JPH08195264A - Connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To constantly maintain the quantity of turn of a turning member and a turning auxiliary member by utilizing the elastic force of an elastic member, which is provided in the turning auxiliary member, at the time of winding a flexible cable around the turning member. CONSTITUTION: A connector device 100 is provided with a winding auxiliary member (turning auxiliary member) 2 in the periphery of a winding core 3 of a winding member (turning member) 1, and provided with a spiral spring 5 for generating the elastic force with the rotation of the winding auxiliary member 2. When a flat cable 7 is wound around the winding auxiliary member 2, the winding auxiliary member 2 is turned, and the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 are tightly wound around the winding core 3. Since the end 5a of the spiral spring 5 is engaged with a slit 4a of the winding auxiliary member 2 for fixation, it is not drawn out of the winding auxiliary member 2. The flat cable 7c is not also drawn out of the winding auxiliary member 2. After loosening the winding, the flat cable 7c can be excellently wound up.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、コネクタ装置に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector device.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、車両用ステアリング装置に使用さ
れるコネクタ装置として、本件出願人は、図１４に示す
ような、一端が回動部材３５に固定され、他端が回動部
材３５の外にある固定部材（固定軸）３６に固定された
フラットケーブル（可撓性ケーブル）３７を回動部材３
５及び固定軸３６双方の周りに複数回巻回し、回動部材
３５、固定軸３６及びフラットケーブル３７をケース３
８に収納して成るコネクタ装置を先に出願している（特
開平６−２４３９４６号）。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a connector device used for a steering device for a vehicle, the applicant of the present application has one end fixed to a rotating member 35 and the other end outside the rotating member 35 as shown in FIG. A flat cable (flexible cable) 37 fixed to a fixing member (fixed shaft) 36 in the rotating member 3
5 and the fixed shaft 36 are wound a plurality of times around both the rotary member 35, the fixed shaft 36 and the flat cable 37.
The first application was for a connector device that is housed in No. 8 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-243946).

【０００３】この種のコネクタ装置では、フラットケー
ブル３７が巻き緩んで広がることにより固定軸３６への
巻き取りを可能としている。しかし、固定軸３６への巻
回状態が緩んだ際、フラットケーブル３７が固定軸３６
に対して同軸にならずに一方向へ大きく緩んで広がって
しまうので、この広がり方向でケース３８内周面との干
渉が生じて固定軸３６にフラットケーブル３７が巻き取
られなくなり、結果としてフラットケーブル３７が座屈
してしまうという問題がある。In this type of connector device, the flat cable 37 is wound loosely and spread to enable winding on the fixed shaft 36. However, when the winding state around the fixed shaft 36 becomes loose, the flat cable 37 becomes
Since it does not become coaxial and spreads loosely in one direction, it interferes with the inner peripheral surface of the case 38 in this spreading direction and the flat cable 37 is not wound around the fixed shaft 36, resulting in flatness. There is a problem that the cable 37 buckles.

【０００４】そこで、上述した本件出願人が先に出願し
たコネクタ装置では、上記問題を解決すべく、固定軸３
６をケース３８の中心に設けるのではなく、フラットケ
ーブル３７の引き出し方向に略直交する方向で、ケーブ
ル引き出し口に近い側へ偏心して位置せしめるようにし
ている。Therefore, in the above-mentioned connector device previously filed by the applicant, in order to solve the above problem, the fixed shaft 3
6 is not provided at the center of the case 38, but is eccentrically positioned toward the side close to the cable outlet in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the flat cable 37 is pulled out.

【０００５】ところが、上述したコネクタ装置におい
て、弾性力の低いフラットケーブルを使用した場合に
は、経年変化によって回動部材３５及び固定軸３６に巻
かれたフラットケーブル３７に巻き癖がついてしまい、
フラットケーブル３７を巻き緩めた時、装置製造時とは
異なる方向に広がるようになってしまう場合があり、た
とえ上述したコネクタ装置のように固定軸３６の設置位
置を予め偏心せしめていたとしても、経年変化によりフ
ラットケーブルの広がり方向が変化しては、この広がり
方向におけるフラットケーブル３７とケース３８内周面
との干渉を避けることができず、フラットケーブル３７
が座屈してしまうというという問題があった。However, when a flat cable having a low elastic force is used in the above-mentioned connector device, the flat cable 37 wound around the rotating member 35 and the fixed shaft 36 has a winding tendency due to aging,
When the flat cable 37 is loosened, the flat cable 37 may spread in a different direction from that at the time of manufacturing the device. Even if the installation position of the fixed shaft 36 is eccentric in advance as in the connector device described above, If the expanding direction of the flat cable changes due to aging, interference between the flat cable 37 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 38 in the expanding direction cannot be avoided, and the flat cable 37 cannot be avoided.
There was a problem that he would buckle.

【０００６】そこで、本件出願人は、固定部材とケース
との間に回動可能な回動補助部材を設け、その外周に可
撓性ケーブルを巻回させるとともに、回動補助部材の回
転によって弾性力を発生する弾性部材を設け、可撓性ケ
ーブルの座屈防止を図った装置を特開平６−２４３９４
６号の後で出願した。即ち、可撓性ケーブルを巻き緩め
た或いは巻き締めた際には、その巻き締め或いは巻き緩
めに応じて回動補助部材は所定位置で回転し、かつ、可
撓性ケーブルを回動部材に巻き締めた後に巻き緩めた際
には、弾性部材が発生する弾性力により回動補助部材は
所定位置で回動されて、緩められた可撓性ケーブルを回
動補助部材の外周に巻き取ることにより、可撓性ケーブ
ルの座屈防止を図るというものであった。Therefore, the applicant of the present application provides a rotatable auxiliary member between the fixed member and the case, winds the flexible cable around the outer periphery thereof, and elastically rotates by the rotational auxiliary member. A device in which an elastic member for generating a force is provided to prevent buckling of a flexible cable is disclosed in JP-A-6-24394.
Filed after No. 6. That is, when the flexible cable is loosened or tightened, the rotation assisting member rotates at a predetermined position according to the tightening or loosening, and the flexible cable is wound around the rotation member. When loosened after tightening, the rotation assisting member is rotated at a predetermined position by the elastic force generated by the elastic member, and the loosened flexible cable is wound around the outer periphery of the rotation assisting member. The purpose was to prevent buckling of the flexible cable.

【０００７】[0007]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記に
示される装置では、回動補助部材への可撓性ケーブルの
係合方法について何ら記述されておらず、可撓性ケーブ
ルが回動部材に巻き締められた時に、回動補助部材内に
位置する可撓性ケーブルが回動補助部材外に引き出さ
れ、よって、回動部材及び回動補助部材の回動量が変化
し、可撓性ケーブルの巻き取りを良好に行うことができ
ないという問題があり、加えて、弾性部材の係合方法に
ついても上記装置では何ら記述されておらず、回動補助
部材内に位置する可撓性ケーブルが回動補助部材外に引
き出される際に、回動補助部材内に位置する弾性部材も
回動補助部材外に引き出され、弾性部材の弾性力が十分
に得られず、可撓性ケーブルの巻き取りを良好に行うこ
とができないという問題がある。However, in the device shown above, there is no description about the method of engaging the flexible cable with the rotation assisting member, and the flexible cable is wound around the rotation member. When tightened, the flexible cable located inside the rotation assisting member is pulled out to the outside of the rotation assisting member, so that the rotation amount of the rotation member and the rotation assisting member changes, and the flexible cable is wound. There is a problem that it is not possible to satisfactorily perform the removal, and in addition, the method for engaging the elastic member is not described in the above device, and the flexible cable located in the rotation assisting member does not assist the rotation assisting. When being pulled out of the member, the elastic member located inside the rotation assisting member is also pulled out of the rotation assisting member, and the elastic force of the elastic member is not sufficiently obtained, so that the flexible cable can be wound well. Can't do There is a problem.

【０００８】従って、本発明の目的は、可撓性ケーブル
が回動部材に巻き締められた時に、回動補助部材内に位
置する可撓性ケーブル及び弾性部材が回動補助部材外に
引き出されることがなく、回動部材及び回動補助部材の
回動量を一定に保持すると共に、弾性部材の弾性力を十
分に得て、可撓性ケーブルを良好に巻き取ることができ
るコネクタ装置を提供することである。Therefore, an object of the present invention is to pull out the flexible cable and the elastic member located inside the rotation assisting member to the outside of the rotation assisting member when the flexible cable is wound around the rotating member. Provided is a connector device capable of maintaining a constant amount of rotation of a rotating member and a rotation assisting member, obtaining a sufficient elastic force of an elastic member, and winding a flexible cable satisfactorily. That is.

【０００９】[0009]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記の課題を解決するた
め、本発明の構成は、一端を回動部材に、他端を固定部
材に固定された可撓性ケーブルを、回動部材及び固定部
材に複数回卷回し、これらをケース内に収納して成るコ
ネクタ装置において、固定部材とケースとの間の所定位
置で回動可能に設けられ、可撓性ケーブルの一部を係合
すると共に、その外周に可撓性ケーブルを複数回卷回し
た回動補助部材と、その回動補助部材に設けられ、該回
動補助部材の回転により弾性力を発生する弾性部材とを
備え、可撓性ケーブルを巻き締めた或いは巻き緩めた際
には、その巻き締め或いは巻き緩めに応じて回動補助部
材は、所定位置で回転すると共に、可撓性ケーブルを回
動部材に対して巻き締めた後に巻き緩めた際には、弾性
部材が発生する弾性力により回動補助部材は所定位置で
回動されて、巻き締められた可撓性ケーブルを回動補助
部材の外周に巻き取り、回動補助部材には、可撓性ケー
ブルが引き出された近傍に第１係合部が設けられ、弾性
部材の一端は、回動補助部材の第１係合部に係合固定さ
れ、弾性部材の他端は固定部材に固定されていることを
特徴とする。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, a flexible cable having one end fixed to a rotating member and the other end fixed to a fixing member is provided with a rotating member and a fixing member. In a connector device which is wound around a member a plurality of times and accommodated in a case, the connector device is rotatably provided at a predetermined position between the fixing member and the case and engages a part of a flexible cable. , A flexible auxiliary cable having a flexible cable wound around the outer periphery thereof a plurality of times, and an elastic member provided on the rotary auxiliary member and generating an elastic force by the rotation of the rotary auxiliary member. When the flexible cable is tightened or loosened, the rotation assisting member rotates at a predetermined position in response to the tightening or loosening, and the flexible cable is tightened around the rotation member. The elastic member generates elastic when it is unwound later. The rotation assisting member is rotated at a predetermined position by a force, and the wound flexible cable is wound around the outer periphery of the rotation assisting member, and the vicinity of the flexible cable is pulled out to the rotation assisting member. Is provided with a first engaging portion, one end of the elastic member is fixedly engaged with the first engaging portion of the rotation assisting member, and the other end of the elastic member is fixed to the fixing member. .

【００１０】また、第二の発明の構成は、一端を回動部
材に、他端を固定部材に固定された可撓性ケーブルを、
回動部材及び固定部材に複数回卷回し、これらをケース
内に収納して成るコネクタ装置において、固定部材とケ
ースとの間の所定位置で回動可能に設けられ、可撓性ケ
ーブルの一部を係合すると共に、その外周に可撓性ケー
ブルを複数回卷回した回動補助部材と、その回動補助部
材に設けられ、該回動補助部材の回転により弾性力を発
生する弾性部材とを備え、可撓性ケーブルを巻き締めた
或いは巻き緩めた際には、その巻き締め或いは巻き緩め
に応じて回動補助部材は、所定位置で回転すると共に、
可撓性ケーブルを回動部材に対して巻き締めた後に巻き
緩めた際には、弾性部材が発生する弾性力により回動補
助部材は所定位置で回動されて、巻き締められた可撓性
ケーブルを回動補助部材の外周に巻き取り、可撓性ケー
ブルには穴部が設けられ、回動補助部材には可撓性ケー
ブルが引き出された近傍に突起形状を成す第２係合部が
設けられ、可撓性ケーブルの穴部と回動補助部材の第２
係合部との嵌合により、可撓性ケーブルと回動補助部材
とを係合することを特徴とする。The structure of the second invention is a flexible cable having one end fixed to a rotating member and the other end fixed to a fixing member.
In a connector device in which a rotating member and a fixing member are wound a plurality of times and accommodated in a case, the connector device is rotatably provided at a predetermined position between the fixing member and the case, and is a part of a flexible cable. A rotation assisting member that engages with the flexible cable around the outer periphery thereof and an elastic member that is provided on the rotation assisting member and that generates an elastic force by the rotation of the rotation assisting member. When the flexible cable is tightened or loosened, the rotation assisting member rotates at a predetermined position according to the tightening or loosening, and
When the flexible cable is wound around the rotating member and then loosened, the rotation assisting member is rotated at a predetermined position by the elastic force generated by the elastic member, and the flexible cable is tightened. The cable is wound around the outer periphery of the rotation assisting member, the flexible cable is provided with a hole, and the rotation assisting member is provided with a second engaging portion having a protruding shape in the vicinity of where the flexible cable is pulled out. The hole of the flexible cable and the second of the rotation assisting member are provided.
It is characterized in that the flexible cable and the rotation assisting member are engaged by fitting with the engaging portion.

【００１１】[0011]

【作用及び効果】上記構成により、第一の作用は、回動
補助部材の可撓性ケーブルが引き出された近傍に第１係
合部を設け、弾性部材の一端を回動補助部材の第１係合
部に係合固定し、弾性部材の他端を固定部材に固定する
ことであり、その効果は、可撓性ケーブルが回動部材に
巻き締められた時に、回動補助部材内に位置する弾性部
材が回動補助部材外に引き出されることがないため、弾
性部材の弾性力を十分に得ることができ、可撓性ケーブ
ルの巻き取りを良好に行うことができる。（請求項１）With the above-described structure, the first action is to provide the first engaging portion in the vicinity of the flexible cable of the rotation assisting member pulled out, and to attach one end of the elastic member to the first rotation assisting member. The other end of the elastic member is fixed to the fixing member by engaging and fixing to the engaging portion, and the effect is that when the flexible cable is wound around the rotating member, it is positioned in the rotation assisting member. Since the elastic member to be rotated is not pulled out of the rotation assisting member, the elastic force of the elastic member can be sufficiently obtained, and the flexible cable can be wound well. (Claim 1)

【００１２】第二の作用は、可撓性ケーブルに穴部を設
け、回動補助部材の可撓性ケーブルが引き出された近傍
に突起形状を成す第２係合部を設け、可撓性ケーブルの
穴部と回動補助部材の第２係合部とを嵌合させて、可撓
性ケーブルと回動補助部材とを係合することであり、そ
の効果は、可撓性ケーブルが回動部材に巻き締められた
時に、回動補助部材内に位置する可撓性ケーブルが回動
補助部材外に引き出されることがないため、回動部材及
び回動補助部材の回動量を一定に保持することができ、
可撓性ケーブルの巻き取りを良好に行うことができる。
（請求項２）A second function is to provide a hole portion in the flexible cable and to provide a second engaging portion having a projection shape in the vicinity of the flexible cable of the rotation assisting member where the flexible cable is pulled out. Is to engage the flexible cable with the rotation assisting member by fitting the hole portion of the flexible cable with the second engaging portion of the rotation assisting member. Since the flexible cable located inside the rotation assisting member is not pulled out of the rotation assisting member when wound around the member, the rotation amount of the rotation assisting member and the rotation assisting member is kept constant. It is possible,
The flexible cable can be wound well.
(Claim 2)

【００１３】[0013]

【実施例】以下、本発明を具体的な実施例に基づいて説
明する。本実施例では、乗員保護装置であるエアバッグ
装置と車載用電源とを接続するコネクタ装置に本発明を
適用した場合について説明する。図１及び図２は、本発
明の第一実施例を示す構成図、図４は本発明のコネクタ
装置を車両のステアリングに装着した例を示す断面図で
ある。EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below based on specific examples. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a connector device that connects an airbag device, which is an occupant protection device, and a vehicle-mounted power source. 1 and 2 are configuration diagrams showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example in which the connector device of the present invention is mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle.

【００１４】図４において、筐体２１内に収められたス
テアリングシャフト２０には、その端部にステアリング
２２、その周囲にコネクタ装置１００の巻き取り部材１
が取り付けられており、ステアリング２２が操作される
と、ステアリングシャフト２０の周囲に取り付けられた
巻き取り部材１は回転する。ステアリング２２内には、
パッド２５の下に格納されたエアバッグ２４と、点火装
置及びガス発生剤等で構成され、車両衝突時にエアバッ
グ２４を展開させるためのガス発生器であるインフレー
タ２３とが構成されている。そして、このインフレータ
２３は、エアバッグ接続用の第１の接続ケーブル８及び
第１の接続端子を介してコネクタ装置１００と電気的に
接続されている。In FIG. 4, a steering shaft 20 housed in a casing 21 has a steering wheel 22 at its end and a winding member 1 of the connector device 100 around the steering wheel 22.
When the steering wheel 22 is operated, the winding member 1 mounted around the steering shaft 20 rotates. In the steering wheel 22,
An airbag 24 stored under the pad 25 and an inflator 23, which is a gas generator configured by an igniter, a gas generating agent, and the like, for deploying the airbag 24 in the event of a vehicle collision are configured. The inflator 23 is electrically connected to the connector device 100 via the first connection cable 8 for connecting the airbag and the first connection terminal.

【００１５】可撓性ケーブルに相当するフラットケーブ
ル７を有するコネクタ装置１００からは、回路接続用の
第２の接続ケーブル９及び第２の接続端子が設けられて
おり、車載用電源（図示せず）に電気的に接続される。
そして、第１、第２の接続ケーブル、第１、第２の接続
端子及びフラットケーブル７により、車載用電源とイン
フレータ２３とは電気的に接続されることになる。A connector device 100 having a flat cable 7 corresponding to a flexible cable is provided with a second connection cable 9 for circuit connection and a second connection terminal, and a vehicle-mounted power source (not shown). ) Is electrically connected to.
Then, the vehicle-mounted power source and the inflator 23 are electrically connected by the first and second connection cables, the first and second connection terminals, and the flat cable 7.

【００１６】次に、上記構成における作動について説明
する。図４において、車両の衝突が検出されると、衝突
検出に伴って発生された衝突信号は、第２の接続ケーブ
ル９、コネクタ装置１００及び第１の接続ケーブル８を
介してインフレータ２３に供給される。すると、インフ
レータ２３は衝突信号の入力に伴ってガスを発生し、こ
のガスを流入したエアバッグ２４はパッド２５を突き破
って膨らみ、これにより車両の衝突から運転者を保護し
ている。Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. In FIG. 4, when a collision of a vehicle is detected, a collision signal generated in accordance with the collision detection is supplied to the inflator 23 via the second connection cable 9, the connector device 100 and the first connection cable 8. It Then, the inflator 23 generates gas in response to the input of the collision signal, and the air bag 24 into which the gas has flowed in penetrates the pad 25 and inflates, thereby protecting the driver from a vehicle collision.

【００１７】本発明であるコネクタ装置１００の詳細に
ついて説明する。尚、図１はコネクタ装置１００におい
てフラットケーブル７を時計方向に完全に巻き締めた状
態を示す水平断面図、図２はコネクタ装置１００におい
てフラットケーブル７を反時計方向に巻き緩めた状態を
示す水平断面図である。Details of the connector device 100 according to the present invention will be described. 1 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which the flat cable 7 is completely wound clockwise in the connector device 100, and FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which the flat cable 7 is wound counterclockwise in the connector device 100. FIG.

【００１８】図１、図２、及び図４において、コネクタ
装置１００は、ステアリングシャフト２０に固定され、
ステアリング２２の操作とともに回動する巻き取り部材
１（回動部材に相当）、この巻き取り部材１の周囲に所
定間隔を隔てて設けられた、内周面が平滑である第１の
ケース６、フラットケーブル７、このフラットケーブル
７を巻き取る第２のケース１０（ケースに相当）に嵌合
または一体形成された巻き取り芯３（固定部材に相
当）、この巻き取り芯３の周囲に所定間隔を隔てて設け
られた、内周面が平滑である第２のケース１０、この第
２のケース１０と巻き取り芯３との間に各々所定間隔を
隔てて設けられた、巻き取り芯３を同軸にして回転可能
な巻き取り補助部材２（回動補助部材に相当）、この巻
き取り補助部材２に設けられ、巻き取り芯３に対する巻
き取り補助部材２の回転により弾性力を発生する板状の
渦巻きバネ５（弾性部材に相当）、第１のケース６及び
第２のケース１０のケーブル引き出し口を接続すべく両
側に壁１１が配設されたケーブル通路１２から構成され
る。1, 2, and 4, the connector device 100 is fixed to the steering shaft 20,
A winding member 1 (corresponding to a rotating member) that rotates with the operation of the steering wheel 22, and a first case 6 that is provided around the winding member 1 at predetermined intervals and has a smooth inner peripheral surface. A flat cable 7, a winding core 3 (corresponding to a fixing member) fitted or integrally formed with a second case 10 (corresponding to the case) for winding the flat cable 7, and a predetermined interval around the winding core 3. A second case 10 having a smooth inner peripheral surface, and a winding core 3 provided at a predetermined interval between the second case 10 and the winding core 3; A winding auxiliary member 2 (corresponding to a rotation auxiliary member) that is rotatable coaxially, and a plate shape that is provided on the winding auxiliary member 2 and that generates an elastic force by the rotation of the winding auxiliary member 2 with respect to the winding core 3. Spiral spring 5 (elastic part Considerable), and a cable passage 12 wall 11 on both sides is arranged so as to connect the cable outlet of the first case 6 and second case 10.

【００１９】図１に示すように、巻き取り芯３は、巻き
取り部材１に比して小さい直径を有しており、巻き取り
芯３の外周面と巻き取り補助部材２の内周面との間隔
は、巻き取り芯３に複数回巻回したフラットケーブル７
ｃが巻き取り芯３の周囲で巻き緩み或いは巻き締めでき
るように、比較的大きくしている。一方、巻き取り部材
１の外周面と第１のケース６の内周面との間隔は、巻き
取り部材１に巻き取ったフラットケーブル７を巻き緩め
時において巻き広がったりせず、確実に第２のケース１
０側に送りだされるように比較的小さくしている。尚、
上記巻き取り芯３は、第２のケース１０のほぼ中心に配
設されている。As shown in FIG. 1, the winding core 3 has a diameter smaller than that of the winding member 1, and has an outer peripheral surface of the winding core 3 and an inner peripheral surface of the winding auxiliary member 2. The flat cable 7 is wound around the winding core 3 multiple times.
It is relatively large so that c can be loosened or tightened around the winding core 3. On the other hand, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the winding member 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the first case 6 does not spread when the flat cable 7 wound on the winding member 1 is unwound, and the second cable is surely set to the second position. Case 1
It is made relatively small so that it can be sent to the 0 side. still,
The winding core 3 is arranged substantially at the center of the second case 10.

【００２０】フラットケーブル７は、図５に示すよう
に、平板形状をした２本の導電体７ａと、その導電体７
ａの周囲を覆うようにして平板形状に形成された合成樹
脂製の絶縁体７ｂとにより構成されている。そして、こ
のフラットケーブル７の一端は巻き取り部材１に、他端
は巻き取り芯３に電気的に接続、固定されている。尚、
導電体７ａは２本に制限されることはない。As shown in FIG. 5, the flat cable 7 includes two flat conductors 7a and the conductors 7a.
It is composed of a synthetic resin insulator 7b formed in a flat plate shape so as to cover the periphery of a. One end of the flat cable 7 is electrically connected to the winding member 1 and the other end is electrically connected to and fixed to the winding core 3. still,
The number of conductors 7a is not limited to two.

【００２１】巻き取り部材１及び巻き取り芯３を区画す
ると共にケーブル通路１２を形成するために設けられた
壁１１は、第１のケース６もしくは第２のケース１０へ
のガイドとして働くと共に、フラットケーブル７が可動
自由なスペースを省くことにより、巻き取り部材１と巻
き取り芯３との間でのフラットケーブル７の座屈発生を
抑えている。A wall 11 provided for partitioning the winding member 1 and the winding core 3 and for forming a cable passage 12 serves as a guide to the first case 6 or the second case 10 and is flat. By eliminating a space in which the cable 7 can move freely, buckling of the flat cable 7 between the winding member 1 and the winding core 3 is suppressed.

【００２２】巻き取り補助部材２には開口部４とその下
方近傍に位置するスリット４ａ（第１係合部に相当）と
が設けられており、この開口部４を介して、巻き取り芯
３の周囲に複数回巻回された巻き取り補助部材２内のフ
ラットケーブル７ｃが第２のケース１０の内周面及び巻
き取り補助部材２の外周面の間に送出されて、巻き取り
部材１に至っている。The winding assisting member 2 is provided with an opening 4 and a slit 4a (corresponding to a first engaging portion) located in the vicinity of the lower portion thereof, and the winding core 3 is provided through the opening 4. The flat cable 7c in the winding assisting member 2 wound a plurality of times around the circumference is sent out between the inner peripheral surface of the second case 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the winding assisting member 2, and is wound on the winding member 1. Has arrived.

【００２３】渦巻きバネ５の端部５’は図１に示される
ようなカギ型形状を成し、巻き取り補助部材２の開口部
４とスリット４ａとで挟まれた巻き取り補助部材２の外
側面の一部分を渦巻きバネ５が開口部４からスリット４
ａに向かって包囲するように、巻き取り補助部材２と渦
巻きバネ５とを係合固定する。The end portion 5'of the spiral spring 5 has a hook shape as shown in FIG. 1, and is located outside the winding assisting member 2 sandwiched between the opening 4 of the winding assisting member 2 and the slit 4a. A part of the side surface is provided with a spiral spring 5 from the opening 4 to the slit 4
The winding assist member 2 and the spiral spring 5 are engaged and fixed so as to be surrounded toward a.

【００２４】尚、巻き取り補助部材２内にあって巻き取
り芯３の周囲に巻回されたフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦
巻きバネ５の巻き数は、以下のパラメータを用いて設定
される。即ち、巻き取り部材１に予め定められた必要回
転数に対応した巻き取り補助部材２の必要回転数をＮ、
巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻
きバネ５が巻き締められた時のフラットケーブル７ｃ及
び渦巻きバネ５の巻き数をｎ₁ 、巻き取り補助部材２内
のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５が巻き緩めら
れた時のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５の巻き
数をｎ₂ とすれば、必要回転数Ｎは以下のようにして表
される。The number of turns of the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 wound around the winding core 3 in the winding assist member 2 is set using the following parameters. That is, the required number of rotations of the winding auxiliary member 2 corresponding to the required number of rotations predetermined for the winding member 1 is N,
The number of turns of the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 when the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 are tightened is n ₁ , and the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 are When the number of turns of the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 when the coil is loosened is n ₂ , the required number of rotations N is expressed as follows.

【００２５】[0025]

【数１】 Ｎ ＝ ｎ₁ − ｎ₂ … （１） また、フラットケーブル７の厚さをｔ₁ 、渦巻きバネ５
の厚さをｔ₂ とすると、全体の厚さｔは以下のようにし
て表される。## EQU1 ## N = n ₁ −n ₂ (1) Further, the thickness of the flat cable 7 is t ₁ , and the spiral spring 5 is
The total thickness t is expressed as follows, where t ₂ is t ₂ .

【００２６】[0026]

【数２】 ｔ ＝ ｔ₁ − ｔ₂ … （２） これら式１、式２と、巻き取り芯３の外径ｄ₁ と、巻き
取り補助部材２の内径ｄ₂ （巻き取り補助部材２内のフ
ラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５が巻き緩められた
時の外径に相当）とにより、巻き取り補助部材２内にあ
って巻き取り芯３の周囲に巻回されたフラットケーブル
７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５の巻き数を設定することができ
る。[Number 2] _{t = t 1 - t 2 ...} (2) These equations 1, and Formula 2, winding the outer diameter d ₁ of the core 3, the take-up auxiliary member 2 of the inner diameter d ₂ (winding assisting member 2 Corresponding to the outer diameter when the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 are unwound), the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 which are wound around the winding core 3 in the winding auxiliary member 2 You can set the number of turns.

【００２７】つまり、巻き取り補助部材２内であって巻
き取り芯３の周囲に巻回されたフラットケーブル７ｃ及
び渦巻きバネ５の巻き数は、巻き取り部材１に予め定め
られた必要回転数（例えばステアリング回転数）に対応
した巻き取り補助部材２の回転数だけ巻き取り補助部材
２を回転させた時、巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケ
ーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５が巻き取り補助部材２内の
スペースで的確に巻き締め状態或いは巻き緩め状態とな
るように設定している。That is, the number of windings of the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 wound around the winding core 3 in the winding assisting member 2 is the required number of rotations predetermined for the winding member 1 ( For example, when the winding auxiliary member 2 is rotated by the number of rotations of the winding auxiliary member 2 corresponding to the number of steering rotations), the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 cause It is set so that it can be tightened or loosened properly in a space.

【００２８】巻き取り補助部材２の内部には、一端が巻
き取り芯３に、他端が巻き取り補助部材２のスリット４
ａに係合固定された板状の渦巻きバネ５が設けられてお
り、この渦巻きバネ５は、巻き取り補助部材２の内部に
設けられたフラットケーブル７ｃの外側面に沿って設け
られている。そして、この巻き取り補助部材２は、図３
に示すように、巻き取り補助部材２に設けられた軸受部
２ａと、第２のケース１０に設けられた突起部１０ａと
が遊嵌されている。これにより、巻き取り補助部材２
は、巻き取り芯３及び第２のケース１０に対して予め定
められた位置で回転可能となる。Inside the winding auxiliary member 2, one end is a winding core 3 and the other end is a slit 4 of the winding auxiliary member 2.
A plate-like spiral spring 5 engaged with and fixed to a is provided, and the spiral spring 5 is provided along the outer surface of a flat cable 7c provided inside the winding assisting member 2. The winding assisting member 2 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the bearing portion 2a provided on the winding assist member 2 and the protrusion 10a provided on the second case 10 are loosely fitted. As a result, the winding assist member 2
Can be rotated at a predetermined position with respect to the winding core 3 and the second case 10.

【００２９】さらに、第１の接続ケーブル８の一端は第
１の接続端子に、他端は巻き取り部材１に電気的に接
続、固定され、第２の接続ケーブル９の一端は第２の接
続端子に、他端は巻き取り芯３に電気的に接続、固定さ
れている。次に、上記構成におけるコネクタ装置１００
の作動について説明する。図１〜図４において、ステア
リング２２をその中立位置から時計方向に回し始める
と、このステアリング２２の操作に応じて巻き取り部材
１が時計方向に回動して、巻き取り部材１の周囲に巻き
緩められたフラットケーブルが巻き取り部材１に巻き締
められる。続いて、第２のケース１０の巻き取り補助部
材２の周囲に巻き緩められたフラットケーブル７が引き
出され、巻き取り部材１に巻き取られて第１のケース６
に収納される。Further, one end of the first connection cable 8 is electrically connected and fixed to the first connection terminal and the other end is electrically connected to the winding member 1, and one end of the second connection cable 9 is secondly connected. The terminal and the other end are electrically connected and fixed to the winding core 3. Next, the connector device 100 having the above configuration
The operation of will be described. 1 to 4, when the steering wheel 22 starts to be rotated clockwise from its neutral position, the winding member 1 is rotated clockwise in accordance with the operation of the steering wheel 22 and is wound around the winding member 1. The loosened flat cable is wound around the winding member 1. Then, the flat cable 7 unwound around the winding assisting member 2 of the second case 10 is pulled out and wound around the winding member 1 to be wound into the first case 6
Is stored in.

【００３０】さらに、第２のケース１０の巻き取り補助
部材２の周囲に巻き緩められたフラットケーブルが巻き
取り部材１に巻き締められると、フラットケーブル７の
引き出しに応じて巻き取り補助部材２が巻き取り芯３を
同軸にして時計方向に回動し始め、巻き取り補助部材２
内のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５は、図１に
示すように、次第に巻き取り芯３に巻き締められていく
ことになるが、渦巻きバネ５はその端部５’が巻き取り
補助部材２に設けられたスリット４ａに係合固定されて
いるため、巻き取り補助部材２の外部に引き出されるこ
とがなく、巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７
ｃは、渦巻きバネ５と共に巻回されており、その接触に
よる摩擦力が作用し、フラットケーブル７ｃも巻き取り
補助部材２の外部に引き出されることがない。Further, when the flat cable loosened around the winding assisting member 2 of the second case 10 is tightened around the winding member 1, the winding assisting member 2 is removed in response to the pulling out of the flat cable 7. The winding core 3 is coaxially started to rotate clockwise, and the winding auxiliary member 2
The flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 inside are gradually tightened around the winding core 3 as shown in FIG. 1, but the end 5 ′ of the spiral spring 5 is attached to the winding auxiliary member 2. Since it is engaged and fixed to the slit 4a provided, the flat cable 7 in the winding auxiliary member 2 is not pulled out to the outside of the winding auxiliary member 2.
The coil c is wound together with the spiral spring 5, a frictional force due to the contact thereof acts, and the flat cable 7c is not pulled out to the outside of the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００３１】逆に、ステアリング２２を時計方向に回し
て巻き締めた状態からステアリング２２を反時計方向に
回し始めると、ステアリング２２の操作に応じて巻き取
り部材１が反時計方向に回動し始め、フラットケーブル
７は巻き取り部材１から巻き緩められる。ここで、フラ
ットケーブル７を巻き取り部材１に巻き締め、これによ
り巻き取り補助部材２が回転したことによって、巻き取
り補助部材２内の渦巻きバネ５は巻き取り芯３に巻き締
められているが、その端部５’がスリット４ａに係合固
定されているため、巻き取り補助部材２の外部に引き出
されることがなく、反時計方向に十分な弾性力（復元
力）が生じている。On the contrary, when the steering wheel 22 is rotated clockwise and the steering wheel 22 is started to be rotated counterclockwise from the tightened state, the winding member 1 starts to rotate counterclockwise according to the operation of the steering wheel 22. The flat cable 7 is unwound from the winding member 1. Here, the flat cable 7 is wound around the winding member 1, and the winding auxiliary member 2 is thereby rotated, so that the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 is wound around the winding core 3. Since its end 5'is engaged and fixed to the slit 4a, it is not pulled out to the outside of the winding auxiliary member 2 and a sufficient elastic force (restoring force) is generated in the counterclockwise direction.

【００３２】従って、フラットケーブル７が巻き取り部
材１より巻き緩められると、渦巻きバネ５が発生する反
時計方向の弾性力によって、巻き取り補助部材２は突起
部１０ａにより定められた第２のケース１０の所定位置
で反時計方向に回転させられる。この時、フラットケー
ブル７が巻き取り部材１に巻き締められた時に、巻き取
り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃには渦巻きバネ
５との接触による摩擦力が作用し、巻き取り補助部材２
の外部に引き出されていないために、巻き取り補助部材
２の回転量を一定に保持することができ、ケーブル通路
１２を介して第２のケース１０内に送り込まれたフラッ
トケーブル７は巻き取り補助部材２の周囲に巻き取られ
て、第２のケース１０に収納されると共に、巻き取り補
助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ５
は、図２に示すように、次第に巻き取り芯３より巻き緩
められていくことになる。Therefore, when the flat cable 7 is unwound from the winding member 1, the counterclockwise elastic force generated by the spiral spring 5 causes the winding assisting member 2 to move in the second case defined by the protrusion 10a. It is rotated counterclockwise at a predetermined position of 10. At this time, when the flat cable 7 is tightly wound around the winding member 1, a frictional force due to contact with the spiral spring 5 acts on the flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2, and the winding auxiliary member 2
Since it is not pulled out to the outside, the amount of rotation of the winding assisting member 2 can be kept constant, and the flat cable 7 fed into the second case 10 via the cable passage 12 can assist the winding. The flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 are wound around the member 2 and stored in the second case 10.
2 is gradually loosened from the winding core 3 as shown in FIG.

【００３３】以上述べたように、上記第一実施例におい
ては、巻き取り補助部材２にスリット４ａを設け、渦巻
きバネ５の端部５’をスリット４ａに係合固定すること
により、フラットケーブル７を巻き取り部材１の外周に
巻き締める際に、巻き取り補助部材２内の渦巻きバネ５
が巻き取り補助部材２の外部に引き出されることがない
ため、渦巻きバネ５の弾性力を十分に得ることができ、
フラットケーブル７を巻き締めた後に巻き緩めて、渦巻
きバネ５の弾性力によってフラットケーブル７を巻き取
り補助部材２の外周に良好に巻き取ることができる。As described above, in the first embodiment described above, the slit 4a is provided in the winding assisting member 2 and the end 5'of the spiral spring 5 is engaged and fixed to the slit 4a, whereby the flat cable 7 is secured. The spiral spring 5 in the winding assisting member 2 is used to tighten the outer circumference of the winding member 1
Is not pulled out to the outside of the winding assist member 2, it is possible to obtain a sufficient elastic force of the spiral spring 5,
The flat cable 7 can be wound tightly and then unwound, and the flat cable 7 can be satisfactorily wound around the outer periphery of the winding auxiliary member 2 by the elastic force of the spiral spring 5.

【００３４】また、巻き取り補助部材２内の渦巻きバネ
５が巻き取り補助部材２の外部に引き出されることがな
いために、フラットケーブル７が巻き取り部材１の外周
に巻き締められると、巻き取り補助部材２内において渦
巻きバネ５と共に巻き取り芯３の周りに巻回されたフラ
ットケーブル７ｃは、渦巻きバネ５との接触による摩擦
力が作用し、渦巻きバネ５と同様に巻き取り補助部材２
の外部に引き出されることがなく、直接フラットケーブ
ル７を巻き取り補助部材２に係合固定するのとと同様の
効果があり、巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル
７ｃの長さを一定に保つことができる。よって、巻き取
り部材１及び巻き取り補助部材２の回動量を一定に保持
することができるため、フラットケーブル７を巻き取り
部材１及び巻き取り補助部材２の外周に良好に巻き取る
ことができる。Further, since the spiral spring 5 in the winding assisting member 2 is not pulled out of the winding assisting member 2, when the flat cable 7 is tightened around the winding member 1, it is wound up. The flat cable 7c wound around the winding core 3 together with the spiral spring 5 in the auxiliary member 2 is subjected to frictional force due to contact with the spiral spring 5, and like the spiral spring 5, the winding auxiliary member 2
Has the same effect as directly engaging and fixing the flat cable 7 to the winding auxiliary member 2 without being pulled out to the outside, and keeps the length of the flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2 constant. be able to. Therefore, since the amount of rotation of the winding member 1 and the winding auxiliary member 2 can be kept constant, the flat cable 7 can be satisfactorily wound around the outer periphery of the winding member 1 and the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００３５】上記実施例では、図１に示すように巻き取
り補助部材２内において、渦巻きバネ５をフラットケー
ブル７ｃの外側面に沿って周回させ、開口部４からその
下方近傍に設けられたスリット４ａに向けて巻き取り補
助部材２の外側面を包囲するように外側面に沿って周回
させることにより、その端部５’を係合固定させる構成
としたが、図６に示すように巻き取り補助部材２内にお
いて、渦巻きバネ５をフラットケーブル７ｃの内側面に
沿って周回させ、開口部４からその上方近傍に設けられ
たスリット４ａ’に向けて巻き取り補助部材２の外側面
を包囲するように、外側面に沿って周回させることによ
り、その端部５’をスリット４ａ’に係合固定させた構
成としてもよい。また、図１では渦巻きバネ５の端部
５’をカギ型状に成形してスリット４ａに係合したが、
渦巻きバネ５の端部５’を図６に示すように開口部４と
スリット４ａとの間を巻き取るように周回させて、巻き
取り補助部材２に係合固定させてもよい。In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in the winding assisting member 2, the spiral spring 5 is wound along the outer surface of the flat cable 7c, and the slit provided from the opening 4 to a lower portion thereof. 4a, the end portion 5'is engaged and fixed by being wound along the outer side surface of the winding auxiliary member 2 so as to surround the outer side surface of the winding assisting member 2. However, as shown in FIG. In the auxiliary member 2, the spiral spring 5 is circulated along the inner surface of the flat cable 7c so as to surround the outer surface of the winding auxiliary member 2 from the opening 4 toward the slit 4a 'provided near the upper portion thereof. As described above, the end portion 5 ′ may be engaged and fixed to the slit 4a ′ by being rotated along the outer side surface. Further, in FIG. 1, the end portion 5 ′ of the spiral spring 5 is formed into a hook shape and engaged with the slit 4a.
The end 5'of the spiral spring 5 may be wound around the opening 4 and the slit 4a as shown in FIG.

【００３６】次に、第二実施例について説明する。尚、
図７の図番号で、図１〜図３の図番号と同番号である部
分については、図１〜図３の図番号と均等部分を示す。
本実施例は、フラットケーブル７の巻き取り補助部材２
から取り出された部分の絶縁体７ｂ上に穴部７ｄ（穴部
に相当、図８参照）を設けると共に、巻き取り補助部材
２の外周面上に突起部２ｂ（第２係合部に相当）を設
け、フラットケーブル７の穴部７ｄと巻き取り補助部材
２の突起部２ｂとの嵌合により、フラットケーブル７を
巻き取り補助部材２に係合固定するものである。このと
き、巻き取り補助部材２を樹脂材料にて構成することに
より、穴部７ｄと突起部２ｂとの嵌合後、熱かしめ等に
よって係合固定してもよい。Next, the second embodiment will be described. still,
In the drawing numbers of FIG. 7, the parts having the same numbers as the drawing numbers of FIGS. 1 to 3 indicate the parts equivalent to the drawing numbers of FIGS. 1 to 3.
In this embodiment, the winding assisting member 2 for the flat cable 7 is used.
A hole 7d (corresponding to a hole, see FIG. 8) is provided on the portion of the insulator 7b taken out from, and the protrusion 2b (corresponding to a second engaging portion) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the winding auxiliary member 2. Is provided, and the flat cable 7 is engaged and fixed to the winding auxiliary member 2 by fitting the hole 7d of the flat cable 7 and the projection 2b of the winding auxiliary member 2. At this time, the winding assisting member 2 may be made of a resin material so that the hole 7d and the protrusion 2b are fitted and fixed to each other by heat staking or the like.

【００３７】渦巻きバネ５は、フラットケーブル７ｃと
共に巻き取り芯３に一端を固定され、フラットケーブル
７ｃの外側面に沿って巻き取り芯３の周りに重ね巻きさ
れ、その他端の端部５’は巻き取り補助部材２の開口部
４から取り出され、そこで係合されている。渦巻きバネ
５と巻き取り補助部材２との係合方法としては、例えば
図７に示すように渦巻きバネ５の端部５’を渦巻きバネ
５の巻き付け方向とは逆方向にＵ字形状に成形し、開口
部４に引っかけるなどすればよい。The spiral spring 5 has one end fixed to the winding core 3 together with the flat cable 7c, is wound around the winding core 3 along the outer surface of the flat cable 7c, and has the other end 5 '. It is taken out from the opening 4 of the winding auxiliary member 2 and engaged there. As a method of engaging the spiral spring 5 and the winding auxiliary member 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, an end portion 5 ′ of the spiral spring 5 is formed in a U-shape in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the spiral spring 5. It may be hooked in the opening 4.

【００３８】本実施例の作用について説明する。巻き取
り部材１が時計方向に回転すると、フラットケーブル７
が引っ張られ、フラットケーブル７は巻き取り部材１の
外周に巻き締められると共に、巻き取り補助部材２が巻
き取り芯３を同軸として時計方向に回転する。同時に、
巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻
きバネ５は、次第に巻き取り芯３に巻き締められる。The operation of this embodiment will be described. When the winding member 1 rotates clockwise, the flat cable 7
Is pulled, the flat cable 7 is wound around the outer circumference of the winding member 1, and the winding auxiliary member 2 rotates clockwise with the winding core 3 coaxial. at the same time,
The flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2 are gradually tightened around the winding core 3.

【００３９】また、巻き取り部材１が時計方向に回転
し、フラットケーブル７を引き込み巻き取るに応じて、
巻き取り補助部材２の周囲に巻き付けられたフラットケ
ーブル７は引き出される。このとき、巻き取り補助部材
２内のフラットケーブル７ｃを引き出そうとする力が加
わるが、フラットケーブル７の穴部７ｄと巻き取り補助
部材２の突起部２ｂとの嵌合により、フラットケーブル
７と巻き取り補助部材２とが係合固定されているため、
巻き取り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃは巻き取
り補助部材２の外部に引き出されることはない。As the winding member 1 rotates clockwise and the flat cable 7 is drawn and wound,
The flat cable 7 wound around the winding auxiliary member 2 is pulled out. At this time, a force is applied to pull out the flat cable 7c in the winding assisting member 2, but the hole 7d of the flat cable 7 and the protrusion 2b of the winding assisting member 2 are fitted to each other so that the flat cable 7 and the flat cable 7 are wound. Since the assisting member 2 is engaged and fixed,
The flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2 is not pulled out of the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００４０】巻き取り部材１が反時計方向に回転する
と、巻き取り補助部材２内の渦巻きバネ５の弾性力によ
り、フラットケーブル７を巻き取り部材１の外周に巻き
締める。渦巻きバネ５には、これまで巻き取り補助部材
２の時計方向の回転によりフラットケーブル７が巻き取
り芯３の周りに巻き締められているために、反時計方向
の弾性力（復元力）が生じている。When the winding member 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the flat cable 7 is wound around the winding member 1 by the elastic force of the spiral spring 5 in the winding auxiliary member 2. Since the flat cable 7 has been wound around the winding core 3 by the clockwise rotation of the winding auxiliary member 2, the spiral spring 5 generates an elastic force (restoring force) in the counterclockwise direction. ing.

【００４１】従って、フラットケーブル７が巻き取り部
材１の外周に巻き締められると、渦巻きバネ５が発生す
る反時計方向の弾性力によって、巻き取り補助部材２は
巻き取り芯３の周りを反時計方向に回動させられる。す
ると、巻き取り補助部材２の突起部２ｂに係合されたフ
ラットケーブル７は巻き取り補助部材２の周囲に巻き取
られ、巻き取り部材１から送り込まれたフラットケーブ
ル７を第２のケース１０内に収納されると共に、巻き取
り補助部材２内のフラットケーブル７ｃ及び渦巻きバネ
５は、次第に巻き緩められていく。Therefore, when the flat cable 7 is tightened around the winding member 1, the winding auxiliary member 2 rotates around the winding core 3 counterclockwise by the counterclockwise elastic force generated by the spiral spring 5. Is rotated in the direction. Then, the flat cable 7 engaged with the protrusion 2 b of the winding auxiliary member 2 is wound around the winding auxiliary member 2, and the flat cable 7 fed from the winding member 1 is placed in the second case 10. And the flat cable 7c and the spiral spring 5 in the winding assisting member 2 are gradually loosened.

【００４２】上記構成により、フラットケーブル７が巻
き取り部材１の外周に巻き締められるとき、フラットケ
ーブル７の穴部７ｄと巻き取り補助部材２の突起部２ｂ
との嵌合により、フラットケーブル７は巻き取り補助部
材２に係合固定されているため、巻き取り補助部材２内
のフラットケーブル７ｃは巻き取り補助部材２の外部に
引き出されることがなく、巻き取り補助部材２内のフラ
ットケーブル７ｃの長さを一定に保つことができる。よ
って、巻き取り部材１及び巻き取り補助部材２の回動量
を一定に保持することができるため、フラットケーブル
７を巻き取り部材１及び巻き取り補助部材２の外周に良
好に巻き取ることができる。With the above configuration, when the flat cable 7 is wound around the winding member 1, the hole 7d of the flat cable 7 and the protrusion 2b of the winding assisting member 2 are wound.
Since the flat cable 7 is engaged and fixed to the winding auxiliary member 2 by fitting with, the flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2 is not pulled out to the outside of the winding auxiliary member 2 and is wound. The length of the flat cable 7c in the assisting member 2 can be kept constant. Therefore, since the amount of rotation of the winding member 1 and the winding auxiliary member 2 can be kept constant, the flat cable 7 can be satisfactorily wound around the outer periphery of the winding member 1 and the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００４３】また、本実施例における渦巻きバネ５の係
合方法は、渦巻きバネ５の端部５’ａを巻き付け方向と
は逆方向にＵ字状に成形し、巻き取り補助部材２の開口
部４に引っかけるだけの構成したが、巻き取り補助部材
２内にて渦巻きバネ５は、フラットケーブル７ｃの外側
面に沿って、巻き取り芯３の周りに巻回されているた
め、フラットケーブル７が巻き取り部材１の外周に巻き
締められるとき、フラットケーブル７ｃとの接触による
摩擦力が作用し、渦巻きバネ５は巻き取り補助部材２の
外部に引き出されることがなく、十分な弾性力を保持す
ることができ、フラットケーブル７の巻き取り補助部材
２の外周への良好な巻き取りを行うことができる。Further, in the method of engaging the spiral spring 5 in this embodiment, the end portion 5'a of the spiral spring 5 is formed in a U-shape in the direction opposite to the winding direction, and the opening portion of the winding assist member 2 is formed. However, since the spiral spring 5 is wound around the winding core 3 along the outer surface of the flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2, the flat cable 7 is When the winding member 1 is wound around the outer periphery of the winding member 1, a frictional force due to contact with the flat cable 7c acts, and the spiral spring 5 is not pulled out to the outside of the winding auxiliary member 2 and maintains a sufficient elastic force. Therefore, the flat cable 7 can be well wound around the outer circumference of the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００４４】上記実施例は、渦巻きバネ５の端部５’を
その巻き付け方向とは逆方向にＵ字状に成形し、巻き取
り補助材部材２の開口部４に係合する構成を示したもの
であるが、図９のように、フラットケーブル７の穴部７
ｄを巻き取り補助部材２の突起部２ｂに係合固定すると
共に、巻き取り補助部材２の開口部４の下方近傍にスリ
ット４ａを設け、渦巻きバネ端部５の端部５’をカギ型
状に成形し、その端部５’を巻き取り補助部材２の開口
部４からスリット４ａに向けて開口部４とスリット４ａ
とで囲まれた巻き取り補助部材２の側面の一部領域を包
囲するように巻き取り補助部材２に係合固定してもよ
い。In the above embodiment, the end portion 5'of the spiral spring 5 is formed in a U-shape in the direction opposite to the winding direction and is engaged with the opening 4 of the winding auxiliary material member 2. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the hole portion 7 of the flat cable 7
d is engaged and fixed to the protrusion 2b of the winding assisting member 2, and a slit 4a is provided in the vicinity of the lower portion of the opening 4 of the winding assisting member 2 so that the end portion 5'of the spiral spring end portion 5 has a hook shape. Into the slit 4a from the opening 4 of the winding assisting member 2 and the end 5'of the opening 4 and the slit 4a.
The winding assisting member 2 may be engaged and fixed so as to surround a part of the side surface of the winding assisting member 2 surrounded by.

【００４５】また、上記実施例では、巻き締め時及び巻
き緩め時に、巻き取り部材１及び巻き取り補助部材２の
回転方向が同じとなるコネクタ装置１００に適用した例
について説明したが、巻き取り部材１及び巻き取り補助
部材２の回転方向が各々異なるコネクタ装置に上記実施
例を適用してもよい。Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the winding member 1 and the winding assisting member 2 have the same rotating direction during winding and loosening is described, but the winding member is used. The above-described embodiment may be applied to the connector device in which the rotating directions of 1 and the winding assisting member 2 are different from each other.

【００４６】図１０は第三実施例における巻き取り補助
部材２近傍の断面を示す断面図である。上記第一実施例
及び第二実施例では、巻き取り補助部材２内のフラット
ケーブル７ｃの間に板状の渦巻きバネ５を配置していた
が、図７及び図９に示されるようなフラットケーブル７
と渦巻きバネ５とが共に巻き取り補助部材２に係合固定
されている場合などは、図１０に示すように、巻き取り
補助部材２の筒状本体２ａ₁ の内周面にフランジ２ａ₂
を設け、フランジ２ａ₂ 上部には板状の渦巻きバネ５を
配設し、フランジ２ａ₂ 下部にはフラットケーブル７ｃ
を配設するようにしてもよい。この際、板状の渦巻きバ
ネ５は、一端が巻き取り芯３に、他端が巻き取り補助部
材２の筒状本体２ａ₁ に各々係合している。FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a section near the winding assisting member 2 in the third embodiment. In the first and second embodiments described above, the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 is arranged between the flat cables 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2, but the flat cable as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 is used. 7
When both the spiral spring 5 and the spiral spring 5 are engaged and fixed to the winding auxiliary member 2, as shown in FIG. 10, the flange 2a _{2 is provided on} the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 2a ₁ of the winding auxiliary member _2.
The provided, the flange 2a ₂ upper arranged a spiral spring 5 of the plate, the flange 2a ₂ lower flat cables 7c
May be provided. At this time, one end of the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 is engaged with the winding core 3 and the other end is engaged with the cylindrical main body 2a ₁ of the winding auxiliary member 2.

【００４７】こうすることにより、上記第一実施例と同
等な効果を得ることができるばかりでなく、巻き取り補
助部材２の径を小さくすることができる。尚、この実施
例における巻き取り補助部材２の内部に設けられた板状
の渦巻きバネ５の巻き数は、式２においてｔ₁ ＝０とす
ることにより算出することができる。そして、この算出
された板状の渦巻きバネ５の巻き数は、図１０に示す構
成であれば、実質的に巻き取り補助部材２内のフラット
ケーブル７ｃの巻き数と同じになる。By doing so, not only the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained, but also the diameter of the winding assisting member 2 can be reduced. The number of turns of the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 provided inside the winding assisting member 2 in this embodiment can be calculated by setting t ₁ = 0 in Expression 2. Then, the calculated number of turns of the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 is substantially the same as the number of turns of the flat cable 7c in the winding auxiliary member 2 in the configuration shown in FIG.

【００４８】次に、第四実施例について説明する。尚、
図１１の図番号で、図１〜図３の図番号と同番号である
部分については、図１〜図３の図番号と均等部分を示
す。図１１は第四実施例における巻き取り補助部材２近
傍の断面を示す断面図である。上記第三実施例では巻き
取り補助部材２の内周面にフランジ２ａ₂ を設けていた
が、図７及び図９に示されるようなフラットケーブル７
と渦巻きバネ５とが共に巻き取り補助部材２に係合固定
されている場合などは、図１１に示すように、巻き取り
補助部材２の内周面以外に外周面にもフランジ２ｃ₂ を
設けてもよい。Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. still,
In the drawing numbers of FIG. 11, the parts having the same numbers as the drawing numbers of FIGS. 1 to 3 indicate the parts equivalent to the drawing numbers of FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a section in the vicinity of the winding auxiliary member 2 in the fourth embodiment. In the third embodiment, the flange 2a ₂ is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the winding assisting member 2, but the flat cable 7 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 is used.
When both the spiral spring 5 and the spiral spring 5 are engaged and fixed to the winding auxiliary member 2, as shown in FIG. 11, a flange 2c ₂ is provided not only on the inner peripheral surface of the winding auxiliary member 2 but also on the outer peripheral surface thereof. May be.

【００４９】即ち、図１１に示すように、筒状の本体２
ｃ₁ の外周面にフランジ２ｃ₂ を設け、本体外周面のフ
ランジ２ｃ₂ 上部には板状の渦巻きバネ５を配設し、本
体内周面のフランジ２ａ₂ 下部にはフラットケーブル７
ｃを配設するようにしてもよい。この際、板状の渦巻き
バネ５は、一端が巻き取り芯３に、他端が第２のケース
１０に各々係合している。That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the cylindrical main body 2
A flange 2c ₂ is provided on the outer peripheral surface of c _1, a plate-shaped spiral spring 5 is provided on the upper portion of the flange 2c _{2 on the} outer peripheral surface of the main body, and a flat cable 7 is provided on the lower portion of the flange 2a _{2 on the} inner peripheral surface of the main body.
You may make it arrange | position c. At this time, the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 has one end engaged with the winding core 3 and the other end engaged with the second case 10.

【００５０】こうすることにより、上記第一実施例と同
等な効果を得ることができる。尚、上記各実施例におい
ては、巻き取り補助部材２内に設けられた弾性部材とし
て板状の渦巻きバネ５を設けていたが、図１２に示すよ
うに、螺旋状の渦巻きバネ５ａを採用してもよい。ま
た、上記各実施例においては、巻き取り補助部材２に軸
受部２ａを、第２のケース１０に突起部１０ａを設けて
いたが、図１３に示すように、第２のケース１０に軸受
部１０ｂを設けると共に、巻き取り補助部材２の筒状本
体２ｄと軸受部１０ｂとを遊嵌するようにしてもよい。By doing so, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In each of the above embodiments, the plate-shaped spiral spring 5 is provided as the elastic member provided in the winding assist member 2, but as shown in FIG. 12, a spiral spiral spring 5a is used. May be. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the winding assist member 2 is provided with the bearing portion 2a and the second case 10 is provided with the protruding portion 10a. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the second case 10 is provided with the bearing portion. 10b may be provided, and the tubular body 2d of the winding assisting member 2 and the bearing portion 10b may be loosely fitted.

【００５１】上記に示されるように、本発明によれば、
回動補助部材の外周に周回された可撓性ケーブルを回動
部材の外周に巻き締める時、弾性部材の端部を回動補助
部材に設けられた第１係合部に係合固定することによ
り、或いは、可撓性ケーブルに設けられた穴部を回動補
助部材の突起部に嵌合させることにより、弾性部材が回
動補助部材の外部に引き出されることがないため、弾性
部材の弾性力を十分に得ることができ、その弾性力によ
って可撓性ケーブルを回動部材の外周に巻き締めた後に
巻き緩めた時、可撓性ケーブルを回動補助部材の外周に
良好に巻き取ることができる。また、回動補助部材の外
周に周回された可撓性ケーブルを回動部材の外周に巻き
締める時、弾性部材の端部を回動補助部材に設けられた
第１係合部に係合固定することにより、或いは、可撓性
ケーブルに設けられた穴部を回動補助部材の突起部に嵌
合させることにより、回動補助部材内の可撓性ケーブル
が回動補助部材の外部に引き出されることがないため、
回動部材と回動補助部材との回転量を一定に保持するこ
とができ、回動部材及び回動補助部材の外周に可撓性ケ
ーブルを良好に巻き取ることができる。As indicated above, according to the present invention,
When the flexible cable wound around the outer circumference of the rotation assisting member is wound around the outer circumference of the rotating member, the end portion of the elastic member is engaged and fixed to the first engaging portion provided on the rotation assisting member. Or by fitting the hole provided in the flexible cable to the protrusion of the rotation assisting member, the elastic member is not pulled out of the rotation assisting member. A sufficient force can be obtained, and when the flexible cable is wound around the outer periphery of the rotating member by its elastic force and then loosened, the flexible cable is well wound around the outer periphery of the rotation assisting member. You can Further, when the flexible cable wound around the outer circumference of the rotation assisting member is wound around the outer circumference of the rotating member, the end portion of the elastic member is engaged and fixed to the first engaging portion provided on the rotation assisting member. By doing so, or by fitting the hole provided in the flexible cable with the protrusion of the rotation assisting member, the flexible cable in the rotation assisting member is pulled out to the outside of the rotation assisting member. Because it will not be
The amount of rotation between the rotating member and the rotation assisting member can be kept constant, and the flexible cable can be wound well around the outer periphery of the rotating member and the rotation assisting member.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明に係わる第一実施例においてフラットケ
ーブルを時計方向に完全に巻き締めた状態を示す水平断
面図。FIG. 1 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which a flat cable is completely wound clockwise in a first embodiment according to the present invention.

【図２】第一実施例においてフラットケーブルを反時計
方向に完全に巻き緩めた状態を示す水平断面図。FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which the flat cable is completely unwound in the counterclockwise direction in the first embodiment.

【図３】第一実施例における巻き取り補助部材近傍の断
面を示す断面図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section in the vicinity of the winding auxiliary member in the first embodiment.

【図４】第一実施例を車両のステアリングに装着した断
面を示す断面図。FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a section in which the first embodiment is mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle.

【図５】フラットケーブルの一例を示す断面図。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a flat cable.

【図６】第一実施例の変形例を示す概略構成図。FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the first embodiment.

【図７】第二実施例においてフラットケーブルを時計方
向に完全に巻き締めた状態を示す水平断面図。FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view showing a state in which the flat cable is completely wound clockwise in the second embodiment.

【図８】第二実施例におけるフラットケーブルの穴部を
示す模式図。FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a hole portion of a flat cable in the second embodiment.

【図９】第二実施例の変形例を示す概略構成図。FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment.

【図１０】第三実施例における巻き取り補助部材近傍の
断面図を示す断面図。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view in the vicinity of the winding auxiliary member in the third embodiment.

【図１１】第四実施例における巻き取り補助部材近傍の
断面図を示す断面図。FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a sectional view in the vicinity of a winding auxiliary member in a fourth embodiment.

【図１２】渦巻きバネの他の形状を示す構成図。FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing another shape of the spiral spring.

【図１３】第四実施例における他の巻き取り補助部材近
傍の断面図を示す断面図。FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a sectional view in the vicinity of another winding auxiliary member in the fourth embodiment.

【図１４】本件出願人が先に出願したコネクタ装置の構
成図。FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a connector device previously filed by the applicant of the present application.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 巻き取り部材（回動部材） ２ 巻き取り補助部材（回動補助部材） ２ｂ 巻き取り補助部材突起部（第２係合部） ３ 巻き取り芯（固定部材） ４ 開口部 ４ａ スリット（第１係合部） ５ 渦巻きバネ（弾性部材） ５’ 渦巻きバネ端部 ６ 第１のケース ７ フラットケーブル ７ｄ フラットケーブル穴部（穴部） １０ 第２のケース（ケース） １００ コネクタ装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Winding member (rotating member) 2 Winding auxiliary member (rotation auxiliary member) 2b Winding auxiliary member protrusion (second engaging portion) 3 Winding core (fixing member) 4 Opening 4a Slit (first) Engagement part 5 Swirl spring (elastic member) 5'Swirl spring end 6 First case 7 Flat cable 7d Flat cable hole (hole) 10 Second case (case) 100 Connector device

Claims (2)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】一端を回動部材に、他端を固定部材に固定
された可撓性ケーブルを、前記回動部材及び前記固定部
材に複数回卷回し、これらをケース内に収納して成るコ
ネクタ装置において、 前記固定部材と前記ケースとの間の所定位置で回動可能
に設けられ、前記可撓性ケーブルの一部を係合すると共
に、その外周に前記可撓性ケーブルを複数回卷回した回
動補助部材と、 前記回動補助部材に設けられ、該回動補助部材の回転に
より弾性力を発生する弾性部材とを備え、前記可撓性ケ
ーブルを巻き締めた或いは巻き緩めた際には、その巻き
締め或いは巻き緩めに応じて前記回動補助部材は、前記
所定位置で回転すると共に、前記可撓性ケーブルを前記
回動部材に対して巻き締めた後に巻き緩めた際には、前
記弾性部材が発生する弾性力により前記回動補助部材は
前記所定位置で回動されて、巻き締められた前記可撓性
ケーブルを前記回動補助部材の外周に巻き取り、 前記回動補助部材には、前記可撓性ケーブルが引き出さ
れた近傍に第１係合部が設けられ、 前記弾性部材の一端は、前記回動補助部材の前記第１係
合部に係合固定され、前記弾性部材の他端は、前記固定
部材に固定されていることを特徴とするコネクタ装置。1. A flexible cable having one end fixed to a rotating member and the other end fixed to a fixing member is wound around the rotating member and the fixing member a plurality of times, and these are housed in a case. In the connector device, the flexible member is rotatably provided at a predetermined position between the fixing member and the case, engages a part of the flexible cable, and surrounds the flexible cable a plurality of times. When the flexible cable is wound or loosened, the rotating auxiliary member includes a rotated auxiliary member, and an elastic member that is provided on the rotational auxiliary member and generates an elastic force by the rotation of the rotational auxiliary member. According to the tightening or loosening of the winding, the rotation assisting member rotates at the predetermined position, and when the flexible cable is wound around the rotating member and then loosened. , Due to the elastic force generated by the elastic member The rotation assisting member is rotated at the predetermined position, and the wound flexible cable is wound around the outer circumference of the rotation assisting member, and the rotation assisting member has the flexible cable. A first engaging portion is provided near the pulled-out portion, one end of the elastic member is engaged and fixed to the first engaging portion of the rotation assisting member, and the other end of the elastic member is the fixing member. A connector device characterized by being fixed to. 【請求項２】一端を回動部材に、他端を固定部材に固定
された可撓性ケーブルを、前記回動部材及び前記固定部
材に複数回卷回し、これらをケース内に収納して成るコ
ネクタ装置において、 前記固定部材と前記ケースとの間の所定位置で回動可能
に設けられ、前記可撓性ケーブルの一部を係合すると共
に、その外周に前記可撓性ケーブルを複数回卷回した回
動補助部材と、 前記回動補助部材に設けられ、該回動補助部材の回転に
より弾性力を発生する弾性部材とを備え、前記可撓性ケ
ーブルを巻き締めた或いは巻き緩めた際には、その巻き
締め或いは巻き緩めに応じて前記回動補助部材は、前記
所定位置で回転すると共に、前記可撓性ケーブルを前記
回動部材に対して巻き締めた後に巻き緩めた際には、前
記弾性部材が発生する弾性力により前記回動補助部材は
前記所定位置で回動されて、巻き締められた前記可撓性
ケーブルを前記回動補助部材の外周に巻き取り、 前記可撓性ケーブルには穴部が設けられ、 前記回動補助部材には、前記可撓性ケーブルが引き出さ
れた近傍に突起形状を成す第２係合部が設けられ、 前記可撓性ケーブルの前記穴部と前記回動補助部材の前
記第２係合部との嵌合により、前記可撓性ケーブルと前
記回動補助部材とを係合することを特徴とするコネクタ
装置。2. A flexible cable having one end fixed to a rotating member and the other end fixed to a fixing member is wound around the rotating member and the fixing member a plurality of times, and these are housed in a case. In the connector device, the flexible member is rotatably provided at a predetermined position between the fixing member and the case, engages a part of the flexible cable, and surrounds the flexible cable a plurality of times. When the flexible cable is wound or loosened, the rotating auxiliary member includes a rotated auxiliary member, and an elastic member that is provided on the rotational auxiliary member and generates an elastic force by the rotation of the rotational auxiliary member. According to the tightening or loosening of the winding, the rotation assisting member rotates at the predetermined position, and when the flexible cable is wound around the rotating member and then loosened. , Due to the elastic force generated by the elastic member The rotation assisting member is rotated at the predetermined position to wind the wound and fastened flexible cable around the outer periphery of the rotation assisting member, and the flexible cable is provided with a hole, The rotation assisting member is provided with a second engaging portion having a protruding shape in the vicinity of where the flexible cable is pulled out, and the hole portion of the flexible cable and the second engaging portion of the rotation assisting member are provided. A connector device, wherein the flexible cable and the rotation assisting member are engaged by fitting with an engaging portion.