Rotary connector and steering device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of automotive component technology, and in particular to a rotary connector and steering device. The rotary connector mainly includes a fixed part, a moving part, and a conductive probe. The fixed part includes a first wire and a conductive rail with a circular trajectory. A first end of the first wire is electrically connected to the conductive rail, and a second end is used to electrically connect to an external communication device on the vehicle's steering wheel. The moving part has a second wire with a first end for electrical connection to the electrical components of the steering wheel. A first end of the conductive probe is mounted on the moving part and electrically connected to a second end of the second wire. The second end of the conductive probe is slidably electrically connected to the conductive rail along the circular trajectory. Through the sliding contact mechanism between the conductive rail and the conductive probe, stable and continuous electrical signal / power transmission can be achieved between the fixed part and the moving part of the rotary connector, effectively avoiding the problem of wire harnesses being easily broken during steering wheel rotation, as is common in traditional electrical connection structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to a rotary connector and steering device. Background Technology

[0002] Rotary connectors, also known as clock springs, are important communication relay components in automobiles. They are generally used to connect electrical components on the steering wheel (such as airbags, horns, steering wheel heating elements, and some electrical switches mounted on the steering wheel) to the vehicle's electronic system.

[0003] In the prior art, the connection structure in the rotary connector is easily broken during the rotation of the steering wheel, which can cause the related electrical components on the steering wheel to malfunction. This not only affects the user experience, but may even endanger the user's life. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a rotary connector and steering device that are conducive to improving operational stability, addressing at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a rotary connector comprising: The fixing part includes a first line and a conductive rail with a circular trajectory; the fixing part is fixedly installed on the vehicle; the first end of the first line is electrically connected to the conductive rail, and the second end is used to electrically connect to the external communication object of the electrical device on the vehicle's steering wheel; The moving part is connected to the steering wheel and can rotate relative to the fixed part of the steering wheel; the moving part is provided with a second line at the first end for electrical connection with the electrical components of the steering wheel; A conductive probe; the first end of the conductive probe is mounted on the moving part and electrically connected to the second end of the second circuit; the second end of the conductive probe is electrically connected to the conductive track along a circular trajectory.

[0006] In some embodiments, multiple conductive tracks are provided, each conductive track is circular, and the multiple conductive tracks are arranged concentrically.

[0007] In some embodiments, all of the multiple conductive tracks are equidistantly distributed; or, all of the multiple conductive tracks are non-equidistantly distributed; or, the multiple conductive tracks include a first type of conductive tracks that are equidistantly distributed and a second type of conductive tracks that are non-equidistantly distributed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the conductive track is a groove-shaped structure or a planar structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the second end of the conductive probe gradually narrows; the conductive track includes an annular surface that matches the shape of the second end of the conductive probe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the moving part further includes a conductive sleeve, a first end of which is electrically connected to a second end of a second line, and a first end of a conductive probe is mounted based on the second end of the conductive sleeve.

[0011] In some embodiments, the conductive sleeve has an internal receiving space, and the second end of the conductive sleeve has an opening communicating with the receiving space, through which the conductive probe extends and is fixed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the moving part further includes an elastic member fixedly installed in the receiving space; the elastic member is in a compressed state, and the elastic member abuts against the first end of the conductive probe to push the conductive probe so that the second end of the conductive probe abuts against the conductive track.

[0013] In some embodiments, the conductive sleeve further includes a clamping member disposed at the opening, which clamps the conductive probe to stabilize the conductive probe.

[0014] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a steering device comprising: The rotary connector provided in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application; The steering wheel includes electrical components that are electrically connected to the first end of a second line in a rotary connector.

[0015] In the embodiments provided in this application, the rotary connector mainly includes a fixed part, a moving part, and a conductive probe. The fixed part includes a first wire and a conductive rail with a circular trajectory. The fixed part is fixedly installed on the vehicle. The first end of the first wire is electrically connected to the conductive rail, and the second end is used to electrically connect to the external communication object of the electrical components on the vehicle's steering wheel. The moving part is connected to the steering wheel and can rotate relative to the fixed part with the steering wheel. The moving part has a second wire with a first end for electrical connection to the electrical components on the steering wheel. The first end of the conductive probe is installed on the moving part and electrically connected to the second end of the second wire. The second end of the conductive probe is slidably electrically connected to the conductive rail along the circular trajectory. Through the sliding contact mechanism between the conductive rail and the conductive probe, stable and continuous electrical signal / power transmission can be achieved between the fixed part and the moving part in the rotary connector, effectively avoiding the problem of wire harnesses being easily broken during steering wheel rotation in traditional electrical connection structures. This effectively improves the stability of the operation of various electrical components on the steering wheel and also effectively improves the safety of the user driving the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary connector in some embodiments; Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the conductive probe and conductive track in some embodiments; Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams of the conductive tracks in some embodiments; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conductive probe and conductive sleeve in some embodiments.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100-fixed part; 110-first circuit; 111-first wire harness interface; 120-conductive track; 200-moving part; 210-second circuit; 211-second wire harness interface; 220-conductive sleeve; 221-accommodating space; 222-opening; 223-clamping member; 230-elastic member; 300-conductive probe; 310-second end of conductive probe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments and related technical content of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and text description. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are only used to explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit more possible implementations of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" appearing in this document are used only to distinguish things, states, or actions, and do not necessarily indicate or imply relative importance or order. The terms "including," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are used to indicate non-exclusive inclusion, and the included objects may not be limited to those listed in this document. The terms "multiple" or other variations are used to indicate that the number of objects is two or more.

[0020] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a rotary connector that can be used to connect various electrical components on a steering wheel (such as airbags, horns, steering wheel heating elements, and some electrical switches installed on the steering wheel) to corresponding communication objects.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotary connector provided in the embodiments of this application mainly includes a fixed part 100, a moving part 200, and a conductive probe 300.

[0022] The fixing part 100 includes a first line 110 and a conductive rail 120 with a circular track. The fixing part 100 is fixedly installed on the vehicle. The first end of the first line 110 is electrically connected to the conductive rail 120, and the second end is used to electrically connect to the external communication object of the electrical device on the vehicle's steering wheel.

[0023] The moving part 200 is connected to the steering wheel and can rotate with the steering wheel relative to the fixed part 100. The moving part 200 is provided with a second line 210 with a first end for electrical connection with the electrical components of the steering wheel.

[0024] The first end of the conductive probe 300 is mounted on the moving part 200 and electrically connected to the second end of the second line 210. The second end 310 of the conductive probe is slidably electrically connected to the conductive track 120 along a circular trajectory.

[0025] The mounting portion 100 is the part of the rotary connector that remains relatively stationary during operation. It is typically fixedly connected to the vehicle body or steering column. The mounting portion 100 provides a stable mounting base and a channel for signal / power transmission for the rotary connector. The mounting portion 100 is usually made of a high-strength, well-insulating plastic material, such as PBT resin.

[0026] The conductive track 120 can be several non-contacting continuous closed-loop paths fixed on the fixed part 100, and is generally made of metal materials with excellent conductivity such as copper and gold. The conductive track 120 is an important electrical connection structure between the fixed part 100 and the moving part 200. Its circular track design can adapt to the rotation of the steering wheel, so that the fixed part 100 and the moving part 200 can maintain a stable electrical connection during the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0027] The first line 110 can be a wire assembly in the fixing part 100 used for transmitting power / electrical signals, which can be composed of multi-strand wires wrapped with an insulating layer or a flexible circuit board, etc. The first end of the first line 110 can be electrically connected to the conductive rail 120 by means of welding or the like. Optionally, the second end of the first line 110 can also be provided with one or more first wiring harness interfaces 111, and the second end of the first line 110 can be electrically connected to the external communication objects of the electrical components on the vehicle's steering wheel (e.g., electronic control unit (ECU), airbag control module, body control module, or infotainment system, etc.) through the first wiring harness interface 111.

[0028] The moving part 200 can be the portion of the rotary connector that rotates synchronously with the steering wheel, and it can be made of a similar material to the fixed part 100. The moving part 200 can be directly or indirectly connected to the steering shaft of the steering wheel. Optionally, the connection method can be a detachable connection structure such as a snap-fit ​​connection or a bolt connection to facilitate later maintenance and replacement. A rotating connection structure (not shown in the figure) is also provided between the moving part 200 and the fixed part 100, which allows the moving part 200 and the fixed part 100 to form an integral structure, and also allows the moving part 200 to rotate relative to the fixed part 100. Understandably, the rotating connection structure can adopt existing technology, which will not be elaborated here.

[0029] The conductive probe 300 is an important component for dynamically connecting the moving part 200 and the fixed part 100. It is typically made of a material with good elasticity and conductivity (e.g., phosphor bronze alloy). There can be several conductive probes 300, each corresponding one-to-one with a conductive track 120. Optionally, the shape of each conductive probe 300 does not need to be exactly the same. The first end of the conductive probe 300 can be mounted on the moving part 200, allowing it to rotate with the moving part 200. The second end 310 of the conductive probe can be slidably electrically connected to the conductive track 120, and the conductive probe 300 can maintain close contact with the conductive track 120 throughout the rotation of the moving part 200. Understandably, the shape of each conductive probe 300 can be straight, bent, or other irregular; no particular limitation is placed on the shape of the conductive probe 300. In some specific embodiments, the conductive probe 300 can be approximately cylindrical.

[0030] The second line 210 can be a wire assembly in the moving part 200 used for transmitting power / electrical signals, which can be composed of multi-strand wires wrapped with an insulating layer or a flexible circuit board. Optionally, the first end of the second line 210 can be provided with one or more second wiring harness interfaces 211, and the first end of the second line 210 can be electrically connected to electrical components on the vehicle's steering wheel (e.g., airbags, horn buttons, audio control switches, light paddles, etc.) through the second wiring harness interfaces 211. The second end of the second line 210 can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the conductive probe 300 by means of soldering or other methods.

[0031] The sliding contact mechanism between the conductive rail 120 and the conductive probe 300 enables stable and continuous transmission of electrical signals / power between the fixed part 100 and the moving part 200 in the rotary connector, effectively avoiding the problem of wiring harnesses being easily broken during steering wheel rotation, which is common in traditional electrical connection structures. This significantly improves the stability of various electrical components on the steering wheel and enhances the safety of the driver.

[0032] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple conductive tracks 120, each of which is circular, and the multiple conductive tracks 120 are arranged concentrically.

[0033] The number of conductive rails 120 can be at least two, and the specific number can be determined according to the number and functional requirements of the electrical components on the steering wheel. Each conductive rail 120 can be a complete circular structure, and the diameter of the ring can be designed according to the overall dimensions of the fixing part 100 and the installation space. All conductive rails 120 can be distributed around the same center, and a certain distance can be maintained between adjacent conductive rails 120. This distance can be determined according to actual needs to avoid short circuits between adjacent conductive rails 120.

[0034] The concentric arrangement of multiple conductive tracks 120 fully utilizes the radial space of the fixing part 100, resulting in a compact and orderly distribution of the conductive tracks 120. Furthermore, the concentric arrangement of the conductive tracks 120 matches the movement of the conductive probe 300 as the steering wheel rotates, facilitating a stable electrical connection between the conductive tracks 120 and the conductive probe 300. Secondly, maintaining a certain distance between adjacent conductive tracks 120 allows each track 120 to correspond to an independent signal or power transmission channel, effectively avoiding mutual interference between different types of signals.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, all of the multiple conductive tracks 120 are equidistantly distributed; or, all of the multiple conductive tracks 120 are unequally distributed; or, the multiple conductive tracks 120 include equidistant first-type conductive tracks 120 and unequally distributed second-type conductive tracks 120.

[0036] In the multiple conductive tracks 120, the radial distance between any two adjacent conductive tracks 120 can be completely equal, thereby forming a uniform, equal-width annular spacer band. The size of this annular spacer band can be determined according to actual conditions (e.g., the width of the conductive track 120, insulation requirements, and the size of the conductive probe 300). Optionally, the radial distance between two adjacent conductive tracks 120 can be unequal, and their distribution pattern can be customized according to specific needs without a uniform rule. Understandably, the multiple conductive tracks 120 can also include both the first type of conductive tracks 120 with equal spacing and the second type of conductive tracks 120 with unequal spacing.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the conductive track 120 has a groove-shaped structure or a planar structure.

[0038] The conductive track 120 can be formed by creating multiple annular grooves on the surface of the fixing part 100 and embedding a conductive metal material (such as copper) into the grooves. The cross-section of the grooves can be C-shaped, U-shaped, or other irregular shapes, without particular limitation. The second end 310 of the conductive probe can extend into the groove and contact the conductive metal material. The groove can guide and limit the conductive probe 300 to a certain extent.

[0039] Alternatively, multiple thin conductive rings made of conductive metal material can be directly fixed to the flat surface of the fixing part 100 to form a conductive track 120. The conductive rings can be slightly raised above the surface of the fixing part 100, and the upper surface of the conductive rings is smooth so that the conductive probe 300 can slide on it.

[0040] The grooved conductive track 120 effectively constrains the movement direction of the conductive probe 300, preventing it from shifting when subjected to vehicle vibration or impact, thus significantly enhancing the reliability of the contact between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive track 120. The planar conductive track 120, on the other hand, eliminates the need for groove machining, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outer diameter of the second end 310 of the conductive probe gradually narrows; the conductive track 120 includes an annular surface that matches the shape of the second end 310 of the conductive probe.

[0042] Optionally, the second end 310 of the conductive probe (i.e., the end in contact with the conductive track 120) can adopt a tapered, frustum-shaped, or arc-shaped narrowing structure design, such that its cross-sectional diameter gradually decreases from the probe body towards the probe tip to form a pointed tip. In some specific embodiments, when the second end 310 of the conductive probe is a pointed tip, the conductive track 120 can be a C-shaped groove structure that matches the tip of the conductive probe 300.

[0043] The narrowing design of the second end of the conductive probe 300 effectively reduces the sliding friction resistance between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive track 120, extending the service life of both the probe and the track. Furthermore, the matching design between the conductive track 120 and the second end 310 of the conductive probe further enhances the reliability of their contact.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the motion part 200 also includes a conductive sleeve 220, the first end of which is electrically connected to the second end of the second line 210, and the first end of the conductive probe 300 is mounted based on the second end of the conductive sleeve 220.

[0045] The conductive sleeve 220 can be disposed on the moving part 200 and is a conductive component used to connect the second line 210 and the conductive probe 300. It has good conductivity and structural strength and is usually made of metal materials such as copper alloy. Optionally, the conductive sleeve 220 can be cylindrical. Of course, the conductive sleeve 220 can also be other shapes, which are not particularly limited here.

[0046] The first end of the conductive sleeve 220 is fixedly mounted on the moving part 200, and the first end of the conductive sleeve 220 is fixedly electrically connected to the second end of the second circuit 210 by welding or other means. The first end of the conductive probe 300 can be fixedly mounted on the second end of the conductive sleeve 220, or it can be movably mounted on the second end of the conductive sleeve 220. Optionally, the conductive sleeve 220 and the conductive probe 300 can also be integrally formed.

[0047] The conductive sleeve 220 provides a mounting base for the conductive probe 300, effectively enhancing the stability of the conductive probe 300's installation. Furthermore, as a transitional electrical connection component, the conductive sleeve 220 effectively enhances the stability of electrical signal transmission between the conductive probe 300 and the second line 210.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the conductive sleeve 220 has an internal accommodating space 221, and the second end of the conductive sleeve 220 is also provided with an opening 222 that communicates with the accommodating space 221. The conductive probe 300 extends into the accommodating space 221 through the opening 222 and is fixed therein.

[0049] The conductive sleeve 220 can be a hollow cylindrical tubular structure, and the cavity formed inside it can serve as the receiving space 221, which can partially accommodate the conductive probe 300. The second end of the conductive sleeve 220 (i.e., the end connected to the conductive probe 300) also has an opening 222 that matches the shape of the conductive probe 300, and the opening 222 can communicate with the receiving space 221. The conductive probe 300 can be inserted into the opening 222 and further extend into the receiving space 221. The opening 222 can be tightly clamped around the outer periphery of the conductive probe 300 to effectively restrict the lateral movement of the conductive probe 300 while achieving electrical connection between the conductive sleeve 220 and the conductive probe 300.

[0050] The design of the conductive sleeve 220 with an internal receiving space 221 and an opening 222 is beneficial for the encapsulation and fixation of the conductive probe 300. In particular, it provides good protection for the end of the conductive probe 300 (stress concentration area), effectively preventing the probe from bending or breaking due to lateral force. The receiving space 221 also provides a basis for the vertical movement of the conductive probe 300.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the moving part 200 also includes an elastic member 230 fixedly installed in the receiving space 221; the elastic member 230 is in a compressed state, and the elastic member 230 abuts against the first end of the conductive probe 300 to push the conductive probe 300 so that the second end 310 of the conductive probe abuts against the conductive track 120.

[0052] The elastic element 230 can be a component installed within the receiving space 221 that can generate elastic deformation and provide elastic force; a commonly used elastic element 230 is a spring. The dimensions of the elastic element 230 can be designed according to the size of the receiving space 221 and the required elastic force to prevent the elastic element 230 from shifting within the receiving space 221. One end of the elastic element 230 can be fixed to the end of the receiving space 221 away from the opening 222 by welding or other methods, and the other end of the elastic element 230 can abut against the first end of the conductive probe 300. Optionally, the elastic element 230 can be fixedly connected to the conductive probe 300 or not. The extension direction of the elastic element 230 can be set in the same direction as the extension direction of the conductive probe 300, and the length of the elastic element 230 in the receiving space 221 can be less than its free length, so that the elastic element 230 can generate a pushing force on the conductive probe 300 in contact with it, so as to push the conductive probe 300 towards the conductive track 120. This ensures that the conductive probe 300 maintains a close electrical connection with the conductive track 120 at all times as the steering wheel rotates.

[0053] The continuous elastic force provided by the elastic element 230 can compensate in real time for minute changes in the distance between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive track 120 caused by manufacturing tolerances, component wear, thermal expansion and contraction, etc., which helps maintain a stable electrical connection between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive track 120. Furthermore, the elastic force of the elastic element 230 can adapt to complex operating conditions such as vibration and bumps during vehicle operation. When the vehicle is traveling on a bumpy road, the elastic force of the elastic element 230 can offset some of the vibration and impact forces, helping to ensure that the conductive probe 300 always contacts the conductive track 120, avoiding momentary disconnection, and effectively improving the reliability of the rotary connector under complex road conditions.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the conductive sleeve 220 also includes a clamping member 223 disposed at the opening 222, which clamps the conductive probe 300 to stabilize the conductive probe 300.

[0055] The clamping member 223 can be a mechanical clamping structure disposed at the opening 222 of the conductive sleeve 220. Optionally, the clamping member 223 can be disposed inside the receiving space 221, or it can be disposed outside the receiving space 221, without particular limitation. In some specific embodiments, the clamping member 223 can be an annular structure surrounding the conductive probe 300. Optionally, the clamping member 223 can be integrally formed with the conductive sleeve 220, and the clamping member 223 can be made of conductive metal material to further improve the electrical connection stability between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive sleeve 220.

[0056] The clamping member 223 can effectively limit the radial displacement of the conductive probe 300 through continuous radial clamping force, which is conducive to the conductive probe 300 always moving along the preset axis and avoids the contact position deviation with the conductive track 120 caused by the skewness of the conductive probe 300. Secondly, the clamping member 223 can also increase the electrical contact area between the conductive probe 300 and the conductive sleeve 220, effectively enhancing the electrical contact stability between the two.

[0057] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a steering device (not shown in the figure). The steering device mainly includes a rotary connector and a steering wheel provided in the first aspect of the embodiments of this application. The steering wheel may include several electrical components (e.g., driver's side airbag, horn, multimedia control buttons, etc.) that are electrically connected to the first end of the second line 210 in the rotary connector.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figures 1 to 4 The structure shown is merely a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure related to the solution of this application, and does not necessarily constitute a limitation on the product form to which the technical solution of this application is applied. Specific rotary connectors and steering devices may include more or fewer components than the structure shown in the figure, or may have a structure that is not exactly the same.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0060] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotary connector, characterized by, include: The fixing part includes a first line and a conductive track with a circular trajectory; The fixing part is fixedly installed on the vehicle; the first end of the first line is electrically connected to the conductive rail, and the second end is used to electrically connect to the external communication object of the electrical device on the steering wheel of the vehicle; A moving part is connected to the steering wheel and can rotate relative to the fixed part with the steering wheel; the moving part is provided with a second line with a first end for electrical connection with electrical components on the steering wheel; A conductive probe; the first end of the conductive probe is mounted on the moving part and electrically connected to the second end of the second circuit; the second end of the conductive probe is slidably electrically connected to the conductive track along the annular trajectory.

2. The rotary union of claim 1, wherein, The conductive track is provided in multiple ways, each of which is circular, and the multiple conductive tracks are arranged concentrically.

3. The rotary union of claim 2, wherein, All of the multiple conductive tracks are equidistantly distributed; or, all of the multiple conductive tracks are non-equidistantly distributed; or, the multiple conductive tracks include equidistantly distributed first-type conductive tracks and non-equidistantly distributed second-type conductive tracks.

4. The rotary connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive track has a groove-like structure or a planar structure.

5. The rotary union of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The outer diameter of the second end of the conductive probe gradually narrows; the conductive track includes an annular surface that matches the shape of the second end of the conductive probe.

6. The rotary union of claim 1, wherein, The moving part further includes a conductive sleeve, the first end of which is electrically connected to the second end of the second circuit, and the first end of the conductive probe is mounted based on the second end of the conductive sleeve.

7. The rotary union of claim 6, wherein, The conductive sleeve has an internal accommodating space, and the second end of the conductive sleeve also has an opening that communicates with the accommodating space. The conductive probe extends into the accommodating space along the opening and is fixed therein.

8. The rotary union of claim 7, wherein, The moving part further includes an elastic element fixedly installed in the receiving space; the elastic element is in a compressed state, and the elastic element abuts against the first end of the conductive probe to push the conductive probe so that the second end of the conductive probe abuts against the conductive track.

9. The rotary union of claim 7, wherein, The conductive sleeve also includes a clamping member disposed at the opening, which clamps the conductive probe to stabilize it.

10. A steering device characterized by comprising: include: Rotary connector as described in any one of claims 1-9; The steering wheel includes an electrical component electrically connected to a first end of the second line in the rotary connector.

Images