Rotary Connector Device

Abstract

To provide a rotary connector device which can stabilize the status of a cable while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A rotary connector device 2 comprises a stator 10, a rotator 20, a first cable 50, and a second cable 60. The first cable 50 is provided in a first cable housing space S1. The second cable 60 is provided in a second cable housing space S2. The first cable 50 is pulled between the stator 10 and the rotator 20 so that rotation in a first rotational direction D21 of the rotator 20 with respect to the stator 10 may be stopped at a first stop position P1. The second cable 60 is pulled between the stator 10 and the rotator 20 so that rotation in a second rotational direction D22 of the rotator 20 with respect to the stator 10 may be stopped at a second stop position P2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rotary connector used in a vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The rotary connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a U-turn type cable and a spiral type cable. According to Patent Document 1, both advantages can be enjoyed with this rotary connector.

[0005] However, since the length of the spiral type cable tends to be long, the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device tends to increase.

[0006] On the other hand, the U-turn type cable can shorten the cable length compared to the spiral type, but if the rotor rotates too much in the direction in which the U-turn portion protrudes, the state of the cable may be disturbed. Patent Document 1 does not describe anything about such a point.

[0007] The problem of the technology disclosed in this application is to provide a rotary connector device that can suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and realize stabilization of the state of the cable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to the first feature, the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotor, a first cable, and a second cable. The rotor is provided rotatably about a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The first cable is provided within a first cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor. The second cable is provided within a second cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor. The second cable accommodation space is arranged side by side with the first cable accommodation space in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis. The rotor is rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the stator from a neutral position in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The stator includes an outer peripheral wall provided radially outside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis. The rotor includes an inner peripheral wall provided radially inside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a first inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a first reversing portion connecting the first outer peripheral portion to the first inner peripheral portion. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a second inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a second reversing portion connecting the second outer peripheral portion to the second inner peripheral portion. The first reversing portion of the first cable curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis. The second reversing portion of the second cable curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis. The first cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at a first stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor. The second cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at a second stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor.

[0009] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, since the first cable includes the first reversing portion and the second cable includes the second reversing portion, the lengths of the first cable and the second cable can be made shorter than those of the spiral type. Therefore, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be suppressed. Further, since the first cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at the first stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the rotor can be stopped at the first stop position by the first cable before the posture of the second reversing portion protruding in the first rotation direction is disturbed. Furthermore, since the second cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at the second stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the rotor can be stopped at the second stop position by the second cable before the posture of the first reversing portion protruding in the second rotation direction is disturbed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rotary connector device that can realize the stabilization of the state of the cable while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost.

[0010] According to the second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the first cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at the second stop position. The second cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at the first stop position.

[0011] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the stabilization of the states of the first reversing portion of the first cable and the second reversing portion of the second cable can be surely realized.

[0012] According to the third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, in a state where the rotor is disposed at the first stop position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral connecting portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first straight portion linearly extending from the first inner peripheral portion to the first outer peripheral connecting portion when viewed along the rotation axis. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the second stop position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral connecting portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second straight portion linearly extending from the second inner peripheral portion to the second outer peripheral connecting portion when viewed along the rotation axis.

[0013] In the rotary connector device according to the third feature, when the first straight portion is pulled between the first inner peripheral portion and the first outer peripheral connecting portion, the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator can be reliably stopped at the first stop position. Further, when the second straight portion is pulled between the second inner peripheral portion and the second outer peripheral connecting portion, the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator can be reliably stopped at the second stop position.

[0014] According to the fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third features, the first inner peripheral portion of the first cable is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the first rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator. The second inner peripheral portion of the second cable is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the second rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator.

[0015] In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the states of the first reversing portion of the first cable and the second reversing portion of the second cable can be more reliably stabilized.

[0016] According to the fifth feature, the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fourth features further includes a first electrical connector provided on the stator and a second electrical connector provided on the rotor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector.

[0017] In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, it becomes easier to electrically connect the electrical device on the stationary member side and the electrical device on the rotating member side by using the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0018] According to the sixth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, the first electrical connector includes a first connector case and a first lead block provided in the first connector case and including a first conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the first conductor of the first lead block.

[0019] In the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be connected to the first electrical connector with a simple structure.

[0020] According to the seventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fifth or sixth feature, the second electrical connector includes a second connector case and a second lead block provided in the second connector case and including a second conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the second conductor of the second lead block.

[0021] In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be connected to the second electrical connector with a simple structure.

[0022] According to the eighth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fifth to seventh features, the first cable includes a first electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first electrical cable includes a first cable conductor and a first cable insulator that covers the first cable conductor. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first electrical cable includes a first outer peripheral portion, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first reversing portion.

[0023] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, by stopping the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction at the first stop position using the first electrical cable, the length of the first electrical cable can be shortened, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be surely suppressed.

[0024] According to the ninth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fifth to eighth features, the first cable includes a first dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first dummy cable includes a first outer peripheral portion, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first reversing portion.

[0025] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the first dummy cable can more reliably stabilize the postures of other cables.

[0026] According to the tenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fifth to ninth features, the second cable includes a second electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second electrical cable includes a second cable conductor and a second cable insulator that covers the second cable conductor. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second electrical cable includes a second outer peripheral portion, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second reversing portion.

[0027] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, by using the second electrical cable to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction at the second stop position, the length of the second electrical cable can be shortened, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be reliably suppressed.

[0028] According to the eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fifth to tenth features, the second cable includes a second dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second dummy cable includes a second outer peripheral portion, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second reversing portion.

[0029] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the second dummy cable can more reliably stabilize the postures of other cables.

[0030] According to the 12th feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the 1st to 11th features, the first cable accommodation space communicates with the second cable accommodation space.

[0031] In the rotary connector device according to the 12th feature, it becomes easier to check the states of the first cable and the second cable.

[0032] According to the 13th feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the 1st to 12th features, the stator includes an outer peripheral cable support that protrudes radially inward from the outer peripheral wall. The outer peripheral cable support is provided axially between the first cable and the second cable so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable.

[0033] In the rotary connector device according to the 13th feature, it is possible to surely stabilize the posture of at least one of the first cable and the second cable.

[0034] According to the 14th feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the 1st to 13th features, the rotor includes an inner peripheral cable support that protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral wall. The inner peripheral cable support is provided axially between the first cable and the second cable so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable.

[0035] In the rotary connector device according to the 14th feature, it is possible to more surely stabilize the posture of at least one of the first cable and the second cable.

Advantages of the Invention

[0036] With the technology disclosed in the present application, it is possible to provide a rotary connector device that can stabilize the state of the cable while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10 and a rotor 20. The rotor 20 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A1 with respect to the stator 10. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The rotor 20 is configured to rotate together with the steering wheel with respect to the stator 10 and the vehicle body.

[0040] The rotary connector device 2 further includes a first electrical connector 30 and a second electrical connector 40. The first electrical connector 30 is provided on the stator 10. The second electrical connector 40 is provided on the rotor 20. The first electrical connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electrical devices (such as a controller and a battery) provided on the vehicle body. The second electrical connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electrical devices (such as a user interface (such as a switch) and an airbag device) provided on the steering wheel.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary connector device 2 includes a first cable 50 and a second cable 60. The first cable 50 is provided in a first cable accommodation space S1 formed between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. The second cable 60 is provided in a second cable accommodation space S2 formed between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. The first cable accommodation space S1 is an annular space extending around the rotation axis A1 (see, for example, FIG. 5). The second cable accommodation space S2 is an annular space extending around the rotation axis A1 (see, for example, FIG. 6). The second cable accommodation space S2 is arranged side by side with the first cable accommodation space S1 in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The second cable 60 is arranged side by side with the first cable 50 in the axial direction D1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first cable accommodation space S1 communicates with the second cable accommodation space S2. However, the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 may each be an independent space. For example, the rotary connector device 10 may include an intermediate plate provided between the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 so as to partition the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2. Further, the first part forming the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second part forming the second cable accommodation space S2 may be constituted by separate members. In that case, for example, at least one of the stator 10 and the rotor 20 of the rotary connector device 10 is at least partially assembled by overlapping the first part and the second part.

[0043] At least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. In this embodiment, each of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. However, one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 may be configured not to electrically connect the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40.

[0044] The stator 10 includes an outer peripheral wall 11. The outer peripheral wall 11 is provided on the radially outer side of the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The outer peripheral wall 11 extends annularly around the rotation axis A1 (see, for example, FIG. 5).

[0045] The rotor 20 includes an inner peripheral wall 21. The inner peripheral wall 21 is provided on the radially inner side of the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The inner peripheral wall 21 extends annularly around the rotation axis A1 (see, for example, FIG. 5). The first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 are formed between the outer peripheral wall 11 and the inner peripheral wall 21 in the radial direction (see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the stator 10 includes an outer peripheral cable support 18 that protrudes radially inward from the outer peripheral wall 11. The outer peripheral cable support 18 extends annularly around the rotation axis A1. The outer peripheral cable support 18 is provided between the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 in the axial direction D1 so as to support at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60. The outer peripheral cable support 18 is provided between the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 in the axial direction D1 so as to support at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60.

[0047] The rotor 20 includes an inner peripheral cable support 28 that protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral wall 21. The inner peripheral cable support 28 extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis A1. The inner peripheral cable support 28 is provided between the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 in the axial direction D1 so as to support at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60. The inner peripheral cable support 28 is provided between the first cable accommodation space S1 and the second cable accommodation space S2 in the axial direction D1 so as to support at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotor 20 includes a first rotor 22, a second rotor 23, and a sleeve 24. The first rotor 22 is connected to the second rotor 23. The sleeve 24 is connected to the second rotor 23. In the present embodiment, the first rotor 22, the second rotor 23, and the sleeve 24 are separate members. However, at least one of the first rotor 22, the second rotor 23, and the sleeve 24 may be integrally provided as a single member with other members of the first rotor 22, the second rotor 23, and the sleeve 24.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 includes a first stator 12, a second stator 13, and a third stator 14. The first stator 12 is connected to the second stator 13. The third stator 14 is connected to the second stator 13. In the present embodiment, the first stator 12, the second stator 13, and the third stator 14 are separate members. However, at least one of the first stator 12, the second stator 13, and the third stator 14 may be integrally provided as a single member with other members of the first stator 12, the second stator 13, and the third stator 14.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10 is constituted by the first stator 12, the second stator 13, and the third stator 14. The inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20 is constituted by the first rotor 22 and the second rotor 23. The second stator 13 includes an outer peripheral cable support 18. The second rotor 23 includes an inner peripheral cable support 28. However, the structure of the stator 10 is not limited to the above structure. The structure of the rotor 20 is not limited to the above structure.

[0051] The first cable 50 is provided between the first rotor 22 and the second rotor 23 in the axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The second cable 60 is provided between the second rotor 23 and the sleeve 24 in the axial direction D1.

[0052] The first cable 50 is provided between the first stator 12 and the second stator 13 in the axial direction D1. The second cable 60 is provided between the second stator 13 and the third stator 14 in the axial direction D1.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotor 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 with respect to the stator 10 from the neutral position PN in the first rotation direction D21 and the second rotation direction D22 opposite to the first rotation direction D21. The rotor 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position PN to the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10. The rotor 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 in the second rotation direction D22 from the neutral position PN to the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the first cable 50 includes a first electrical cable 50A that electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The first cable 50 includes a first electrical cable 50B that electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The first cable 50 includes a first dummy cable 50C that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The first cable 50 includes a first dummy cable 50D that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The first dummy cable 50C does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. The first dummy cable 50D does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the rotary connector device 2 includes four first cables 50 (the first electrical cables 50A and 50B and the first dummy cables 50C and 50D). However, the total number of the first cables 50 is not limited to four. The rotary connector device 2 may include at least one first cable 50. Also, the total number of the first electrical cables is not limited to two. The total number of the first dummy cables is not limited to two. All of the first cables 50 may include first electrical cables. All of the first cables 50 may include first dummy cables.

[0056] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the first cable 50 includes a first outer peripheral portion 51, a first inner peripheral portion 52, and a first reversing portion 53. The first outer peripheral portion 51 is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The first inner peripheral portion 52 is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The first reversing portion 53 connects the first outer peripheral portion 51 to the first inner peripheral portion 52.

[0057] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the first electrical cable 50A includes a first outer peripheral portion 51A, a first inner peripheral portion 52A, and a first reversing portion 53A. The first outer peripheral portion 51A is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The first inner peripheral portion 52A is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The first reversing portion 53A connects the first outer peripheral portion 51A to the first inner peripheral portion 52A.

[0058] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the first electrical cable 50B includes a first outer peripheral portion 51B, a first inner peripheral portion 52B, and a first reversing portion 53B. The first outer peripheral portion 51B is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The first inner peripheral portion 52B is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The first reversing portion 53B connects the first outer peripheral portion 51B to the first inner peripheral portion 52B.

[0059] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the first dummy cable 50C includes a first outer peripheral portion 51C, a first inner peripheral portion 52C, and a first reversing portion 53C. The first outer peripheral portion 51C is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The first inner peripheral portion 52C is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The first reversing portion 53C connects the first outer peripheral portion 51C to the first inner peripheral portion 52C.

[0060] In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the first dummy cable 50D includes a first outer peripheral portion 51D, a first inner peripheral portion 52D, and a first reversing portion 53D. The first outer peripheral portion 51D is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The first inner peripheral portion 52D is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The first reversing portion 53D connects the first outer peripheral portion 51D to the first inner peripheral portion 52D.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the first cable 50 includes a first cable end 54 and a second cable end 55. The first cable end 54 is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 55 is connected to the rotor 20.

[0062] The first electrical cable 50A includes a first cable end 54A and a second cable end 55A. The first cable end 54A is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 55A is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 54A is connected to a first electrical connector 30 provided on the stator 10. The second cable end 55A is connected to a second electrical connector 40 provided on the rotor 20.

[0063] The first electrical cable 50B includes a first cable end 54B and a second cable end 55B. The first cable end 54B is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 55B is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 54B is connected to a first electrical connector 30 provided on the stator 10. The second cable end 55B is connected to a second electrical connector 40 provided on the rotor 20.

[0064] The first dummy cable 50C includes a first cable end 54C and a second cable end 55C. The first cable end 54C is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 55C is connected to the rotor 20. The stator 10 includes a first groove 15. The first cable end 54C is fitted into the first groove 15. The rotor 20 includes a second groove 25. The second cable end 55C is fitted into the second groove 25.

[0065] The first dummy cable 50D includes a first cable end 54D and a second cable end 55D. The first cable end 54D is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 55D is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 54D is fitted into the first groove 15. The second cable end 55D is fitted into the second groove 25.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the second cable 60 includes a second electrical cable 60A that electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The second cable 60 includes a second electrical cable 60B that electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The second cable 60 includes a second dummy cable 60C that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The second cable 60 includes a second dummy cable 60D that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40. The second dummy cable 60C does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. The second dummy cable 60D does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the rotary connector device 2 includes four second cables 60 (second electrical cables 60A and 60B and second dummy cables 60C and 60D). However, the total number of the second cables 60 is not limited to four. The rotary connector device 2 may include at least one second cable 60. Also, the total number of the second electrical cables is not limited to two. The total number of the second dummy cables is not limited to two. All of the second cables 60 may include second electrical cables. All of the second cables 60 may include second dummy cables.

[0068] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the second cable 60 includes a second outer peripheral portion 61, a second inner peripheral portion 62, and a second reversing portion 63. The second outer peripheral portion 61 is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The second inner peripheral portion 62 is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The second reversing portion 63 connects the second outer peripheral portion 61 to the second inner peripheral portion 62.

[0069] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the second electrical cable 60A includes a second outer peripheral portion 61A, a second inner peripheral portion 62A, and a second reversing portion 63A. The second outer peripheral portion 61A is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The second inner peripheral portion 62A is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The second reversing portion 63A connects the second outer peripheral portion 61A to the second inner peripheral portion 62A.

[0070] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the second electrical cable 60B includes a second outer peripheral portion 61B, a second inner peripheral portion 62B, and a second reversing portion 63B. The second outer peripheral portion 61B is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The second inner peripheral portion 62B is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The second reversing portion 63B connects the second outer peripheral portion 61B to the second inner peripheral portion 62B.

[0071] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60C includes a second outer peripheral portion 61C, a second inner peripheral portion 62C, and a second reversing portion 63C. The second outer peripheral portion 61C is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The second inner peripheral portion 62C is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The second reversing portion 63C connects the second outer peripheral portion 61C to the second inner peripheral portion 62C.

[0072] With the rotor 20 disposed at the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60D includes a second outer peripheral portion 61D, a second inner peripheral portion 62D, and a second reversing portion 63D. The second outer peripheral portion 61D is wound along the outer peripheral wall 11 of the stator 10. The second inner peripheral portion 62D is wound along the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20. The second reversing portion 63D connects the second outer peripheral portion 61D to the second inner peripheral portion 62D.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the second cable 60 includes a second cable end 64 and a second cable end 65. The second cable end 64 is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 65 is connected to the rotor 20.

[0074] The second electrical cable 60A includes a first cable end 64A and a second cable end 65A. The first cable end 64A is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 65A is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 64A is connected to the first electrical connector 30 provided on the stator 10. The second cable end 65A is connected to the second electrical connector 40 provided on the rotor 20.

[0075] The second electrical cable 60B includes a first cable end 64B and a second cable end 65B. The first cable end 64B is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 65B is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 64B is connected to the first electrical connector 30 provided on the stator 10. The second cable end 65B is connected to the second electrical connector 40 provided on the rotor 20.

[0076] The second dummy cable 60C includes a first cable end 64C and a second cable end 65C. The first cable end 64C is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 65C is connected to the rotor 20. The stator 10 includes a first groove 16. The first cable end 64C is fitted into the first groove 16. The rotor 20 includes a second groove 26. The second cable end 65C is fitted into the second groove 26.

[0077] The second dummy cable 60D includes a first cable end 64D and a second cable end 65D. The first cable end 64D is connected to the stator 10. The second cable end 65D is connected to the rotor 20. The first cable end 64D is fitted into the first groove 16. The second cable end 65D is fitted into the second groove 26.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first reversing portion 53 of the first cable 50 curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction D22 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second reversing portion 63 of the second cable 60 curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction D21 when viewed along the rotation axis A1.

[0079] The first reversing portion 53A of the first electrical cable 50A curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction D22 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The first reversing portion 53B of the first electrical cable 50B curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction D22 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The first reversing portion 53C of the first dummy cable 50C curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction D22 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The first reversing portion 53D of the first dummy cable 50D curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction D22 when viewed along the rotation axis A1.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the second reversing portion 63A of the second electrical cable 60A curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction D21 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second reversing portion 63B of the second electrical cable 60B curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction D21 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second reversing portion 63C of the second dummy cable 60C curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction D21 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second reversing portion 63D of the second dummy cable 60D curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction D21 when viewed along the rotation axis A1.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a state where the rotor 20 has stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the first cable 50 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1. The first cable 50 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0082] In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the first cable 50 includes a first outer peripheral connecting portion 56, a first inner peripheral portion 52, and a first straight portion 57. The first outer peripheral connecting portion 56 is connected to the outer peripheral wall 11. The first straight portion 57 linearly extends from the first inner peripheral portion 52 to the first outer peripheral connecting portion 56 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The first inner peripheral portion 52 of the first cable 50 is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20 when the rotor 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the first electric cable 50A is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1. The first electric cable 50A is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. However, at least one of the first electric cable 50B, the first dummy cable 50C, and the first dummy cable 50D may be configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1. At least one of the first electric cable 50B, the first dummy cable 50C, and the first dummy cable 50D may be configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 at the first stop position P1 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0084] With the rotor 20 disposed at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the first electrical cable 50A includes a first outer peripheral connecting portion 56A, a first inner peripheral portion 52A, and a first straight portion 57A. The first outer peripheral connecting portion 56A is connected to the outer peripheral wall 11. The first outer peripheral connecting portion 56A includes a first cable end 54A. That is, the first outer peripheral connecting portion 56A is connected to the first lead block 32 of the first electrical connector 30. The first straight portion 57A linearly extends from the first inner peripheral portion 52A to the first outer peripheral connecting portion 56A when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The first inner peripheral portion 52A of the first electrical cable 50A is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20 when the rotor 20 rotates in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10.

[0085] On the other hand, with the rotor 20 disposed at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second electrical cable 60B includes a second outer peripheral portion 61B, a second inner peripheral portion 62B, and a second reversing portion 63B. With the rotor 20 disposed at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60C includes a second outer peripheral portion 61C, a second inner peripheral portion 62C, and a second reversing portion 63C. With the rotor 20 disposed at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60D includes a second outer peripheral portion 61D, a second inner peripheral portion 62D, and a second reversing portion 63D.

[0086] FIG. 8 shows a state in which the rotor 20 is stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the first cable 50 is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2.

[0087] With the rotor 20 stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the first cable 50 includes a first outer peripheral portion 51, a first inner peripheral portion 52, and a first reversing portion 53. With the rotor 20 stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the first electrical cable 50A includes a first outer peripheral portion 51A, a first inner peripheral portion 52A, and a first reversing portion 53A. With the rotor 20 stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the first electrical cable 50B includes a first outer peripheral portion 51B, a first inner peripheral portion 52B, and a first reversing portion 53B. With the rotor 20 stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the first dummy cable 50C includes a first outer peripheral portion 51C, a first inner peripheral portion 52C, and a first reversing portion 53C. With the rotor 20 stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the first dummy cable 50D includes a first outer peripheral portion 51D, a first inner peripheral portion 52D, and a first reversing portion 53D.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows a state in which the rotor 20 is stopped at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the second cable 60 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2. The second cable 60 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0089] In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the second cable 60 includes a second outer peripheral connecting portion 66, a second inner peripheral portion 62, and a second straight portion 67. The second outer peripheral connecting portion 66 is connected to the outer peripheral wall 11. The second straight portion 67 linearly extends from the second inner peripheral portion 62 to the second outer peripheral connecting portion 66 when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second inner peripheral portion 62 of the second cable 60 is disposed so as to be wound around the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20 when the rotor 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 from the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the second electric cable 60A is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2. The second electric cable 60A is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20. However, at least one of the second electric cable 60B, the second dummy cable 60C, and the second dummy cable 60D may be configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2. At least one of the second electric cable 60B, the second dummy cable 60C, and the second dummy cable 60D may be configured to stop the rotation of the rotor 20 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the stator 10 at the second stop position P2 by being pulled between the stator 10 and the rotor 20.

[0091] In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the second electric cable 60A includes a second outer peripheral connection portion 66A, a second inner peripheral portion 62A, and a second straight portion 67A. The second outer peripheral connection portion 66A is connected to the outer peripheral wall 11. The second outer peripheral connection portion 66A includes a first cable end 64A. That is, the second outer peripheral connection portion 66A is connected to the first lead block 34 of the first electrical connector 30. The second straight portion 67A extends linearly from the second inner peripheral portion 62A to the second outer peripheral connection portion 66A when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The second inner peripheral portion 62A of the second electric cable 60A is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall 21 of the rotor 20 when the rotor 20 rotates in the second rotation direction D22 from the neutral position PN with respect to the stator 10.

[0092] On one hand, in a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the second electric cable 60B includes a second outer peripheral portion 61B, a second inner peripheral portion 62B, and a second reversing portion 63B. In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60C includes a second outer peripheral portion 61C, a second inner peripheral portion 62C, and a second reversing portion 63C. In a state where the rotor 20 is disposed at the second stop position P2 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60D includes a second outer peripheral portion 61D, a second inner peripheral portion 62D, and a second reversing portion 63D.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10. As shown in FIG. 10, Second cable 60 is configured such that the rotation of the rotor 20 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the stator 10 is not stopped at the first stop position P1.

[0094] In a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second cable 60 includes a second outer peripheral portion 61, a second inner peripheral portion 62, and a second reversing portion 63. In a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second electric cable 60A includes a second outer peripheral portion 61A, a second inner peripheral portion 62A, and a second reversing portion 63A. In a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second electric cable 60B includes a second outer peripheral portion 61B, a second inner peripheral portion 62B, and a second reversing portion 63B. In a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60C includes a second outer peripheral portion 61C, a second inner peripheral portion 62C, and a second reversing portion 63C. In a state where the rotor 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 with respect to the stator 10, the second dummy cable 60D includes a second outer peripheral portion 61D, a second inner peripheral portion 62D, and a second reversing portion 63D.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrical connector 30 includes a first connector case 31. The first connector case 31 extends in the axial direction D1 from the stator 10 and is connected to the stator 10.

[0096] The first electrical connector 30 includes a first lead block 32 provided in a first connector case 31. The first electrical connector 30 includes a first lead block 33 provided in the first connector case 31. The first electrical connector 30 includes a first lead block 34 provided in the first connector case 31. The first electrical connector 30 includes a first lead block 35 provided in the first connector case 31. The first lead blocks 32, 33, 34, and 35 are connected to at least one of the first connector case 31 and the stator 10.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the first electrical connector 30 includes the first lead blocks 32, 33, 34, and 35. However, the total number of the first lead blocks is not limited to four. The first electrical connector 30 may include at least one lead block.

[0098] The first connector case 31 includes a first case 31A and a second case 31B. The first case 31A is connected to the first stator 12. The second case 31B is connected to the third stator 14. The first lead blocks 32, 33, 34, and 35 are arranged in a first space S3 (see, for example, FIG. 2) formed by the first case 31A and the second case 31B.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the first case 31A is provided integrally with the first stator 12 as a single member. The second case 31B is provided integrally with the third stator 14 as a single member. However, the first case 31A may be a separate member from the first stator 12. The second case 31B may be a separate member from the third stator 14. The first case 31A and the second case 31B may be integrally provided as a single member.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the first lead blocks 32, 33, 34, and 35. In the present embodiment, the first cable 50 is electrically connected to at least one of the first lead blocks 32 and 33. The first electric cable 50A is electrically connected to the first lead block 32. The first electric cable 50B is electrically connected to the first lead block 33. The second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the first lead blocks 34 and 35. The second electric cable 60A is electrically connected to the first lead block 34. The second electric cable 60B is electrically connected to the first lead block 35.

[0101] More specifically, the first outer peripheral connection portion 56 of the first cable 50 is electrically connected to at least one of the first lead blocks 32 and 33. The first outer peripheral connection portion 56A of the first electric cable 50A is electrically connected to the first lead block 32. The first outer peripheral connection portion 56B of the first electric cable 50B is electrically connected to the first lead block 33. The second outer peripheral connection portion 66 of the second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the first lead blocks 34 and 35. The second outer peripheral connection portion 66A of the second electric cable 60A is electrically connected to the first lead block 34. The second outer peripheral connection portion 66B of the second electric cable 60B is electrically connected to the first lead block 35.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 11, the first lead block 32 includes a first conductor 32A. The first lead block 32 includes a first insulator 32B that partially covers the first conductor 32A. In the present embodiment, the first lead block 32 includes a plurality of first conductors 32A. The first insulator 32B partially covers the plurality of first conductors 32A. The first conductor 32A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0103] The first lead block 33 includes a first conductor 33A. The first lead block 33 includes a first insulator 33B that partially covers the first conductor 33A. In the present embodiment, the first lead block 33 includes a plurality of first conductors 33A. The first insulator 33B partially covers the plurality of first conductors 33A. The first conductor 33A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0104] The first lead block 34 includes a first conductor 34A. The first lead block 34 includes a first insulator 34B that partially covers the first conductor 34A. In the present embodiment, the first lead block 34 includes a plurality of first conductors 34A. The first insulator 34B partially covers the plurality of first conductors 34A. The first conductor 34A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0105] The first lead block 35 includes a first conductor 35A. The first lead block 35 includes a first insulator 35B that partially covers the first conductor 35A. In the present embodiment, the first lead block 35 includes a plurality of first conductors 35A. The first insulator 35B partially covers the plurality of first conductors 35A. The first conductor 35A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0106] At least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 is electrically connected to the first conductors 32A, 33A, 34A, and / or 35A of the first lead blocks 32, 33, 34, and / or 35. In the present embodiment, the first cable 50 (the first electrical cable 50A) is electrically connected to the plurality of first conductors 32A of the first lead block 32. The first cable 50 (the first electrical cable 50B) is electrically connected to the plurality of first conductors 33A of the first lead block 33. The second cable 60 (the second electrical cable 60A) is electrically connected to the plurality of first conductors 34A of the first lead block 34. The second cable 60 (the second electrical cable 60B) is electrically connected to the plurality of first conductors 35A of the first lead block 35.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 11, the first electric cable 50A includes a first cable conductor 50A1 and a first cable insulator 50A2 that covers the first cable conductor 50A1. In the present embodiment, the first electric cable 50A includes a plurality of first cable conductors 50A1. The first cable insulator 50A2 covers the plurality of first cable conductors 50A1. The first cable conductor 50A1 is connected to the first conductor 32A of the first lead block 32 by welding or the like.

[0108] The first electric cable 50B includes a first cable conductor 50B1 and a first cable insulator 50B2 that covers the first cable conductor 50B1. In the present embodiment, the first electric cable 50B includes a plurality of first cable conductors 50B1. The first cable insulator 50B2 covers the plurality of first cable conductors 50B1. The first cable conductor 50B1 is connected to the first conductor 33A of the first lead block 33 by welding or the like.

[0109] The second electric cable 60A includes a second cable conductor 60A1 and a second cable insulator 60A2 that covers the second cable conductor 60A1. In the present embodiment, the second electric cable 60A includes a plurality of second cable conductors 60A1. The second cable insulator 60A2 covers the plurality of second cable conductors 60A1. The second cable conductor 60A1 is connected to the first conductor 34A of the first lead block 34 by welding or the like.

[0110] The second electric cable 60B includes a second cable conductor 60B1 and a second cable insulator 60B2 that covers the second cable conductor 60B1. In the present embodiment, the second electric cable 60B includes a plurality of second cable conductors 60B1. The second cable insulator 60B2 covers the plurality of second cable conductors 60B1. The second cable conductor 60B1 is connected to the first conductor 35A of the first lead block 35 by welding or the like.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 3, the second electrical connector 40 includes a second connector case 41. The second connector case 41 extends in the axial direction D1 from the rotor 20 (for example, the first rotor 22) and is connected to the rotor 20 (for example, the first rotor 22).

[0112] The second electrical connector 40 includes a second lead block 42 provided in the second connector case 41. The second electrical connector 40 includes a second lead block 43 provided in the second connector case 41. The second electrical connector 40 includes a second lead block 44 provided in the second connector case 41. The second electrical connector 40 includes a second lead block 45 provided in the second connector case 41. The second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and 45 are arranged in a second space S4 (see, for example, FIG. 2) formed by the second connector case 41. The second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and 45 are connected to the rotor 20 (for example, the first rotor 22).

[0113] In the present embodiment, the second electrical connector 40 includes the second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and 45. However, the total number of the second lead blocks is not limited to four. The second electrical connector 40 may include at least one lead block.

[0114] The second electrical connector 40 includes a connector support 46. The connector support 46 is attached to the first rotor 22 of the rotor 20 so that the second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and 45 rotate integrally with the rotor 20.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the second connector case 41 is provided integrally with the first rotor 22 as a single member. However, the second connector case 41 may be a separate member from the first rotor 22.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 12, at least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and 45. In the present embodiment, the first cable 50 is electrically connected to at least one of the second lead blocks 42 and 43. The first electrical cable 50A is electrically connected to the second lead block 42. The first electrical cable 50B is electrically connected to the second lead block 43. The second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the second lead blocks 44 and 45. The second electrical cable 60A is electrically connected to the second lead block 44. The second electrical cable 60B is electrically connected to the second lead block 45.

[0117] More specifically, the second cable end 55 of the first cable 50 is electrically connected to at least one of the second lead blocks 42 and 43. The second cable end 55A of the first electrical cable 50A is electrically connected to the second lead block 42. The second cable end 55B of the first electrical cable 50B is electrically connected to the second lead block 43. The second cable end 65 of the second cable 60 is electrically connected to at least one of the second lead blocks 44 and 45. The second cable end 65A of the second electrical cable 60A is electrically connected to the second lead block 44. The second cable end 65B of the second electrical cable 60B is electrically connected to the second lead block 45.

[0118] The second lead block 42 includes a second conductor 42A. The second lead block 42 includes a second insulator 42B that partially covers the second conductor 42A. In the present embodiment, the second lead block 42 includes a plurality of second conductors 42A. The second insulator 42B partially covers the plurality of second conductors 42A. The second conductor 42A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0119] The second lead block 43 includes a second conductor 43A. The second lead block 43 includes a first insulator 43B that partially covers the second conductor 43A. In the present embodiment, the second lead block 43 includes a plurality of second conductors 43A. The first insulator 43B partially covers the plurality of second conductors 43A. The second conductor 43A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0120] The second lead block 44 includes a second conductor 44A. The second lead block 44 includes a first insulator 44B that partially covers the second conductor 44A. In the present embodiment, the second lead block 44 includes a plurality of second conductors 44A. The first insulator 44B partially covers the plurality of second conductors 44A. The second conductor 44A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0121] The second lead block 45 includes a second conductor 45A. The second lead block 45 includes a first insulator 45B that partially covers the second conductor 45A. In the present embodiment, the second lead block 45 includes a plurality of second conductors 45A. The first insulator 45B partially covers the plurality of second conductors 45A. The second conductor 45A is made of metal and includes connection pins.

[0122] At least one of the first cable 50 and the second cable 60 is electrically connected to the second conductors 42A, 43A, 44A, and / or 45A of the second lead blocks 42, 43, 44, and / or 45. In the present embodiment, the first cable 50 (the first electrical cable 50A) is electrically connected to the plurality of second conductors 42A of the second lead block 42. The first cable 50 (the first electrical cable 50B) is electrically connected to the plurality of second conductors 43A of the second lead block 43. The second cable 60 (the second electrical cable 60A) is electrically connected to the plurality of second conductors 44A of the second lead block 44. The second cable 60 (the second electrical cable 60B) is electrically connected to the plurality of second conductors 45A of the second lead block 45.

[0123] The first cable conductor 50A1 is connected to the second conductor 42A of the second lead block 42 by welding or the like. The first cable conductor 50B1 is connected to the second conductor 43A of the second lead block 43 by welding or the like. The second cable conductor 60A1 is connected to the second conductor 44A of the second lead block 44 by welding or the like. The second cable conductor 60B1 is connected to the second conductor 45A of the second lead block 45 by welding or the like.

[0124] The rotary connector device 2 has the following features.

[0125] (1) The rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotor, a first cable, and a second cable. The rotor is provided rotatably about a rotation axis with respect to the stator. The first cable is provided within a first cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor. The second cable is provided within a second cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor. The second cable accommodation space is arranged side by side with the first cable accommodation space in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis. The rotor is rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the stator from a neutral position in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The stator includes an outer peripheral wall provided radially outside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis. The rotor includes an inner peripheral wall provided radially inside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a first inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a first reversing portion connecting the first outer peripheral portion to the first inner peripheral portion. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a second inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a second reversing portion connecting the second outer peripheral portion to the second inner peripheral portion. The first reversing portion of the first cable curves so as to protrude in the second rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis. The second reversing portion of the second cable curves so as to protrude in the first rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis. The first cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at a first stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor. The second cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at a second stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor.

[0126] In the rotary connector device, since the first cable includes the first reversing portion and the second cable includes the second reversing portion, the lengths of the first cable and the second cable can be made shorter than those of the spiral cable. Therefore, an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be suppressed. Also, since the first cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at the first stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the rotor can be stopped at the first stop position by the first cable before the posture of the second reversing portion protruding in the first rotation direction is disturbed. Further, since the second cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at the second stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the rotor can be stopped at the second stop position by the second cable before the posture of the first reversing portion protruding in the second rotation direction is disturbed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rotary connector device that can realize stabilization of the state of the cable while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost.

[0127] (2) The first cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at the second stop position. The second cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at the first stop position. Thereby, it is possible to surely realize the stabilization of the states of the first reversing portion of the first cable and the second reversing portion of the second cable.

[0128] (3) In a state where the rotor is disposed at the first stop position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral connecting portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first straight portion linearly extending from the first inner peripheral portion to the first outer peripheral connecting portion when viewed along the rotation axis. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the second stop position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral connecting portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second straight portion linearly extending from the second inner peripheral portion to the second outer peripheral connecting portion when viewed along the rotation axis.

[0129] In the rotary connector device, when the first straight portion is pulled between the first inner peripheral portion and the first outer peripheral connecting portion, the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator can be reliably stopped at the first stop position. Further, when the second straight portion is pulled between the second inner peripheral portion and the second outer peripheral connecting portion, the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator can be reliably stopped at the second stop position.

[0130] (4) The first inner peripheral portion of the first cable is arranged so as to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the first rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator. The second inner peripheral portion of the second cable is arranged so as to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the second rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator. Thereby, the state of the first reversing portion of the first cable and the second reversing portion of the second cable can be more reliably stabilized.

[0131] (5) The rotary connector device further includes a first electrical connector provided on the stator and a second electrical connector provided on the rotor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector.

[0132] In the rotary connector device, it becomes easier to electrically connect the electrical equipment on the stationary member side and the electrical equipment on the rotating member side by using the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0133] (6) The first electrical connector includes a first connector case and a first lead block provided in the first connector case and including a first conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the first conductor of the first lead block.

[0134] In the rotary connector device, at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be connected to the first electrical connector with a simple structure.

[0135] (7) The second electrical connector includes a second connector case and a second lead block provided in the second connector case and including a second conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the second conductor of the second lead block. Thereby, at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be connected to the second electrical connector with a simple structure.

[0136] (8) The first cable includes a first electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first electrical cable includes a first cable conductor and a first cable insulator that covers the first cable conductor. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first electrical cable includes a first outer peripheral portion, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first reversing portion.

[0137] In the rotary connector device, by using the first electrical cable to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction at the first stop position, the length of the first electrical cable can be shortened, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be surely suppressed.

[0138] (9) The first cable includes a first dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first dummy cable includes a first outer peripheral portion, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first reversing portion. Thereby, the first dummy cable can more surely realize the stabilization of the posture of other cables.

[0139] (10) The second cable includes a second electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second electrical cable includes a second cable conductor and a second cable insulator that covers the second cable conductor. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second electrical cable includes a second outer peripheral portion, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second reversing portion.

[0140] In the rotary connector device, by using the second electrical cable to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction at the second stop position, the length of the second electrical cable can be shortened, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device can be reliably suppressed.

[0141] (11) The second cable includes a second dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second dummy cable includes a second outer peripheral portion, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second reversing portion. Thereby, the second dummy cable can more reliably stabilize the postures of other cables.

[0142] (12) The first cable accommodation space communicates with the second cable accommodation space. Thereby, it becomes easier to check the states of the first cable and the second cable.

[0143] (13) The stator includes an outer peripheral cable support that protrudes radially inward from the outer peripheral wall. The outer peripheral cable support is provided between the first cable and the second cable in the axial direction so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable. Thereby, the stabilization of the posture of at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be reliably realized.

[0144] (14) The rotor includes an inner peripheral cable support that protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral wall. The inner peripheral cable support is provided between the first cable and the second cable in the axial direction so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable. Thereby, the stabilization of the posture of at least one of the first cable and the second cable can be more reliably realized.

[0145] In the present application, "comprise" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms for explaining the existence of components, and do not exclude the existence of other components not described. This also applies to "have", "include" and their derivatives.

[0146] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying components and do not have other meanings (such as a specific order). For example, the existence of a "second element" is not implicitly implied by the existence of a "first element", nor is the existence of a "first element" implicitly implied by the existence of a "second element".

[0147] Also, expressions such as "parallel", "orthogonal", and "coincident" in this disclosure should not be strictly interpreted and respectively include the meanings of "substantially parallel", "substantially orthogonal", and "substantially coincident". Also, expressions regarding other arrangements are not to be strictly interpreted.

[0148] Words such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" indicating a degree may mean a reasonable amount of deviation such that the final result does not change significantly. All numerical values described in this application may be interpreted as including words such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately".

[0149] Also, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0150] Considering the above disclosure content, it is obvious that various modifications and corrections to the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosure content of this application without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0151] 2: Rotating Connector Device 10: Stator 11: Outer peripheral wall 18: Outer peripheral cable support 20: Rotor 21: Inner peripheral wall 28: Inner peripheral cable support 30: First electrical connector 31: First connector case 32, 33, 34, 35: First lead block 32A, 33A, 34A, 35A: First conductor 32B, 33B, 34B, 35B: First insulator 40: Second electrical connector 41: Second connector case 42, 43, 44, 45: Second lead block 42A, 43A, 44A, 45A: Second conductor 42B, 43B, 44B, 45B: Second insulator 50: First cable 50A, 50B: First electrical cable 50A1, 50B1: First cable conductor 50A2, 50B2: First cable insulator 50C, 50D: First dummy cable 51, 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D: First outer peripheral part 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D: First inner peripheral part 53, 53A, 53B, 53C, 53D: First reversing part 56, 56A, 56B: First outer peripheral connecting part 57, 57A: First straight part 60: Second cable 60A, 60B: Second electrical cable 60A1, 60B1: Second cable conductor 60A2, 60B2: Second cable insulator 60C, 60D: Second dummy cable 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D: Second outer peripheral part 62, 62A, 62B, 62C, 62D: Second inner peripheral part 63, 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D: Second reversing part 66, 66A, 66B: Second outer peripheral connection part 67, 67A: Second straight part A1: Axis of rotation D1: Axial direction D21: First rotation direction D22: Second rotation direction P1: First stop position P2: Second stop position PN: Neutral position S1: First cable storage space S2: Second cable storage space

Claims

1. A stator, a rotor rotatably provided about a rotation axis with respect to the stator, a first cable provided in a first cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor, a second cable provided in a second cable accommodation space formed between the stator and the rotor, and the second cable accommodation space is arranged side by side with the first cable accommodation space in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the rotor is rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the stator from a neutral position in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the stator includes an outer peripheral wall provided radially outside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis, the rotor includes an inner peripheral wall provided radially inside the first cable accommodation space and the second cable accommodation space with respect to the rotation axis, in a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a first inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a first reversing portion connecting the first outer peripheral portion to the first inner peripheral portion, in a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral portion wound along the outer peripheral wall of the stator, a second inner peripheral portion wound along the inner peripheral wall of the rotor, and a second reversing portion connecting the second outer peripheral portion to the second inner peripheral portion, the first reversing portion of the first cable is curved so as to protrude in the second rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis, the second reversing portion of the second cable is curved so as to protrude in the first rotation direction when viewed along the rotation axis, the first cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at a first stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the second cable is configured to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at a second stop position by being pulled between the stator and the rotor, the first cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator at the second stop position, The second cable is configured not to stop the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator at the first stop position. The first cable has a length that can maintain the curved shape of the first reversing portion in a state where the rotation of the rotor in the second rotation direction with respect to the stator is stopped at the second stop position when the second cable is pulled between the stator and the rotor. The second cable has a length that can maintain the curved shape of the second reversing portion in a state where the rotation of the rotor in the first rotation direction with respect to the stator is stopped at the first stop position when the first cable is pulled between the stator and the rotor. The rotor includes an inner peripheral cable support that protrudes radially outward from the inner peripheral wall. The inner peripheral cable support is provided between the first cable and the second cable in the axial direction so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable. Rotary connector device.

2. In the first cable accommodation space, no roller that contacts the first reversing portion is provided. In the second cable accommodation space, no roller that contacts the second reversing portion is provided. The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

3. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the first stop position with respect to the stator, the first cable includes a first outer peripheral connection portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a first inner peripheral portion, and a first straight portion that linearly extends from the first inner peripheral portion to the first outer peripheral connection portion when viewed along the rotation axis. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the second stop position with respect to the stator, the second cable includes a second outer peripheral connection portion connected to the outer peripheral wall, a second inner peripheral portion, and a second straight portion that linearly extends from the second inner peripheral portion to the second outer peripheral connection portion when viewed along the rotation axis. The rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first inner peripheral portion of the first cable is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the first rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator. The second inner peripheral portion of the second cable is arranged to be wound around the inner peripheral wall of the rotor when the rotor rotates in the second rotation direction from the neutral position with respect to the stator. The rotating connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A first electrical connector provided on the stator, A second electrical connector provided on the rotor, and further includes, At least one of the first cable and the second cable electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The rotating connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first electrical connector includes a first connector case and a first lead block provided in the first connector case and including a first conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the first conductor of the first lead block. The rotating connector device according to claim 5.

7. The second electrical connector includes a second connector case and a second lead block provided in the second connector case and including a second conductor. At least one of the first cable and the second cable is electrically connected to the second conductor of the second lead block. The rotating connector device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The first cable includes a first electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first electrical cable includes a first cable conductor and a first cable insulator that covers the first cable conductor. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first electrical cable includes the first outer peripheral portion, the first inner peripheral portion, and the first inversion portion. The rotating connector device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The first cable includes a first dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The first dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. In a state where the rotor is disposed at the neutral position with respect to the stator, the first dummy cable includes the first outer peripheral portion, the first inner peripheral portion, and the first inversion portion. The rotating connector device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The second cable includes a second electrical cable that electrically connects the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second electrical cable includes a second cable conductor and a second cable insulator that covers the second cable conductor. With the rotor disposed in the neutral position relative to the stator, the second electrical cable includes the second outer peripheral portion, the second inner peripheral portion, and the second reversing portion. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. The second cable includes a second dummy cable that does not electrically connect the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The second dummy cable does not include a conductor and includes a non-metallic material. With the rotor disposed in the neutral position relative to the stator, the second dummy cable includes the second outer peripheral portion, the second inner peripheral portion, and the second reversing portion. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. The first cable accommodation space communicates with the second cable accommodation space. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The stator includes an outer peripheral cable support that protrudes radially inward from the outer peripheral wall. The outer peripheral cable support is provided between the first cable and the second cable in the axial direction so as to support at least one of the first cable and the second cable. A gap is provided between the inner peripheral cable support and the outer peripheral cable support in the radial direction. The first cable accommodation space communicates with the second cable accommodation space through the gap. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The inner peripheral cable support includes an outer peripheral edge and extends radially outward from the inner peripheral wall to the outer peripheral edge. The outer peripheral cable support includes an inner peripheral edge and extends radially inward from the outer peripheral wall to the inner peripheral edge. The gap has a first width defined radially from the outer peripheral edge to the inner peripheral edge. The inner peripheral cable support has a second width defined radially from the inner peripheral wall to the outer peripheral edge. The first width is larger than the second width. The rotary connector device according to claim 13.

15. The outer peripheral cable support has a third width defined radially from the outer peripheral wall to the inner peripheral edge. The first width is larger than the third width. The rotary connector device according to claim 14.

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