Rotating Connector Device

Abstract

A rotary connector device (1) is provided with a stator (10), a rotor (20), a first connector (30), and a second connector (40). The stator (10) is configured to be attached to a vehicle body (2). The rotor (20) is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis (A1) with respect to the stator (10). The first connector (30) is provided on the stator (10). The second connector (40) is provided on the rotor (20). The first connector (30) includes a first connector accommodating space (32) in which a vehicle body-side connector (3) is disposed in a state where the vehicle body-side connector (3) is electrically connected to the first connector (30). When viewed from an axial direction (D1) defined along the rotation axis (A1) in a state where the stator (10) is attached to the vehicle body (2), the first connector accommodating space (32) is disposed so as not to overlap a vertical plane (RP) including the rotation axis (A1).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe a rotary connector device having a fixed connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-327575 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-129187 A [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 147448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the rotary connector device is mounted on the vehicle body and the fixed connector is disposed at the bottom, for example, the space around the driver's knees tends to become narrow.

[0005] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to provide a rotary connector device that makes it easy to ensure space around the driver's knees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A rotary connector device according to a first feature includes a stator, a rotating body, a first connector, and a second connector. The stator is configured to be attached to a vehicle body. The rotating body is provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator. The first connector is provided on the stator. The second connector is provided on the rotating body. The first connector includes a first connector accommodating space in which the vehicle body side connector is disposed with the vehicle body side connector electrically connected to the first connector. When viewed from an axial direction defined along the rotation axis with the stator attached to the vehicle body, the first connector accommodating space is disposed so as not to overlap a vertical plane including the rotation axis.

[0007] In the rotary connector device of the first feature, when viewed from the axial direction with the stator attached to the vehicle body, the first connector accommodating space is positioned so as not to overlap with a vertical plane, making it easier to secure space around the driver's knees.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a rotary connector device according to the first aspect, wherein a vertical plane defines a first space and a second space when viewed from the axial direction with the stator attached to the vehicle body, and the first connector accommodating space is disposed in only one of the first space and the second space when viewed from the axial direction with the stator attached to the vehicle body.

[0009] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, it becomes easier to reliably ensure space around the driver's knees in the space in which the first connector accommodating space is not arranged, out of the first space and the second space.

[0010] A third feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device of the second feature, wherein the second connector includes a second connector accommodating space in which the steering-side connector is disposed when the steering-side connector is electrically connected to the second connector. When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the first connector accommodating space is disposed only in the first space. When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the second connector accommodating space is shifted from the vertical plane toward the first space.

[0011] A fourth feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device of the third feature, wherein when viewed from the axial direction with the stator attached to the vehicle body, the second connector accommodating space is positioned so as to overlap with a vertical plane.

[0012] A fifth feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to the first to fourth features, wherein the first connector accommodating space includes a first connector opening into which the vehicle body side connector is inserted when the vehicle body side connector is electrically connected to the first connector. When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the first connector opening is disposed so as not to overlap with a vertical plane.

[0013] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth aspect, it becomes easier to reliably secure space around the driver's knees.

[0014] A sixth feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the first connector accommodating space extends in a first longitudinal direction when viewed from the axial direction. With the stator attached to the vehicle body, the first longitudinal direction of the first connector accommodating space is inclined with respect to a vertical plane when viewed from the axial direction.

[0015] In the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, the space around the stator can be used efficiently.

[0016] A seventh feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, wherein the second connector includes a second connector accommodating space in which the steering-side connector is disposed with the steering-side connector electrically connected to the second connector. The second connector accommodating space extends in a second longitudinal direction when viewed from the axial direction. With the rotor disposed in a neutral position with respect to the stator, the first longitudinal direction of the first connector accommodating space is inclined with respect to the second longitudinal direction of the second connector accommodating space when viewed from the axial direction.

[0017] In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the space around the stator can be used efficiently.

[0018] The rotary connector device according to an eighth feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to seventh features, wherein the first connector is disposed below the axis of rotation in a state in which the stator is attached to the vehicle body.

[0019] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, it becomes easier to ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0020] A ninth feature of the rotary connector device is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to eighth features, wherein the first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator with respect to the rotation axis so as to form a recess by the stator and the first connector. When viewed from the axial direction with the stator attached to the vehicle body, the recess is at least partially disposed between the vertical plane and the first connector accommodating space.

[0021] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, even if the first connector is configured to protrude radially outward from the stator, the recess makes it easier to ensure space around the driver's knees.

[0022] A rotary connector device according to a tenth feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to ninth features, wherein the first connector is arranged so that the vehicle body side connector is inserted into the first connector accommodating space along the axial direction.

[0023] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, for example, it becomes easier to ensure space around the driver's knees compared to a configuration in which the vehicle body side connector is inserted into the first connector accommodating space along the circumferential direction. Effect of the Invention

[0024] The technology disclosed in the present application makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device that makes it easier to ensure space around the driver's knees. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a rotary connector device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, a rotary connector device 1 according to this embodiment includes a stator 10. The stator 10 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body 2. The vehicle body 2 includes, for example, a steering column module 2A, a steering lower cover 2B, and a steering column cover 2C. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the steering column module 2A.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the rotary connector device 1 includes a rotating body 20, a first connector 30, and a second connector 40. The rotating body 20 is provided rotatably about a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The rotating body 20 is configured to be fixed to a steering wheel. The first connector 30 is provided on the stator 10. The second connector 40 is provided on the rotating body 20.

[0029] The first connector 30 is configured so that the vehicle body side connector 3 is removably attached thereto. The first connector 30 is configured so that it is electrically connected to the vehicle body side connector 3 in a state in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is attached to the first connector 30. The vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to an electric circuit of a control device or the like. In this embodiment, the vehicle body side connector 3 includes a plurality of connectors 3A and 3B. However, the total number of vehicle body side connectors 3 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0030] The second connector 40 is configured so that the steering side connector 4 is removably attached thereto. The second connector 40 is configured so as to be electrically connected to the steering side connector 4 when the steering side connector 4 is attached to the second connector 40. The steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to electrical circuits such as switches of the steering wheel and an airbag device. In this embodiment, the steering side connector 4 includes a plurality of connectors 4A and 4B. However, the total number of steering side connectors 4 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0031] 3, the stator 10 includes a first ring plate 11 and an outer cylindrical portion 12 extending in the axial direction D1 from an outer periphery of the first ring plate 11. The first connector 30 is provided on the first ring plate 11. The first connector 30 includes a first connector accommodating portion 31. The first connector accommodating portion 31 extends from the outer cylindrical portion 12 radially outward with respect to the rotation axis A1 and in the axial direction D1.

[0032] The first connector 30 includes a first connector accommodating space 32 in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is disposed in a state in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first connector accommodating portion 31 includes the first connector accommodating space 32. The first connector accommodating space 32 includes a first connector opening 33 into which the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted when the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first connector 30 is disposed so that the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector accommodating space 32 along the axial direction D1. The first connector opening 33 opens in the axial direction D1. However, the first connector 30 may be disposed so that the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector accommodating space 32 along a direction different from the axial direction D1. The first connector opening 33 may open in a direction different from the axial direction D1. For example, the first connector 30 may be disposed so that the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector accommodating space 32 along the circumferential direction D2. The first connector opening 33 may open in the circumferential direction D2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first connector accommodating space 32 includes a plurality of first accommodating spaces 32A and 32B. The first connector opening 33 includes a plurality of first openings 33A and 33B. The first accommodating space 32A accommodates the connector 3A of the vehicle body side connector 3 in a state where the connector 3A of the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first accommodating space 32B accommodates the connector 3B of the vehicle body side connector 3 in a state where the connector 3B of the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first opening 33A of the first connector opening 33 accommodates the connector 3A of the vehicle body side connector 3 when the connector 3A of the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. The first opening 33B of the first connector opening 33 accommodates the connector 3B of the vehicle body side connector 3 when the connector 3B of the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. However, the first connector accommodating space 32 may be one accommodating space, or may include three or more accommodating spaces. The first connector opening 33 may be one opening, or may include three or more openings.

[0034] 2, the rotating body 20 includes a second ring plate 21 and an inner cylindrical portion 22 extending in the axial direction D1 from an inner peripheral portion of the second ring plate 21. The first connector 30 is provided on the second ring plate 21. The second connector 40 includes a second connector accommodating portion 41. The second connector accommodating portion 41 extends from the second ring plate 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0035] The second connector 40 includes a second connector accommodating space 42 in which the steering-side connector 4 is disposed when the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second connector accommodating portion 41 includes the second connector accommodating space 42. The second connector accommodating space 42 includes a second connector opening 43 into which the steering-side connector 4 is inserted when the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second connector 40 is disposed so that the steering-side connector 4 is inserted into the second connector accommodating space 42 along the axial direction D1. The second connector opening 43 opens in the axial direction D1. However, the second connector 40 may be disposed so that the steering-side connector 4 is inserted into the second connector accommodating space 42 along a direction different from the axial direction D1. The second connector opening 43 may open in a direction different from the axial direction D1. For example, the second connector 40 may be disposed so that the steering-side connector 4 is inserted into the second connector accommodating space 42 along the circumferential direction D2. The second connector opening 43 may open in the circumferential direction D2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the second connector accommodating space 42 includes a plurality of second accommodating spaces 42A and 42B. The second connector opening 43 includes a plurality of second openings 43A and 43B. The second accommodating space 42A accommodates the connector 4A of the steering side connector 4 in a state where the connector 4A of the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second accommodating space 42B accommodates the connector 4B of the steering side connector 4 in a state where the connector 4B of the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second opening 43A of the second connector opening 43 accommodates the connector 4A of the steering side connector 4 when the connector 4A of the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second opening 43B of the second connector opening 43 accommodates the connector 4B of the steering side connector 4 when the connector 4B of the steering side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. However, the second connector accommodating space 42 may be one accommodating space, or may include three or more accommodating spaces. The second connector opening 43 may be one opening, or may include three or more openings.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 and the rotor 20 define a cable accommodating space 50 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20, the cable accommodating space 50 being arranged to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable accommodating space 50 is annular and extends in a circumferential direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device 1 includes an electric cable 60. The electric cable 60 electrically connects the first connector 30 to the second connector 40. The electric cable 60 is disposed within the cable accommodating space 50. The electric cable 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The electric cable 60 may also be called a flexible flat cable or an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector 30 includes a first lead block 34 disposed in the first connector accommodating space 32. The first lead block 34 includes a plurality of first bus bars made of metal. The first lead block 34 is electrically connected to a first end of the electric cable 60 (see Fig. 4). The first lead block 34 is electrically connected to a plurality of contacts of the vehicle body side connector 3 (see Fig. 2).

[0039] In this embodiment, the first lead block 34 includes a plurality of first blocks 34A and 34B. The first block 34A is disposed in the first accommodation space 32A. The first block 34B is disposed in the first accommodation space 32B. However, the first lead block 34 may be one block, or may include three or more blocks.

[0040] The second connector 40 includes a second lead block 44 disposed in the second connector accommodating space 42. The second lead block 44 includes a plurality of second bus bars made of metal. The second lead block 44 is electrically connected to a second end of the electric cable 60 (see FIG. 4). The second lead block 44 is electrically connected to a plurality of contacts of the steering side connector 4 (see FIG. 3).

[0041] In this embodiment, the second lead block 44 includes a plurality of second blocks 44A and 44B. The second block 44A is disposed in the second accommodation space 42A. The second block 44B is disposed in the second accommodation space 42B. However, the second lead block 44 may be one block, or may include three or more blocks.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1, the first connector accommodating space 32 is arranged so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP including the rotation axis A1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector opening 33 is arranged so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the vertical plane RP defines the first space S1 and the second space S2. The vertical plane RP is arranged between the first space S1 and the second space S2. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector accommodating space 32 is arranged only in one of the first space S1 and the second space S2. In this embodiment, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector accommodating space 32 is arranged only in the first space S1. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector accommodating space 32 may be disposed only in the second space S2.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the multiple first housing spaces 32A and 32B are arranged so as not to overlap with a vertical plane RP including the rotation axis A1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the multiple first openings 33A and 33B are arranged so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the multiple first housing spaces 32A and 32B are arranged only in the first space S1. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the multiple first housing spaces 32A and 32B may be arranged only in the second space S2.

[0044] The first connector accommodating space 32 extends in a first longitudinal direction LD11 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane RP. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 does not have to be inclined with respect to the vertical plane RP. For example, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 may be perpendicular to or parallel to the vertical plane RP.

[0045] When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 is offset from the vertical plane RP toward the first space S1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 is disposed so as to overlap with the vertical plane RP. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 may be offset from the vertical plane RP toward the second space S2, or the center of the second connector accommodating space 42 may be disposed on the vertical plane RP. Moreover, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 may be disposed so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP.

[0046] The second connector accommodating space 42 extends in a second longitudinal direction LD21 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the rotating body 20 is disposed in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 is inclined with respect to the second longitudinal direction LD21 of the second connector accommodating space 42 when viewed from the axial direction D1. However, when the rotating body 20 is disposed in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 does not have to be inclined with respect to the second longitudinal direction LD21 of the second connector accommodating space 42 when viewed from the axial direction D1. For example, when the rotating body 20 is disposed in a neutral position relative to the stator 10, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 may be perpendicular to or parallel to the second longitudinal direction LD21 of the second connector accommodating space 42 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0047] The neutral position of the rotating body 20 is, for example, a position in the rotation direction of the rotating body 20 relative to the stator 10 when the steering wheel is placed in the neutral position. The neutral position of the steering wheel is, for example, a position in the rotation direction of the steering wheel when the vehicle moves straight.

[0048] The first connector receiving space 32 has a first length L11 and a first width L12. The first length L11 is defined in a first longitudinal direction LD11. The first width L12 is defined in a first direction LD12 perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction LD11 and the axial direction D1. The first length L11 is longer than the first width L12. However, the first connector receiving space 32 does not have to have the first longitudinal direction LD11. For example, the first length L11 may be equal to the first width L12.

[0049] The second connector receiving space 42 has a second length L21 and a second width L22. The second length L21 is defined in a second longitudinal direction LD21. The second width L22 is defined in a second direction LD22 perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction LD21 and the axial direction D1. The second length L21 is longer than the second width L22. However, the second connector receiving space 42 does not have to have the second longitudinal direction LD21. For example, the second length L21 may be equal to the second width L22.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first length L11 is longer than the second length L21. The first width L12 is longer than the second width L22. However, the first length L11 may be equal to or shorter than the second length L21. The first width L12 may be equal to or shorter than the second width L22.

[0051] The first connector 30 is disposed below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, the entire first connector 30 is disposed below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2, the first connector 30 may be disposed partially below the rotation axis A1.

[0052] The first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10 with respect to the rotation axis A1 so that the stator 10 and the first connector 30 form a recess 35. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is at least partially disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector accommodating space 32. In this embodiment, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the entire recess 35 is disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector accommodating space 32. However, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 may be partially disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector accommodating space 32. In addition, the recess 35 may be omitted from the rotary connector device 1.

[0053] The first connector accommodating portion 31 includes a first surface 31A. The stator 10 includes a second surface 10A and an inclined surface 10B. The first surface 31A extends from the second surface 10A in a first direction LD12. The second surface 10A extends from the first surface 31A in a first longitudinal direction LD11. The recess 35 is formed by the first surface 31A and the second surface 10A. The inclined surface 10B extends from the second surface 10A to the outer cylindrical portion 12. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the inclined surface 10B is inclined with respect to the second surface 10A and extends in a tangential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 12. The shape of the periphery of the recess 35 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the stator 10 includes a fixing portion 13. The fixing portion 13 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2 by fasteners such as screws and bolts. The fixing portion 13 includes a plurality of through holes 13A and 13B. The fixing portion 13 is disposed in the first space S1. Another fixing portion may be provided in the second space S2. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing portion 13 protrudes from the first ring plate 11.

[0055] The rotary connector device 1 according to this embodiment has the following features. (1) As shown in FIG. 5, the rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10, a rotating body 20, a first connector 30, and a second connector 40. The stator 10 is configured to be attached to a vehicle body 2. The rotating body 20 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The first connector 30 is provided on the stator 10. The second connector 40 is provided on the rotating body 20. The first connector 30 includes a first connector housing space 32 in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is disposed in a state in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1, the first connector housing space 32 is disposed so as not to overlap with a vertical plane RP including the rotation axis A1. This makes it easier to secure space around the driver's knees.

[0056] More specifically, since the first connector accommodating space 32 is disposed so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP, it becomes easy to provide a space on the opposite side of the vertical plane RP to the first connector accommodating space 32. By forming the steering column cover 2C along the inclined surface 10B and the outer cylindrical portion 12, it becomes easy to ensure space around the driver's knees (for example, space around the knee of the right foot that operates the accelerator and brake). (2) As shown in Fig. 5, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the vertical plane RP defines a first space S1 and a second space S2. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector accommodating space 32 is disposed in only one of the first space S1 and the second space S2. This makes it easier to reliably secure space around the driver's knees in the space between the first space S1 and the second space S2 where the first connector accommodating space 32 is not disposed. (3) As shown in Fig. 5, the second connector 40 includes a second connector accommodating space 42 in which the steering-side connector 4 is disposed when the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector accommodating space 32 is disposed only in the first space S1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 is shifted from the vertical plane RP toward the first space S1. (4) As shown in FIG. 5, when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the second connector accommodating space 42 is disposed to overlap with the vertical plane RP. (5) As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector accommodating space 32 includes a first connector opening 33 into which the vehicle body connector 3 is inserted when the vehicle body connector 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 30. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first connector opening 33 is disposed so as not to overlap with the vertical plane RP. This makes it easier to reliably secure space around the driver's knees. (6) As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector accommodating space 32 extends in a first longitudinal direction LD11 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 is inclined with respect to the vertical plane RP. This allows the space around the stator 10 to be used efficiently. (7) As shown in Fig. 5, the second connector 40 includes a second connector accommodating space 42 in which the steering-side connector 4 is disposed when the steering-side connector 4 is electrically connected to the second connector 40. The second connector accommodating space 42 extends in a second longitudinal direction LD21 when viewed from the axial direction D1. When the rotating body 20 is disposed in a neutral position with respect to the stator 10, the first longitudinal direction LD11 of the first connector accommodating space 32 is inclined with respect to the second longitudinal direction LD21 of the second connector accommodating space 42 when viewed from the axial direction D1. This allows the space around the stator 10 to be used efficiently. (8) As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the first connector 30 is disposed below the rotation axis A1 when the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2. This makes it easier to reliably ensure space around the driver's knees. (9) As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10 with respect to the rotation axis A1 so that the stator 10 and the first connector 30 form a recess 35. When the stator 10 is attached to the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the recess 35 is at least partially disposed between the vertical plane RP and the first connector accommodating space 32. As a result, even if the first connector 30 protrudes radially outward from the stator 10, the recess 35 makes it easier to ensure space around the driver's knees. (10) As shown in Fig. 5, the first connector 30 is arranged so that the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector accommodating space 32 along the axial direction D1. This makes it easier to ensure space around the driver's knees, for example, compared to a configuration in which the vehicle body side connector 3 is inserted into the first connector accommodating space 32 along the circumferential direction D2.

[0057] In this application, the term "comprise" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not described. This also applies to the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

[0058] 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."

[0059] In addition, the terms "parallel," "orthogonal," and "coincident" in the present disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but rather include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," and "substantially coincident," respectively. In addition, other terms relating to the arrangement should not be interpreted strictly.

[0060] 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."

[0061] 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]

[0062] 1: Rotating connector device 2: Body 3: Vehicle body connector 4: Steering side connector 10: Stator 20: Rotating body 30: First connector 31: First connector housing 32: First connector receiving space 33: First connector opening 34: 1st lead block 35: Recess 40: Second connector 41: Second connector housing 42: Second connector receiving space 43: Second connector opening 44: 2nd lead block 50: Cable storage space 60: Electrical cable A1: Rotation axis D1: Axial direction D2: Circumferential direction LD11: 1st longitudinal direction LD21: Second longitudinal direction RP: vertical plane

Claims

1. A stator configured to be mounted to a vehicle body; a rotor provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator; A first connector provided on the stator; a second connector provided on the rotating body, the first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator relative to the rotation axis when viewed in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the first connector includes a first connector accommodating space in which the vehicle body side connector is disposed in a state in which the vehicle body side connector is electrically connected to the first connector, The first connector receiving space extends in a first longitudinal direction when viewed in the axial direction, the second connector includes a second connector accommodating space in which the steering side connector is disposed in a state in which the steering side connector is electrically connected to the second connector, The second connector receiving space extends in a second longitudinal direction when viewed in the axial direction, When viewed from the axial direction, the first connector accommodating space is arranged so as not to overlap with a vertical plane including the rotation axis, the vertical plane is defined perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction when the rotor is disposed in a neutral position relative to the stator; When viewed from the axial direction, the vertical plane defines a first space and a second space; the first connector accommodating space is disposed only in one of the first space and the second space so that a space around the knees of a driver is secured in the other of the first space and the second space when viewed from the axial direction; the first longitudinal direction of the first connector accommodating space is inclined with respect to the vertical plane such that, when viewed from the axial direction with the rotating body disposed in the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second connector accommodating space is disposed within a range of a projection area of ​​the first connector accommodating space when the first connector accommodating space is projected in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction and the axial direction; Rotating connector device.

2. When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the first space is disposed on the left side of the vertical plane, When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the second space is disposed on the right side of the vertical plane, When the stator is attached to the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the first connector accommodating space is disposed only in the first space.

2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1.

3. When viewed from the axial direction, the first connector accommodating space is disposed only in the first space, When viewed from the axial direction, the second connector accommodating space is offset from the vertical plane toward the first space.

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

4. When viewed from the axial direction, the second connector accommodating space is disposed so as to overlap with the vertical surface.

4. The rotary connector assembly of claim 3.

5. the first connector accommodating space includes a first connector opening into which the vehicle body side connector is inserted when the vehicle body side connector is electrically connected to the first connector, When viewed from the axial direction, the first connector opening is disposed so as not to overlap with the vertical surface. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The stator includes a fixing portion configured to be fixed to the vehicle body and having at least one through hole, the first connector accommodating space and the at least one through hole are disposed only in the other of the first space and the second space so that a space around the knees of a driver is secured in the other of the first space and the second space when viewed from the axial direction; A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When viewed from the axial direction in a state in which the rotating body is disposed in a neutral position with respect to the stator, the first longitudinal direction of the first connector accommodating space is inclined with respect to the second longitudinal direction of the second connector accommodating space. A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The first connector is disposed below the rotation axis when the stator is attached to the vehicle body. A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the first connector protrudes radially outward from the stator relative to the rotation axis so as to form a recess by the stator and the first connector; When viewed from the axial direction, the recess is at least partially disposed between the vertical surface and the first connector accommodating space. A rotary connector device according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The first connector is arranged such that the vehicle body side connector is inserted into the first connector accommodating space along the axial direction. A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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