JPH0945446A - Steering roll connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering roll connector in which a rolling member to energize a flexible flat cable is moved by other means than this cable. SOLUTION: Dummy cables 20, 22 are superposed on both sides of a flexible flat cable 16 and they are wound in different directions on a fixed case member 12 and a movable case member 14 forming a doughnut-shaped space and fixed in such a way that respective reverse parts 16a, 20a, 22a of the winding direction are set apart from each other. In a zone 11c between the dummy cables 20, 22, plural cylindrical rotary members 24 of almost the same diameter as width of the zone are provided in such a way that their axial direction is parallel to a cable winding axis. As the movable case member 14 is relatively rotated, the rotary member 24 is pushed by the winding direction reverse parts 20a, 22a of the dummy cables 20, 22 to move while preventing generation of loosening at winding parts of the respective cables 20, 22.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering roll connector for electrically connecting a steering wheel and a steering column in a vehicle steering system, and more particularly to a spiral flexible connector housed in a connector case. The present invention relates to a U-turn type steering roll connector in which a winding direction of a flat cable is opposite to a winding direction of a fixed case member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, a steering roll connector is provided with a connector case, and the connector case is fixed to a steering column side and a fixed case member so as to rotate together with a handle. And a movable case member that is rotatably mounted. A flexible flat cable is housed in a spiral shape in this connector case. flexible·
The flat cable is wound around the fixed case member side and the movable case member side, and one end of the cable is fixed to the fixed case member side and the other end is fixed to the movable case member side.

Such a steering roll connector is of a so-called spiral type in which the winding direction of the flexible flat cable with respect to the fixed case member and the movable case member is the same, and that of the flexible flat cable with respect to the fixed case member. There is a so-called U-turn system in which the winding direction and the winding direction of the flexible flat cable with respect to the movable case member are opposite, and the winding direction is reversed in the middle.

By the way, in either method, the rolled flexible flat cave is pinched due to vibration of the automobile, or the movable case member is rotated with respect to the fixed case member so that the flexible flat cave is wound. When changing, there is a problem in that the flexible flat cave with loose winding, that is, slack in the winding, rubs inside the connector case to generate sound.

With respect to such a problem, the latter U-turn type steering roll connector, for example, is shown in FIG.
As in the steering roll connector shown in FIG. 1, a large number of cylindrical bodies, that is, rollers 8 are provided inside the winding direction reversing portion 6 of the flexible flat cable 4 stored in the donut-shaped cable storage space 2 in the connector case 1. There is a roller 8 which biases the winding portion of the flexible flat cable 4 to prevent slack in the winding (for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-75988).

However, in this steering roll connector, since the flexible flat cable 4 moves by pushing the roller 8, stress is repeatedly applied to the flexible flat cable 4 when it rotates. Therefore, there is a problem that the durability of the flexible flat cable 4 is reduced. In addition, flexible
When the outer side surface 7 of the winding direction reversing portion 6 of the flat cable 4 pushes the roller 8, the winding direction reversing portion 6 may be bent inward with a small radius of curvature, and the flexible flat cable 4 may be damaged.

That is, it is not preferable to move the roller for urging the winding portion of the flexible flat cable by the flexible flat cable itself because a force acts on the flexible flat cable.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a roller or a rolling member for urging a winding portion of a flexible flat cable by means other than the flexible flat cable. (EN) Provided is a U-turn type steering roll connector adapted to be moved by.

[0009]

In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a steering roll connector having the following structure.

That is, in this steering roll connector, two dummy cables whose both ends are respectively fixed to the fixed case member and the movable case member are overlapped and wound on both sides of the flexible flat cable, respectively. The winding direction reversal parts of the flat cable and the both dummy cables are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The cable urging means is inside the winding direction reversing portion of the flexible flat cable, that is, inside the winding direction reversing portion of the one dummy cable on the concave surface side and the other dummy cable. The dummy cable is arranged outside the winding direction reversal portion, that is, in the area between the dummy cables on the convex side, and when the movable case member rotates with respect to the fixed case member, a part of the cable urging means is one of the dummy cables. Is abutted against the inner surface of the winding direction reversing portion or the outer surface of the winding direction reversing portion of the other dummy cable, and is moved as a whole.

In the above structure, when the movable case member is rotated inwardly of the winding direction reversal portion with respect to the fixed case member, the winding of each cable with respect to the fixed case member is released, and at the same time, with respect to the movable case member. Winding around,
Each winding direction reversing unit moves in the same direction as the rotating direction of the movable case member. In other words, the area between the dummy cables moves in the same direction as the rotation direction of the movable case member.
The cable urging means is pushed by the inner side surface of the winding direction reversal portion of the one dummy cable, that is, the inner side, and moves with the dummy cable inter-region while being restricted by the outer side surface of the winding direction reversal portion of the other dummy cable. . At this time, in the area between dummy cables, the rolling member of the cable urging means substantially urges the inner side surface of the inner dummy cable exposed in the area between dummy cables, that is, approaches or abuts each cable. Prevents slack in the roll. When the movable case member rotates in the opposite direction, the cable urging means abuts against the outer surface of the winding direction reversal portion of the other dummy cable and is pushed, preventing the rolling member from slackening each cable. , Move with the area between dummy cables. In any case, the winding direction reversing portion of the flexible flat cable is spaced from each winding direction reversing portion of each dummy cable, and is not subjected to the force from the cable urging means. .

Therefore, in the U-turn type steering roll connector having the above-mentioned structure, the roller for urging the winding portion of the flexible flat cable, that is, the rolling member is provided by another means other than the flexible flat cable, that is, two dummy cables. To move.

Specifically, the following respective configurations are preferable.

As a first configuration, the rolling member of the cable urging means is a plurality of columnar members having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the dummy cable inter-region and substantially filling the dummy cable inter-region. Yes, the axial direction of this columnar member is parallel to the winding center axis of each of the above cables.

In the above structure, when the movable case member rotates with respect to the fixed case member, the winding direction reversal portion of one dummy cable pushes the column member adjacent thereto.
The pushed columnar members push the adjacent columnar members, and the columnar members are pushed one after another. However, since the columnar member at the other end is restricted by the winding direction reversal portion of the other dummy cable, it does not come out of the dummy cable inter-region. At this time, since the columnar member moves while rotating, that is, while rolling, the moving resistance is small. The columnar member urges each cable through one dummy cable at substantially constant intervals in the area between the dummy cables, and prevents slack in each winding portion of each cable with respect to the fixed case member and the movable case member. To do.

In the second structure, a spherical member is used instead of the cylindrical member. That is, the rolling member of the cable urging means is a plurality of spherical spherical members each having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the dummy inter-cable area and substantially filling the dummy inter-cable area.

Also in the above structure, similar to the cylindrical member,
The spherical member is pushed by the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable and moves while rolling, preventing slack in the winding portion of each cable. The friction between adjacent spherical members is smaller than that of a cylindrical member. Preferably, the spherical member is a hollow resin ball in order to reduce the mass.

As a third configuration, the winding direction reversing portion of the dummy cable on one side and the outer side surface of the winding direction reversing portion of the other dummy cable, that is, each winding direction reversing portion. The portions of the cable urging means that come into contact with the contact surfaces of the dummy cable have curved surfaces having shapes along the contact surfaces of the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable.

In the above structure, the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable is slidably in contact with a part of the cable urging means, that is, the contact surface having the curved surface, and pushes the cable urging means. The means move smoothly. Further, the dummy cable is smoothly deformed at the winding direction reversal portion.

In the above construction, the cable urging means is
It is also possible to include a separate member having a contact surface for contacting each winding direction reversal portion of each dummy cable, and a rolling member, for example, a spherical member, disposed between the members, and the members may not be connected. is there.

Preferably, in the cable urging means, a plurality of columnar members having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the dummy inter-cable region are connected in an arc shape with their axial directions parallel to the winding center axes of the respective cables. And one curved surface member is fixed to both ends of the dummy cable, the outside surface of each curved surface member is reversed in the winding direction of one of the dummy cables when arranged in the area between the dummy cables. A curved surface having a shape along the inner side surface of the portion and the outer side surface of the winding direction reversal portion of the other dummy cable.

In the above structure, when the movable case member rotates with respect to the fixed case member, the outer surface of the curved member at both ends of the unit member, that is, one of the both end faces is pushed by the winding direction reversing portion of the dummy cave, and the unit member is rotated. Moves. At this time, in the area between the dummy cables, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member of the unit member urges the winding of each cable via one dummy cable, and prevents the winding of each cable from slackening. Both end surfaces of the unit member have a shape along the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable, and the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable is entirely slidably contacted and pushed, so that the unit member moves smoothly. Also,
The dummy cable is smoothly deformed at the winding direction reversal portion. It should be noted that each columnar member is preferably rotatable.

The steering roll connector of each of the above-mentioned configurations is provided with two dummy cables.
It is also possible to provide only one dummy cable.

That is, in the steering roll connector, one dummy cable whose both ends are respectively fixed to the fixed case member and the movable case member is superposed on the flexible flat cable, and the flexible flat cable is also wound. The first area inside the winding direction reversal portion of the cable and outside the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable is outside the winding direction reversal portion of the flexible flat cable and is the dummy. The winding directions of the flexible flat cable and the dummy cable are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction so as to be narrower than the second region inside the winding direction of the cable. The cable urging means is disposed in the second region and includes an engaging member having a holding groove formed at one end for holding the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable, and the other end of the flexible flat portion. It has a space between it and the cable. When the movable case member rotates with respect to the fixed case member, the cable urging means moves as a whole by the engagement member being pushed or pulled by the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable. It is characterized by doing.

In the above structure, when the movable case member rotates with respect to the fixed case member, the groove surface of the holding groove of the engaging member abuts against the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable and is pushed or pulled to urge the cable. The means move entirely with the second area. At this time, the rolling member of the cable urging means urges the winding of each cable via the dummy cable to prevent the slack from occurring in each cable. The winding direction reversal portion of the flexible flat cable is spaced from the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable by the first region, and is formed from an engaging member at one end of the cable urging means for engaging the dummy cable. Of the cable urging means, and since there is a space between the other end of the cable urging means, no force is applied from the cable urging means.

Therefore, in the U-turn type steering roll connector having the above-mentioned structure, the roller for urging the winding of the flexible flat cable, that is, the rolling member is formed by another means other than the flexible flat cable, that is, by one dummy cable. Moving.

In the above structure, the engaging member may be a separate member, or the rolling member may be, for example, a spherical member.

Preferably, in the cable urging means, a plurality of columnar members having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the second region are connected in an arc shape with the axial direction parallel to the winding center axis of each cable. Further, it is one unit member to which an engaging member having a holding groove for holding the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable formed at one end is fixed, and the engaging member is arranged when the engaging member is arranged in the second region. Each groove surface of the sandwiching groove of the member has a curved surface along both surfaces of the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable.

In the above structure, when the movable cable member rotates with respect to the fixed cable member, the holding groove provided at one end of the unit member engages with the winding direction reversal portion of the dummy cable, so that the unit member is It moves together with the winding direction reversing unit. At this time, the columnar member urges the dummy cables to prevent the winding slack from occurring in each cable. Further, since the unit member is moved by the dummy cable without touching the flexible flat cable, no force acts on the flexible flat cable. In addition, each cylindrical member,
It is preferably rotatable.

Preferably, grease is applied to the outer surface of each cable urging means.

In the above structure, the adhesive force of the grease can prevent the movement noise of the cable urging means from moving and the play noise between the cable urging means and the dummy cable.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The steering roll connector according to each embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 will be described in detail below. FIG. 2 is a sectional view perpendicular to the axis of the connector case of the steering roll connector of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotating member and its material. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a unit member used in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a unit member used in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an axial cross-sectional view of a connector case of a steering roll connector that houses the unit members of FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The basic structure of the steering roll connector of the first embodiment is the same as that of the conventional example, and a connector case 10 having a donut-shaped cable storage space 11 in which a fixed case member 12 and a movable case member 14 are combined.
Is configured. The fixed case member 12 has a flat ring-shaped bottom wall (not shown) and an outer peripheral wall 12a connected to the outer periphery thereof. On the other hand, the movable member 14 has a flat ring-shaped bottom wall member or upper wall member (not shown), and an inner peripheral wall 14a connected to the inner periphery thereof. The fixed case member 12 is fixed to the steering column side, and the movable case member 14 is rotatably attached to the fixed case member 12 so as to rotate together with the handle. When the connector case 10 is mounted on the steering column, the steering shaft is inserted through the through hole 15 inside the movable case member 14.

Cable storage space 1 of the connector case 10
In 1 there is a flexible flat cable 16
Two dummy cables 20 and 22 respectively stacked on both sides thereof are housed in a spiral shape. That is, the flexible flat cable 16 and both dummy cables 20 and 22 are fixed at their one ends to predetermined positions on the inner surface side of the outer peripheral wall 12 a of the fixed case member 12, and the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 12 of the fixed case member 12 is fixed. It winds in one direction along. The flexible flat cable 16 and both dummy cables 20 and 22 reverse the winding direction in the middle, and this time, the inner peripheral wall 14a of the movable case member 14 is turned.
Wrap in opposite directions along the outer surface of each cable 16,20,2
Each of the other ends of 2 is fixed to a predetermined position on the outer surface side of the inner peripheral wall 14a of the movable case member 14. Flexible flat cable 16 and both dummy cables 20, 22
Are appropriately separated from each other in each of the winding direction reversing portions 16a, 20a, 22a.
The inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 12a and the outer surface of the inner peripheral wall 14a of the movable case member 14 are in contact with each other. In the following, the dummy cable 20 inside the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16 is called an inner dummy cable 20, and the dummy cable 22 outside the winding direction reversing portion 16a is called an outer dummy cable 22.

Cable storage space 1 of the connector case 10
1 includes three areas 11a, 11b, which are formed by the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16 and the winding direction reversing portions 20a, 22a of both dummy cables 20, 22.
It is divided into 11c. That is, the winding direction reversing portion 20a of the inner dummy cable 20 which is inside the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16
The first region 11a which is on the outer side and the winding direction reversing portion 22 of the outer dummy cable 22 which is outside the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16
a second region 11b which is inside a, and a third region which is inside the winding direction reversing part 20a of the inner dummy cable 20 and outside the winding direction reversing part 22a of the outer dummy cable 22, that is, an inter-dummy cable region 11c. Is. When the movable case member 14 rotates with respect to the fixed case member 12, the winding states of the flexible flat cable 16 and both dummy cables 20, 22 change,
Each winding direction reversal part 16a, 20a, 22a moves. Therefore, the above three areas 11a, 11b, 11c also move with respect to the fixed case member 12 and the movable case member 14.

In the third region 11c of the three regions 11a, 11b and 11c, a plurality of cylindrical rotating members 24 are provided.
In the axial direction of the rotating member 24 and the cables 16, 20, 22
Arrange so that the winding center axis of is parallel to. The cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 24 has such a size that it lightly contacts the inner side surface 22b of the inner dummy cable 20 exposed in the third region 11c with respect to the winding direction reversal portion 20a or causes a slight gap. . It is preferable to provide an appropriate number of rotating members 24 so that the circumferential gap in the third region 11c is as small as possible.

As will be described later, the rotary member 24 moves together with the third region 11c when the movable case member 14 rotates with respect to the fixed case member 12. However, in order to prevent noise at this time, the rotary member 24 is rotated. It is preferable to reduce the mass of 24. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the rotating member 24 is formed by cutting a round rod-shaped resin rod member 26, preferably a resin pipe member, that is, a resin tube, to an appropriate length. Further, in order to prevent the generation of sound due to the adhesive force of the grease, it is preferable to apply grease to the outer surface of the rotating member 24.

In the steering roll connector configured as described above, the movable case member 14 is the fixed case member 1.
2, when the cables 16, 20, 22 are rotated inward of the winding direction reversal portions 16a, 20a, 22a, that is, leftward or counterclockwise as indicated by arrow 50 in FIG. 2, the flexible flat cable is rotated. 16 and both dummy cables 20 and 22 are unwound around the outer peripheral wall 12a of the fixed case member 12 and wound around the inner peripheral wall 14a of the movable case member 14, respectively.
At this time, the winding direction reversing portion 2 of the inner dummy cable 20
The inner side surface 20b inside 0a pushes the adjacent rotating member 24 in the rotating direction of the movable case member 14, that is, to the left.
As a result, the adjacent rotating members 24 in the third region 11c are pushed in a chain and move together with the third region 1c.

On the other hand, the movable case member 14 is arranged with respect to the fixed case member 12 in the outer direction of the winding direction reversing portions 16a, 20a, 22a of the cables 16, 20, 22; When rotated in the direction, the flexible flat cave 16 and the dummy cables 20 and 22 are respectively moved to the movable case member 1
4, the inner peripheral wall 14a is unwound, and the outer peripheral wall 12a of the fixed case member 12 is wound. At this time, the winding direction reversing portion 22 of the outer dummy cable 22
The outer surface 22c of a pushes the adjacent rotating member 24 in the rotating direction of the movable case member 14, that is, to the left. As a result, the adjacent rotating members 24 in the third region 11c move in a chain.

Whichever direction the movable case member 14 is rotated, each rotating member 24 approaches or abuts the inner side surface 24b of the inner dummy cable 20 exposed in the third region 11c, so that each cable 16 is rotated. , 20 and 22 are substantially urged to the inner surface side of the outer peripheral wall 12a of the fixed case member 12 and the outer surface side of the inner peripheral wall 14a of the movable case member 14, respectively, and each cable 1 is moved to the inside of the third region 11c.
6,20,22 to prevent movement, each cable 16,
Prevents slack from forming in the winding part of 20, 22. That is, the rotating member 24 holds the state in which the cables 16, 20, and 22 are respectively wound around the fixed case member 12 and the movable case member 14 in the third region 11c. Further, since the first and second regions 11a and 11b are smaller than the third region, the first and second regions 11a and 11b are
In, the winding state is maintained by the elasticity of the cables 16, 20, 22.

As described above, when the movable case member 14 rotates with respect to the fixed case member 12, the rotating member 24 is rotated.
Is moved by the two dummy cables 20 and 22, but the winding direction reversal portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16 is separated by the two dummy cables 20 and 22, so the winding direction of the flexible flat cable 16 is A force for moving the rotating member 24 does not act on the reversing portion 16a.

Therefore, members other than the flexible flat cable 16, that is, the dummy cable 20,
A rolling member or rotating member 24 is moved by 22.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. In this embodiment, one unit member 30 is arranged in the third region 11c of the cable housing space 11 of the connector case 10 instead of the plurality of rotating members 24 described above. Then, the unit member 30 is moved by the winding direction reversing portions 20a and 22a of the two dummy cables 20 and 22 as in the first embodiment.

That is, the unit member 30 has a discontinuous flat ring-shaped connecting portion 32, a plurality of cylindrical supporting shafts 33 projectingly provided on both surfaces of the connecting portion 32 at appropriate intervals, and is rotated below the cylindrical supporting shaft. A freely fixed cylindrical member 34, a semi-cylindrical cylindrical front contact portion 36 and a rear contact portion, which are provided at both ends of the connection portion 32 and have a cylindrical surface extending in a direction perpendicular to a surface including the connection portion 32. And a contact portion 38. The front contact portion 36 has its convex surface 36a on the outside, and the rear contact portion 38 has its concave surface 3a.
8a is the outside.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the connector case 10x is continuous with the upper part of the donut-shaped cable storage space 11 for storing the cables 16, 20, 22 and has a wider width on both sides than the cable storage space 11. It has a donut-shaped second space 11x. The unit member 30 has a lower portion in the third region 11c of the cable storage space 11 and an upper portion in the second region 11c.
It is placed in the space 11x. That is, the unit member 30
The lower surface of the connecting portion 34 is the step surface 11y at the lower part of the second space 11x
The cylindrical member 34 slidably contacts the fixed case member 12 and the movable case member 14 of the cables 16, 20, 22 through the inner dummy cable 20 in the third region 11c of the cable housing space 11. Substantially energize. In addition, the convex surfaces 36 on both outer sides of the unit member 30
The a and the concave surface 38a are along the winding direction reversal portions 20a and 22a of the dummy cables 20 and 22, respectively.

In the above structure, the movable case member 14 is connected to the fixed case member 12 by the cables 16, 20, 2.
When the winding direction reversal portions 16a, 20a, 22a of the second cable 2 are rotated inward, the convex surface 36a of the front contact portion 36 of the unit member 30 is pushed by the inner surface 20b of the winding direction reversal portion 20a of the dummy cable 20. . Thereby, the unit member 3
0 moves together with the third area 11c of the cable storage space 11. On the other hand, when the movable case member 14 is rotated in the opposite direction with respect to the fixed case member 12, the concave surface 38a of the rear contact portion 38 of the unit member 30 is moved to the outer dummy cable 22.
The unit member 30 is pushed by the outer surface 22c of the winding direction reversing portion 22a and moves in the opposite direction.

In either case, the unit member 3
Since the cylindrical member 34 of 0 moves while approaching or abutting the inner side surface 20b of the inner dummy cable 20 exposed in the third region, each of the cables 16 and 2 is moved similarly to the first embodiment.
Prevents slack from occurring in each winding of 0 and 22. In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the flexible flat
A force for moving the unit member 30 does not act on the winding direction reversal portion 16a of the cable 16.

Therefore, members other than the flexible flat cable 16, that is, the dummy cable 20,
The unit member 30 including the rolling member, that is, the cylindrical member 34 is moved by 22.

Although two dummy cables are used in the first and second embodiments, a third embodiment in which only the inner dummy cable 20 is used without using the outer dummy cable 22 will be described next.

That is, the unit member 40 is housed in the connector case 11x which is constructed in substantially the same manner as the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the dummy cable is
The outer dummy cable 22 shown in FIG. 2 is not provided, but only the inner dummy cable 20 is provided. Cable storage space 1 in connector case 10x for storing cables 16 and 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a first region inside the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16 and outside the winding direction reversing portion 20a of the dummy cable 20, and a winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16.
The second region is located outside and inside the winding direction reversal portion 20a of the dummy cable 20, and the first region is narrower than the second region.

Similar to the second embodiment, the unit member 40 includes a connecting portion 42 having a cylindrical support shaft 43 and a cylindrical member 44.
However, the engaging member 46 is provided at the front end of the connecting portion 42 and nothing is provided at the rear end 49 of the connecting portion 42. A holding groove 48 is formed in the engaging member 46 below the connecting portion 42, and the groove surfaces 48a of the holding groove 48 facing each other are curved along the winding direction reversing portion 20a of the dummy cable 20. The engagement member 46 is configured so as not to come into contact with the winding direction reversal portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16 in the cable storage space 11 of the connector case. On the other hand, the other end 49 side of the connecting portion 42 of the unit member 40 is also configured so as not to come into contact with the winding direction reversing portion 16a of the flexible flat cable 16. That is, the curved length of the connection portion 42 is configured to be slightly shorter than the circumferential length of the second region of the cable storage space 11.

The unit member 40 is housed in the connector case 10x in a state where the winding direction reversal portion 20a of the dummy cable 20 is engaged with the holding groove 48 of the engaging member 46. At this time, similar to the second embodiment, the unit member 40
Below the lower surface of the connection portion 42 of the
It is arranged in the region, and the upper portion of the lower surface of the connecting portion 42 is arranged in the second space 11x.

In the above structure, when the movable case member 12 rotates with respect to the fixed case member 12, the winding direction reversal portion 20a of the dummy cable 20 that moves moves in one of the holding grooves 48 of the engaging member 46 of the unit member 40. Groove surface 48a
The unit member 40 moves together with the winding direction reversal portion 20a of the dummy cable 20 by sliding or pushing or pulling. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 44 of the unit member 40 approaches or abuts the inner side surface 20b of the dummy cable 20 exposed in the second area of the cable storage space 11, and similarly, the windings of the respective cables 16, 20 are wound. Hold the state. Further, both ends of the unit member 40, that is, the engaging member 46 and the other end 49, are flexible flat.
It does not come into contact with or interfere with the winding direction reversal portion 16a of the cable 16.

Therefore, the unit member 40 including the rolling member, that is, the cylindrical member 44 is moved by a member other than the flexible flat cable 16, that is, one dummy cable 20.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be implemented in various other modes.
For example, in the first embodiment, three or more dummy cables may be used.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a conventional steering roll connector using rollers.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering roll connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is perpendicular to the axis.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rotating member and its material used in the steering roll connector of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a unit member used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a unit member used in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an axial sectional view of a connector case of a steering roll connector using the unit members of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Connector case 11 Cable storage space 11x Second space 11y Step surface 11a First area 11b Second area 11c Third area (area between dummy cables) 12 Fixed case member 12a Outer wall 14 Rotating case member 14a Inner wall 15 Through hole 16 Flexible flat cave 16a Winding direction reversing part 20 Inner dummy cable 20a Winding direction reversing part 20b Inner side surface 22 Outer dummy cable 22a Winding direction reversing part 22c Outer side surface 24 Rotating member (rolling member, cable biasing means) 26 Bar material 30 unit member (cable urging means) 32 connection part 33 cylindrical support shaft 34 cylindrical member (rolling member, column member) 36 front contact part 36a contact surface 38 rear contact part 38a contact surface 40 unit member ( Cable urging means) 42 Connection portion 43 Cylindrical support shaft 44 Cylindrical member (rolling member, cylindrical member) 46 If member 48 sandwiching the groove 48a groove face 49 and the other end 50, 51 arrow

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A fixed case member (12) fixed to a steering column side, and a movable case member (14) rotatably attached to the fixed case member (12) so as to rotate together with a handle. Connector case with (10)
Inside, the flexible flat cable (16) has the winding direction with respect to the fixed case member (12) and the winding direction with respect to the movable case member (14) opposite to each other, and the winding with respect to the fixed case member (12) and the above. A winding direction reversing portion (16a) for reversing the winding direction is formed in a transition portion between the movable case member (14) and the winding, and is housed in a spiral shape, and one end of the cable (16) is fixed to the fixed case. The other end is fixed to the member (12) side, and the other end is fixed to the movable case member (14) side. Further, the flexible flat cable (16) is wound around the fixed case member (12), and the movable case is formed. A steering roll connector provided with cable urging means (24, 30) including a plurality of rolling members (24, 34) for urging a winding with respect to a member (14) to move freely. Two dummy cables (20, 22) whose parts are respectively fixed to the fixed case member (12) and the movable case member (14) are overlapped and wound on both sides of the flexible flat cable (16), respectively. Reversing parts (16a, 20a, 22) of the flexible flat cable (16) and the above-mentioned dummy cables (20, 22)
a) are arranged at intervals (11a, 11b) in the circumferential direction, and the cable urging means (24, 30) are the winding direction reversal parts of the flexible flat cable (16).
One of the dummy cables (20) inside the (16a)
Of the other dummy cable (22) inside the winding direction reversing portion (20a) of the other winding direction reversing portion (22a).
When the movable case member (14) is arranged in the dummy cable area (11c) outside the a) and the movable case member (14) rotates with respect to the fixed case member (12), the cable urging means is provided.
Part (36a, 38a) of (24, 30) is the inner side surface (2) of the winding direction reversing part (20a) of the dummy cable (20) on one side.
0b) or the other dummy cable (22) is contacted with and pushed by the outer side surface (22c) of the winding direction reversing portion (22a),
Steering roll connector, characterized by moving as a whole. 2. The rolling member (24, 34) of the cable urging means (24, 30) is a region between the dummy cables.
A plurality of cylindrical members (2 having a diameter substantially equal to the width of (11c) and substantially filling the inter-dummy cable area (11c).
4. The steering roll connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the axial direction of the columnar member (24) and the winding center axis of each of the cables (16, 20, 22) are parallel to each other. 3. The rolling member (24, 34) of the cable urging means (24, 30) has a region between the dummy cables.
The steering roll connector according to claim 1, wherein the steering roll connector has a plurality of spherical members each having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the (11c) and substantially filling the inter-dummy cable region (11c). 4. The winding direction reversing portion (22a) of the dummy cable (20) on one side and the inner side surface (20b) of the winding direction reversing portion (20a) of the other dummy cable (22).
The respective portions (36a, 38a) of the cable urging means (24, 30) contacting the outer side surface (22c) of the
The dummy cables (20, 22) have curved surfaces (36a, 38a) shaped along the contact surfaces (20b, 22c) of the winding direction reversal portions (20a, 22a). The steering roll connector according to claim 1. 5. The cable urging means (24, 30) comprises:
A plurality of columnar members (34) having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the dummy inter-cable region (11c) are connected in an arc shape with their axial directions parallel to the winding center axes of the respective cables (16, 20, 22). And one curved surface member (36, 38) fixed at both ends, the unit member (30) being arranged in the inter-dummy cable area (11c), each curved surface member (36, 38) The outer side surfaces (36a, 38a) of one of the dummy cables (20) are provided with the winding direction reversing portion (20).
a) the inner surface (20b) and the other dummy cable (2)
2) The outer surface (22c) of the winding direction reversal portion (22a)
The steering roll connector according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the steering roll connector has curved surfaces (36a, 38a) each having a shape that conforms to and. 6. A fixed case member (12) fixed to the steering column side, and a movable case member (14) rotatably attached to the fixed case member (12) so as to rotate together with a handle. Connector case with (10)
Inside, the flexible flat cable (16) has the winding direction with respect to the fixed case member (12) and the winding direction with respect to the movable case member (14) opposite to each other, and the winding with respect to the fixed case member (12) and the above. A winding direction reversing portion (16a) for reversing the winding direction is formed in the transition portion between the movable case member (14) and the winding, and is housed in a spiral shape, and one end of the cable (16) is fixed to the fixed case. The other end is fixed to the member (12) side, and the other end is fixed to the movable case member (14) side. Further, the flexible flat cable (16) is wound around the fixed case member (12), and the movable case is formed. A steering roll connector provided with a cable urging means (40) including a plurality of rolling members (44) for urging a winding around a member (14) to freely move, wherein both ends are Constant case member (12) and the movable casing member (14) respectively fixed one dummy cable (20) to the flexible flat cable (1
6) and the inner side of the winding direction reversal portion (16a) of the flexible flat cable (16) and the outer side of the winding direction reversal portion (20a) of the dummy cable (20). The first area is the winding direction reversal part of the flexible flat cable (16).
The flexible flat cable so as to be narrower than the second region outside the winding cable reversal portion (20a) of the dummy cable (20) outside the (16a).
(16) and the winding direction reversal parts (16a, 20a) of the dummy cable (20) are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the cable urging means (40) is arranged in the second region and has one end. Includes an engaging member (48) in which a holding groove (48) for holding the winding direction reversal portion (20a) of the dummy cable (20) is formed, and the other end is between the flexible flat cable. There is a space in the fixed case member
When the movable case member (14) rotates with respect to (12), the engagement member (48) causes the dummy cable (20) to move.
Is pushed or pulled by the winding direction reversing portion (20a) of
Steering roll connector, characterized by moving as a whole. 7. The cable biasing means (40) comprises a plurality of cylindrical members having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the second region.
(44) is connected in an arc shape with its axial direction parallel to the winding center axis of each cable (16, 20) and holds the winding direction reversal portion (20a) of the dummy cable (20) at one end. A unit member (40) to which an engaging member (46) having a holding groove (48) is fixed, and which is the second unit described above.
When arranged in the area, each groove surface (48a) of the holding groove (48) of the engaging member (46) has the dummy cable (2).
The steering roll connector according to claim 6, wherein the steering roll connector has curved surfaces along both sides of the winding direction reversal portion (20a) of (0). 8. The cable urging means (24, 30, 40)
The steering roll connector according to claim 1, wherein grease is applied to an outer surface of the steering roll connector.