Rotary connector device

By designing the axial overlapping and side-by-side configuration of lead blocks in the rotary connector device, and utilizing the ring plate and cylindrical part structure, the problem of low configuration efficiency of multiple lead blocks in a limited space is solved, achieving the effect of efficient configuration and strength maintenance.

CN115362605BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO LTD
Filing Date
2021-02-16
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, the configuration efficiency of multiple lead blocks in a limited space is low, making it difficult to make efficient use of the space resources of the rotary connector.

Method used

A rotary connector device is designed in which the first lead block and the second lead block are partially overlapped or arranged side by side in the axial direction, and the efficient configuration of the lead blocks and the maintenance or improvement of the installation strength are achieved through the combination structure of the ring plate and the cylindrical part.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient configuration of multiple lead blocks, reduces the overall thickness increase, improves installation strength, and simplifies the electrical connection process of the connector.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A rotary connector device (1) has a stator (10), a rotor (20), a first connector (30), and a second connector (40). The rotor (20) is configured to be rotatable relative to the stator (10) about a rotary axis (A1). The first connector (30) is provided to the rotor (20). The second connector (40) is provided to the stator (10). The first connector (30) includes a first lead block (32) mounted to the rotor (20), and a second lead block (33) which is a separate member from the first lead block (32) and is mounted to the rotor (20). The first lead block (32) is configured to at least partially overlap the second lead block (33) as viewed in an axial direction (D1) along the rotary axis (A1).
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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 that include lead blocks.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-294359

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-158170

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-164953 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] For example, when considering increasing the number of connected circuits, it is preferable to efficiently arrange multiple lead blocks in a limited space.

[0010] The technical problem disclosed in this application is to provide a rotary connector device that can efficiently configure multiple lead blocks.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The first feature of the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotating body, a first connector, and a second connector. The rotating body is configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The first connector is disposed on the rotating body. The second connector is disposed on the stator. The first connector includes: a first lead block mounted on the rotating body; and a second lead block, which is a component different from the first lead block and is mounted on the rotating body. Viewed axially along the rotation axis, the first lead block is configured to at least partially overlap the second lead block.

[0013] In the rotary connector device of the first feature, when viewed from the axial direction along the rotation axis, the first lead block is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block, thus enabling efficient configuration of the first lead block and the second lead block.

[0014] Regarding the rotary connector device of the second feature, in the rotary connector device of the first feature, when viewed from the axial direction, the first lead block and the second lead block are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction defined about the axis of rotation.

[0015] In the rotary connector device of the second feature, the first lead block and the second lead block can be configured more efficiently.

[0016] Regarding the rotary connector device of the third feature, in the rotary connector device of the first or second feature, the first lead block is at least partially disposed axially between the rotating body and the second lead block.

[0017] In the rotary connector device of the third feature, at least a portion of the first lead block can be held between the rotating body and the second lead block. Therefore, the first lead block and the second lead block can be configured efficiently, and the mounting strength of the first lead block can be maintained or improved.

[0018] Regarding the rotary connector device of the fourth feature, in the rotary connector device of the third feature, the rotating body includes a first annular plate and an inner cylindrical portion extending axially from the inner periphery of the first annular plate. The first lead block is at least partially disposed axially between the first annular plate and the second lead block.

[0019] In the rotary connector device of the fourth feature, at least a portion of the first lead block can be held between the first ring plate and the second lead block. Therefore, the first lead block and the second lead block can be configured efficiently, and the mounting strength of the first lead block relative to the rotating body can be maintained or improved.

[0020] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 5, in any one of features 1 to 4, the first lead block comprises a first lead block body and a first terminal portion, the first lead block body being made of non-metallic material and the first terminal portion being made of metallic material. The second lead block comprises a second lead block body and a second terminal portion, the second lead block body being made of non-metallic material and the second terminal portion being made of metallic material. Viewed axially, the first lead block body is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block body.

[0021] In the rotary connector device of feature 5, the first lead block and the second lead block can be configured more efficiently.

[0022] Regarding the rotary connector device of the sixth feature, in the rotary connector device of the fifth feature, when viewed from the axial direction, the first terminal portion is configured to at least partially overlap with the second terminal portion.

[0023] In the rotary connector device of the sixth feature, it is possible to suppress the increase in the overall thickness of the overlapping portion of the first lead block and the second lead block.

[0024] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 7, in the rotary connector device of feature 5 or feature 6, the first terminal portion is at least partially disposed within the first lead block body. The second terminal portion is at least partially disposed within the second lead block body.

[0025] In the rotary connector device of the seventh feature, the first terminal portion can be integrally mounted to the first lead block body, and the second terminal portion can be integrally mounted to the second lead block body.

[0026] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 8, in any one of features 5 to 7, the first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars arranged side-by-side in a first direction. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars arranged side-by-side in a second direction.

[0027] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 9, in the rotary connector device of feature 8, when viewed from the axial direction, the first lead block and the second lead block are arranged side by side in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] In the rotary connector device of feature 9, the first lead block and the second lead block can be configured more efficiently.

[0029] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 10, in the rotary connector device of feature 8 or feature 9, when viewed from the axial direction, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are arranged side by side in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

[0030] In the rotary connector device of feature 10, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion can be configured efficiently.

[0031] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 11, in any of features 8 to 10, when viewed from the axial direction, a plurality of first busbars are configured to at least partially overlap with a plurality of second busbars.

[0032] In the rotary connector device of feature 11, multiple first busbars and multiple second busbars can be configured efficiently.

[0033] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 12, in any one of features 8 to 11, the first terminal portion includes a plurality of first terminals connected to and extending axially from the plurality of first busbars. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second terminals connected to and extending axially from the plurality of second busbars.

[0034] In the rotary connector device of feature 12, other connectors can be easily connected to the first lead block and the second lead block via the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0035] Regarding the rotary connector device of feature 13, in the rotary connector device of feature 12, a plurality of first terminals are arranged side by side in a first direction. A plurality of second terminals are arranged side by side in a second direction. When viewed from the axial direction, at least one of the plurality of first terminals is disposed between the rotation axis and at least one of the plurality of second terminals.

[0036] In the rotary connector device of feature 13, multiple first terminals and multiple second terminals can be configured efficiently.

[0037] Invention Effects

[0038] According to the technology disclosed in this application, a rotary connector device capable of efficiently configuring multiple lead blocks can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rotary connector device according to this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly shown.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the first and second lead blocks of the first connector, viewed from the back side of the rotating body.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a partial top view of the first lead block, the second lead block, and the connector cover.

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly in line VV.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a partial top view of the rotary connector assembly.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a partial 3D view of the first lead block, the second lead block, and the connector cover.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a partial 3D view of the first lead block, the second lead block, and the connector cover. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding or identical structures.

[0048] like Figure 1 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 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 rotating body 20. The second connector 40 is disposed on the stator 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, for example, the stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body, and the rotating body 20 is configured to be fixed to the steering wheel. The first connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the steering-side connector, for example. The steering-side connector is electrically connected to the circuitry of the steering wheel's switches and airbag devices. The second connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body-side connector. The vehicle body-side connector is electrically connected to the circuitry of control devices, etc.

[0050] The rotating body 20 includes a first ring plate 21 and an inner cylindrical portion 22 extending axially D1 from the inner periphery of the first ring plate 21. A first connector 30 is disposed on the first ring plate 21. The first connector 30 includes a first connector receiving portion 31. The first connector receiving portion 31 extends axially D1 from the first ring plate 21. The stator 10 includes a second ring plate 11 and an outer cylindrical portion 12 extending axially D1 from the outer periphery of the second ring plate 11.

[0051] like Figure 2 As 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.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 30 includes: a first lead block 32, which is mounted on the rotating body 20; and a second lead block 33, which is a different component from the first lead block 32 and is also mounted on the rotating body 20. Viewed from the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1, the first lead block 32 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block 33. Viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are arranged side-by-side in the circumferential direction D2 defined about the rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, the first lead block 32 includes an overlapping portion 32A. Viewed from the axial direction D1, the overlapping portion 32A is configured to overlap with the second lead block 33.

[0053] The first lead block 32 includes a first lead block body 34 and a first terminal portion 35. The first lead block body 34 contains a non-metallic material, and the first terminal portion 35 contains a metallic material. The second lead block 33 includes a second lead block body 36 and a second terminal portion 37. The second lead block body 36 contains a non-metallic material, and the second terminal portion 37 contains a metallic material. The first terminal portion 35 is at least partially disposed within the first lead block body 34. The second terminal portion 37 is at least partially disposed within the second lead block body 36. For example, the first lead block body 34 and the second lead block body 36 are made of resin. The first terminal portion 35 is embedded in the first lead block body 34 by insert molding. The second terminal portion 37 is embedded in the second lead block body 36 by insert molding.

[0054] Viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block body 34 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block body 36. Viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second terminal portion 37. In this embodiment, the first lead block body 34 includes an overlapping portion 32A. That is, the overlapping portion 32A is made of resin. At least a portion of the first terminal portion 35 is disposed within the overlapping portion 32A.

[0055] The first terminal portion 35 includes a plurality of first busbars 35A arranged side-by-side in the first direction D31. The second terminal portion 37 includes a plurality of second busbars 37A arranged side-by-side in the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are arranged side-by-side in at least one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 are arranged side-by-side in at least one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. At least one of the plurality of first busbars 35A is disposed within an overlapping portion 32A. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first busbars 35A are configured to at least partially overlap with the plurality of second busbars 37A. In this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction D1, one of the plurality of first busbars 35A is configured to overlap with one of the plurality of second busbars 37A. However, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 may also be configured not to overlap with the second terminal portion 37. Similarly, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first busbars 35A may also be configured not to overlap with the plurality of second busbars 37A.

[0056] In this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are arranged side by side in the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 are arranged side by side in the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. However, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 may be arranged side by side only in one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 may be arranged side by side only in one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 may not be arranged side by side in either the first direction D31 or the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 may not be arranged side by side in the first direction D31 and the second direction D32.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first direction D31 is parallel to the second direction D32, but the first direction D31 may also be inclined relative to the second direction D32, or it may be perpendicular to the second direction D32.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal portion 35 includes a plurality of first terminals 35B connected to and extending from the plurality of first busbars 35A along the axial direction D1. The second terminal portion 37 includes a plurality of second terminals 37B connected to and extending from the plurality of second busbars 37A along the axial direction D1. The plurality of first terminals 35B are arranged side by side in the first direction D31. The plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C are arranged side by side in the second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, at least one of the plurality of first terminals 35B is disposed between the rotation axis A1 and at least one of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C. The plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C are disposed radially outside the plurality of first terminals 35B relative to the rotation axis A1. However, the positional relationship between the plurality of first terminals 35B and the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when viewed from the axial direction D1, at least one of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C may also be configured between the rotation axis A1 and at least one of the plurality of first terminals 35B. That is, the plurality of first terminals 35B may also be configured radially outward of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C relative to the rotation axis A1.

[0059] The second terminal section 37 includes a plurality of dummy terminals 37D. The plurality of dummy terminals 37D are not connected to the plurality of second busbars 37A. The plurality of second terminals 37B and the plurality of dummy terminals 37D are arranged side by side in the second direction D32. At least one of the plurality of dummy terminals 37D may also be omitted from the second terminal section 37.

[0060] In this embodiment, the total number of the plurality of first terminals 35B is greater than the total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C. The total number of the plurality of first terminals 35B is the same as the total number of the plurality of first busbars 35A. The total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C is the same as the total number of the plurality of second busbars 37A. The total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B is less than the total number of the plurality of second terminals 37C. However, the total number of the plurality of first terminals 35B may also be less than the total number of the plurality of first busbars 35A. The total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C may also be less than the total number of the plurality of second busbars 37A. The total number of the plurality of first terminals 35B may also be the same as or less than the total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C. The total number of the plurality of second terminals 37B may also be the same as or less than the total number of the plurality of second terminals 37C.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the first connector 30 includes a connector cover 38. The connector cover 38 is mounted on the first annular plate 21 of the rotating body 20.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, with the connector cover 38 mounted on the first ring plate 21, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are held between the first ring plate 21 and the connector cover 38. The first lead block 32 is at least partially disposed between the rotating body 20 and the second lead block 33 in the axial direction D1. The first lead block 32 is at least partially disposed between the first ring plate 21 and the second lead block 33 in the axial direction D1. The overlapping portion 32A is at least partially held between the first ring plate 21 and the second lead block 33 in the axial direction D1.

[0063] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the first lead block 32 includes a first mounting portion 39A. The first mounting portion 39A protrudes from the first lead block body 34 in such a way that it hooks onto at least one of the rotating body 20 and the first connector receiving portion 31. With the first mounting portion 39A hooked onto at least one of the rotating body 20 and the first connector receiving portion 31, the first lead block 32 is mounted on the rotating body 20.

[0064] like Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, the second lead block 33 includes second mounting portions 39B and 39C. The second mounting portions 39B and 39C protrude from the second lead block body 36 in such a way that they hook onto at least one of the rotating body 20 and the first connector receiving portion 31. With the second mounting portions 39B and 39C hooked onto at least one of the rotating body 20 and the first connector receiving portion 31, the second lead block 33 is mounted on the rotating body 20.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C extend along the axial direction D1. The second lead block body 36 includes a protrusion 36A extending along the axial direction D1. The protrusion 36A includes a plurality of recesses 36B. The plurality of second terminals 37C are respectively disposed within the plurality of recesses 36B.

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

[0067] (1) As Figure 1 As shown, the rotary connector assembly 1 includes a stator 10, a rotating body 20, a first connector 30, and a second connector 40. 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 rotating body 20. The second connector 40 is disposed on the stator 10. Figure 3 As shown, the first connector 30 includes: a first lead block 32, which is mounted on the rotating body 20; and a second lead block 33, which is a different component from the first lead block 32 and is also mounted on the rotating body 20. Viewed from the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1, the first lead block 32 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block 33. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be configured efficiently.

[0068] (2) Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction D2 defined about the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be configured more efficiently.

[0069] (3) Figure 5 As shown, the first lead block 32 is at least partially disposed between the rotating body 20 and the second lead block 33 along the axial direction D1. This allows at least a portion of the first lead block 32 to be held between the rotating body 20 and the second lead block 33. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be configured efficiently, and the mounting strength of the first lead block 32 can be maintained or improved.

[0070] (4) Figure 5As shown, the rotating body 20 includes a first annular plate 21 and an inner cylindrical portion 22 extending axially D1 from the inner periphery of the first annular plate 21. A first lead block 32 is at least partially disposed between the first annular plate 21 and a second lead block 33 in the axial direction D1. This allows at least a portion of the first lead block 32 to be held between the first annular plate 21 and the second lead block 33. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be configured efficiently, and the mounting strength of the first lead block 32 relative to the rotating body 20 can be maintained or improved.

[0071] (5) Figure 3 As shown, the first lead block 32 includes a first lead block body 34 and a first terminal portion 35. The first lead block body 34 contains a non-metallic material, and the first terminal portion 35 contains a metallic material. The second lead block 33 includes a second lead block body 36 and a second terminal portion 37. The second lead block body 36 contains a non-metallic material, and the second terminal portion 37 contains a metallic material. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block body 34 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block body 36. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be configured more efficiently.

[0072] (6) Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 is configured to at least partially overlap with the second terminal portion 37. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overall thickness increase of the overlapping portion of the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33.

[0073] (7) Figure 3 As shown, the first terminal portion 35 is at least partially disposed within the first lead block body 34. The second terminal portion 37 is at least partially disposed within the second lead block body 36. Therefore, the first terminal portion 35 can be securely mounted to the first lead block body 34, and the second terminal portion 37 can be securely mounted to the second lead block body 36.

[0074] (8) Figure 3 As shown, the first terminal portion 35 includes a plurality of first busbars 35A arranged side by side in the first direction D31. The second terminal portion 37 includes a plurality of second busbars 37A arranged side by side in the second direction D32.

[0075] (9) such as Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 are arranged side by side in at least one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. Therefore, the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 can be arranged more efficiently.

[0076] (10) such as Figure 3As shown, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 are arranged side by side in at least one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32. Therefore, the first terminal portion 35 and the second terminal portion 37 can be arranged efficiently.

[0077] (11) such as Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction D1, the plurality of first busbars 35A are configured to overlap at least partially with the plurality of second busbars 37A. Therefore, the plurality of first busbars 35A and the plurality of second busbars 37A can be configured efficiently.

[0078] (12) such as Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal portion 35 includes a plurality of first terminals 35B connected to and extending axially from the plurality of first busbars 35A along the plurality of first busbars 35A. The second terminal portion 37 includes a plurality of second terminals 37B connected to and extending axially from the plurality of second busbars 37A along the plurality of second busbars 37A along the plurality of second busbars 37A. Therefore, other connectors can be easily connected to the first lead block 32 and the second lead block 33 via the first terminals 35B and the second terminals 37B.

[0079] (13) such as Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first terminals 35B are arranged side-by-side in a first direction D31. A plurality of second terminals 37B are arranged side-by-side in a second direction D32. When viewed from the axial direction D1, at least one of the plurality of first terminals 35B is positioned between the rotation axis A1 and at least one of the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C. Therefore, the plurality of first terminals 35B and the plurality of second terminals 37B and 37C can be configured efficiently.

[0080] 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 "possessing," "containing," and their derivatives.

[0081] 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."

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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".

[0084] 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.

[0085] Label Explanation

[0086] 1: Rotary connector assembly; 10: Stator; 11: Second ring plate; 12: Outer cylindrical portion; 20: Rotating body; 21: First ring plate; 22: Inner cylindrical portion; 30: First connector; 31: First connector storage portion; 32: First lead block; 32A: Overlapping portion; 33: Second lead block; 34: First lead block body; 35: First terminal portion; 35A: First busbar; 35B: 1st terminal; 36: 2nd lead block body; 37: 2nd terminal part; 37A: 2nd busbar; 37B, 37C: 2nd terminal; 38: Connector cover; 39A: 1st mounting part; 39B: 2nd mounting part; 40: 2nd connector; 50: Cable storage space; 60: Cable; A1: Rotation axis; D1: Axial; D2: Circumferential; D31: 1st direction; D32: 2nd direction.

Claims

1. A rotary connector device, comprising: stator; A rotating body configured to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the stator; A first connector, which is disposed on the rotating body; and The second connector is disposed on the stator. The first connector includes: The first lead block, which is mounted on the rotating body; and The second lead block is a component different from the first lead block and is mounted on the rotating body. Viewed axially along the axis of rotation, the first lead block is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block. The first lead block includes a first lead block body and a first terminal portion. The first lead block body contains resin material, and the first terminal portion contains metal material. The second lead block includes a second lead block body and a second terminal portion. The second lead block body contains resin material, and the second terminal portion contains metal material. Viewed from the axial direction, the first lead block body is configured to at least partially overlap with the second lead block body. The first lead block body is a portion made of resin material, and the first lead block body includes an overlapping portion configured to overlap with the second lead block body when viewed from the axial direction. At least a portion of the first terminal portion is disposed within the overlapping portion. By configuring the overlapping portion in such a way that it at least partially overlaps with the second lead block when viewed from the axial direction, at least a portion of the first terminal portion disposed within the overlapping portion is configured to at least partially overlap with the second terminal portion when viewed from the axial direction.

2. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, Viewed from the axial direction, the first lead block and the second lead block are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction defined about the axis of rotation.

3. The rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The overlapping portion is at least partially disposed in the axial direction between the rotating body and the second lead block.

4. The rotary connector device according to claim 3, wherein, The rotating body includes a first annular plate and an inner cylindrical portion extending axially from the inner periphery of the first annular plate. The overlapping portion is at least partially disposed in the axial direction between the first ring plate and the second lead block.

5. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars arranged side by side in a first direction. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars arranged side by side in the second direction. One of the plurality of first busbars is at least partially disposed within the overlapping portion. One of the plurality of first busbars disposed within the overlapping portion is configured, when viewed from the axial direction, to at least partially overlap with one of the plurality of second busbars. Viewed from the axial direction, one of the plurality of first busbars is positioned in the first direction closest to the plurality of second busbars. When viewed from the axial direction, one of the plurality of second busbars is positioned in the second direction as closest to the plurality of first busbars.

6. The rotary connector device according to claim 5, wherein, The first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars arranged side by side in a first direction and a plurality of first terminals connected to the plurality of first busbars and extending from the plurality of first busbars along the axial direction. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars arranged side by side in a second direction and a plurality of second terminals connected to and extending from the plurality of second busbars along the axial direction. One of the plurality of first busbars is at least partially disposed within the overlapping portion. One of the plurality of first busbars disposed within the overlapping portion is configured, when viewed from the axial direction, to at least partially overlap with one of the plurality of second busbars. When viewed from the axial direction, one of the plurality of first terminals corresponding to one of the plurality of first busbars is offset from one of the plurality of second terminals corresponding to one of the plurality of second busbars in at least one of the first and second directions.

7. The rotary connector device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars that are at least partially disposed within the body of the first lead block and arranged side by side in the first direction. The first lead block body is a portion made of resin material, and the first lead block body includes a non-overlapping portion configured not to overlap with the second lead block body when viewed from the axial direction. The non-overlapping portion includes a first opening. The plurality of first busbars are exposed at least partially from the first opening. The overlapping portion protrudes from the non-overlapping portion along the first direction in a manner away from the first opening.

8. The rotary connector device according to claim 7, wherein, The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars that are at least partially disposed within the body of the second lead block and arranged side by side in the second direction. The second lead block body includes a second opening. The plurality of second busbars are exposed at least partially from the second opening. When viewed from the axial direction, the overlapping portion protrudes from the non-overlapping portion toward the second opening.

9. The rotary connector device according to claim 8, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the first opening and the second opening are arranged side by side in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

10. The rotary connector device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, When viewed from the axial direction, the overlapping portion is at least partially disposed between the first opening and the second opening in at least one of the first and second directions.

11. The rotary connector device according to claim 8, wherein, The first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars arranged side by side in a first direction. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars arranged side by side in the second direction. One of the plurality of first busbars is at least partially disposed within the overlapping portion. One of the plurality of first busbars disposed within the overlapping portion is configured, when viewed from the axial direction, to at least partially overlap with one of the plurality of second busbars. The portion of the overlap between one of the plurality of first busbars and one of the plurality of second busbars extends in a direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from the axial direction. The portion of one of the plurality of second busbars overlapping with one of the plurality of first busbars extends in a direction intersecting the second direction when viewed from the axial direction.

12. The rotary connector device according to claim 8, wherein, The first terminal portion includes a plurality of first busbars arranged side by side in a first direction and a plurality of first terminals connected to the plurality of first busbars and extending from the plurality of first busbars along the axial direction. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of second busbars arranged side by side in a second direction and a plurality of second terminals connected to and extending from the plurality of second busbars along the axial direction. One of the plurality of first busbars is at least partially disposed within the overlapping portion. One of the plurality of first busbars disposed within the overlapping portion overlaps at least partially with one of the plurality of second busbars when viewed from the axial direction. When viewed from the axial direction, one of the plurality of first terminals corresponding to one of the plurality of first busbars is positioned closer to the rotation axis than one of the plurality of second terminals corresponding to one of the plurality of second busbars.

13. The rotary connector device according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of first terminals are arranged side by side in the first direction. The plurality of second terminals are arranged side by side in the second direction. When viewed from the axial direction, at least one of the plurality of first terminals is disposed between the rotation axis and at least one of the plurality of second terminals.