Rotary connector device

Abstract

A rotary connector device includes one cover having an outer peripheral wall, the other cover having an inner peripheral wall, and a plurality of flat harnesses which are received in a generally annular shape within a space formed by the two covers, and are rotated and bent in accordance with a rotational motion of one of the two covers. There are provided a plurality of guide portions for guiding the plurality of flat harnesses along the outer peripheral wall and/or the inner peripheral wall independently of each other. The plurality of guide portions are spaced from each other in a harness longitudinal direction. The plurality of guide portions are formed respectively at wall portions, extending respectively in contiguous relation to the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall in peripheral directions thereof, and regions spaced respectively from the wall portions in directions of extending of the wall portions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing one preferred embodiment of a rotary connector device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a fixed cover and a rotary cover of the rotary connector device as seen from the reverse side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an important portion of the rotary connector device, showing a condition in which flat harnesses are installed in the rotary connector device.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one conventional rotary connector device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of another conventional rotary connector device.

Claims

1. A rotary connector device comprising: a first cover having an outer peripheral wall;a second cover having an inner peripheral wall; anda plurality of flat harnesses which are received in a generally annular shape within a space formed by said two covers, and are rotated and bent in accordance with a rotational motion of one of said first and second covers;wherein a plurality of guide portions are provided for guiding said plurality of flat harnesses along at least one of said outer peripheral wall and said inner peripheral wall independently of each other.

2. A rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of guide portions are spaced from each other in a harness longitudinal direction.

3. A rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein said guide portions are formed respectively at wall portions, extending respectively in contiguous relation to said outer peripheral wall and said inner peripheral wall in peripheral directions thereof, and regions spaced respectively from said wall portions in directions of extending of said wall portions.