Patent ID: 6500016
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A cable reel structure configured to be mounted into a steering system for automobiles, said cable reel structure comprising:a fixed member; a mobile member having a top guard portion; and an enclosure having a first diametrical center line and a second diametrical center line perpendicular thereto, and storing a flat cable, the flat cable containing several conductor elements respectively including a first end portion to be fixed to said fixed member and a second end portion to be fixed to said mobile member, such that the flat cable can be connected to outside circuits, and the second end portions of the conductor elements respectively including bus bars bonded thereto; said top guard portion of said mobile member comprising at least first and second connector units adapted to receive the outside circuits, each of said at least first and second connector units containing the bus bars extending therethrough; and said at least first and second connector units being located diametrically opposite to one another at positions offset with respect to said first and second diametrical center lines, such that principal welding planes of the bus bars contained within said first and second connector units are substantially parallel to each other and to said first diametrical center line, wherein, even after said mobile member has been mounted on said fixed member, welding of the bus bars to the outside circuits can be performed, successively in said at least first connector unit and said at least second connector unit, by rotating said mobile member after the welding has been performed in said at least first connector unit.