Rotary connector device

Abstract

To reduce sliding noise from a flat cable.SOLUTION: A rotary connector device has a stator and a rotator. The rotator is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The stator and the rotator define a cable housing space such that they surround the rotation axis. The cable housing space is defined by: a first wall provided on one of the stator and the rotator, and extending in an axial direction along the rotation axis; a second wall provided on the other of the stator and the rotator, extending in the axial direction, and opposite to the first wall in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis; a supporting bed connecting the first wall to the second wall and extending in the radial direction; and a cover opposite to the supporting bed in the axial direction. The first wall has a first width in the axial direction. The second wall has a second width in the axial direction. The second width is wider than the first width.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).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The rotary connector is configured such that a flat cable in which two resin films sandwiching a conductor are fixed with an adhesive slides, but sliding noise may occur during sliding.

[0005] The problem of the technology disclosed in the present application is to suppress sliding noise when the flat cable slides.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rotary connector device according to the first feature includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is provided rotatably around a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The stator and the rotor define a cable accommodation space so as to surround the rotation axis. The cable accommodation space is defined by a first wall, a second wall, a support floor, and a cover. The first wall is provided on one of the stator and the rotor and extends in an axial direction along the rotation axis. The second wall is the other of the stator and the rotor, extends in the axial direction, and is provided opposite to the first wall in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. The support floor connects the first wall and the second wall and extends in the radial direction. The cover is provided opposite to the support floor in the axial direction. The first wall has a first width in the axial direction. The second wall has a second width in the axial direction. The second width is larger than the first width.

[0007] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable and the surface of the base plate closer to the outside among the first wall and the second wall tends to increase, but the sliding noise between the base plate and the flat cable can be suppressed. Further, by reducing the first width in the axial direction of the first wall, the flat cable is gathered at the central portion in the axial direction, and the winding deviation of the flat cable is suppressed.

[0008] The rotary connector device according to the second feature is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the support floor has a first base end portion close to the second wall, and the first base end portion extends substantially in the radial direction.

[0009] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable and the surface of the first base end portion can be suppressed.

[0010] The rotary connector device according to the third feature is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, the support floor has a second base end portion close to the first wall and an inclined portion provided between the first base end portion and the second base end portion in the radial direction. The inclined portion is inclined from the first base end portion toward the cover. The first angle at which the second base end portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion is smaller than the second angle at which the inclined portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion.

[0011] In the rotary connector device according to the third feature, the inclined portion can gather the flat cables at a predetermined position in the axial direction, and at the first base end portion, a plurality of flat cables can be bundled at substantially the same position.

[0012] The rotary connector device according to the fourth feature further includes at least one sheet for reducing the sliding resistance of the cable to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the support floor in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third features. The at least one sheet includes a first sheet provided at the first base end portion of the support floor close to the second wall.

[0013] In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the friction caused by the sliding between the flat cable and the surface of the first base end portion can be suppressed. Thereby, the sliding noise can be suppressed.

[0014] The rotary connector device according to the fifth feature is characterized in that, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the sheet is provided on at least one of the second base end portion of the support floor close to the first wall and the inclined portion of the support floor between the first base end portion and the second base end portion.

[0015] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, the friction caused by the sliding between the flat cable and at least one of the surfaces of the second base end portion and the inclined portion can be suppressed. Thereby, the sliding noise can be suppressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] With the technology disclosed in this application, the sliding noise of the flat cable can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical configurations. 〔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 this 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 generally has an 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.

[0021] The connector housing portion 24 is provided on the rotary 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 and the rotor 20 define a cable accommodation space 50 provided so as to surround the rotation axis A1 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. For example, the cable accommodation space 50 is annular. The rotary connector device 1 includes a flexible sheet 60 and a flat cable 70. The flexible sheet 60 is provided within the cable accommodation space 50. The flexible sheet 60 has flexibility and has a flat shape. The flexible sheet 60 is made of an insulator.

[0024] When viewed in the axial direction along the rotation axis line A1, the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are bent in a U shape within the cable accommodation space 50. The flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction D3 around the rotation axis line A1. That is, the angle θ formed by the U-shaped tips of two adjacent members among the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 in the circumferential direction D3 is substantially equal regardless of the combination of the two members. In the example of FIG. 4, since the sum of the number of flat cables 70 and the number of flexible sheets 60 is four, θ is approximately 90 degrees. The flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 form a U-shaped bent shape by pressing against each other. In FIG. 4, when the rotor 20 is rotated clockwise with respect to the stator 10, since the rotor 20 winds up the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60, the shape is less likely to collapse. However, when the rotor 20 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the stator 10, the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 are sent to the outer stator 10 side. If θ becomes large, the pressing force cannot be applied sufficiently, and the flat cable 70 may shift up and down. For this reason, it is desirable that θ be 90 degrees or less. Depending on the corresponding vehicle, the number of flat cables 70 may be three or less. In such a case, by providing the flexible sheet 60, the pressing force between different flat cables 70 or between the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 can be sufficiently exerted, and even when the rotor 20 is rotated, the flat cable 70 is prevented from getting entangled. Note that since θ may be 90 degrees or less, the flexible sheet 60 may be omitted even if the number of flat cables 70 is four or more. The flexible sheet 60 may be referred to as a dummy cable.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the stator 10 of the rotary connector device 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the first stator body 11 includes a base plate 12. 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 first stator body 11 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.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotary plate 21 and the base plate 12 at least partially define a cable accommodation space 50. The rotary plate 21 is located opposite to the base plate 12 in the axial direction D1. In the following embodiments, the rotary plate 21 may be referred to as a cover. When the rotary connector device 1 is installed on the vehicle body, the base plate 12 is located vertically below the cover (rotary plate 21). 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 one member provided inside the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1 among the stator 10 and the rotor 20. The cylindrical portion 22 may be provided on the one member and may be referred to as a first wall extending along the axial direction D1 along the rotation axis A1. The stator 10 is the other member different from the one member.

[0027] 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 first stator wall 31 may be provided on the other member, extend in the axial direction D1, and be referred to as a second wall opposite to the first wall in a radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The cylindrical portion 22 (the first wall) has a first width W1 in the axial direction D1. The first stator wall 31 (the second wall) has a second width W2 in the axial direction D1. The second width W2 is larger than the first width W1. The second stator wall 32 extends along the axial direction D1 and is arranged at a distance from the first stator wall 31 in the 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.

[0028] 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 can be in contact with the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction D2. At least one of the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 can be in contact with the base plate 12.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 can come into contact with the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction D2. The first stator wall 31 and the second stator wall 32 are in contact with the base plate 12. Therefore, it can be said that the base plate 12 connects the first wall (cylindrical portion 22) and the second wall (first stator wall 31) and extends in the radial direction D2. The base plate 12 has a first base end portion 12C close to the second wall (first stator wall 31). The first base end portion 12C extends substantially in the radial direction D2. The base plate 12 has a second base end portion 12D close to the first wall (cylindrical portion 22) and an inclined portion 12E provided between the first base end portion 12C and the second base end portion 12D in the radial direction D2. The inclined portion 12E is inclined from the first base end portion 12C toward the cover (rotating plate 21). A first angle φ1 at which the first base end portion 12C inclines toward the cover (rotating plate 21) with respect to the second base end portion 12D is smaller than a second angle φ2 at which the inclined portion 12E inclines toward the cover (rotating plate 21) with respect to the second base end portion 12D. The first angle φ1 is preferably 0 degrees.

[0030] Figure 4 shows the inclined portion 12E with sand-like hatching (AR-SAND) and the first base end portion 12C with dot hatching (DOTS). As shown in Figure 4, the length of the portion of the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 on the first base end portion 12C is longer than the length of the portion of the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 on the inclined portion 12E. When the rotor 20 rotates clockwise in Figure 4, the rotor 20 winds up the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60. When the rotor 20 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 4, the bending restoring force of the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 acts to press the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 against the first stator wall 31. At this time, the flat cable 70 and the flexible sheet 60 also act to be pressed against the first base end portion 12C. For these reasons, the friction due to the sliding of the flat cable 70 on the surface of the first base end portion 12C is greater than the friction due to the sliding of the flat cable 70 on the surface of the inclined portion 12E. Therefore, the first base end portion 12C is more likely to generate stick-slip than the inclined portion 12E. Stick-slip is an intermittent motion in which when two contacting objects slide, they do not slide smoothly continuously, but rather sliding and sticking occur alternately. A sliding sound is generated by stick-slip. However, since the first base end portion 12C extends substantially in the radial direction D2, the sliding sound between the first base end portion 12C and the flat cable 70 can be suppressed.

[0031] The first stator wall 31, the second stator wall 32, and the base plate 12 position the first stator body 11 and the second stator body 30 in the axial direction D1. The intermediate wall 15 is axially separated from the connecting portion 34. 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. 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.

[0032] In this embodiment, the intermediate wall 15 is provided integrally 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.

[0033] 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 plate portion 15D, and a second flat plate portion 15E. The curved portion 15C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 15D linearly extends from an end of the curved portion 15C and has the first end portion 15A. The second flat plate portion 15E linearly extends 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.

[0034] The first stator wall 31 includes a first end portion 31A and a second end portion 31B. The first stator wall 31 extends around the rotation axis A1 from the first end portion 31A to the second end portion 31B. The first stator wall 31 includes a curved portion 31C, a first flat plate portion 31D, and a second flat plate portion 31E. The curved portion 31C extends over 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 31D linearly extends from an end of the curved portion 31C and has the first end portion 31A. The second flat plate portion 31E linearly extends from another end of the curved portion 31C and has the second end portion 31B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 31C extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0035] The second stator wall 32 includes a first end portion 32A and a second end portion 32B. The second stator wall 32 extends around the rotation axis A1 from the first end portion 32A to the second end portion 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 portion 32A. The second flat portion 32E extends linearly from another end of the curved portion 32C and has the second end portion 32B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall 15, the curved portion 32C extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1 in the circumferential range R2.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The second stator body 30 includes a cable passage 36. The cable passage 36 is connected to the cable accommodation space 50. The flat cable 70 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 arranged between the first flat portion 15D and the second flat portion 15E of the intermediate wall 15.

[0038] In FIG. 4, the vertical direction is generally consistent 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 generally the same position in the axial direction D1. The plurality of connecting bodies 16A are disposed outside the intermediate wall 15 in the radial direction. 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.

[0041] The first stator body 11 includes an additional connector 16B. The additional connector 16B is disposed at a position displaced in the axial direction D1 from the connector 16A. The additional connector 16B is disposed 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 connectors 16B. However, the total number of the additional connectors 16B is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of additional connectors 16B may be omitted from the first stator body 11.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 6, the rotary connector device 1 further includes at least one sheet 80 that reduces the sliding resistance of the cable (flat cable 70, flexible sheet 60) to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate 12. The at least one sheet 80 may be referred to as a slip sheet. The at least one sheet 80 includes a first sheet 81 provided at the first base end portion 12C of the base plate 12 close to the second wall (the first stator wall 31). The at least one sheet 80 further includes a second sheet provided on at least one of the second base end portion 12D of the base plate 12 close to the first wall (cylindrical portion 22) and the inclined portion 12E of the base plate 12 between the first base end portion 12C and the second base end portion 12D.

[0043] The features of the rotary connector device 1 are as follows. (1) As shown in Fig. 6, in the rotary connector device 1, the second width W2 in the axial direction D1 of the second wall (the first stator wall 31) is larger than the first width W1 in the axial direction D1 of the first wall (the cylindrical portion 22). Therefore, although the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable 70 and the surface of the first base end portion 12C is likely to be larger than the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable 70 and the surface of the inclined portion 12E, the sliding noise between the first base end portion 12C and the flat cable 70 can be suppressed. Also, by reducing the first width W1 in the axial direction D1 of the first wall (the cylindrical portion 22), the flat cable 70 (and the flexible sheet 60) is gathered at the central portion in the axial direction D1, and the winding deviation of the flat cable 70 (and the flexible sheet 60) is suppressed. (2) As shown in Fig. 6, the first base end portion 12C extends substantially in the radial direction D2 perpendicular to the axial direction D1. Thereby, the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable 70 and the surface of the first base end portion 12C can be suppressed. (3) As shown in Fig. 6, the first angle φ1 of the first base end portion 12C is smaller than the second angle φ2 of the inclined portion 12E. Thereby, the inclined portion 12E can gather the flat cable 70 (and the flexible sheet 60) at a predetermined position in the axial direction D1, and at the first base end portion 12C, a plurality of flat cables 70 (and flexible sheets 60) can be bundled at substantially the same position. (4) The rotary connector device 1 further includes at least one sheet 80 that reduces the sliding resistance of the cable (the flat cable 70, the flexible sheet 60) to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate 12. The at least one sheet 80 includes a first sheet 81 provided at the first base end portion 12C. Thereby, the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable 70 and the surface of the first base end portion 12C can be suppressed. Thereby, the sliding noise can be suppressed. (5) The at least one sheet 80 further includes a second sheet 82 provided on at least one of the second base end portion 12D and the inclined portion 12E. Thereby, the friction due to the sliding between the flat cable 70 and at least one of the surfaces of the second base end portion 12D and the inclined portion 12E can be suppressed. Thereby, the sliding noise can be suppressed. (6) The rotor 20 is provided inside the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. The stator 10 is provided outside the radial direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. Thereby, it is easy to connect the rotor 20 to the steering wheel. [Modification Example] Next, referring to FIG. 7, it is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line VI-VI of FIG. 4 according to a modification example of the embodiment. In FIG. 7, for the sake of simplicity 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. In FIG. 7, the first base end portion 12C does not extend substantially in the radial direction D2, but is inclined by a third angle φ3 with respect to the radial direction D2. The first base end portion 12C is inclined by a first angle φ1 toward the cover (rotary plate 21) with respect to the radial direction D2. The inclined portion 12E is inclined by a second angle φ2 toward the cover (rotary plate 21) with respect to the radial direction D2. The third angle φ3 is smaller than the second angle φ2. The rotary connector device according to this modification example can obtain substantially the same effects as the rotary connector device 1 of the embodiment.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the rotary plate 21 (cover) is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 22 is described. That is, the rotary plate 21 (cover) is a part of the rotor 20. However, as shown in an example in FIG. 8, the rotary plate 21 (cover) may be separate from the cylindrical portion 22. The rotary plate 21 (cover) may be separate from the rotor 20.

[0045] In the present application, "comprising" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms for explaining the existence of components and do not exclude the existence of other components not described. This also applies to "having", "including" and their derivatives.

[0046] In the present application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying the configuration and have no other meaning (for example, a specific order, etc.). For example, the existence of a "second element" is not implicitly meant just because there is a "first element", nor is the existence of a "first element" implicitly meant just because there is a "second element".

[0047] Also, the expressions "parallel", "orthogonal", and "coincident" in the present disclosure should not be interpreted strictly and include the meanings of "substantially parallel", "substantially orthogonal", and "substantially coincident" respectively. Also, expressions regarding other arrangements are not to be interpreted strictly.

[0048] Also, 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, (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".

[0049] Considering the above disclosure content, it is obvious that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosure content of the present application without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 1: Rotating connector device 10: Stator 12: Base plate 12C: First base end portion 12D: Second base end portion 12E: Inclined portion 20: Rotor 50: Cable accommodation space 80: Sheet 81: Sheet 1 82: Sheet 2 A1: Axis of rotation D1: Axial direction D2: Radial direction W1: First width W2: Second width θ: Angle φ1: First angle φ2: Second angle

Claims

1. A stator, a rotor rotatably provided around a rotation axis with respect to the stator, comprising: the stator and the rotor define a cable accommodation space so as to surround the rotation axis, the cable accommodation space is provided on one member provided radially inward with respect to the rotation axis among the stator and the rotor, and has a first wall extending in the axial direction along the rotation axis, is provided on the other member different from the one member among the stator and the rotor, extends in the axial direction, and has a second wall opposite to the first wall in the radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, a base plate connecting the first wall and the second wall and extending in the radial direction, a cover opposite to the base plate in the axial direction, is defined by, the first wall has a first width in the axial direction, the second wall has a second width in the axial direction, the second width is larger than the first width, a rotary connector device.

2. The base plate has a first base end portion close to the second wall, the first base end portion extends substantially in the radial direction, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

3. The base plate has a first base end portion close to the second wall, a second base end portion close to the first wall, and an inclined portion provided between the first base end portion and the second base end portion in the radial direction, the inclined portion is inclined from the first base end portion toward the cover, a first angle at which the second base end portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion is smaller than a second angle at which the inclined portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising at least one sheet for reducing the sliding resistance of the cable to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate, the at least one sheet includes a first sheet provided at a first base end portion of the base plate close to the second wall, The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

5. The at least one sheet further includes a second sheet provided on at least one of a second base end portion of the base plate close to the first wall and an inclined portion of the base plate between the first base end portion and the second base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 4.

6. Further comprising at least one sheet for reducing the sliding resistance of the cable to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate, The at least one sheet includes a first sheet provided at a first base end portion of the base plate close to the second wall, The rotary connector device according to claim 3.

7. The at least one sheet further includes a second sheet provided on at least one of a second base end portion of the base plate close to the first wall and an inclined portion of the base plate between the first base end portion and the second base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

8. The base plate, A first base end portion close to the second wall, A second base end portion close to the first wall, And an inclined portion provided between the first base end portion and the second base end portion in the radial direction, The inclined portion is inclined from the first base end portion toward the cover, A first angle at which the second base end portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion is smaller than a second angle at which the inclined portion inclines toward the cover with respect to the first base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 2.

9. Further comprising at least one sheet for reducing the sliding resistance of the cable to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate, The at least one sheet includes a first sheet provided at a first base end portion of the base plate close to the second wall, The rotary connector device according to claim 8.

10. The at least one sheet further includes a second sheet provided on at least one of a second base end portion of the base plate close to the first wall and an inclined portion of the base plate between the first base end portion and the second base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 9.

11. Further comprising at least one sheet for reducing the sliding resistance of the cable to be lower than the sliding resistance of the surface of the base plate, The at least one sheet includes a first sheet provided at a first base end portion of the base plate close to the second wall, The rotary connector device according to claim 2.

12. The at least one sheet further includes a second sheet provided on at least one of a second base end portion of the base plate close to the first wall and an inclined portion of the base plate between the first base end portion and the second base end portion, The rotary connector device according to claim 11.

13. The one member is a rotor, and the other member is a stator. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The cover is a part of the rotor. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. The cover is separate from the rotor. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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