Connection structure and magnetorheological fluid device

Abstract

To provide a connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power supply to each other, the connection structure being connectable to an external power source by a connector and being easily manufactured, and to provide a magnetorheological fluid device including the connection structure.SOLUTION: A connection structure 100D is for connecting a coil 70 to an external power supply, and includes: a bobbin 60D having a flange part 61D provided with terminal pins 66 and a body part 62; a coil wire 71D forming the coil 70; a substrate 110D fixed to the flange part 61D and provided with a terminal pin insertion part 115 through which the terminal pins 66 are inserted; and a connector provided on the substrate 110D. The coil wire 71D is electrically connected to the terminal pins 66; the terminal pins 66 are electrically connected to a first connection part 113D of the substrate 110D; connector terminals 123 of the connector are electrically connected to a second connection part 114 of the substrate 110D; and the first connection part 113D and the second connection part 114 are electrically conducted to each other through the substrate 110D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power source, and a magnetorheological fluid device equipped with the connection structure, in which a magnetorheological fluid is interposed between components so that a force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the components. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of connection structure and magnetorheological fluid device are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. In the braking device using magnetorheological fluid disclosed in Patent Document 1, a hole is provided in a housing that accommodates a coil and the like, and a lead wire connected to the coil is inserted through the hole and drawn out to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-142016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional magnetorheological fluid devices, when lead wires are pulled out to the outside as in Patent Document 1, wiring work is required to connect the lead wires to a power source, which has problems such as effort, cost, quality variations, and the lead wires being easily broken due to vibration.

[0005] The present invention was devised in light of these problems, and aims to provide a connection structure that can be easily connected to an external power source using a connector and is easy to assemble, as well as a magnetorheological fluid device equipped with this connection structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connection structure according to a first aspect of the present invention is a connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power source, and includes: a bobbin having a flange with two terminal pins provided on its outer surface and a body; a coil wire wound around the body to form the coil; a substrate having a terminal pin insertion portion through which the terminal pin is inserted and one surface fixed to the outer surface of the flange; and a connector attached to the substrate. The coil wire is electrically connected to the terminal pin. A first connection portion is provided on the other surface of the substrate near the terminal pin insertion portion. The terminal pin and the first connection portion are electrically connected. A connector terminal of the connector is electrically connected to a second connection portion provided on the substrate. The first connection portion and the second connection portion are mutually conductive via the substrate.

[0007] With a connection structure having such a configuration, the coil can be easily connected to an external power source by simply mating the connector of the connection structure with the connector of the power line connected to the external power source.

[0008] A connection structure according to a second aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the first aspect, wherein the terminal pin has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0009] A connection structure according to a third aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the first or second aspect, wherein the terminal pin is integrated with the flange portion of the bobbin by insert molding.

[0010] A connection structure according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the first or second aspect, in which a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the flange portion is provided around the terminal pin, and the protrusion is fitted into the terminal pin insertion portion of the board.

[0011] A connection structure according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power source, and includes: a bobbin having a flange and a body; a coil wire wound around the body to form the coil; a substrate having one surface fixed to the outer surface of the flange; and a connector attached to the substrate. The coil wire is electrically connected to a first connection portion provided on the substrate. A connector terminal of the connector is electrically connected to a second connection portion provided on the substrate. The first connection portion and the second connection portion are electrically connected to each other by the substrate.

[0012] With a connection structure having such a configuration, the coil can be easily connected to an external power source by simply fitting the connector of the connection structure to the connector of the power line connected to the external power source.

[0013] A connection structure according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the fifth aspect, wherein the flange portion is provided with an insertion portion through which the coil wire is inserted.

[0014] A connection structure according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the outer surface of the flange portion and the substrate are each provided with a fitting portion that fits into each other.

[0015] A connection structure according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the connection structure according to the first or fifth aspect, wherein the connector is attached to one surface of the substrate.

[0016] A connection structure according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a connection structure according to the first or fifth aspect, in which the connector is provided on a surface of the substrate different from the surface on which the first connection portion is provided.

[0017] A magnetorheological fluid device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes the connection structure according to the first or fifth aspect, a yoke that forms an electromagnet together with the coil, and magnetorheological fluid interposed between members. The electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid, and a force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the members.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to the magnetorheological fluid device of the tenth aspect, wherein the members interposing the magnetorheological fluid between them are a rotating plate fixed to a rotating shaft that rotates about its axis, and the yoke. The yoke has a first opposing surface that faces one main surface of the rotating plate across a first gap, and a second opposing surface that faces the other main surface of the rotating plate across a second gap. The magnetorheological fluid is interposed in the first gap and the second gap. The coil is housed in the yoke together with the bobbin, and the yoke has an opening that communicates with a space that houses the bobbin and the coil. The substrate is fixed to the outer surface of the flange that is exposed from the opening, and the substrate and the connector are disposed within the opening.

[0019] A magnetorheological fluid device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the magnetorheological fluid device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the connector receiver is held in contact with an edge of the cutout portion.

[0020] A magnetorheological fluid device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a magnetorheological fluid device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the yoke comprises a first yoke having the first opposing surface and a second yoke having the second opposing surface, the bobbin and the coil are housed in the first yoke, and the opening is provided in the first yoke. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connection structure that allows a coil to be easily connected to an external power source using a connector, and a magnetorheological fluid device that includes the connection structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the cover and substrate removed. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the cover and substrate removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with the cover and substrate removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover and substrate removed. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view, seen from below, showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover and substrate removed. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a magnetorheological fluid device including a connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a magnetorheological fluid device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which terminal pins have a connecting structure in the form of square pillars, with the cover removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A connection structure 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a magnetorheological fluid device 1 including the connection structure 100 will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "axis N" refers to the axis N of the rotating shaft 10, "radial direction" refers to the radial direction of the rotating shaft 10, "upward" refers to one side of the axis N direction, and "downward" refers to the other side of the axis N direction. Of course, the use state of the magnetorheological fluid device is not limited to a state in which the axis N of the rotating shaft 10 is oriented in the vertical direction in real space. In addition, in the drawings, the dashed line with an arrow indicated by symbol P exemplifies a magnetic path. Part of the dashed line with an arrow indicated by symbol P is omitted.

[0024] First Embodiment As shown in Figure 1, the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment comprises a connection structure 100, a rotating shaft 10, a rotating plate 20, a first yoke 30, a second yoke 40, a magnetorheological fluid 50, a bobbin 60, a coil 70, and a casing 80.

[0025] The magnetorheological fluid device 1 includes an electromagnet formed by a coil 70, a first yoke 30, and a second yoke 40. A force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid 50 by the electromagnet is transmitted between the rotating plate 20 and the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40.

[0026] The rotating shaft 10 is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis N via a bearing 18 press-fitted into a shaft hole 31 formed in the first yoke 30. The rotating shaft 10 is formed with, in order from the top, a general portion 11, a first small diameter portion 12, a medium diameter portion 13, a second small diameter portion 14, a flange portion 15, and a tip portion 16.

[0027] The first small diameter portion 12 and the second small diameter portion 14 have a smaller diameter than the general portion 11. The flange portion 15 has a larger diameter than the general portion 11. The medium diameter portion 13 has a larger diameter than the general portion 11 and a smaller diameter than the flange portion 15. The tip portion 16 has a smaller diameter than the first small diameter portion 12 and the second small diameter portion 14, and has a shape in which the diameter becomes even smaller downward due to a step. The tip portion 16 is inserted into the through hole 23 of the rotating plate 20. The material of the rotating shaft 10 is preferably a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel.

[0028] A retaining ring 17 is attached to the general portion 11 of the rotating shaft 10, so that downward movement of the axis N is restricted relative to the bearing 18. The bearing 18 may be a plain bearing or a rolling bearing. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10 is rotatably supported by the bearing 18 attached to the first yoke 30, but a bearing may also be provided in the second yoke 40, and the rotating shaft 10 may be supported by this bearing.

[0029] The rotating plate 20 is, for example, a circular disk. The rotating plate 20 has a first main surface 21 located on the upper side and a second main surface 22 located on the lower side. A through hole 23 is formed in the center of the rotating plate 20. The through hole 23 has a shape in which the diameter becomes smaller at the bottom due to a step. The tip portion 16 of the rotating shaft 10 is inserted into the through hole 23, and the rotating plate 20 is fixed to the rotating shaft 10 while contacting the lower surface of the flange portion 15, and the rotating plate 20 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 function as yokes through which a magnetic path, indicated by the dashed arrowed line P and formed around the coil 70, passes. The first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 are each made of a magnetic material. The first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 are fixed to each other via a casing 80. Within the first yoke 30, a space is formed to accommodate the bobbin 60 and the coil 70, and a space is formed to accommodate the bearing 18 and the rotating shaft 10. Between the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40, a space is formed to rotatably accommodate the rotating plate 20 and to accommodate the magnetorheological fluid 50. Torque is transmitted between the first yoke 30, the second yoke 40, and the rotating plate 20 via the magnetorheological fluid 50.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first yoke 30 is disposed above the rotating plate 20. The first yoke 30 has an annular groove 32 centered on the axis N for accommodating the bobbin 60 and the coil 70. The annular groove 32 opens downward. The radial center of the annular groove 32 coincides with the axis N. The space within the annular groove 32 serves as an accommodating space for the bobbin 60 and the coil 70. In this embodiment, the first yoke 30 has a substantially annular shape centered on the axis N.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first yoke 30 has an opening 33 for arranging the connection structure 100. The opening 33 is formed by cutting out a portion of the top surface and side surface of the first yoke 30. The opening 33 has, for example, a substantially semicircular cutout shape when viewed from the direction of the axis N. The opening 33 communicates with the annular groove 32, and a portion of the bobbin 60 and the coil 70 housed in the annular groove 32 is exposed from the opening 33. The shape and size of the opening 33 can be changed as appropriate to match the connection structure 100, and may be a shape other than a circular arc cutout, or may be rectangular when viewed from the direction of the axis N.

[0033] The first yoke 30 has two first opposing surfaces 34a, 34b that face the first main surface 21 of the rotating plate 20 across a first gap S1. The first opposing surface 34a is located radially inward of the annular groove 32, and the first opposing surface 34b is located radially outward of the annular groove 32.

[0034] The first yoke 30 has a shaft hole 31 in the center for passing the rotating shaft 10 through. A first large diameter portion 31b is formed above an intermediate portion 31a of the shaft hole 31. The first large diameter portion 31b has an inner diameter larger than that of the intermediate portion 31a. A bearing 18 is press-fitted into the first large diameter portion 31b and fixed to the first yoke 30. Furthermore, a second large diameter portion 31c is formed below the intermediate portion 31a of the shaft hole 31. The outer periphery of the flange portion 15 of the rotating shaft 10 is inserted into the second large diameter portion 31c. The inner diameter of the second large diameter portion 31c is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 15 of the rotating shaft 10.

[0035] When the rotating shaft 10 is inserted from below into the shaft hole 31, the flange portion 15 of the rotating shaft 10 is inserted into the second large diameter portion 31c. At this time, when the side surface of the flange portion 15 near the outer periphery abuts against the step between the second large diameter portion 31c and the intermediate portion 31a, the rotating shaft 10 is unable to move upward along the axis N. When the rotating shaft 10 is fixed with the retaining ring 17 relative to the bearing 18 so as not to move downward along the axis N, the rotating shaft 10 is positioned in the direction of the axis N so as to be rotatable relative to the first yoke 30. Furthermore, because the rotating plate 20 is fixed to the rotating shaft 10, the rotating plate 20 is also positioned in the direction of the axis N so as to be rotatable relative to the first yoke 30.

[0036] Shaft seal members 19 are provided between the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 31a of the shaft hole 31 and the first small diameter portion 12 and the second small diameter portion 14 of the rotating shaft 10. The shaft seal members 19 seal between the first yoke 30 and the rotating shaft 10 to prevent a magnetorheological fluid 50 (described later) from leaking upward. For the shaft seal members 19, for example, an O-ring or a Y-packing is used. The shaft seal members 19 are arranged above and below the medium diameter portion 13 of the rotating shaft 10.

[0037] The outer peripheral surface of the first yoke 30 is provided with a step 35, where the diameter is smaller on the lower side than on the upper side. The portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first yoke 30 below the step 35 is inserted into and fixed to the inside of the casing 80. An annular groove 301 is provided on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the first yoke 30. An O-ring 45 is inserted into the annular groove 301. The O-ring 45 seals the gap between the first yoke 30 and the casing 80.

[0038] 1, the second yoke 40 is provided so that the rotating plate 20 is interposed between the second yoke 40 and the first yoke 30. The second yoke 40 has a disk shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis N and is centered on the axis N. The second yoke 40 has a second opposing surface 41 that faces the second main surface 22 of the rotating plate 20 across a second gap S2. The second opposing surface 41 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first opposing surfaces 34a and 34b of the first yoke 30.

[0039] The second yoke 40 is inserted into and fixed to the inside of a cylindrical casing 80. The second yoke 40 is fixed to the first yoke 30 via the casing 80. An annular groove 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second yoke 40. An O-ring 45 is inserted into the annular groove 44. The O-ring 45 seals the gap between the second yoke 40 and the casing 80. The magnetorheological fluid device 1 of this embodiment uses the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 as the yokes, but the shape of the yokes is not limited, and any shape can be used as long as it can accommodate the bobbin 60 and the coil 70.

[0040] The magnetorheological fluid 50 is accommodated in the accommodation space for the magnetorheological fluid 50 within the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40. The accommodation space for the magnetorheological fluid 50 is the space formed between the first opposing surfaces 34a, 34b of the first yoke 30 and the second opposing surface 41 of the second yoke 40, excluding the rotating plate 20. In FIG. 1 , the accommodation space for the magnetorheological fluid 50 is the area shaded gray. The magnetorheological fluid 50 is present in the first gap S1 between the rotating plate 20 and the first yoke 30 and the second gap S2 between the rotating plate 20 and the second yoke 40, and transmits torque between them according to its viscosity.

[0041] The magnetorheological fluid 50 is a liquid in which magnetic particles are dispersed in a dispersion medium, and in particular, magnetic particles made of nano-sized metal particles (metal nanoparticles) can be used. The magnetic particles are made of a magnetizable metal material, and although there are no particular restrictions on the metal material, soft magnetic materials are preferred. Examples of soft magnetic materials include alloys of iron, cobalt, nickel, and permalloy. The dispersion medium is not particularly limited, but hydrophobic silicone oil is one example. The amount of magnetic particles in the magnetorheological fluid 50 may be, for example, 3 to 40 vol%. Various additives can also be added to the magnetorheological fluid 50 to obtain various desired properties.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the bobbin 60 has two flanges 61 and a body 62. As shown in FIG. 2, one flange 61 is formed with two insertion portions 63 and one first guide protrusion 64, which is a fitting portion. The first guide protrusion 64 has a cylindrical shape protruding from the outer surface 61a of the flange 61. The insertion portion 63 is a substantially semicircular cutout formed on the outer periphery of the flange 61. The shape of the insertion portion 63 is not limited, and may be a through hole instead of a cutout. The shape and number of the first guide protrusion 64 are not limited.

[0043] 2, a portion of the flange 61 of the bobbin 60 housed in the annular groove 32 of the first yoke 30 is exposed from the opening 33. At this time, the portion of the flange 61 where the insertion portion 63 and the first guide protrusion 64 are provided is exposed from the opening 33.

[0044] The coil 70 has a shape that wraps around the axis N, and as shown in FIG. 1 , is housed in the annular groove 32 of the first yoke 30. The coil 70 is formed by winding a coil wire 71 in an annular shape around the body 62 of the bobbin 60. Both ends of the coil wire 71 are drawn out from the coil 70. A portion of the outer circumferential surface of the coil 70 housed in the annular groove 32 of the first yoke 30 is exposed from the opening 33. The coil wire 71 passes through the insertion portion 63 of the flange 61 and is drawn out above the flange 61. The coil wire 71 drawn out from the coil 70 is connected to the substrate 110.

[0045] The casing 80 has a cylindrical shape and is made of a non-magnetic material. In this embodiment, the height of the casing 80 is approximately half the height of the magnetorheological fluid device 1, and the entire second yoke 40 and a part of the first yoke 30 are inserted into and fixed in the casing 80. The height of the casing 80 is not particularly limited, and it may be the same height as the magnetorheological fluid device 1 or less than half the height of the magnetorheological fluid device 1.

[0046] The magnetorheological fluid device 1 of this embodiment has a spacer 90 provided between the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40. The spacer 90 has a ring shape. The spacer 90 is made of a non-magnetic material. The spacer 90 is interposed between the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40, radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating plate 20, in a state of contact with the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40. In this embodiment, the spacer 90 is interposed between the first opposing surface 34b of the first yoke 30 and the second opposing surface 41 of the second yoke 40. The outer circumferential surface of the spacer 90 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the casing 80. The spacer 90 can have various shapes, such as a shape with a portion of a ring cut out.

[0047] The dimension of the spacer 90 in the direction of the axis N is the same as the distance between the first opposing surfaces 34a, 34b of the first yoke 30 and the second opposing surface 41 of the second yoke 40. The spacer 90 is sandwiched between the first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 with no gap in the direction of the axis N. The first yoke 30 and the second yoke 40 are fixed to each other by the casing 80 with the spacer 90 interposed therebetween. As a result, the distance between the first opposing surfaces 34a, 34b of the first yoke 30 and the second opposing surface 41 of the second yoke 40 is determined by the spacer 90. Although the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of this embodiment includes the spacer 90, the first opposing surfaces 34a, 34b of the first yoke 30 and the second opposing surface 41 of the second yoke 40 may be separated by another means without using the spacer 90.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection structure 100 according to this embodiment includes a bobbin 60, a coil wire 71, a substrate 110, a connector receiving portion 120, and a cover 130. An external power source (not shown) connected to the connection structure 100 supplies current to the coil 70. When current flows through the coil 70, a magnetic path is formed in the direction indicated by the dashed arrowed line P in FIG. 1 , passing through the first yoke 30, the magnetorheological fluid 50 present in the first gap S1, the rotating plate 20, the magnetorheological fluid 50 present in the second gap S2, and the second yoke 40. A magnetic field corresponding to the value of the current applied to the coil 70 is then applied to the magnetorheological fluid 50 present in the first gap S1 and the second gap S2. In this embodiment, the connection structure 100 is described as being used in a magnetorheological fluid device 1; however, the connection structure 100 may also be used in devices other than the magnetorheological fluid device 1, such as a motor.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3 , the substrate 110 has two coil wire insertion portions 111 and one guide insertion portion 112, which is a fitting portion. In this embodiment, circular through-holes are formed in the substrate 110 as the coil wire insertion portions 111 and the guide insertion portion 112. The substrate 110 has a planar shape that combines a rectangle and a semicircle, and the semicircular portion matches the planar shape of the opening 33 of the first yoke 30. The semicircular portion of the substrate 110 and the guide insertion portion 112 make it easy to position the substrate 110 when attaching it to the flange portion 61. The planar shape of the substrate 110 can also be changed to match the shape of the opening 33.

[0050] The substrate 110 is attached to the flange 61 of the bobbin 60. At this time, the lower surface (one surface) of the substrate 110 is in contact with the outer surface 61a of the flange 61 of the bobbin 60. The first guide protrusion 64, which is the fitting portion of the flange 61, is inserted into the guide insertion portion 112, which is the fitting portion of the substrate 110, and they are fitted together. At this time, the coil wire insertion portion 111 is positioned on the insertion portion 63. The first guide protrusion 64 and the guide insertion portion 112, which are fitting portions, may have any shape that allows them to fit together, and the relationship of the protrusions and recesses may be reversed from that of this embodiment. The planar shape of the fitting portion is not limited to a circle as in this embodiment, but may be a polygonal shape, a D-cut shape, or other shape. If the fitting portion has a shape that prevents rotation, such as a polygonal shape or a D-cut shape, it is possible to prevent the substrate 110 from rotating relative to the flange 61 when the substrate 110 is attached to the flange 61.

[0051] The coil wire 71 is inserted into the insertion portion 63 and the coil wire insertion portion 111 and is drawn out onto the substrate 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the coil wire 71 drawn out onto the substrate 110 is electrically connected by solder to a first connection portion 113 provided on the upper surface (the other surface) of the substrate 110. For example, a copper foil pad is provided as the first connection portion 113. The first connection portion 113 can also be provided on the lower surface of the substrate 110. In this case, since there is no need to draw the coil wire 71 out to the upper surface of the substrate 110, the coil wire insertion portion 111 is not provided on the substrate 110.

[0052] In this embodiment, the connector receiving portion 120 is attached to the lower surface of the substrate 110. The connector receiving portion 120 is attached to a surface of the substrate 110 different from the surface of the first connection portion 113. The connector receiving portion 120 has a housing 122 in which an opening 121 is provided, and a connector terminal 123 (see FIG. 1) provided in the housing 122. The opening 121 is provided on the front surface of the connector receiving portion 120. A connector insertion portion of a power line connected to an external power source (not shown) is inserted into the opening 121. The connector receiving portion 120 can also be attached to the upper surface of the substrate 110. The male-female relationship between the connector receiving portion 120 and the insertion portion is not limited to that in this embodiment, and the relationship may be reversed.

[0053] A fixing portion 124, which is a base end portion of the connector terminal 123, is fixed by solder to a second connection portion 114 provided on the underside of the substrate 110. As a result, the connector terminal 123 of the connector receiving portion 120 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 114. The substrate 110 provides electrical continuity between the first connection portion 113 and the second connection portion 114. As a result, the connector terminal 123 of the connector receiving portion 120 is electrically connected to the coil wire 71 by the substrate 110. As the second connection portion 114, for example, a copper foil pad is provided.

[0054] The cover 130 is attached to the substrate 110. The cover 130 covers the top surface of the substrate 110 and, in this embodiment, also covers the side surface of the substrate 110. As shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of the cover 130 is inserted into the opening 33. The cover 130 is fixed to the first yoke 30 with an adhesive. The arc-shaped surface of the cover 130 is adhered to the arc-shaped surface of the opening 33 of the first yoke 30. The cover 130 is made of an insulating material. The side portion of the cover 130 is inserted between the side surface of the substrate 110 and the first yoke 30, filling the gap between the side surface of the substrate 110 and the edge of the opening 33. The top surface of the cover 130 is flush with the top surface of the first yoke 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 . The cover 130 is not present in the portion that would be in front of the connector receptacle 120, allowing the plug portion of the power line connector to be inserted into the connector receptacle 120.

[0055] In the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of this embodiment, the substrate 110, the connector receiving portion 120, and a portion of the cover 130 protrude radially outward from the opening 33 of the first yoke 30, but are flush with each other in the direction of the axis N, with no portions protruding from the top surface of the first yoke 30. In this embodiment, the substrate 110 is covered by the cover 130, but instead of the cover 130, an insulating spray or the like may be applied to the substrate 110. Also, the cover 130 need not be provided.

[0056] (Action and effect) According to the connection structure 100 of the first embodiment described above and the magnetorheological fluid device 1 equipped with the connection structure 100, there is no need to bind the power line of the external power source, and breaks due to quality variations, vibrations, etc. can be prevented.

[0057] Furthermore, since the magnetorheological fluid device 1 has the connector receiving portion 120 exposed radially outward from the opening 33 of the first yoke 30, the magnetorheological fluid device 1 can be easily connected to an external power source by simply inserting the connector plug of the power line connected to the external power source radially inward into the opening 121 of the connector receiving portion 120.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the magnetorheological fluid device 1, the upper surface of the cover 130 is flush with the upper surface of the first yoke 30, so that the connection structure 100 can be provided in a space-saving manner without increasing the size of the magnetorheological fluid device 1 in the axial direction N.

[0059] Second Embodiment The following describes a connection structure 100A and a magnetorheological fluid device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, if the functions of the components constituting each part are the same as those in the connection structure 100 and the magnetorheological fluid device 1 described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used and the description will be omitted even if the shape, etc., is slightly different.

[0060] The connection structure 100 included in the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment positions the substrate 110 using one first guide protrusion 64 provided on the flange 61 of the bobbin 60, but in order to prevent the substrate 110 from rotating around the first guide protrusion 64, two more second guide protrusions 64A may be provided on the flange 61A, as shown in Figure 5.

[0061] In the connection structure 100A and magnetorheological fluid device 1A according to the second embodiment, two insertion portions 63, one first guide protrusion 64, and two second guide protrusions 64A are formed on one flange portion 61A of the bobbin 60A.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, two second guide protrusions 64A, each of which is substantially fan-shaped when viewed from above, are formed on the flange 61A exposed from the opening 33. The two second guide protrusions 64A have opposing surfaces that face each other in parallel. The second guide protrusions 64A protrude from the outer surface 61Aa of the flange 61A. The two second guide protrusions 64A are arranged so as to be adjacent to the arc-shaped edge of the opening 33. The first guide protrusion 64 is provided within a range on the outer surface 61Aa of the flange 61A where the substrate 110 is arranged. In contrast, the two second guide protrusions 64A are provided outside a range on the outer surface 61Aa of the flange 61A where the substrate 110 is arranged.

[0063] In the connection structure 100A and magnetorheological fluid device 1A according to the second embodiment, when attaching the substrate 110 to the outer surface 61Aa of the flange 61A, as shown in FIG. 6 , the first guide projections 64, which are the fitting portions of the flange 61A, are inserted into the guide insertion portions 112, which are the fitting portions of the substrate 110, and the substrate 110 is positioned between the two second guide projections 64A. At this time, the opposing surfaces of the two second guide projections 64A are close to the side surfaces of the substrate 110. This allows the substrate 110 to be easily positioned relative to the flange 61A. Furthermore, when the substrate 110 is fixed to the flange 61A with an adhesive, the substrate 110 can be fixed without moving significantly.

[0064] Third Embodiment The connection structure 100 included in the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment has two coil wire insertion portions 111 and one guide insertion portion 112, which is a fitting portion, formed on the substrate 110, but as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the coil wire insertion portion 111B provided on the substrate 110B and the guide insertion portion 112B, which is a fitting portion, may be connected to form a single notch.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 9, a connection structure 100B and a magnetorheological fluid device 1B according to the third embodiment include a bobbin 60B and a substrate 110B. The bobbin 60B has two flange portions 61B and a body portion 62. As shown in Fig. 10, one of the flange portions 61B is formed with two insertion portions 63B through which the coil wire 71 is inserted and one first guide projection 64B.

[0066] 8, the first guide projection 64B projecting from the outer surface 61Ba of the flange 61B has an arc-shaped first projection 641 and two second projections 642 that serve as fitting portions. The two second projections 642 extend along the outer periphery of the flange 61B in directions approaching each other from both ends of the first projection 641. The two insertion portions 63B are approximately semicircular notches provided on the outer periphery of the flange 61B adjacent to the tips of the second projections 642.

[0067] The substrate 110B is provided with a cutout that connects the coil wire insertion portion 111B and the guide insertion portion 112B, which is a fitting portion. The cutouts extend from both side surfaces of the substrate 110B in directions approaching each other. The depth of the cutouts is greater than the length of the second protrusion 642 of the first guide protrusion 64B. In one cutout, the portion into which the coil wire 71 is inserted is the coil wire insertion portion 111B, and the portion into which the second protrusion 642 is inserted and fitted is the guide insertion portion 112B.

[0068] 8, when second protrusion 642 is inserted into the cutout, a part of the cutout remains as a portion where second protrusion 642 is not inserted. The part of the cutout where second protrusion 642 is inserted functions as guide insertion portion 112B. The remaining part of the cutout is located above insertion portion 63B of flange portion 61B, and thus coil wire 71 is inserted into the remaining part, which functions as coil wire insertion portion 111B.

[0069] In the connection structure 100B and magnetorheological fluid device 1B of the third embodiment, when attaching the substrate 110B to the outer surface 61Ba of the flange portion 61B, a portion of the substrate 110B is inserted into the area formed by the first protrusion 641 and the second protrusion 642 of the first guide protrusion 64B to position the substrate 110B, thereby preventing the substrate 110B from rotating and enabling the substrate 110B to be easily positioned and fixed.

[0070] 9, the receiving portion 120B of the connector of this embodiment has a height that allows a portion of the lower surface of the housing 122B to rest on the edge of the opening 33. By using such a receiving portion 120B of the connector, it is possible to prevent the board 110B from tilting with respect to the flange portion 61B when the board 110B is attached and fixed to the flange portion 61B.

[0071] <Fourth embodiment> In the connection structure 100 included in the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment, the substrate 110 is positioned using one first guide protrusion 64 provided on the flange 61 of the bobbin 60 as a fitting portion, but to prevent the substrate 110 from rotating around the first guide protrusion 64 when attaching the substrate 110 to the flange 61, two first guide protrusions 64C may be provided on the flange 61C as fitting portions, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. Furthermore, in the connection structure 100 included in the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment, a gap occurs between the receiving portion 120 of the connector and the cover 130, but a filler 140 may be provided to fill the gap, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0072] A connection structure 100C and a magnetorheological fluid device 1C according to the fourth embodiment include a flange 61C and a substrate 110C. As shown in FIG. 11, one of the flanges 61C has two insertion portions 63C and two first guide projections 64C, which serve as fitting portions. The insertion portions 63C are substantially semicircular cutouts provided on the outer periphery of the flange 61C. The first guide projections 64C have a rectangular prism shape and protrude from an outer surface 61Ca of the flange 61C. As shown in FIG. 13, the first guide projections 64C have a height that allows them to protrude from the upper surface (the other surface) of the substrate 110C when inserted into guide insertion portions 112C, which serve as fitting portions of the substrate 110C, as will be described later.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 12, the substrate 110C is formed with two coil wire insertion portions 111C and two guide insertion portions 112C that serve as fitting portions. The coil wire insertion portions 111C are formed as two notches that extend toward each other from both side surfaces of the substrate 110C. The guide insertion portions 112C are formed as two rectangular through-holes. The coil wire 71 is inserted into the coil wire insertion portions 111C. The first guide protrusion 64C is inserted into and fitted into the guide insertion portions 112C.

[0074] In the connection structure 100C and magnetorheological fluid device 1C of the fourth embodiment, when attaching the substrate 110C to the outer surface 61Ca of the flange portion 61C, the two first guide protrusions 64C of the flange portion 61C are inserted into and engaged with the two guide insertion portions 112C of the substrate 110C, thereby preventing the substrate 110C from rotating when attaching the substrate 110C to the flange portion 61C.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the coil wire 71 inserted through the coil wire insertion portion 111C of the substrate 110C is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the first guide protrusion 64C protruding from the top surface of the substrate 110C, turned over, and then extended to the first connection portion 113C for electrical connection. Because the first guide protrusion 64C has a rectangular prism shape, the wound coil wire 71 develops a tendency to bend at the corners of the prism. The coil wire 71 with this tendency becomes difficult to unwind. The first guide protrusion 64C may have any shape other than a rectangular prism, such as a triangular prism, an elliptical prism, a D-shaped cross-section, or an L-shaped cross-section. The first guide protrusion 64C preferably has a cross-sectional shape that does not have a constant curvature when the coil wire 71 is wound around it.

[0076] When attaching the substrate 110C to the flange 61C, first, the coil wire 71 is fixed to the first connection portion 113C of the substrate 110C with solder, and then the substrate 110C is attached to the outer surface 61Ca of the flange 61C in a state in which the coil wire 71 is inserted into the insertion portion 63C and the coil wire insertion portion 111C. Therefore, the length of the portion of the coil wire 71 that protrudes from the coil wire insertion portion 111C is long enough to reach the first connection portion 113C, but by winding the coil wire 71 around the first guiding protrusion 64C, it is possible to prevent the coil wire 71 from having any slack on the substrate 110C.

[0077] 14, the connecting structure 100C of the fourth embodiment further includes a filler member 140 that fills the gap between the side surface of the housing 122C of the connector receiving portion 120C and the cover 130C and covers the underside of the housing 122C of the connector receiving portion 120C. The filler member 140 has grooves 141 formed on both sides that come into contact with the cover 130C. The cover 130C has ribs 131 that fit into the grooves 141.

[0078] Connector receiving portion 120C is disposed in opening 33, surrounded together with board 110C by cover 130C and filler member 140. This allows connector receiving portion 120C to be fixed to board 110C in a more stable manner than if it were fixed to board 110C only with solder, ensuring sufficient strength when inserting the connector's insertion portion into connector receiving portion 120C.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 14, the bottom surface of the filling member 140 is in contact with the edge of the opening 33, and therefore, when the substrate 110C is attached to the flange portion 61C, tilting of the substrate 110C can be prevented.

[0080] Fifth Embodiment The connection structure 100 included in the magnetorheological fluid device 1 of the first embodiment fixes the coil wire 71 directly to the substrate 110, but in order to omit the work of connecting the coil wire 71 to the substrate 110, it may also be connected to the substrate 110D using a terminal pin 66 provided on the flange portion 61D of the bobbin 60D, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

[0081] A connection structure 100D and a magnetorheological fluid device 1D according to the fifth embodiment include a flange 61D provided with two terminal pins 66 and a substrate 110D. The terminal pins 66 are made of metal. In this embodiment, the terminal pins 66 are integrated into the flange 61D by insert molding. The terminal pins 66 may be fixed to the flange 61D by adhesive, screwing, or the like.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 17 , the flange 61D has a protrusion 65 formed around the cylindrical terminal pin 66. The protrusion 65 is molded integrally with the flange 61D. The protrusion 65 has an arc-shaped portion surrounding the terminal pin 66 protruding from the outer surface 61Da of the flange 61D. The protrusion 65 further protrudes from the outer surface 61Da of the flange 61D, is located on the outer periphery of the arc-shaped portion, and has a lower portion 65a than the arc-shaped portion. The lower portion 65a of the protrusion 65 has a curved portion that contacts the curved surface 33a of the opening 33 of the first yoke 30, making it easier to position the bobbin 60D and the coil 70 relative to the first yoke 30. The protrusion 65 does not necessarily have to have the lower portion 65a.

[0083] Furthermore, flange 61D is provided with insertion portion 63D, which is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer periphery of flange 61D and protrusion 65 in a substantially semicircular shape. Insertion portion 63D exposes a portion of the side surface of the lower portion of terminal pin 66. Terminal pin 66 has a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also possible, and the cross-sectional shape may be non-circular. Furthermore, protrusion 65 may have any shape as long as it conforms to the outer periphery of terminal pin 66.

[0084] The coil wire 71D is connected to the terminal pin 66 exposed by the insertion portion 63D. When connecting the coil wire 71D to the terminal pin 66 by soldering, a soldering iron is used. However, because the temperature of the soldering iron is approximately 300°C, it is preferable to use a highly heat-resistant material such as polyimide as the material for the bobbin 60D. In addition to soldering, spot welding and other methods can also be used to connect the coil wire 71D to the terminal pin 66. Therefore, the material for the bobbin 60D should be selected to be a resin that can withstand the heat that will be applied when connecting the coil wire 71D to the terminal pin 66.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 18, two terminal pin insertion portions 115 are formed on the substrate 110D. The terminal pin insertion portions 115 are notches. A protrusion 65 is fitted into the terminal pin insertion portions 115. At this time, the terminal pin 66 protrudes from the terminal pin insertion portions 115. The terminal pin insertion portions 115 may be through holes. The shape of the terminal pin insertion portions 115 can vary depending on the shapes of the terminal pins 66 and the protrusions 65. Also, the terminal pins 66 may be fitted into the terminal pin insertion portions 115 without providing the protrusions 65.

[0086] The substrate 110D is provided with an arc-shaped first connection portion 113D around the terminal pin insertion portion 115. The terminal pins 66 protruding from the substrate 110D are electrically connected to the first connection portion 113D of the substrate 110D by solder.

[0087] The cross-sectional shape of the terminal pin 66 can be various shapes other than a circle, such as an oval, a rectangle, a polygon, a D-shape, or an L-shape. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the terminal pin 66 may be a square prism. When the terminal pin 66 is a square prism, the protrusion 65 is formed along the outer periphery of the terminal pin 66, and a portion of the protrusion 65 is cut out in a substantially semicircular shape to form the insertion portion 63D.

[0088] Terminal pin insertion portion 115 also has a notch shape that matches the shape of terminal pin 66 and protrusion 65. An L-shaped first connection portion 113D is formed around terminal pin insertion portion 115. In this way, the shapes of terminal pin insertion portion 115 and first connection portion 113 can vary to match the shape of terminal pin 66.

[0089] In the connection structure 100D and magnetorheological fluid device 1D according to the fifth embodiment, when attaching the substrate 110D to the outer surface 61Da of the flange 61D, the terminal pin 66 is simply connected to the first connection portion 113D with solder, eliminating the need to insert the coil wire through an insertion portion of the substrate. Furthermore, the protrusions 65 around the terminal pin 66 are also used for positioning the substrate 110D when attaching it, making positioning the substrate 110D simple. The shape, height, etc. of the terminal pin 66 are not particularly limited.

[0090] Furthermore, because protrusion 65 increases the contact area between terminal pin 66 and flange 61D, it is possible to improve the strength with which terminal pin 66 is fixed to flange 61D by insert molding or adhesive. Also, because the area supporting terminal pin 66 is increased, terminal pin 66 is less likely to come off flange 61D. Furthermore, when a force pulling on receiving portion 120 of the connector acts on connection structure 100D, the force acting from the substrate 110D side to the flange 61D side acts on protrusion 65 rather than directly on terminal pin 66, making terminal pin 66 less likely to be damaged. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The present invention can be applied to a magnetorheological fluid device in which, for example, a magnetorheological fluid is interposed between components that are arranged to be rotatable relative to one another, and the torque transmitted between the components can be changed by changing the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Magnetorheological fluid device 10 Rotation axis 20 Rotating Plate 21 First main surface 22 Second main surface 30 First York 31 Shaft hole 33 Aperture 34a, 34b, 34c 1st opposing surface 37 Base of the first yoke 38 First yoke first extension 39 First yoke second extension 40 Second York 41 Second opposing surface 42 Second yoke base 50 Magnetorheological fluid 60, 60A, 60B, 60D bobbins 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D Tsuba 62 Torso 63, 63B, 63C, 63D Insertion part 64, 64B, 64C First guide protrusion 64A Second guide protrusion 641 First protrusion 642 Second protrusion 65 protrusion 66 terminal pins 70 coils 71, 71D Coil wire 80 Casing 90 spacer 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D Connection structure 110, 110B, 110C, 110D board 111, 111B, 111C Coil wire insertion part 112, 112B, 112C Guide insertion part 113, 113C, 113D First connection part 114 Second connection part 115 Terminal pin insertion part 120, 120B, 120C connector receptacle 121 Aperture 130, 130C cover 131 Ribs 140 Filler material N axis P dashed line with arrow S1 First gap S2 Second gap

Claims

1. A connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power source, a bobbin having a flange portion on the outer surface of which two terminal pins are provided, and a body portion; a coil wire wound around the trunk to form the coil; a substrate provided with a terminal pin insertion portion through which the terminal pin is inserted, the substrate having one surface fixed to the outer surface of the flange portion; a connector attached to the substrate; Equipped with The coil wire is electrically connected to the terminal pin, a first connection portion is provided on the other surface of the substrate near the terminal pin insertion portion; the terminal pin and the first connection portion are electrically connected to each other; a connector terminal of the connector is electrically connected to a second connection portion provided on the substrate; The first connection portion and the second connection portion are electrically connected to each other by the substrate. A connection structure characterized by:

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, The terminal pin has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. A connection structure characterized by:

3. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, The terminal pin is integrated with the flange portion by insert molding. A connection structure characterized by:

4. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, a protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the flange portion is provided around the terminal pin, The protrusion is fitted into the terminal pin insertion portion of the board. A connection structure characterized by:

5. A connection structure for connecting a coil to an external power source, a bobbin having a flange and a body; a coil wire wound around the trunk to form the coil; a substrate having one surface fixed to the outer surface of the flange; a connector attached to the substrate; Equipped with the coil wire is electrically connected to a first connection portion provided on the substrate, a connector terminal of the connector is electrically connected to a second connection portion provided on the substrate; The first connection portion and the second connection portion are electrically connected to each other by the substrate. A connection structure characterized by:

6. The connection structure according to claim 5, The flange portion is provided with an insertion portion through which the coil wire is inserted. A connection structure characterized by:

7. The connection structure according to claim 5 or 6, an outer surface of the flange portion and the base plate are provided with mating portions that fit together; A connection structure characterized by:

8. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 5, The connector is attached to one surface of the substrate. A connection structure characterized by:

9. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 5, the connector is provided on a surface of the substrate different from a surface on which the first connection portion is provided, A connection structure characterized by:

10. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 5; a yoke that constitutes an electromagnet together with the coil; a magnetorheological fluid interposed between the members; Equipped with The electromagnet applies a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid, and a force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the members. A magnetorheological fluid device characterized by:

11. 11. The magnetorheological fluid device of claim 10, the members interposing the magnetorheological fluid therebetween are a rotating plate fixed to a rotating shaft that rotates about an axis line and the yoke, the yoke has a first opposing surface facing one main surface of the rotary plate across a first gap, and a second opposing surface facing the other main surface of the rotary plate across a second gap, the magnetorheological fluid is present in the first gap and the second gap; The coil is housed in the yoke together with the bobbin, the yoke is provided with an opening communicating with a space in which the bobbin and the coil are housed, the substrate is fixed to an outer surface of the flange portion exposed from the opening, The substrate and the connector are disposed in the opening. A magnetorheological fluid device characterized by:

12. 12. The magnetorheological fluid device of claim 11, The connector is held against the edge of the opening. A magnetorheological fluid device characterized by:

13. 12. The magnetorheological fluid device of claim 11, the yoke includes a first yoke having the first opposing surface and a second yoke having the second opposing surface, the bobbin and the coil are housed in the first yoke, and the opening is provided in the first yoke; A magnetorheological fluid device characterized by:

Images