Rotating Connector Device

Abstract

A rotational connector device (1) includes a first case (10), a second case (20), an electrical cable (60), and a stopper structure (70). The stopper structure (70) includes a movable member (71), a rotation limiting unit (72), and a guidance unit (73). The movable member (71) may move in a radial direction perpendicular to a rotational axis line (A1) between a first radial direction position (P11) and a second radial direction position (P12) for the second case (20). The rotation limiting unit (72) is provided in the first case (10) and may contact the movable member (71) in a circumferential direction (D3) to limit the relative rotation of the first case (10) and the second case (20) when the movable member (71) is at the second radial direction position (P12). The guidance unit (73) is provided in the first case (10) and may contact the movable member (71) to guide the movable member (71) in the first radial direction position (P11).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this application relates to a rotary connector device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rotary connector for use in a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-218639 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to stabilize the condition of the cable in the rotary connector device, it is preferable to limit the rotation angle of the rotator relative to the stator to a predetermined rotation angle.

[0005] However, in the rotating connector described in Patent Document 1, if the stopper member moves relative to the rotating case due to individual product differences or dimensional errors, the stopper member may unintentionally come into contact with the rotation restricting portion, restricting the relative rotation between the fixed case and the rotating case.

[0006] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to suppress malfunction of the stopper structure caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first feature, the rotary connector device includes a first case, a second case, an electric cable, and a stopper structure. The first case and the second case are provided to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis, and form a cable accommodating space provided to surround the rotation axis. The electric cable is provided in the cable accommodating space so as to be wound in a circumferential direction defined about the rotation axis. The stopper structure is configured to limit the relative rotation of the first case and the second case to a predetermined rotation angle. The stopper structure includes a movable member, a rotation limiting portion, and a guide portion. The movable member is movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis between a first radial position and a second radial position relative to the second case. The rotation limiting portion is provided on the first case and is capable of contacting the movable member in the circumferential direction to limit the relative rotation of the first case and the second case when the movable member is in the second radial position. The guide portion is provided on the first case and is capable of contacting the movable member to guide the movable member toward the first radial position.

[0008] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, for example, when the movable member comes into contact with the guide portion while the movable member is in a position other than the second radial position, the guide portion guides the movable member toward the first radial position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movable member from unintentionally coming into contact with the rotation limiting portion and limiting the relative rotation between the first case and the second case due to minute movements of the movable member relative to the second case caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, etc. In other words, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the stopper structure caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, etc.

[0009] According to a second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the rotation limiting portion is disposed radially outward of the guide portion.

[0010] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, a larger rotational force can be received by the rotation limiting portion, and the strength of the stopper structure can be increased.

[0011] According to a third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, the rotation limiting portion includes a stopper surface capable of coming into contact with the movable member in a circumferential direction. The guide portion protrudes in the circumferential direction from the stopper surface.

[0012] In the rotary connector device according to the third feature, the movable member can be reliably guided toward the first radial position by the guide portion.

[0013] According to a fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third features, the guide portion includes a guide surface that is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction when viewed along the rotation axis.

[0014] In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the guide surface can more reliably guide the movable member toward the first radial position.

[0015] According to a fifth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to fourth features, the guide portion is configured to restrict movement of the movable member toward the first radial position when the movable member is in the second radial position.

[0016] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, for example, when the movable member is in contact with the rotation limiting portion at the second radial position, the contact state between the movable member and the rotation limiting portion can be stabilized.

[0017] According to a sixth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fifth features, the stopper structure includes a stopper groove into which the movable member is at least partially inserted with the movable member in contact with the rotation limiting portion.

[0018] In the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, for example, when the movable member is in contact with the rotation limiting portion at the second radial position, the contact state between the movable member and the rotation limiting portion can be made more stable.

[0019] According to a seventh feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to sixth features, the movable member includes a stopper body rotatably connected to the second case around the stopper rotation axis, and a protrusion protruding from the stopper body in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis and capable of coming into circumferential contact with the rotation limiting portion.

[0020] In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the shape and position of the protrusion are less susceptible to the shape and position of the stopper body, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the movable member.

[0021] According to an eighth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the stopper body includes a cable contact surface capable of contacting the electric cable so as to receive a radial force from the electric cable depending on a state of the electric cable.

[0022] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, the movable member can be moved in the radial direction by utilizing an electric cable, which allows for a simplified structure.

[0023] According to a ninth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, the protrusion is provided radially inward from the cable contact surface when viewed along the rotation axis.

[0024] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the protrusion can be disposed outside the cable accommodating space.

[0025] According to a tenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to ninth features, the protrusion is arranged at a position radially spaced apart from the rotation limiting portion when the movable member is in the first radial position.

[0026] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, the movable member can be reliably prevented from unintentionally contacting the rotation restricting portion.

[0027] According to an eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to tenth features, the movable member is movable to a first radial position and a second radial position according to a state of the electric cable.

[0028] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the movable member can be moved toward the first radial position and the second radial position by utilizing an electric cable, which enables a simplified structure.

[0029] According to a twelfth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to eleventh features, the first case includes an inner circumferential surface that partially defines the cable accommodating space. The second case includes an outer circumferential surface that is provided radially inward of the inner circumferential surface and partially defines the cable accommodating space. The electric cable includes a first winding portion wound along the inner circumferential surface of the first case, a second winding portion wound along the outer circumferential surface of the second case, and an intermediate portion that is provided between the first winding portion and the second winding portion and connects the first winding portion to the second winding portion. The electric cable is provided in the cable accommodating space such that a length of the second winding portion of the electric cable wound around the outer circumferential surface decreases when the second case rotates in a first rotation direction relative to the first case. The electric cable is provided in the cable accommodating space such that a length of the second winding portion of the electric cable wound around the outer circumferential surface increases when the second case rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction relative to the first case. When the second case rotates in a first rotational direction relative to the first case, the biasing force of the electric cable urging the movable member toward the first radial position decreases, and when the second case rotates in a second rotational direction relative to the first case, the biasing force of the electric cable urging the movable member toward the first radial position increases.

[0030] In the rotary connector device of the twelfth feature, the movable member can be moved toward the first radial position and the second radial position by utilizing the relative rotation of the first case and the second case, thereby making it possible to simplify the structure.

[0031] According to a thirteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to twelfth features, the first case is a stator configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. The second case is a rotator rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The movable member is connected to the rotator rotatably about a stopper rotation axis. The rotation limiting portion is provided on the stator.

[0032] In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, the rotation limiting portion provided on the stator can receive a larger force, thereby increasing the strength of the stopper structure. Effect of the Invention

[0033] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device that can limit the rotation angle of the rotator relative to the stator to a predetermined rotation angle with a simple structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stopper structure of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a movable member of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a movable member of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopper structure shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopper structure shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 1 includes a first case 10 and a second case 20. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are provided so as to be rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, for example, the first case 10 is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. The second case 20 is configured to rotate together with the steering wheel. That is, the first case 10 is a stator configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. The second case 20 is a rotator that is rotatable around the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator. Therefore, the first case 10 may be referred to as the stator 10. The second case 20 may be referred to as the rotator 20. However, the first case 10 may be the rotator, and the second case 20 may be the stator. That is, in the present application, the configuration provided in the stator 10 may be provided in the rotator 20, and the configuration provided in the rotator 20 may be provided in the stator 10.

[0037] The rotary connector device 1 includes a first electric connector 30 and a second electric connector 40. The first electric connector 30 is attached to a first case 10. The first electric connector 30 protrudes from the first case 10 in an axial direction D1 defined along a rotation axis A1. The second electric connector 40 is attached to a second case 20. The first electric connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electric devices (e.g., a control device and a battery) provided in the vehicle body. The second electric connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electric circuits of steering wheel switches, an airbag device, etc.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the first case 10 and the second case 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 that is provided to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable accommodating space 50 is annular and extends in a circumferential direction D3 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device 1 includes an electric cable 60. The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 so as to be wound in the circumferential direction D3 defined around the rotation axis A1. The electric cable 60 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 30 and the second electrical connector 40 (FIG. 1). The electric cable 60 has flexibility and a flat shape. The electric cable 60 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable. In this embodiment, the electric cable 60 includes a plurality of flat cables 61.

[0039] The first case 10 includes an inner circumferential surface 10B that partially defines the cable accommodating space 50. The second case 20 includes an outer circumferential surface 20B that is provided radially inside the inner circumferential surface 10B and partially defines the cable accommodating space 50. The electric cable 60 includes a first winding portion 60A, a second winding portion 60B, and an intermediate portion 60C. The first winding portion 60A is wound along the inner circumferential surface 10B of the first case 10. The second winding portion 60B is wound along the outer circumferential surface 20B of the second case 20. The intermediate portion 60C is provided between the first winding portion 60A and the second winding portion 60B, and connects the first winding portion 60A to the second winding portion 60B.

[0040] The first winding portion 60A is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 30. The second winding portion 60B is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 40 (FIG. 1). The middle portion 60C is bent between the first winding portion 60A and the second winding portion 60B. The middle portion 60C has, for example, a curved shape that protrudes in the first rotation direction D21. Each of the multiple flat cables 61 includes the first winding portion 60A, the second winding portion 60B, and the middle portion 60C.

[0041] The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 such that, when the second case 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B decreases. The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 such that, when the second case 20 rotates in a second rotation direction D22 opposite to the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B increases. In other words, the electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 such that, when the second case 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the first winding portion 60A of the electric cable 60 wound around the inner circumferential surface 10B increases. The electric cable 60 is arranged in the cable accommodating space 50 such that when the second case 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the length of the first winding portion 60A of the electric cable 60 wound around the inner surface 10B decreases.

[0042] However, if the first case 10 and the second case 20 rotate too much relative to each other, for example, the electric cable 60 may become loose, causing the state of the middle portion 60C of the electric cable 60 to collapse.

[0043] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stopper structure 70 configured to limit the relative rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 to a predetermined rotation angle. The stopper structure 70 includes a movable member 71, a rotation limiting portion 72, and a guide portion 73. The movable member 71 is connected to the rotator 20 rotatably around a stopper rotation axis A2. The rotation limiting portion 72 is provided in the first case 10. The guide portion 73 is provided in the first case 10. The rotation limiting portion 72 is provided in the stator 10. The guide portion 73 is provided in the stator 10. However, the movable member 71 may be rotatably connected to the stator 10. The rotation limiting portion 72 may be provided in the rotator 20. The guide portion 73 may be provided in the rotator 20.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the second case 20 includes a second case body 21 and a connector support portion 22. The connector support portion 22 is a separate member from the second case body 21 and is attached to the second case body 21. The movable member 71 is connected to the connector support portion 22 rotatably about the stopper rotation axis A2. The stopper body 71A is connected to the connector support portion 22 rotatably about the stopper rotation axis A2. The stopper structure 70 includes a pivot pin 74. The pivot pin 74 connects the movable member 71 to the second case 20 rotatably about the stopper rotation axis A2. The connector support portion 22 may be provided integrally with the second case body 21 as a single (one-piece) member. The pivot pin 74 may be provided integrally with one of the second case 20 and the movable member 71 as a single member.

[0045] The movable member 71 includes a stopper body 71A and a protrusion 71B. The stopper body 71A is connected to the second case 20 so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis A2. The protrusion 71B protrudes from the stopper body 71A in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The stopper rotation axis A2 is disposed parallel to the rotation axis A1. However, the stopper rotation axis A2 may be disposed non-parallel to the rotation axis A1.

[0046] 5, the movable member 71 is movable in a radial direction D4 perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 between a first radial position P11 and a second radial position P12 relative to the second case 20. The movable member 71 is rotatable about the stopper rotation axis A2 between the first radial position P11 and the second radial position P12 relative to the second case 20. The second radial position P12 is disposed radially outward from the first radial position P11. However, the second radial position P12 may be disposed radially inward from the first radial position P11.

[0047] 6 and 7, the stopper body 71A includes a cable contact surface 75. The cable contact surface 75 is capable of contacting the electric cable 60 (see, for example, FIG. 2) so as to receive a radial force from the electric cable 60 depending on the state of the electric cable 60. In this embodiment, the cable contact surface 75 includes a first cable contact surface 75A and a second cable contact surface 75B.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the second cable contact surface 75B is disposed on the rear side of the first cable contact surface 75A. The second cable contact surface 75B is disposed radially inward of the first cable contact surface 75A. The first cable contact surface 75A is configured to face radially outward when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11. The second cable contact surface 75B is configured to face radially inward when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11. The first cable contact surface 75A can come into contact with the electric cable 60 so as to receive a biasing force from the electric cable 60 in the radially inward direction. The second cable contact surface 75B can come into contact with the electric cable 60 so as to receive a biasing force from the electric cable 60 in the radially outward direction.

[0049] The protrusion 71B is provided radially inward of the cable contact surface 75 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The protrusion 71B is provided radially inward of the first cable contact surface 75A when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The protrusion 71B is provided radially inward of the second cable contact surface 75B when viewed along the rotation axis A1. However, the protrusion 71B may be provided at the same radial position as the cable contact surface 75 when viewed along the rotation axis A1, or may be provided radially outward of the cable contact surface 75.

[0050] 8, the rotation-limiting portion 72 is capable of contacting the movable member 71 in the circumferential direction D3 so as to limit the relative rotation between the first case 10 and the second case 20 when the movable member 71 is in the second radial position P12. The protrusion 71B is capable of contacting the rotation-limiting portion 72 in the circumferential direction D3. The rotation-limiting portion 72 includes a stopper surface 72A capable of contacting the movable member 71 in the circumferential direction D3. The stopper surface 72A is disposed so as to face the circumferential direction D3. The stopper surface 72A is disposed so as to face the second rotational direction D22.

[0051] When the movable member 71 is in the second radial position P12, the protrusion 71B can come into contact with the rotation limiting portion 72 in the circumferential direction D3. When the movable member 71 is in the second radial position P12, the radial position of the protrusion 71B is approximately the same as the radial position of the rotation limiting portion 72.

[0052] The protrusion 71B is disposed at a position radially separated from the rotation limiting portion 72 when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11. When the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11, the radial position of the protrusion 71B differs from the radial position of the rotation limiting portion 72. In this embodiment, when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11, the protrusion 71B is disposed radially inward of the rotation limiting portion 72. However, when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11, the protrusion 71B may be disposed radially outward of the rotation limiting portion 72.

[0053] The first case 10 includes an annular groove 15. The protrusion 71B is disposed in the annular groove 15 when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11. Therefore, when the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11, the second case 20 is rotatable in a first rotational direction D21 and a second rotational direction D22 relative to the first case 10. When the second case 20 rotates in the first rotational direction D21 relative to the first case 10 in a state in which the movable member 71 is biased radially outward, the protrusion 71B of the movable member 71 comes into contact with a stopper surface 72A of the rotation limiting portion 72, and the rotation of the second case 20 in the first rotational direction D21 relative to the first case 10 is stopped. On the other hand, since the stopper surface 72A faces the second rotational direction D22, even if the second case 20 rotates in the second rotational direction D22 relative to the first case 10 while the movable member 71 is forced radially outward, the rotation of the second case 20 in the second rotational direction D22 relative to the first case 10 is not restricted.

[0054] 9, the guide portion 73 is capable of contacting the movable member 71 so as to guide the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11. For example, when the movable member 71 is in an intermediate position P13 that is approximately halfway between the first radial position P11 and the second radial position P12, the guide portion 73 is capable of contacting the movable member 71 so as to guide the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11. When the movable member 71 is between the first radial position P11 and the intermediate position P13, the guide portion 73 is capable of contacting the movable member 71 so as to guide the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11.

[0055] The rotation limiting portion 72 is disposed radially outward of the guide portion 73. The guide portion 73 protrudes from the stopper surface 72A in the circumferential direction D3. The guide portion 73 includes a guide surface 73A that is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction D3 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The guide surface 73A is disposed so as to face radially inward. However, the guide portion 73 does not have to protrude from the stopper surface 72A in the circumferential direction D3. The guide surface 73A may be configured to extend radially inward from the stopper surface 72A. In addition, although the guide surface 73A is a flat surface in this embodiment, it may be a curved surface.

[0056] The guide portion 73 is configured to limit movement of the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 when the movable member 71 is at the second radial position P12. The stopper structure 70 includes a stopper groove 72B defined by the rotation limiting portion 72 and the guide portion 73. When the movable member 71 contacts the rotation limiting portion 72, the movable member 71 is at least partially inserted into the stopper groove 72B. When the protrusion 71B contacts the rotation limiting portion 72, the protrusion 71B is partially inserted into the stopper groove 72B. When the guide portion 73 does not protrude from the stopper surface 72A in the circumferential direction D3, the stopper groove 72B may be omitted.

[0057] In this embodiment, the guide portion 73 includes a limiting surface 73B. The limiting surface 73B is arranged to face radially outward. The limiting surface 73B is provided on the rear side of the guide surface 73A. The limiting surface 73B extends from the stopper surface 72A in the circumferential direction D3. The rotation limiting portion 72 includes an introduction surface 72C configured to introduce the protrusion 71B into the stopper surface 72A. The introduction surface 72C extends from the stopper surface 72A in the circumferential direction D3. The limiting surface 73B extends from the introduction surface 72C in the circumferential direction D3 and is arranged at a distance from the introduction surface 72C in the radial direction. The stopper surface 72A, the introduction surface 72C, and the limiting surface 73B form a stopper groove 72B.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows the second case 20 in a neutral position relative to the first case 10. P10 11 shows the state in which the second case 20 is in a neutral position relative to the first case 10. P10 12 shows a state in which the second case 20 has been rotated 360 degrees in a first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position. P10 10 to 12, the electric cable 60 is shown rotated 720 degrees in a first rotation direction D21 from the electric cable 60. The electric cable 60 is made up of four flat cables 61, but the electric cable 60 is shown in a simplified form in FIGS.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, the second case 20 is in a neutral position relative to the first case 10. P10In this state, the second winding portion 60B of the electric cable 60 is wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B about two to three times, so that the movable member 71 is biased radially inward by the electric cable 60. Meanwhile, the movable member 71 is biased radially outward by the lead-out portion 60D of the electric cable 60, but the number of second winding portions 60B arranged on the radially outer side of the movable member 71 is greater than the number of lead-out portions 60D arranged on the radially inner side of the movable member 71. Therefore, when the second case 20 is in the neutral position with respect to the first case 10, P10 In this state, the movable member 71 is held in the first radial position P11 by the biasing force of the electric cable 60.

[0060] 10 to 12, the movable member 71 can move to a first radial position P11 and a second radial position P12 depending on the state of the electric cable 60. When the second case 20 rotates in a first rotational direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the biasing force of the electric cable 60 urging the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 decreases. When the second case 20 rotates in a second rotational direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the biasing force of the electric cable 60 urging the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 increases.

[0061] Specifically, as described above, when the second case 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B decreases. On the other hand, when the second case 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the first winding portion 60A of the electric cable 60 wound around the inner circumferential surface 10B increases by the amount that the length of the second winding portion 60B wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B decreases.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, the second case 20 is in a neutral position relative to the first case 10. P10 When it rotates 360 degrees in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position P10In comparison, the number of second winding portions 60B wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B is reduced. This weakens the radially inward biasing force of the electric cable 60, and the movable member 71 may come into contact with the rotation limiting portion 72 unintentionally due to minute movements of the movable member 71 relative to the second case 20 caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, and the like.

[0063] 9, for example, when the movable member 71 is between the first radial position P11 and the intermediate position P13, the protrusion 71B of the movable member 71 comes into contact with the guide surface 73A of the guide portion 73. Therefore, the movable member 71 is guided toward the first radial position P11, and the rotation of the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 in the first rotational direction D21 is prevented from being restricted by the stopper structure 70. In other words, the stopper structure 70 does not operate at the relative rotation angle shown in FIG.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12, the second case 20 is in a neutral position relative to the first case 10. P10 When it rotates 720 degrees in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position P10 In this embodiment, the number of second winding portions 60B wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B is further reduced compared to when the second case 20 is rotated 360 degrees from the neutral position. P10 In the first rotation direction D21, the number of second winding portions 60B wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B becomes zero. Meanwhile, the movable member 71 is biased radially outward by the lead-out portion 60D of the electric cable 60.

[0065] 5 and 12, when the second case 20 rotates further relative to the first case 10 with the movable member 71 being biased radially outward by the lead-out portion 60D of the electric cable 60, the protruding portion 71B of the movable member 71 comes into contact with the stopper surface 72A of the rotation limiting portion 72, and the rotation of the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 in the first rotation direction D21 is stopped. In this embodiment, for example, the rotation angle of the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 in the first rotation direction D21 is limited to approximately 720 degrees by the stopper structure 70.

[0066] On the other hand, when the second case 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface 20B increases, so that the movable member 71 is held at the first radial position P11. As shown in FIG. 8, since the stopper surface 72A faces the second rotation direction D22, even if the second case 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the protruding portion 71B of the movable member 71 does not come into contact with the stopper surface 72A of the rotation limiting portion 72. Therefore, when the second case 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the stopper structure 70 does not operate. In this case, when the second case 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the rotation of the second case 20 relative to the first case 10 stops with the electric cable 60 being pulled between the first case 10 and the second case 20.

[0067] The features of the rotary connector device 1 are summarized below.

[0068] (1) The rotary connector device 1 includes a first case 10, a second case 20, an electric cable 60, and a stopper structure 70. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are provided so as to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis A1, and form a cable accommodating space 50 provided so as to surround the rotation axis A1. The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 so as to be wound in a circumferential direction D3 defined about the rotation axis A1. The stopper structure 70 is configured to limit the relative rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 to a predetermined rotation angle. The stopper structure 70 includes a movable member 71, a rotation limiting portion 72, and a guide portion 73. The movable member 71 is movable relative to the second case 20 in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 between a first radial position P11 and a second radial position P12. The rotation limiting portion 72 is provided on the first case 10 and is capable of contacting the movable member 71 in the circumferential direction D3 so as to limit the relative rotation between the first case 10 and the second case 20 when the movable member 71 is at the second radial position P12. The guide portion 73 is provided on the first case 10 and is capable of contacting the movable member 71 so as to guide the movable member 71 towards the first radial position P11.

[0069] In the rotary connector device 1, for example, when the movable member 71 comes into contact with the guide portion 73 while the movable member 71 is in a position other than the second radial position P12, the guide portion 73 guides the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11. This prevents the movable member 71 from unintentionally coming into contact with the rotation limiting portion 72 due to minute movement of the movable member 71 relative to the second case 20 caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, and the like, thereby preventing the relative rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 from being restricted. In other words, malfunction of the stopper structure 70 caused by individual differences in products, dimensional errors, and the like is suppressed.

[0070] (2) The rotation-limiting portion 72 is disposed radially outward of the guide portion 73. This allows the rotation-limiting portion 72 to receive a greater rotational force, thereby increasing the strength of the stopper structure 70.

[0071] (3) The rotation limiting portion 72 includes a stopper surface 72A that can come into contact with the movable member 71 in the circumferential direction D3. The guide portion 73 protrudes in the circumferential direction D3 from the stopper surface 72A. Therefore, the guide portion 73 can reliably guide the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11.

[0072] (4) The guide portion 73 includes the guide surface 73A that is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction D3 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the guide surface 73A can more reliably guide the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11.

[0073] (5) The guide portion 73 is configured to restrict the movement of the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 when the movable member 71 is in the second radial position P12. Therefore, for example, when the movable member 71 is in contact with the rotation limiting portion 72 at the second radial position P12, the contact state between the movable member 71 and the rotation limiting portion 72 can be stabilized.

[0074] (6) The stopper structure 70 includes the stopper groove 72B into which the movable member 71 is at least partially inserted when the movable member 71 is in contact with the rotation limiting portion 72. Therefore, for example, when the movable member 71 is in contact with the rotation limiting portion 72 at the second radial position P12, the contact state between the movable member 71 and the rotation limiting portion 72 can be made more stable.

[0075] (7) Movable member 71 includes stopper body 71A that is connected to second case 20 rotatably about stopper rotation axis A2, and protruding portion 71B that protrudes from stopper body 71A in axial direction D1 defined along rotation axis A1 and can come into contact with rotation limiting portion 72 in circumferential direction D3. This makes the shape and position of protruding portion 71B less susceptible to the shape and position of stopper body 71A, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing movable member 71.

[0076] (8) The stopper body 71A includes a cable contact surface 75 that can come into contact with the electric cable 60 so as to receive a radial force from the electric cable 60 depending on the state of the electric cable 60. This allows the movable member 71 to be moved in the radial direction by utilizing the electric cable 60, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0077] (9) When viewed along the rotation axis A1, the protrusion 71B is provided radially inward of the cable contact surface 75. This allows the protrusion 71B to be disposed outside the cable accommodating space 50.

[0078] (10) When the movable member 71 is in the first radial position P11, the protrusion 71B is disposed at a position radially separated from the rotation limiting portion 72. Therefore, unintentional contact of the movable member 71 with the rotation limiting portion 72 can be reliably prevented.

[0079] (11) The movable member 71 is movable to the first radial position P11 and the second radial position P12 depending on the state of the electric cable 60. This allows the movable member 71 to be moved toward the first radial position P11 and the second radial position P12 by using the electric cable 60, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0080] (12) The first case 10 includes an inner circumferential surface that partially forms the cable accommodating space 50. The second case 20 includes an outer circumferential surface that is provided radially inward of the inner circumferential surface and partially forms the cable accommodating space 50. The electric cable 60 includes a first winding portion wound along the inner circumferential surface of the first case 10, a second winding portion wound along the outer circumferential surface of the second case 20, and an intermediate portion that is provided between the first winding portion and the second winding portion and connects the first winding portion to the second winding portion. The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 such that when the second case 20 rotates in a first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface decreases. The electric cable 60 is provided in the cable accommodating space 50 such that when the second case 20 rotates in a second rotation direction D22 opposite to the first rotation direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the length of the second winding portion of the electric cable 60 wound around the outer circumferential surface increases. When the second case 20 rotates in the first rotational direction D21 relative to the first case 10, the biasing force of the electric cable 60 urging the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 decreases. When the second case 20 rotates in the second rotational direction D22 relative to the first case 10, the biasing force of the electric cable 60 urging the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 increases. Therefore, the relative rotation of the first case 10 and the second case 20 can be used to move the movable member 71 toward the first radial position P11 and the second radial position P12, making it possible to simplify the structure.

[0081] (13) The first case 10 is a stator configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. The second case 20 is a rotator that is rotatable relative to the stator 10 about a rotation axis A1. The movable member 71 is connected to the rotator so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis A2. The rotation limiting portion 72 is provided on the stator 10. Therefore, the rotation limiting portion 72 provided on the stator 10 can receive a larger force, and the strength of the stopper structure 70 can be increased.

[0082] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

[0083] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order, etc.). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0084] In addition, the terms "parallel," "orthogonal," and "coincidence" in the present disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but rather include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," and "substantially coincidence," respectively. Other terms relating to arrangement should also not be interpreted strictly.

[0085] In addition, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, any of (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not to be interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

[0086] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1: Rotating connector device 10: First case, stator 10B: Inner surface 15: Annular groove 20: Second case, rotator 20B: Outer surface 30: First electrical connector 40: Second electrical connector 50: Cable storage space 60: Electrical cable 60A: First winding 60B: Second winding section 60C: Middle part 60D: Derivation part 70: Stopper structure 71: Movable parts 71A: Stopper body 71B:Protrusion 72: Rotation limiter 72A: Stopper surface 72B: Stopper groove 72C:Introduction side 73: Information department 73A: Guide surface 73B: Restriction surface 75: Cable contact surface 75A: First cable contact surface 75B: Second cable contact surface A1: Rotation axis A2: Stopper rotation axis D1: Axial direction D21: 1st rotation direction D22: Second rotation direction D3: Circumferential direction D4: Radial direction P11: 1st radial position P12: 2nd radial position P13: Intermediate position

Claims

1. a first case and a second case that are provided so as to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis and that define a cable accommodating space that is provided so as to surround the rotation axis; an electric cable provided in the cable accommodating space so as to be wound in a circumferential direction defined around the rotation axis; a stopper structure configured to limit relative rotation between the first case and the second case to a predetermined rotation angle, The stopper structure includes: a movable member that is movable relative to the second case between a first radial position and a second radial position in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis; a rotation limiting portion provided in the first case and capable of contacting the movable member in the circumferential direction so as to limit relative rotation between the first case and the second case when the movable member is in the second radial position; a guide portion provided in the first case and capable of coming into contact with the movable member so as to guide the movable member toward the first radial position, The guide portion includes a guide surface, The movable member includes a protrusion, the guide surface contacts the protrusion in a state in which the movable member is disposed between the first radial position and an intermediate position defined between the first radial position and the second radial position, thereby guiding the movable member toward the first radial position so that the movable member moves away from the rotation limiting portion when the movable member moves in only one of the circumferential directions. Rotating connector device.

2. The rotation limiting portion is disposed radially outward of the guide portion.

2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1.

3. the rotation limiting portion includes a stopper surface capable of coming into contact with the movable member in the circumferential direction, The guide portion protrudes in the circumferential direction from the stopper surface.

3. A rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction when viewed along the rotation axis. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The guide portion is configured to limit movement of the movable member toward the first radial position when the movable member is in the second radial position. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the stopper structure includes a stopper groove into which the movable member is at least partially inserted in a state in which the movable member is in contact with the rotation limiting portion, A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the movable member includes a stopper main body connected to the second case so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis; The protruding portion protrudes from the stopper body in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis and is capable of contacting the rotation limiting portion in the circumferential direction. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The stopper body includes a cable contact surface that can come into contact with the electric cable so as to receive the radial force from the electric cable depending on a state of the electric cable.

8. A rotary connector arrangement according to claim 7.

9. The protrusion is provided radially inward from the cable contact surface when viewed along the rotation axis.

9. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 8.

10. the protrusion is disposed at a position radially spaced apart from the rotation limiting portion when the movable member is in the first radial position. A rotary connector device according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. the movable member is movable between the first radial position and the second radial position depending on a state of the electric cable; A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the first case includes an inner circumferential surface that partially defines the cable accommodating space, the second case includes an outer circumferential surface that is provided radially inward of the inner circumferential surface and partially defines the cable accommodating space, the electric cable includes a first winding portion wound along the inner circumferential surface of the first case, a second winding portion wound along the outer circumferential surface of the second case, and an intermediate portion provided between the first winding portion and the second winding portion and connecting the first winding portion to the second winding portion, the electric cable is provided in the cable accommodating space such that a length of the second winding portion of the electric cable wound around the outer circumferential surface decreases when the second case rotates in a first rotational direction relative to the first case, the electric cable is provided in the cable accommodating space such that a length of the second winding portion of the electric cable wound around the outer circumferential surface increases when the second case rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the first case, When the second case rotates in the first rotational direction relative to the first case, the biasing force of the electric cable biasing the movable member toward the first radial position becomes smaller, When the second case rotates in the second rotational direction relative to the first case, the biasing force of the electric cable biasing the movable member toward the first radial position increases. A rotary connector device according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The first case is a stator configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. the second case is a rotator that is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to the stator, The movable member is connected to the rotator so as to be rotatable about a stopper rotation axis, The rotation limiting portion is provided on the stator. A rotary connector device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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