Rotary connector device

Abstract

A rotary connector device (1) has a stator (10), a rotor (20), a first connector (30), and a second connector (40). The stator (10) is configured to be mounted to a vehicle body (2). The rotor (20) is disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the stator (10) about a rotation axis (A1). The first connector (30) is provided to the stator (10). The second connector (40) is provided to the rotor (20). The first connector (30) includes a first connector housing space (32) in which a vehicle body side connector (3) is disposed in a state in which the vehicle body side connector (3) is electrically connected to the first connector (30). In a state in which the stator (10) is mounted to the vehicle body (2), the first connector housing space (32) is disposed so as not to overlap with a vertical plane (RP) including the rotation axis (A1) when viewed from an axial direction (D1) defined along the rotation axis (A1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this application relates to rotary connector devices. Background Technology

[0002] Patent documents 1 to 3 describe rotary connector devices having a fixed-side connector.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-327575

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-129187

[0007] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2018 / 147448 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] When the rotary connector device is installed on the vehicle body, and the fixed-side connector is positioned at the bottom of the rotary connector device, there is a tendency for the space around the driver's knees to narrow, for example.

[0010] The technical problem disclosed in this application is to provide a rotary connector device that easily ensures space around the driver's knees.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The rotary connector device of the first feature includes a stator, a rotating body, a first connector, and a second connector. The stator is configured to be mounted on a vehicle body. The rotating body is configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The first connector is disposed on the stator. The second connector is disposed on the rotating body. The first connector includes a first connector storage space for accommodating the vehicle body-side connector when the vehicle body-side connector is electrically connected to the first connector. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the first connector storage space is configured not to overlap with a vertical plane containing the rotation axis.

[0013] In the rotary connector device of the first feature, when viewed axially with the stator mounted on the vehicle body, the space around the driver's knees is easily ensured because the first connector storage space is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane.

[0014] Regarding the rotary connector device of the second feature, in the rotary connector device of the first feature, with the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the vertical plane defines the first space and the second space. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the first connector storage space is configured only in one of the first space and the second space.

[0015] In the rotary connector device of the second feature, the space around the driver's knees can be easily and reliably ensured in the space where the first connector storage space is not configured in the first space and the second space.

[0016] Regarding the rotary connector device of the third feature, in the rotary connector device of the second feature, the second connector is included in a second connector storage space for the steering side connector to be configured when the steering side connector is electrically connected to the second connector. When the stator is mounted on the vehicle body, the first connector storage space is configured only in the first space when viewed axially. When the stator is mounted on the vehicle body, the second connector storage space is offset from the vertical direction towards the first space when viewed axially.

[0017] Regarding the rotary connector device of the fourth feature, in the rotary connector device of the third feature, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body, the second connector storage space is configured to overlap with the vertical plane when viewed from the axial direction.

[0018] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 5, in the rotary connector devices of features 1 to 4, the first connector housing space includes a first connector opening for insertion of the vehicle-side connector when the vehicle-side connector is electrically connected to the first connector. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, the first connector opening is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane when viewed from the axial direction.

[0019] In the rotating connector device of feature 5, space around the driver's knees is easily and reliably ensured.

[0020] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 6, in any one of features 1 to 5, the first connector housing space extends along a first length direction when viewed from the axial direction. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, the first length direction of the first connector housing space is inclined relative to the vertical plane when viewed from the axial direction.

[0021] In the rotary connector device of the sixth feature, the space surrounding the stator can be utilized efficiently.

[0022] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 7, in the rotary connector device of feature 6, the second connector includes a second connector storage space for the steering side connector to be configured when the steering side connector is electrically connected to the second connector. The second connector storage space extends along a second length direction when viewed from the axial direction. When the rotating body is configured in a neutral position relative to the stator, the first length direction of the first connector storage space is inclined relative to the second length direction of the second connector storage space when viewed from the axial direction.

[0023] In the rotary connector device of the seventh feature, the space surrounding the stator can be utilized efficiently.

[0024] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 8, in any one of the rotary connector devices of features 1 to 7, the first connector is positioned below the rotation axis when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body.

[0025] In the rotary connector device of feature 8, space around the driver's knees is easily and reliably ensured.

[0026] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 9, in any one of features 1 to 8, the first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator relative to the axis of rotation, such that a recess is formed by the stator and the first connector. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed axially, the recess is at least partially positioned between the vertical plane and the space for receiving the first connector.

[0027] In the rotary connector device of feature 9, even in a structure where the first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator, the recess can more easily ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0028] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 10, in any one of the rotary connector devices of features 1 to 9, the first connector is configured such that the vehicle body side connector is inserted axially into the first connector storage space.

[0029] In the rotary connector device of the 10th feature, for example, compared to the structure in which the body-side connector is inserted circumferentially into the first connector storage space, it is easier to ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to the technology disclosed in this application, a rotary connector device can be provided that easily ensures space around the driver's knees. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a side view of the rotary connector device according to this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotary connector device shown.

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotary connector device shown.

[0035] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly shown.

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the rotary connector assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical structures.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotary connector device 1 of this embodiment has a stator 10. The stator 10 is configured to be mounted on the vehicle body 2. The vehicle body 2 includes, for example, a steering column module 2A, a steering lower cover 2B, and a steering column cover 2C. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the steering column module 2A.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary connector device 1 includes a rotating body 20, a first connector 30, and a second connector 40. The rotating body 20 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The rotating body 20 is fixed to the steering wheel. The first connector 30 is disposed on the stator 10. The second connector 40 is disposed on the rotating body 20.

[0040] The first connector 30 is configured to be detachably mounted on the vehicle-side connector 3. The first connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is mounted on the first connector 30. The vehicle-side connector 3 is electrically connected to circuits such as control devices. In this embodiment, the vehicle-side connector 3 includes multiple connectors 3A and 3B. However, the total number of vehicle-side connectors 3 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0041] The second connector 40 is configured to be detachably mounted on the steering-side connector 4. The second connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to the steering-side connector 4 when it is mounted on the second connector 40. The steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the circuitry of steering wheel switches and airbag devices, etc. In this embodiment, the steering-side connector 4 includes multiple connectors 4A and 4B. However, the total number of steering-side connectors 4 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the stator 10 includes a first ring plate 11 and an outer cylindrical portion 12 extending axially D1 from the outer periphery of the first ring plate 11. A first connector 30 is disposed on the first ring plate 11. The first connector 30 includes a first connector receiving portion 31. The first connector receiving portion 31 extends radially outward and axially D1 from the outer cylindrical portion 12 toward the rotation axis A1.

[0043] The first connector 30 includes a first connector storage space 32 for accommodating the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the vehicle-side connector 3. The first connector storage portion 31 includes the first connector storage space 32. The first connector storage space 32 includes a first connector opening 33 for inserting the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the vehicle-side connector 3. The first connector 30 is configured for inserting the vehicle-side connector 3 into the first connector storage space 32 along the axial direction D1. The first connector opening 33 opens along the axial direction D1. However, the first connector 30 may also be configured for inserting the vehicle-side connector 3 into the first connector storage space 32 in a direction different from the axial direction D1. The first connector opening 33 may also open in a direction different from the axial direction D1. For example, the first connector 30 may also be configured for inserting the vehicle-side connector 3 into the first connector storage space 32 along the circumferential direction D2. The first connector opening 33 may also open in the circumferential direction D2.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first connector storage space 32 includes a plurality of first storage spaces 32A and 32B. The first connector opening 33 includes a plurality of first openings 33A and 33B. The first storage space 32A is used to accommodate the connector 3A of the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first storage space 32B is used to accommodate the connector 3B of the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first opening 33A of the first connector opening 33 is used to insert the connector 3A of the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first opening 33B of the first connector opening 33 is used to insert the connector 3B of the vehicle-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the first connector 30. However, the first connector storage space 32 may be a single storage space, or it may include three or more storage spaces. The first connector opening 33 can be a single opening, or it can contain three or more openings.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the rotating body 20 includes a second ring plate 21 and an inner cylindrical portion 22 extending axially D1 from the inner periphery of the second ring plate 21. A second connector 40 is disposed on the second ring plate 21. The second connector 40 includes a second connector receiving portion 41. The second connector receiving portion 41 extends axially D1 from the second ring plate 21.

[0046] The second connector 40 includes a second connector receiving space 42 for the steering side connector 4 to be configured when the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second connector receiving portion 41 includes the second connector receiving space 42. The second connector receiving space 42 includes a second connector opening 43 for the steering side connector 4 to be inserted when the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second connector 40 is configured for the steering side connector 4 to be inserted into the second connector receiving space 42 along the axial direction D1. The second connector opening 43 opens along the axial direction D1. However, the second connector 40 may also be configured for the steering side connector 4 to be inserted into the second connector receiving space 42 in a direction different from the axial direction D1. The second connector opening 43 may also open in a direction different from the axial direction D1. For example, the second connector 40 may also be configured for the steering side connector 4 to be inserted into the second connector receiving space 42 along the circumferential direction D2. The second connector opening 43 may also open in the circumferential direction D2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second connector storage space 42 includes a plurality of second storage spaces 42A and 42B. The second connector opening 43 includes a plurality of second openings 43A and 43B. The second storage space 42A is used to accommodate the connector 4A of the steering-side connector 4 when the connector 4A of the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second storage space 42B is used to accommodate the connector 4B of the steering-side connector 4 when the connector 4B of the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second opening 43A of the second connector opening 43 is used to insert the connector 4A of the steering-side connector 4 when the connector 4A of the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second opening 43B of the second connector opening 43 is used to insert the connector 4B of the steering-side connector 4 when the connector 4B of the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. However, the second connector storage space 42 may be a single storage space, or it may include three or more storage spaces. The second connector opening 43 can be a single opening, or it can contain three or more openings.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, the stator 10 and the rotating body 20 define a cable storage space 50 between them, arranged in a manner surrounding the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable storage space 50 is annular and extends circumferentially D2 relative to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector assembly 1 has a cable 60. The cable 60 electrically connects the first connector 30 to the second connector 40. The cable 60 is disposed within the cable storage space 50. The cable 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The cable 60 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable or an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 30 includes a first lead block 34 disposed within the first connector receiving space 32. The first lead block 34 includes a plurality of first busbars made of metal. The first lead block 34 and the cable 60 (see reference) Figure 4 The first terminal of the first lead block 34 is electrically connected to the vehicle body side connector 3 (see reference). Figure 2 Multiple contacts are electrically connected.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first lead block 34 includes multiple first blocks 34A and 34B. The first block 34A is disposed within the first storage space 32A. The first block 34B is disposed within the first storage space 32B. However, the first lead block 34 may be a single block, or it may contain three or more blocks.

[0051] The second connector 40 includes a second lead block 44 disposed within the second connector receiving space 42. The second lead block 44 includes a plurality of metal second busbars. The second lead block 44 and the cable 60 (see reference) Figure 4 The second terminal of the second lead block 44 is electrically connected to the steering side connector 4 (see reference). Figure 3 Multiple contacts are electrically connected.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second lead block 44 includes multiple second blocks 44A and 44B. The second block 44A is disposed within the second storage space 42A. The second block 44B is disposed within the second storage space 42B. However, the second lead block 44 may be a single block, or it may contain three or more blocks.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1 defined along the rotation axis A1, the first connector receiving space 32 is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP containing the rotation axis A1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1, the first connector opening 33 is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1, the vertical plane RP defines a first space S1 and a second space S2. The vertical plane RP is disposed between the first space S1 and the second space S2. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1, the first connector receiving space 32 is disposed only in one of the first space S1 and the second space S2. In this embodiment, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1, the first connector receiving space 32 is disposed only in the first space S1. However, when viewed from the axial direction D1 with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first connector storage space 32 can also be configured only in the second space S2.

[0054] In this embodiment, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first storage spaces 32A and 32B are configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP containing the rotation axis A1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first openings 33A and 33B are configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first storage spaces 32A and 32B are configured only in the first space S1. However, it is also possible that with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first storage spaces 32A and 32B are configured only in the second space S2.

[0055] The first connector storage space 32 extends along the first length direction LD11 when viewed from the axial direction D1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 is inclined relative to the vertical plane RP when viewed from the axial direction D1. However, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 may not be inclined relative to the vertical plane RP when viewed from the axial direction D1. For example, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 may be perpendicular or parallel to the vertical plane RP when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0056] With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 is offset from the vertical plane RP towards the first space S1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 is configured to overlap with the vertical plane RP. However, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 can be offset from the vertical plane RP towards the second space S2, or its center can be positioned on the vertical plane RP. Alternatively, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 can be configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP.

[0057] The second connector storage space 42 extends along the second length direction LD21 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the rotating body 20 is in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 is inclined relative to the second length direction LD21 of the second connector storage space 42. However, when the rotating body 20 is in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 may not be inclined relative to the second length direction LD21 of the second connector storage space 42. For example, when the rotating body 20 is in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 may be perpendicular or parallel to the second length direction LD21 of the second connector storage space 42.

[0058] The neutral position of the rotating body 20 is, for example, the position of the rotating body 20 relative to the stator 10 in the rotational direction when the steering wheel is positioned in the neutral position. The neutral position of the steering wheel is, for example, the position of the steering wheel in the rotational direction when the vehicle is traveling straight.

[0059] The first connector receiving space 32 has a first length L11 and a first width L12. The first length L11 is defined in a first length direction LD11. The first width L12 is defined in a first direction LD12 perpendicular to the first length direction LD11 and the axial direction D1. The first length L11 is longer than the first width L12. However, the first connector receiving space 32 may also not have a first length direction LD11. For example, the first length L11 may be equal to the first width L12.

[0060] The second connector receiving space 42 has a second length L21 and a second width L22. The second length L21 is defined in a second length direction LD21. The second width L22 is defined in a second direction LD22 perpendicular to the second length direction LD21 and the axial direction D1. The second length L21 is longer than the second width L22. However, the second connector receiving space 42 may also not have a second length direction LD21. For example, the second length L21 may be equal to the second width L22.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first length L11 is longer than the second length L21. The first width L12 is longer than the second width L22. However, the first length L11 may also be the same as or shorter than the second length L21. The first width L12 may be the same as or shorter than the second width L22.

[0062] The first connector 30 is positioned below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, the first connector 30 is positioned entirely below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. However, it is also possible that the first connector 30 is partially positioned below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0063] The first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10 relative to the rotation axis A1, forming a recess 35 through the stator 10 and the first connector 30. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is at least partially disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector receiving space 32. In this embodiment, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is entirely disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector receiving space 32. However, it is also possible that with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is partially disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector receiving space 32. Alternatively, the recess 35 may be omitted from the rotary connector device 1.

[0064] The first connector housing 31 includes a first surface 31A. The stator 10 includes a second surface 10A and an inclined surface 10B. The first surface 31A extends from the second surface 10A along a first direction LD12. The second surface 10A extends from the first surface 31A along a first length direction LD11. The recess 35 is formed by the first surface 31A and the second surface 10A. The inclined surface 10B extends from the second surface 10A to the outer cylindrical portion 12. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the inclined surface 10B is inclined relative to the second surface 10A and extends in the tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 12. The shape of the periphery of the recess 35 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the stator 10 includes a fixing part 13. The fixing part 13 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2 by fasteners such as screws and bolts. The fixing part 13 includes multiple through holes 13A and 13B. The fixing part 13 is disposed in the first space S1. Other fixing parts may also be provided in the second space S2. Figure 3 As shown, the fixing part 13 protrudes from the first ring plate 11.

[0066] The rotary connector device 1 of this embodiment has the following features.

[0067] (1) As Figure 5 As shown, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10, a rotating body 20, a first connector 30, and a second connector 40. The stator 10 is configured to be mounted on the vehicle body 2. The rotating body 20 is configured to rotate relative to the stator 10 about a rotation axis A1. The first connector 30 is disposed on the stator 10. The second connector 40 is disposed on the rotating body 20. The first connector 30 includes a first connector storage space 32 for accommodating the vehicle body-side connector 3 when it is electrically connected to the vehicle body-side connector 30. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axis D1 defined along the rotation axis A1, the first connector storage space 32 is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP containing the rotation axis A1. This easily ensures space around the driver's knees.

[0068] More specifically, since the first connector storage space 32 is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP, it is easy to provide space on the side opposite to the vertical plane RP. By forming the steering column cover 2C along the inclined surface 10B and the outer cylindrical portion 12, it is easy to ensure space around the driver's knees (e.g., space around the knee of the right foot that operates the accelerator and clutch).

[0069] (2) Figure 5 As shown, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, viewed from the axial direction D1, the vertical plane RP defines the first space S1 and the second space S2. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector storage space 32 is disposed only in one of the first space S1 and the second space S2. Therefore, in the spaces of the first space S1 and the second space S2 where the first connector storage space 32 is not disposed, space around the driver's knees can be easily and reliably ensured.

[0070] (3) Figure 5As shown, the second connector 40 includes a second connector storage space 42 for accommodating the steering-side connector 4 when the second connector 40 is electrically connected to it. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector storage space 32 is only located in the first space S1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 is offset from the vertical plane RP towards the first space S1.

[0071] (4) Figure 5 As shown, with the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector storage space 42 is configured to overlap with the vertical plane RP.

[0072] (5) Figure 5 As shown, the first connector storage space 32 includes a first connector opening 33 for insertion of the vehicle-side connector 3 when the vehicle-side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first connector opening 33 is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane RP when viewed from the axial direction D1. This easily and reliably ensures space around the driver's knees.

[0073] (6) Figure 5 As shown, the first connector storage space 32 extends along the first length direction LD11 when viewed from the axial direction D1. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 is inclined relative to the vertical plane RP. As a result, the space surrounding the stator 10 can be utilized efficiently.

[0074] (7) Figure 5 As shown, the second connector 40 includes a second connector storage space 42 for accommodating the steering side connector 4 when the second connector 40 is electrically connected to it. The second connector storage space 42 extends along a second length direction LD21 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the rotating body 20 is positioned in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, the first length direction LD11 of the first connector storage space 32 is inclined relative to the second length direction LD21 of the second connector storage space 42 when viewed from the axial direction D1. This allows for efficient use of the space surrounding the stator 10.

[0075] (8) Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 30 is positioned lower than the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. This easily and reliably ensures space around the driver's knees.

[0076] (9) such as Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10 relative to the rotation axis A1, forming a recess 35 through the stator 10 and the first connector 30. With the stator 10 mounted on the vehicle body 2, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is at least partially positioned between the vertical plane RP and the first connector receiving space 32. Thus, even with the structure where the first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10, the recess 35 makes it easier to ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0077] (10) such as Figure 5 As shown, the first connector 30 is configured such that the vehicle-side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector storage space 32 along the axial direction D1. Thus, for example, compared to the configuration where the vehicle-side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector storage space 32 along the circumferential direction D2, it is easier to ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0078] Furthermore, in this application, "having" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms describing the existence of a constituent element, and do not exclude the existence of other constituent elements not described. This also applies to "having," "containing," and their derivatives.

[0079] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms used to identify the structure and do not have any other meaning (such as a specific order). For example, the existence of "first element" does not imply the existence of "second element," and conversely, the existence of "second element" does not imply the existence of "first element."

[0080] Furthermore, the terms "parallel," "perpendicular," and "consistent" in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but rather include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially perpendicular," and "substantially consistent," respectively. Additionally, the interpretations of other configurations are also not to be interpreted strictly.

[0081] Furthermore, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all three of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0082] Based on the above disclosure, it is clear that various modifications and alterations can be made to this invention. Therefore, without departing from the spirit of this invention, this invention can also be implemented using methods different from the specific disclosures in this application.

[0083] Label Explanation

[0084] 1: Rotary connector assembly; 2: Vehicle body; 3: Vehicle body side connector; 4: Steering side connector; 10: Stator; 20: Rotating body; 30: First connector; 31: First connector storage part; 32: First connector storage space; 33: First connector opening; 34: First lead block; 35: Recess; 40: Second connector; 41: Second connector storage part; 42: Second connector storage space; 43: Second connector opening; 44: Second lead block; 50: Cable storage space; 60: Cable; A1: Rotation axis; D1: Axial direction; D2: Circumferential direction; LD11: First length direction; LD21: Second length direction; RP: Vertical plane.

Claims

1. A rotary connector device, comprising: The stator is configured to be mounted on the vehicle body; A rotating body configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the stator; A first connector, which is disposed on the stator; and The second connector is disposed on the rotating body. The first connector includes a first connector storage space for configuring the vehicle-side connector when the vehicle-side connector is electrically connected to the first connector. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the first connector housing space is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane containing the rotation axis. The first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator relative to the axis of rotation, such that a recess is formed by the stator and the first connector. The second connector includes a second connector storage space for configuring the steering-side connector when the steering-side connector is electrically connected to the second connector. With the first connector storage space configured not to overlap with the vertical plane containing the rotation axis and the rotating body positioned in a neutral position relative to the stator, the second connector storage space is configured to overlap with the vertical plane when viewed from the axial direction.

2. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the vertical plane defines a first space and a second space. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the first connector storage space is configured only in one of the first space and the second space.

3. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein, With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the first connector storage space is only configured within the first space. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the second connector storage space is offset from the vertical direction towards the first space.

4. The rotary connector device according to claim 3, wherein, With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the second connector storage space is configured to overlap with the vertical plane.

5. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connector storage space includes a first connector opening for insertion of the vehicle-side connector when the vehicle-side connector is electrically connected to the first connector. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the opening of the first connector is configured not to overlap with the vertical plane.

6. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector storage space extends along the first length direction when viewed from the axial direction. With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the first length direction of the first connector storage space is inclined relative to the vertical plane.

7. The rotary connector device according to claim 6, wherein, The second connector storage space extends along the second length direction when viewed from the axial direction. With the rotating body positioned in the neutral position relative to the stator, when viewed from the axial direction, the first length direction of the first connector storage space is inclined relative to the second length direction of the second connector storage space.

8. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector is positioned below the axis of rotation when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body.

9. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, With the stator mounted on the vehicle body, when viewed from the axial direction, the recess is at least partially disposed between the vertical surface and the first connector receiving space.

10. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector is configured such that the vehicle-side connector is inserted into the first connector storage space along the axial direction.

Images