Rotary connector device

Abstract

To suppress noise generated when rotating a rotator.SOLUTION: A rotary connector device comprises a stator, a rotator, a support bed, a pedestal, and a first protrusion. The rotator is provided such that it is rotatable around a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The support bed is connected to the rotator and is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis together with the rotator. The support bed supports a cable wound around the rotation axis. The pedestal is connected to the stator and is provided so as to be spaced apart from the support bed in an axial direction along the rotation axis. The first protrusion is provided on one of the members, namely the support bed or the pedestal, and it protrudes toward the other one of the members, namely the support bed or the pedestal, thereby slidably supporting the other member. The other member has a first recess with which the first protrusion engages in a manner slidable in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a rotary connector device.

Background Art

[0002] A rotary connector device used in a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a relatively rotationally sliding disk (or ring-shaped disk) is supported by protrusions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the structure supported by protrusions, when the rotor rotates, there is a possibility that the disk or ring-shaped disk vibrates in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis, generating abnormal noise.

[0005] The problem of the technology disclosed in the present application is to suppress abnormal noise when the rotor rotates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rotary connector device according to the first feature includes a stator, a rotor, a support floor, a base plate, a first protrusion, and a first recess. The rotor is provided rotatably around a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The support floor is connected to the rotor and is provided rotatably around the rotation axis together with the rotor, and is configured to support a cable wound around the rotation axis. The base plate is connected to the stator and is provided spaced apart in an axial direction along the rotation axis with respect to the support floor. The first protrusion is provided on one of the members of the support floor and the base plate, protrudes toward the other member of the support floor and the base plate, and is configured to slidably support the other member. The first recess is provided in the other member and is configured such that the first protrusion is slidably fitted in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

[0007] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, since the first recess restricts the radial movement of the first protrusion with respect to the rotation axis, radial vibration of the base plate or the support floor can be suppressed, and abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0008] The rotary connector device according to the second feature is the rotary connector device according to the first feature, wherein a cross section passing through the rotation axis of the tip of the first protrusion has a substantially semi-oval shape symmetric with respect to the first central axis, and a cross section of the recess of the first recess has a dome shape.

[0009] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, not only is it easy to form the tip of the first protrusion and the first recess, but also excessive stress can be avoided when the first protrusion contacts the first recess.

[0010] The rotary connector device according to the third feature is the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, and further includes a lubricant provided in the first recess.

[0011] In the rotary connector device according to the third feature, the lubricant can reduce the contact resistance when the first protrusion contacts the first recess, so that abnormal noise can be further suppressed.

[0012] The rotary connector device according to the fourth feature is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device according to any of the third features, the other member is located vertically below the one member.

[0013] In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, since the first recess can receive a low-viscosity fluid lubricant, the lubricant can be stably provided between the first protrusion and the first recess.

[0014] The rotary connector device according to the fifth feature is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device according to the first to fourth features, the first recess has an annular shape centered on the rotation axis when viewed in the axial direction. Note that the first protrusion may be a rotating body around the rotation axis or a conical shape.

[0015] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, when the rotor rotates relative to the stator, the first protrusion moves relative to the first recess and also moves into the first recess, so that the rotor can rotate 360 degrees relative to the stator.

[0016] The rotary connector device according to the sixth feature is provided on one member in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, and further has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the other member and is spaced from the first protrusion in the radial direction, and a second recess that is provided on the other member and is configured to be slidably fitted with the second protrusion in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis.

[0017] In the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, since two protrusions and recesses that are different in the radial direction suppress the radial vibration of the base plate or the support floor, further abnormal noise can be suppressed.

[0018] The rotating connector device according to the seventh feature is the rotating connector device according to the sixth feature, wherein the first central axis substantially extending in the axial direction of the first protrusion is provided offset from the first center in the radial direction of the first recess in the first direction, and the second central axis substantially extending in the axial direction of the second protrusion is provided offset from the second center in the radial direction of the second recess in the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0019] In the rotating connector device according to the seventh feature, since the direction of deviation from the first center with respect to the first center line and the direction of deviation from the second center with respect to the second center axis are opposite, the radial vibration width of the base plate or the support floor is reduced, so that abnormal noise can be further suppressed.

[0020] The rotating connector device according to the eighth feature is the rotating connector device according to the seventh feature, wherein the first central axis and the second central axis are located between the first center and the second center in the radial direction.

[0021] In the rotating connector device according to the eighth feature, since the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided outside the first center and the second center, they are less affected by the error in the positions of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the position of the support floor with respect to the base plate can be accurately positioned.

[0022] The rotating connector device according to the ninth feature is the rotating connector device according to any one of the sixth to eighth features, wherein the cross-section passing through the rotation axis of the tip of the first protrusion has a substantially semi-oval shape symmetric with respect to the first central axis, and the cross-section passing through the rotation axis of the tip of the second protrusion has a semi-oval shape symmetric with respect to the second central axis. The cross-section of the recess of the first recess has a dome shape. The cross-section of the recess of the second recess has a dome shape.

[0023] In the rotating connector device according to the ninth feature, not only are the tips of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the first recess and the second recess easy to form, but also excessive stress can be avoided when the first protrusion contacts the first recess and when the second protrusion contacts the second recess.

[0024] The rotary connector device according to the tenth feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the sixth to ninth features, and further includes a lubricant provided in the first recess and the second recess.

[0025] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, since the lubricant can reduce the contact resistance when the first protrusion contacts the first recess and the contact resistance when the second protrusion contacts the second recess, abnormal noise can be further suppressed.

[0026] The rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the tenth features, and the other member is characterized in that it is located vertically below the one member.

[0027] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, since the first recess and the second recess can receive a low-viscosity fluid lubricant, the lubricant can be stably provided between the first protrusion and the first recess and between the second protrusion and the second recess.

[0028] The rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the sixth to eleventh features, and the first recess and the second recess each have an annular shape centered on the rotation axis when viewed in the axial direction. Note that the first protrusion and the second protrusion may each be a rotating body around the rotation axis or a conical shape.

[0029] In the rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature, when the rotor rotates with respect to the stator, even if the first protrusion makes a relative rotational movement with respect to the first recess, it moves into the first recess, and even if the second protrusion makes a relative rotational movement with respect to the second recess, it moves into the second recess. Therefore, the rotor can rotate 360 degrees with respect to the stator.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] The technology disclosed in the present application aims to suppress abnormal noise when rotating the rotor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components. 〔Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10 and a rotor 20. The rotor 20 is rotatably provided about a rotation axis A1 with respect to the stator 10. In the present embodiment, for example, the stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body, and the rotor 20 is configured to be fixed to the steering wheel.

[0033] The stator 10 includes a first stator main body 11 and a second stator main body 30. The second stator main body 30 is a separate member from the first stator main body 11 and is connected to the first stator main body 11. The first stator main body 11 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotor 20 of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the rotor 20 includes a rotary plate 21, a cylindrical portion 22, a connector housing portion 24, and a sleeve 25. The rotary plate 21 has a generally annular shape. The cylindrical portion 22 extends along the rotation axis A1 from the inner peripheral portion of the rotary plate 21 and includes a through hole 22A through which the steering shaft passes. The through hole 22A extends along the rotation axis A1. The sleeve 25 has an annular shape and is attached to the cylindrical portion 22. The rotary connector device 1 includes a support floor 23 that is connected to the rotor 20 and is rotatably provided about the rotation axis A1 together with the rotor 20.

[0035] The connector housing portion 24 is provided on the rotating plate 21. For example, a plurality of electrical connectors connected to a plurality of electrical devices (for example, a horn switch and an airbag unit) provided on the steering wheel are housed in the connector housing portion 24.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator electrical connector 40 and a housing cover 45. The stator electrical connector 40 and the housing cover 45 are attached to the stator 10. The stator electrical connector 40 is connected to the electrical connectors of electrical devices (for example, a control device and a battery) provided on the vehicle body.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 and the rotor 20 define a cable accommodation space 50 provided between the stator 10 and the rotor 20 so as to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable accommodation space 50 is annular. The rotary connector device 1 includes a flat cable 60.

[0038] The flat cable 60 is bent in a U shape in the cable accommodation space 50 when viewed in the axial direction along the rotation axis A1. The flat cables 60 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. The flat cables 60 form a U-shaped bent shape by pressing against each other. However, when the number of flat cables 60 is 4 or less, the pressing force cannot be applied sufficiently, and the flat cables 60 may not be bent in a U shape and may become entangled. For this reason, when the number of flat cables 60 is 3 or less, the rotary connector device 1 may further include dummy cables in a number insufficient to make 4.

[0039] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the stator 10 of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary connector device 1 includes a base plate 12. The base plate 12 is connected to the stator 10. The base plate 12 includes an opening 12A and has an annular shape. The first stator body 11 includes a connector housing portion 13 and a plurality of fixing portions 14. The connector housing portion 13 extends along the axial direction D1 from the base plate 12 and houses, for example, an electrical connector for heat steering. The plurality of fixing portions 14 project radially outward from the base plate 12. The fixing portion 14 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body and has a fixing hole 14A. The base plate 12 includes an intermediate wall 15. The intermediate wall 15 extends along the axial direction D1. Specifically, the intermediate wall 15 extends along the axial direction D1 from the base plate 12.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. Since the line VI-VI shown in FIG. 4 passes through the rotation axis A1, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 cut by a cross-section passing through the rotation axis A1. As shown in FIG. 6, the support floor 23 is configured to support a cable (flat cable 60) wound around the rotation axis A1. The rotary plate 21 and the support floor 23 at least partially define a cable accommodation space 50. The rotary plate 21 is located opposite to the support floor 23 in the axial direction D1. The base plate 12 is provided at a distance from the support floor 23 in the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. When the rotary connector device 1 is installed on the vehicle body, the base plate 12 is located vertically below the support floor 23. The base plate 12 has an outer peripheral portion 12B. The intermediate wall 15 extends along the axial direction D1 from the outer peripheral portion 12B of the base plate 12. In the present embodiment, the rotor 20 is provided inside the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1 among the stator 10 and the rotor 20. The stator 10 is provided outside the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1 among the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0041] The second stator body 30 includes a first stator wall 31 and a second stator wall 32. The first stator wall 31 extends along an axial direction D1 parallel to the rotation axis A1 and at least partially defines a cable accommodation space 50. The second stator wall 32 extends along the axial direction D1 and is arranged at a distance from the first stator wall 31 in a radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The first stator wall 31 is arranged between the cable accommodation space 50 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2. The first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 are arranged outside the cable accommodation space 50 in the radial direction D2. The second stator wall 32 is arranged outside the first stator wall 31 in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall 15 is arranged between the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2.

[0042] The second stator body 30 includes an intermediate groove 33 provided between the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall 15 is arranged in the intermediate groove 33. The second stator body 30 includes a connecting portion 34 that connects the first stator wall 31 to the second stator wall 32. The intermediate groove 33 is defined by the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 is capable of contacting the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction D2. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 is capable of contacting the base plate 12.

[0043] The rotary connector device 1 further includes a first protrusion PR1, a second protrusion PR2, a first recess GV1, a second recess GV2, and lubricants GR1 and GR2. The first protrusion PR1 is provided on one of the members of the support floor 23 and the base plate 12, protrudes toward the other member of the support floor 23 and the base plate 12, and is configured to slidably support the other member. The first recess GV1 is provided in the other member, and the first protrusion PR1 is configured to be slidably fitted around the circumferential direction D3 (see FIG. 4) about the rotation axis A1. The second protrusion PR2 is provided on the one member, protrudes toward the other member, and is spaced from the first protrusion PR1 in the radial direction D2. The second recess GV2 is provided in the other member, and the second protrusion PR2 is configured to be slidably fitted around the circumferential direction D3 (see FIG. 4) about the rotation axis A1. In the example of FIG. 6, the one member is the support floor 23 and the other member is the base plate 12, but the one member may be the base plate 12 and the other member may be the support floor 23. This example will be described later.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, the first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2 each have an annular shape centered on the rotation axis A1 when viewed in the axial direction D1. As shown in FIG. 6, the cross section of the recess of the first recess GV1 has a dome shape. The cross section of the recess of the second recess GV2 has a dome shape. Referring to FIG. 6, preferably, the dome shape of the first recess GV1 is symmetric with respect to the first center AG1 in the radial direction D2. Preferably, the dome shape of the second recess GV2 is symmetric with respect to the second center AG2 in the radial direction D2.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an example of a view of the support floor 23 from the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. As shown in FIG. 7, the first protrusion PR1 may have an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction D1. In other words, the first protrusion PR1 may be a rotating body around the rotation axis A1. FIG. 8 is another example of a view of the support floor 23 from the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. As shown in FIG. 8, the first protrusion PR1 may be conical. As shown in FIG. 6, the first protrusion PR1 includes a base end portion B1 and a tip end portion T1. The second protrusion PR2 includes a base end portion B2 and a tip end portion T2. Referring to FIG. 6, a cross section passing through the rotation axis A1 of the tip end portion T1 of the first protrusion PR1 has a semi-oval shape substantially symmetric with respect to the first central axis AP1. A cross section passing through the rotation axis A1 of the tip end portion T2 of the second protrusion PR2 has a semi-oval shape substantially symmetric with respect to the second central axis AP2. The meaning of this substantially symmetric is symmetric in consideration of the mounting error between the support floor 23 and the cylindrical portion 22, the error due to vibration, and the machining error. The first central axis AP1 and the second central axis AP2 are perpendicular to the plane of the one member (plane 23S of the support floor 23 in the example of FIG. 6) to which the base end portion B1 and the base end portion B2 are attached.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the first central axis AP1 that extends substantially in the axial direction D1 of the first protrusion PR1 is provided offset from the first center AG1 in the radial direction D2 of the first recess GV1 in the first direction (radial outward direction) of the radial direction D2. The second central axis AP2 that extends substantially in the axial direction D1 of the second protrusion PR2 is provided offset from the second center AG2 in the radial direction D2 of the second recess GV2 in the second direction (radial inward direction) of the radial direction D2 opposite to the first direction (radial outward direction). The first central axis AP1 and the second central axis AP2 are located between the first center AG1 and the second center AG2 in the radial direction D2. The meaning of extending substantially in the axial direction D1 is that it extends in the axial direction D1 in consideration of the mounting error between the support floor 23 and the cylindrical portion 22, the error due to vibration, and the machining error. Thus, since the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 are provided outside the first center AG1 and the second center AG2, they are less affected by the error in the positions of the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2, and the position of the support floor 23 relative to the base plate 12 can be accurately positioned.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, the rotary connector device 1 further includes a lubricant GR1 provided in the first recess GV1 and a lubricant GR2 provided in the second recess GV2. The other member (base plate 12) is located vertically below the one member (support floor 23). With this configuration, since the low-viscosity fluid lubricants GR1 and GR2 can be received in the first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2, the lubricants GR1 and GR2 can be stably provided between the first protrusion PR1 and the first recess GV1 and between the second protrusion PR2 and the second recess GV2.

[0048] The positioning in the axial direction D1 of the first stator body 11 and the second stator body 30 is achieved by the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the base plate 12. The intermediate wall 15 is axially separated from the connecting portion 34 in the axial direction D1. However, at least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 may be in contact with the intermediate wall 15. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 may be axially separated from the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. Also, a coupling structure such as an adhesive layer may be provided between the first stator wall 31 and the intermediate wall 15 and between the second stator wall 32 and the intermediate wall 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, the intermediate wall 15 is integrally provided with the base plate 12 as a single member. However, the intermediate wall 15 may be a separate member from the base plate 12. The first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34 are integrally provided with each other as a single member. However, at least one of the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the connecting portion 34 may be a separate member from other parts. Also, the second stator wall 32 may be omitted.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the intermediate wall 15 extend along the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. The intermediate wall 15 includes a first end portion 15A and a second end portion 15B. The intermediate wall 15 extends around the rotation axis A1 from the first end portion 15A to the second end portion 15B. The intermediate wall 15 includes a curved portion 15C, a first flat portion 15D, and a second flat portion 15E. The curved portion 15C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat portion 15D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 15C and has the first end portion 15A. The second flat portion 15E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 15C and has the second end portion 15B. When viewed from the direction along the rotation axis A1, the intermediate groove 33 has a shape complementary to the intermediate wall 15. The curved portion 15C extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0051] The first stator wall 31 includes a first end 31A and a second end 31B. The first stator wall 31 extends around the rotation axis A1 from the first end 31A to the second end 31B. The first stator wall 31 includes a curved portion 31C, a first flat portion 31D, and a second flat portion 31E. The curved portion 31C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat portion 31D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 31C and has the first end 31A. The second flat portion 31E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 31C and has the second end 31B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 31C extends in an arc around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0052] The second stator wall 32 includes a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The second stator wall 32 extends around the rotation axis A1 from the first end 32A to the second end 32B. The second stator wall 32 includes a curved portion 32C, a first flat portion 32D, and a second flat portion 32E. The curved portion 32C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat portion 32D extends linearly from an end of the curved portion 32C and has the first end 32A. The second flat portion 32E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 32C and has the second end 32B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 32C extends in an arc around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0053] The second stator body 30 includes a third wall 35. The third wall 35 extends along the circumferential direction D3 from the first stator wall 31. More specifically, the third wall 35 extends along the circumferential direction D3 from the first flat portion 31D toward the second flat portion 31E. The third wall 35 is arranged at a distance from the second flat portion 31E. The third wall 35 partially defines a cable accommodation space 50.

[0054] The second stator body 30 includes a cable passage 36. The cable passage 36 is connected to a cable accommodation space 50. A flat cable 60 is drawn out from the cable accommodation space 50 to the outside of the cable accommodation space 50 through the cable passage 36. The cable passage 36 includes a first passage 36A and a second passage 36B. The first passage 36A extends from the cable accommodation space 50 along the second flat portion 31E of the first stator wall 31. The second passage 36B extends from the first passage 36A along the outer periphery of the cable accommodation space 50 toward the first flat portion 31D of the first stator wall 31. The cable passage 36 is disposed between the first flat portion 15D and the second flat portion 15E of the intermediate wall 15.

[0055] The vertical direction in FIG. 4 generally coincides with the vertical direction of the stator 10 when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, at least a part of the intermediate wall 15 is disposed above the rotation axis A1. In the present embodiment, when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, a part of the intermediate wall 15 is disposed at the uppermost part of the stator 10. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body, the intermediate wall 15 is disposed over the entire region above the rotation axis A1. In the present embodiment, this vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the second stator body 30 includes a stator cover portion 37. In a state where the second stator body 30 is connected to the first stator body 11, the stator cover portion 37 partially covers the connector housing portion 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the stator cover portion 37 extends along the circumferential direction D3 from the first end portion 31A of the first stator wall 31 and the first end portion 32A of the second stator wall 32 to the second end portion 31B of the first stator wall 31 and the second end portion 32B of the second stator wall 32. The stator cover portion 37 connects the first end portion 31A of the first stator wall 31 and the first end portion 32A of the second stator wall 32 to the second end portion 31B of the first stator wall 31 and the second end portion 32B of the second stator wall 32. The stator cover portion 37 is connected to the third wall 35. The cable passage 36 is defined between the first stator wall 31, the third wall 35, and the stator cover portion 37.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the first stator body 11 includes a connecting body 16A. The connecting body 16A extends along the axial direction D1 from the base plate 12. The connecting body 16A connects the second stator body 30 to the first stator body 11. In the present embodiment, the first stator body 11 includes a plurality of connecting bodies 16A. The plurality of connecting bodies 16A are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction D3. The plurality of connecting bodies 16A are arranged at substantially the same position in the axial direction D1. The plurality of connecting bodies 16A are arranged radially outside the intermediate wall 15. However, the total number and arrangement of the connecting bodies 16A are not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of connecting bodies 16A may be omitted from the first stator body 11.

[0058] The first stator body 11 includes an additional connecting body 16B. The additional connecting body 16B is arranged at a position displaced in the axial direction D1 from the connecting body 16A. The additional connecting body 16B is arranged between the first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B of the intermediate wall 15 and at a position displaced in the axial direction D1 from the first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B. In the present embodiment, the first stator body 11 includes a plurality of additional connecting bodies 16B. However, the total number of the additional connecting bodies 16B is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of additional connecting bodies 16B may be omitted from the first stator body 11.

[0059] The rotating connector device 1 is characterized as follows. (1) As shown in FIG. 6, the rotating connector device 1 is provided on one of the members of the support floor 23 and the base plate 12, protrudes toward the other member of the support floor 23 and the base plate 12, and is configured to slidably support the other member. The first protrusion PR1 and the first recess GV1 are provided on the other member and are configured such that the first protrusion PR1 is slidably fitted in the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. Thereby, since the first recess GV1 restricts the movement of the first protrusion PR1 in the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1, the vibration in the radial direction D2 of the rotor 20 with respect to the stator 10 can be suppressed, and abnormal noise can be suppressed. (2) As shown in FIG. 6, the rotating connector device 1 is provided on the one member, protrudes toward the other member, and is separated from the first protrusion PR1 in the radial direction D2. The second protrusion PR2 and the second recess GV2 are provided on the other member and are configured such that the second protrusion PR2 is slidably fitted in the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis A1. Thereby, since the vibration in the radial direction D2 of the rotor 20 with respect to the stator 10 is suppressed by two different protrusions and recesses in the radial direction D2, further abnormal noise can be suppressed. (3) As shown in Fig. 6, a first central axis line AP1, which substantially extends in the axial direction D1 of the first protrusion PR1, is provided offset from the first center AG1 in the radial direction D2 of the first recess GV1 in the first direction of the radial direction D2. A second central axis line AP2, which substantially extends in the axial direction D1 of the second protrusion PR2, is provided offset from the second center AG2 in the radial direction D2 of the second recess GV2 in the second direction of the radial direction D2 opposite to the first direction. In particular, the first central axis line AP1 and the second central axis line AP2 are positioned between the first center AG1 and the second center AG2 in the radial direction D2. For this reason, since the direction of deviation from the first center AG1 with respect to the first center line and the direction of deviation from the second center AG2 with respect to the second central axis line AP2 are opposite, the vibration amplitude in the radial direction D2 of the rotor 20 with respect to the stator 10 becomes small, so that abnormal noise can be further suppressed. Furthermore, since the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 are provided outside the first center AG1 and the second center AG2, they are less affected by the error between the position of the first protrusion PR1 and the position of the second protrusion PR2, and the position of the support floor 23 with respect to the base plate 12 can be accurately positioned. (4) As shown in Fig. 6, a cross-section passing through the rotation axis line A1 of the tip T1 of the first protrusion PR1 has a substantially semi-oval shape symmetrical with respect to the first central axis line AP1, and a cross-section passing through the rotation axis line A1 of the tip T2 of the second protrusion PR2 has a semi-oval shape symmetrical with respect to the second central axis line AP2. The cross-section of the recess of the first recess GV1 has a dome shape. The cross-section of the recess of the second recess GV2 has a dome shape. Thereby, not only is it easy to form the tips of the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2, and the first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2, but also excessive stress can be avoided when the first protrusion PR1 contacts the first recess GV1 and when the second protrusion PR2 contacts the second recess GV2. (5) The rotary connector device 1 further includes lubricants GR1 and GR2 provided in the first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2. Thereby, the lubricants GR1 and GR2 can reduce the contact resistance when the first protrusion PR1 contacts the first recess GV1 and the contact resistance when the second protrusion PR2 contacts the second recess GV2, so that abnormal noise can be further suppressed. As shown in FIG. 6, the other member is located vertically below the one member. As a result, since the lubricants GR1 and GR2 in a fluid state with low viscosity can be received in the first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2, the lubricants GR1 and GR2 can be stably provided between the first protrusion PR1 and the first recess GV1 and between the second protrusion PR2 and the second recess GV2. (7) The first recess GV1 and the second recess GV2 each have an annular shape centered on the rotation axis A1 when viewed in the axial direction D1. With this configuration, when the rotor 20 rotates with respect to the stator 10, even if the first protrusion PR1 makes a relative rotational movement with respect to the first recess GV1, it moves into the first recess GV1, and even if the second protrusion PR2 makes a relative rotational movement with respect to the second recess GV2, it moves into the second recess GV2. Therefore, the rotor 20 can rotate 360 degrees with respect to the stator 10. 〔Modification〕 Figs. 9 to 14 are cross-sectional views of the rotary connector device 1 according to a modified example of the embodiment in line VI-VI of Fig. 4. In Figs. 9 to 14, for the sake of brevity of explanation, since the configuration is the same as that of Fig. 6 except for the content described in the following explanation, those explanations are omitted. As shown in Figs. 9 to 14, the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 may not include the base end portions B1 and B2, respectively. As shown in Figs. 10, 12, and 14, the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 may not include the base end portions B1 and B2, respectively. Note that the rotary connector device 1 may further include protrusions other than the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2. As shown in Figs. 11 to 14, the one member may be the base plate 12 and the other member may be the support floor 23. At this time, since the vertical relationship between the one member and the other member is opposite to that in the embodiment, it is desirable that the viscosities of the lubricants GR1 and GR2 are higher. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, an example in which the first protrusion PR1 and the second protrusion PR2 are coated with a highly viscous lubricant GR1 and a lubricant GR2 (grease) is shown. Even in this case, since the lubricants GR1 and GR2 can reduce the contact resistance when the first protrusion PR1 contacts the first recess GV1 and the contact resistance when the second protrusion PR2 contacts the second recess GV2, it can be suppressed. Also, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the lubricants GR1 and GR2 may be omitted. The rotary connector devices according to these modified examples can obtain substantially the same effects as the rotary connector device 1 of the embodiment.

[0060] In the present application, "comprising" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms for explaining the presence of components, and do not exclude the presence of other components not described. This also applies to "having", "including" and their derivatives.

[0061] In the present application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have other meanings (such as a specific order, etc.). For example, the existence of a "second element" is not implicitly implied by the existence of a "first element", nor is the existence of a "first element" implicitly implied by the existence of a "second element".

[0062] In addition, the expressions "parallel", "orthogonal", and "coincident" in the present disclosure should not be strictly interpreted, but rather include the meanings of "substantially parallel", "substantially orthogonal", and "substantially coincident", respectively. Also, expressions regarding other arrangements are not to be strictly interpreted.

[0063] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure includes, for example, any of (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, any of (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In the present 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".

[0064] Considering the above disclosure, it is obvious that various changes and modifications to the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosure of the present application without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1: Rotating Connector Device 10: Stator 12: Base Plate 20: Rotor 23: Support Floor A1: Axis of Rotation AG1: First Center AG2: Second Center AP1: First Central Axis AP2: Second central axis D1: Axial direction D2: Radial direction D3: Circumferential direction GR1: Lubricant GR2: Lubricant GV1: First recess GV2: Second recess PR1: First protrusion PR2: Second protrusion T1: Tip T2: Tip

Claims

1. A stator, a rotor rotatably provided around a rotation axis with respect to the stator, a support floor connected to the rotor, rotatably provided around the rotation axis together with the rotor, and configured to support a cable wound around the rotation axis, a base plate connected to the stator and provided spaced apart in an axial direction along the rotation axis with respect to the support floor, a first protrusion provided on one of the support floor and the base plate, protruding toward the other of the support floor and the base plate, and configured to slidably support the other member, a first recess provided in the other member, configured such that the first protrusion is slidably fitted in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis, comprising, a rotary connector device.

2. A cross section of a tip of the first protrusion passing through the rotation axis has a semi-oval shape substantially symmetric with respect to a first central axis, a cross section of a recess of the first recess has a dome shape, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a lubricant provided in the first recess, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

4. The other member is located vertically below the one member, The rotary connector device according to claim 3.

5. The first recess has an annular shape centered on the rotation axis when viewed in the axial direction, The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a second protrusion provided on the one member, protruding toward the other member, and spaced from the first protrusion in the radial direction, a second recess provided in the other member, configured such that the second protrusion is slidably fitted in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis, further comprising, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

7. A first central axis substantially extending in the axial direction of the first protrusion is provided offset from a first center in the radial direction of the first recess in a first direction in the radial direction, A second central axis substantially extending in the axial direction of the second protrusion is provided offset from a second center in the radial direction of the second recess in a second direction in the radial direction opposite to the first direction, The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

8. The first central axis and the second central axis are located between the first center and the second center in the radial direction. The rotary connector device according to claim 7.

9. The cross-section passing through the rotation axis at the tip of the first protrusion has a semi-oval shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the first central axis. The cross-section passing through the rotation axis at the tip of the second protrusion has a semi-oval shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the second central axis. The cross-section of the recess of the first recess has a dome shape. The cross-section of the recess of the second recess has a dome shape. The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

10. Further comprising a lubricant provided in the first recess and the second recess. The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

11. The other member is located vertically below the one member. The rotary connector device according to claim 10.

12. The first recess and the second recess each have an annular shape centered on the rotation axis when viewed in the axial direction. The rotary connector device according to claims 6 to 11.

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