to target positions.