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: An improved structure of a wire winding box comprises a housing, a first communication cable, a second communication cable, a spiral spring, a first conductive disk, and a second conductive disk. The rotatable first conductive disk is installed with line groove for being inserted by the first communication cable and fixing blocks for fixing therewithin, two sides of the fixing block is alternatively arranged with a plurality of elastic conductive pieces each connected to the respective cable of the radiating cover, and the outer end of each conductive piece is inserted into the through hole and positioned in different radial positions. Thereby, the stability is improved. By the easily assembled conductive structure, the quality of communication is enhanced. Moreover, buckling groove and notch are installed around the periphery of the first conductive disk for matching with the buckling blocks on the lateral side of the housing.

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 device for attaching a steering wheel hub to a steering wheel column, while simultaneously fixing a contact unit to the steering wheel, includes a fastener that has a head part engaging in the hub and a shank that engages partially in the hub and partially in the shaft. In a locked position, the fastener engages a recess in the contact unit to prevent the steering wheel hub from rotating relative to the stator of the contact unit. In an unlocked position, the fastener partially engages the hub, partially engages the column, and disengages from the recess in the contact unit to fixedly connect the hub to the column and allow the hub, and therefore the rotor of the contact unit, to rotate.

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 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 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 circuit connecting device has a circuit connecting body constructed by a fixed body connected to a connector for a wire harness and a rotating body rotatable with respect to this fixed body and fixed onto a steering wheel side. An inner cylindrical portion inserting a steering shaft thereinto is formed in an inner circumference of this rotating body. A collar is mounted to this inner cylindrical portion and is slidable in an axial direction and a rotating movement of the collar is restricted. A relative rotation of the rotating body and the fixed body is restricted by engaging this collar and the fixed body with each other. This engagement is released by pushing-in the collar at an inserting time of the steering shaft. Accordingly, a vehicle assembly working property of a steering module can be improved.

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: 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: 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 connector with a steering angle sensor includes a steering roll connector in which an inner cylinder as a rotating body is provided inside an outer cylinder concentrically therewith, a spiral cable is stored between the outer and inner cylinders, and one end of the cable is supported on the outer cylinder while the other end of the cable is supported on the inner cylinder. A disk is fixed on the inner cylinder concentrically therewith. A plurality of slits are circumferentially formed in an outer edge portion of the disk. A sensor portion including a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit which are disposed so as to be opposite to each other through the outer edge portion of the disk is provided in a column switch.

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: 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: To easily set a rotary connector to a steering system when providing various types of switches for the steering system. A fixed-side housing and a movable-side housing are rotatably connected each other to wind a flat cable in a storage space partitioned between the both housings. The fixed-side housing has an outer cylindrical portion for partitioning a part of the storage space and a support wall is integrally formed outside of the outer cylindrical portion through a gap. Moreover, a switch is set inside of the support wall, the switch is connected to a joint bar through a flexible substrate at the inside of the support wall and conductors of the flat cable extended from the outer cylindrical portion are also connected to the joint bar.

Abstract: A cable holding structure of this invention comprises a groove in which a bending portion of a flexible flat cable is to be inserted, a first opening portion through which the flexible cable extending in the X direction as one direction from the bending portion passes and a second opening portion through which the flexible cable extending in the Y direction as the other direction from the bending portion passes, the first and second opening portions being contained in the groove, and a stopper provided on the first opening portion, which contacts a side edge of the flexible cable extending in the Y direction as the other direction of the bending portion so as to prevent the bending portion from slipping out in the X direction as one direction. Consequently, this prevents a residual stress from being generated in the flexible flat cable thereby improving the service life of the flexible flat cable.

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 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: 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: 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: An external connector mounted on a printed circuit board of a steering system is composed of a first movable carriage to which flexible terminals are secured, a second movable carriage for guiding the first movable carriage in the X direction, and a support carriage for guiding the second movable carriage in the Y direction so that the first and second movable carriages can move in the X and Y directions, respectively, with respect to the support carriage. When a fixed direct coupler of a rotary connector is connected to the thus constructed external connector, if the fixed direct coupler is displaced with respect to the external connector, the first and second movable carriages of the external connector move in the X and Y directions, respectively, with respect to the support carriage, whereby the relative displacement between the fixed direct coupler and the external connector can be absorbed.

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 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 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 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 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: A modular electronic assembly comprises an electronic circuit module package having electrical contacts and a carrier having a socket for receiving the package. Lever arms pivotally mounted on the carrier retain the module in the socket in their closed position and eject the module from the socket in their open position. The lever arms also carry electrical contacts for engaging corresponding contacts on the module so as to provide electrical connection thereto. The assembly may be mounted in a housing comprising first and slidably engaging portions such that the size of the housing is adjustable.

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 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 rotary section current transmitting mechanism includes a rotary member having an outer wall of a circular cross-section and a stationary member provided around the rotary member with separation from the rotary member by ring-shaped space so as to form concentric circles with the rotary member, and having an inner wall of a circular cross-section. The ring-shaped space accommodates a film-shaped wire. Both ends of the film-shaped wire are fixed in the same direction respectively to wire fixing sections of the rotary member and of the stationary member, and the film-shaped wire curves between the both ends. The film-shaped wire has a configuration in which conductors are sandwiched between insulating films. This configuration enables electric current to be stably transmitted from the stationary member to the rotary member which rotates forward and backward within a predetermined angle.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 cover plate for covering exposed conductive wires of a flat cable is attached to a surface of an attaching plate for holding the flat cable, and insert molding is performed in such a manner that the cover plate is included. Therefore, direct contact of a portion of flows of synthetic resin for use in performing insert molding that flows along a surface of the attaching plate for holding the flat cable with conductive wires of the flat cable can be prevented. Moreover, if the synthetic resin introduced into another surface of the attaching plate for holding the electric wires flows in joint portions between the conductive wires, the conduction wires of the flat cable are pushed against the cover plate due to the flow of the synthetic resin so that the conductive wires of the flat cable are supported. Thus, the conductive wires of the flat cable can be protected from excess stress when the insert molding operation is performed. Thus, breakage of the conductive wires of the flat cable can be prevented.

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.