Abstract: A clock spring interconnector for electrically connecting a fixed member and a movable member by use of a flexible cable such as a flat cable. The clock spring interconnector comprises a fixed member, a movable member mounted rotatably with respect to the fixed member, and a flexible cable received inplural turns between an inner ring wall provided on either the fixed member or the movable member and an outer ring wall provided on the other, both ends of the flexible cable in the winding direction being secured to the inner ring wall and the outer ring wall, respectively. An inversion preventing tongue is provided along the inner surface of the flexible cable extending from the inner ring wall, the tongue being secured to at least one of the inner ring wall and the flexible cable, and a recess capable of receiving the tongue is provided in a part of the peripheral surface of the inner ring wall.

Abstract: A clock spring interconnector for electrically connecting a fixed member and a movable member by use of a flexible cable. The clock spring interconnector provides a connector piece at the center of the interconnector which accommodates an eccentric motion between a rotating steering shaft and the fixed periphery of the interconnector by engaging a projection with a recess on pieces mounted to the stationary periphery and to the steering shaft respectively, while transmitting the rotational movement of the steering shaft to the movable piece of the interconnector and while keeping the gap between adjacent rotating pieces small.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus includes a motor 5 connected through a clutch 6 and a worm gear mechanism 50,51 with a steering column 12. A multi-lead strap 46 is wound around the steering column within a first cylindrical housing 23 for electrically connecting a torque sensor 4 to terminals disposed outside the steering column. The worm gear mechanism includes a worm wheel 50 fitted on the steering column in the first housing, and a worm shaft 51 in mesh with the worm wheel and disposed in a second cylindrical housing 54 adjacent the first housing. The second housing has one end closed and the other end open. The worm shaft is rotatably supported at one end by a first bearing 52 press fitted in the closed end of the second housing and at its other end, which is connected with the clutch, by a second bearing 53 fixedly mounted thereon, such that the worm shaft can be axially removed from the second housing through its open end.

Abstract: A continous cable is passed through a rotatable member which has axially adjacent non-rotatable members on both sides of the rotatable member. The continuous cable is coiled around one non-rotatable or stationary member, passed over deflectors mounted on and rotatable with the rotating member, passed through an opening in the rotatable member to a second non-rotatable member and is coiled around the second non-rotatable or stationary member. As the rotatable member rotates, the deflectors transfer the cable linearly from one coil to the other coil across the rotatable member, that is, through the opening thus maintaining continuity in the cable.

Abstract: A cable reel which electrically connects a fixed portion and a movable portion using a flexible strip cable wound numerous times and received between the fixed portion and the movable portion is provided. A plurality of engaging portions are formed as predetermined gaps around the circumference of the fixed portion. A stopper member projects outside the movable portion and elastically presses toward the engaging portion so that the engaging portion engages the stopper member, thereby locking rotation of the movable portion. The engagement of the stopper and the engaging portion is automatically released, and it is possible to freely rotate the movable portion when the cable reel is assembled with a rotating mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical connection is provided adapted to be mounted on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, for example to establish a connection with an inflatable air bag disposed at the center of the steering wheel. The connection comprises a continuous sheathed flat cable, a central region of which is coiled into a large number of helical turns, so that the cable forms a flat spiral, with the flat cable being placed on edge, so that the plane of the cable is perpendicular to the plane of the flat spiral. The ends of the cable are bent to extend out of the plane of the spiral, substantially at right angles. These projecting ends of the flat cable are encased in an extra sheath of insulating material which extends along some of the cable at the ends of the spiral and along the whole length of the projecting end parts of the cable to provide additional tensile strength at the ends of the flat cable. The ends of the cable are provided with plug-and-socket connectors.

Abstract: A cable reel is disclosed which includes a fixed member having an outer ring wall, a movable member having an inner ring wall and a ring member which couples the fixed member to the movable member in rotatable engagement. A belt-like cable is wound with a plurality of turns between the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall, and a cutter is provided on the fixed member at a position facing a folded portion of the cable, which is formed at an outer circumferential end portion of the cable, wherein when the movable member is rotated in a winding direction of the cable (to wind the cable on the inner ring wall) by a predetermined amount of more, the cable is cut by the cutter. A first connector is provided at the inner circumferential end of the cable for connecting the cable to a harness to permit connection to external equipment, and a first connector box is provided integrally with the movable member for fixedly receiving the first connector.

Abstract: A cable reel including a fixed member, a movable member rotatably engaged with the fixed member in such a manner that a space is defined between the fixed member and the movable member, a flat cable received in the space under a wound condition with predetermined turns and having opposite ends fixed to the fixed member and the movable member and extending outside, and a cutter provided in the vicinity of a fixed portion of the flat cable on the flat member side, wherein when the movable member is rotated by a predetermined amount or more, the flat cable is cut by the cutter. The improvement is that the flat cable comprises a first flat cable and a second flat cable attached to each other, and that a length from a fixed portion of the first flat cable on the movable member side to the cutter is different from a length from a fixed portion of the second flat cable on the movable member side to the cutter.

Abstract: In a cable reel including a fixed member having an outer ring wall, a movable member having an inner ring wall and rotatably mounted to the fixed member, and a cable wound with a plurality of turns between the fixed member and the movable member and having opposite ends fixed to the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall, wherein when the movable member is rotated in either of a winding direction or an unwinding direction of the cable, the cable is wound up around the inner ring wall or is unwound to the outer ring wall; the improvement comprises a stopper formed of a rigid material and fixed to the cable at a position near the inner circumferential end thereof, wherein when the cable is unwound by a predetermined amount or more, the stopper stands to stop between the cable unwound to the outer ring wall and the cable inverted on the inner ring wall.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for providing an electrical conduction path between two contact locations rotatable one with respect to the other. A flat ribbon cable having at least two electrical conductors and being wound in the manner of a spring, is firmly attached at its respective ends to the contact locations. To protect the flat ribbon cable from kinking and mechanical damage at each of such ends, each end portion thereof is folded across an immediately adjacent portion and a stabilizer connection assembly is positioned to extend about both such portions. Each such assembly is comprised of a protective sheath of flexible insulating material positioned closely about the folded end portion; an angular attachment of molded insulating material, including a clamping segment and a ribbon-shaped, sheath segment extending at an angle one to the other; and a means for locking the clamping segment in a compressed condition.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprising a pair of sun gears set facing each other, each sun gear comprising a wheel portion having an inner surface and a rim portion protruding along the outer circumference of the wheel portion, slip rings mounted on the inner surface of the wheel portions, and contact pins, that make sliding contact with the slip rings on the wheel portions, provided between the sun gears.

Abstract: In a cable reel including a fixed member having an outer ring wall, a movable member having an inner ring wall and rotatably mounted to the fixed member in such a manner that a space is defined between the outer ring wall and the inner ring wall, a flexible cable received in the space under a wound condition with a plurality of turns and having opposite ends fixed to the fixed member and the movable member and extending outside, so as to effect electrical connection between the fixed member and the movable member; the improvement comprises a presser member provided in the space for elastically pressing the flexible cable with the plurality of turns from inner and outer circumferential surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A cable reel comprises the fixture, the mover operating in connection with the fixture, the flat cable wound through several times, in which the end of the flat cable is led out of the fixture passing through the mover, at least one sheets are adhesively attached to one surface of said fixture and said mover facing to both ends at the width direction of the flat cable.

Abstract: A connector device for a steering system of an automobile is provided, in which a movable member is securely locked to its predetermined initial position when the device is mounted or remounted to a steering system so that it can effectively eliminate any errors in the mounting or remounting operation and the locked condition of the movable member is automatically released when the device is properly set in position. Moreover, since the locking mechanism is accommodated in the inner room (compartment) of the device where axially a relatively large space is available, the device has a variety of advantages including a relatively reduced thickness.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for components that are rotatable relative to one another, such as a steering column and a steering wheel for a vehicle. The assembly comprises a steering column cassette and an opposed mateable steering wheel cassette. Concentric recesses are formed in the mating face of at least one of the cassettes. The opposed mating surfaces are further defined by discrete concentric conductive portions formed on the cassettes. At least one resilient electrically conductive contact member is resiliently engaged between the cassettes to make redundant electrical contact with the opposed concentric contact portions of each cassette. The cassettes may be appropriately configured for environmental sealing.

Abstract: An electrical connector arrangement for a steering column occupant cushion restraint system is provided to provide continuous electrical continuity between a sensor and an occupant restraint cushion when the steering wheel shaft is rotated relative to the steering column. The electrical connector arrangement includes a continuous coil which is wound and unwound depending on the direction of which the steering wheel is rotated and includes an automatic locking and unlocking means which automatically prevents any significant relative rotation between the inner and outer housings of the connector arrangement when the electrical connection arrangement is removed for service and which automatically allows relative rotation therebetween in response being connected or reconnected onto the steering column so that the continuous coil cannot be wound tighter while being removed for service.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two wirings on the sides of a steering wheel and a steering column includes a case assembly having a stationary casing and a rotor with a lid for the casing, and a coil-shaped cable member accommodated in the case assembly. The casing has an internal gear at its upper section, the internal gear being arranged to cross a rotational axis of the rotor at right angles. A ring-shaped gear which is engaged with the internal gear is rotatably arranged inside the internal gear as well as on the lid. Both gears are so designed that the number of teeth on the gear is smaller than that of the internal gear. A biasing mechanism for biashing the gear to the internal gear is provided for the lid. Further, an indication scale is arranged on a front surface of the gear for cooperating with a mating mark which is provided for the casing or the lid.When the rotor turns in any one direction, the biasing mechanism moves in the same direction while it biases the gear to the internal gear.

Abstract: An electric connecting device wherein a movable member can be locked with certainty with respect to a fixed member and the safety is assured even if such a locking mechanism is not removed. The electric connecting device comprises a resilient member removably mounted on one of the fixed member and the movable member for engaging with the other of the fixed member and the movable member. The movable member is thus normally held at its home position with respect to the fixed member by the resilient member, and after the electric connecting device is assembled to a predetermined device, the resilient member is removed. Even if the resilient member is otherwise left on the electric connecting device, it will not make an obstacle to rotation of the movable member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for making an electrical connection between a steering wheel and a steering column in the steering system of a vehicle, and more particularly, to the apparatus having an indication for indicating the number of rotations of the steering wheel. The apparatus includes a stationary case to be fixed to the steering column, a rotor member rotatable together with the steering wheel, and a coiled tape member. This tape member provides an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering column and is accommodated in a case comprising the stationary case and the rotor member. The apparatus further comprises a sprocket mounted on the rotor member, an internal gear formed on the inner face of the stationary case, and a ring-shaped member rotatably provided between the sprocket and the internal gear. The ring-shaped member has a plurality of windows arranged in a pitch different from the pitch between the teeth of the internal gear.

Abstract: A transmission ring assembly adapted to be mounted between the steering column and the steering wheel an automobile vehicle provides an electrical connection between a control switch mounted on the steering wheel and a device controlled by the switch. It comprises a bush fixed to the steering column and a first series of conductive rings fastened to the bush. A base member is mechanically attached to the steering wheel and a second series of conductive rings fastened to the base member cooperate electrically with the rings of the first series. Each pair of contacts formed by respective rings from the first and second series is insulated from an adjacent pair of contacts. Each ring of the first or second series comprises two concentric annuli electrically and mechanically joined at at least two points on a common diameter. In this way the connection and drive/retention functions of each ring are made separate from its electrical contact function.

Abstract: A slip ring wherein electric disconnection which may possibly arise from freezing of drops of condensed water is prevented with a simplified construction. The slip ring is of the type wherein electric connection between a fixed member and a movable member mounted for rotation relative to the fixed member is established by means of an annular conductive plate and a contact element mounted in mutual contact on one and the other of the fixed and movable members. The slip ring comprises an insulating cover mounted for rotation on the conductive plate and covering an annular face of the conductive plate. The cover has an opening formed therein through which the contact element is resiliently contacted with the conductive plate.

Abstract: A cable for holding a flat cable for electrical connection between a stationary member and a movable member includes a cylindrical inner wall defined by a partition wall formed on the movable member and a circumferential surface portion formed on a stopper member so that the flat cable is reeled on the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an electrical conduction path between a first contact location rotatable a plurality of rotations, in either direction, about a longitudinal axis, and a stationary contact location positioned radially from the rotatable contact location. Such apparatus is comprised of a bifilar spiral spring formed of a length of ribbon cable having at least two electrical conductors. The bifilar spiral coil spring is secured only by connections at its opposite ends to the two contact locations; whereby it uncoils and slidably moves in response to the direction of rotation of the rotatable contact location, and upon reversal of such rotation, recovers its original shape and position between the two contact locations.

Abstract: An electrical connection apparatus includes a flat cable having one end secured to a fixed member and the other end secured to a movable member. The flat cable is provided with a turning portion at its fixing portion to the fixed member, and a cutter is inserted toward a folding line of the turning portion to cut the flat cable.

Abstract: Steering wheel with an electric lead to a protective gas bag impact device located in the steering wheel bowl of an automotive vehicle including a current conductor formed by a conducting strip arranged with several windings within a fixedly mounted housing surrounded a steering wheel hub. One end of the cable terminates in a core fastened to the steering wheel hub while the other terminates in the housing. A disk toothed over at least part of its circumference is mounted on the housing and an actuating element engaging the toothed disk is mounted on the hub or spindle. The toothed disk is located radially in relation to the axis of the hub and the spindle and the actuating element is formed by a flange-like transport disk surrounding the spindle or the hub and equipped with a radial slot which is provided with bevelling in the area of the slot. The edges of the slot are spread to form an opening corresponding to the tooth division of the toothed disk.

Abstract: A relay mechanism for a steering wheel comprising a plurality of slip rings disposed isolated from each other in a circular track having a steering shaft as its center, and sliders, one provided at each slip ring. It further includes an arcuate common line slip ring extending so as to have a predetermined central angle, and a common line slider sliding on the common line slip ring with the steering shaft as its center, the common line slider being positioned at the midpoint of the common slip ring when the steering wheel is at its straight travel position. When the steering wheel is turned over more than a predetermined angle from its travel position, the common line connecting the slip rings and a power source is rendered non-conductive thereby to disable the signal transmission between the slip rings and electric devices.

Abstract: An electrical interconnector comprises an outer housing defining a first aperture; a rotor member occupying the first aperture in rotational relation to it; the first electrical connection carried on the outer housing; a second electrical connection carried on rotor member; and a coiled conducter wire loosely coiled in a plurality of coils about the rotor member with the outer housing, the coil conducter wire being connected at respective ends thereof to the first and second electrical connections. In this invention, one or more recesses are carried on either the outer housing or rotor member. One or more flexible detents are carried by the other of the outer housing and rotor, the detents being normally positioned to project into the recesses to prevent rotation between the outer housing and rotor member.

Abstract: A neutral position indicator for an electrically conductive cable coiled in an automotive steering wheel includes a fixed storage case for storing the electrically conductive cable therein, the storage case including a rotatable member rotatable with the steering wheel, and a position indicator unit rotatably mounted in the fixed storage case and angularly movable for a first angular interval each time the rotatable member rotates through a second angular interval in response to completion of the rotation of the rotatable member through the second angular interval, the position indicator unit being indicative of a neutral position of the electrically conductive cable when the position indicator unit reaches a prescribed angular position. The storage case is covered with a cover having a window for allowing visual observation of the position indicator unit. The angular position of the rotatable member, i.e.

Abstract: An automotive steering assembly which has a steering pad maintained stationary independently of the steering wheel operation is disclosed. The assembly employs a sun and planetary gear system in transmission of rotary motion to the steering shaft. The steering wheel is rigidly attached to the steering shaft while the sun and planetary gear system contributes to maintenance of the orientation of the steering pad. In the sun and planetary gear system, the role of the sun portion is played by a timing belt whereas that of the planetary portion is played by a rotary gear wheel. The above timing belt and planetary gear wheel are adapted to be disengaged from each other upon entry of foreign matters including sand grains or the like.

Abstract: A connector device which connects a rotatable member and a fixed member, for example, of a vehicular steering system, electrically or optically, by means of a belt-shaped transmission line coiled in a convolution. The transmission line is contained in a housing assembly which is composed of a movable housing, mounted on the rotatable-member side, and a stationary housing on the fixed-member side. A vibration restraining member is interposed between one side edge of the coiled transmission line and a flange portion of the movable and/or stationary housing. The restraining member serves to restrain the transmission line from moving crosswise, thereby preventing production of vibration and noise. Preferably, a resilient tongue, which extends along the transmission line, is fixed to an inner cylinder portion to which an inner coil-end portion of the transmission line is fixed. In such an arrangement, the transmission line is prevented from bending sigmoidally when it is loosened.

Abstract: Aligning device for a current carrying connector of protective gas bag impact installations having a helical conductor arranged with several concentric windings within a fixedly mounted housing surrounding a core. The core is fastened to a steering spindle and rotates with the steering wheel. A first end of the helical strip terminates in terminals associated with the housing. The second end terminals are associated with the core. The core is equipped with a bore and the housing with a locking recess. The housing and the core may be immobilized in relation to each other using locking means having a clip pin insertable into the bore of the core and a locking projection fitting into the locking recess. The locking means may exhibit a ring surrounding the steering spindle and resting on the core or a pot surrounding a steering spindle. The locking recess and locking projection have respective widths which allow a slight rotational clearance between the core and the housing.

Abstract: A clock spring interconnector provides electrical connection between a rotating and nonrotating electrical circuit. In the interconnector, an outer housing defines a fist aperture extending therethrough. A rotor member occupies the first aperture in rotational relation to it. First conductor wire means are carried by the outer housing, while second conductor wire means are carried by the rotor member. Coiled conductor means are loosely coiled in a plurality of coils about the rotor member within the outer housing, with the coiled conductor means being connected at respective ends to the first and second conductor wires. The rotor member defines a second aperture extending through it in generally coaxial relation with the first aperture.

Abstract: Electric contact device for protective gas bag impact installations in automotive vehicles having a contact located on the hub or the steering spindle, respectively, which rotates with the steering wheel hub. A counter contact path is fixedly mounted concentrically surrounding the steering wheel. The contact is held by the force of springs in constant sliding contact against the counter contact path. The counter contact path is located in the bottom trough of an annular housing and the contact guide is in the form of a contact ring in the annular groove of a cover which overlaps the bottom trough. The contact ring is held against the counter contact path by a plurality of springs placed between the contact ring and the bottom of the groove. The bottom trough and the cover are guided in each other by annular lands which engage the annular groove with a certain clearance. The cover is clamped to the bottom trough by several clip noses arranged on the edge of the cover and overlapping the bottom trough.

Abstract: A steering wheel equipped with an electrical relay means is disclosed. The steering wheel includes a pad side unrotatable member and a column side unrotatable member. A boss extends centrally and at least one pad side slip ring is disposed concentrically with the boss and electrically insulated from an outer surface thereof. The slip ring is positioned below the pad side unrotatable member. Further, at least one column side slip ring is disposed concentrically with the boss, and positioned above the column side unrotatable member. A boss plate is disposed around the boss and at least one holder is fixed to the boss plate. Pad and column side contact pins are supported by the holder, and biased toward opposite direction to each other by a spring positioned inside the holder. A lubricant is filled in the holder, and is applied to the slip rings through axial bores formed in the pins. In another embodiment of the invention, two pins are in sliding contact with a single slip ring.