Rotary connector device and method for manufacturing a rotary connector device

Abstract

This rotary connector device (2) comprises a stator (10), a rotator (20), an electrical cable (60), an electrical connector (30), and a connector coupling unit (70). The stator (10) comprises a first stator (11) and a second stator (12). The connector coupling unit (70) is configured to couple the electrical connector (30) to the first stator (11). The connector coupling unit (70) is configured so that the electrical connector (30) is cantilevered against the first stator (11) so that in a state with the electrical connector (30) arranged at a first position (P1) and a state with the second stator (12) removed from the first stator (11), a second surface (30B) is the free end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a rotary connector device and a method for manufacturing a rotary connector device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method for assembling a rotary connector device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the assembly method described in Patent Document 1, a rotor wound with a flexible flat cable is assembled to a stator, and a connector is temporarily fixed to the stator. In that state, the stator body is assembled to the stator, and the connector is assembled to the stator body.

[0005] However, it is preferable to further improve the assembly method described in Patent Document 1 and make it compatible with miniaturization.

[0006] The problem of the technology disclosed in the present application is to provide a rotary connector device and a method for manufacturing a rotary connector device that can achieve both improved assembly and miniaturization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the first feature, the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator, an electrical cable, an electrical connector, and a connector coupling. The stator includes a first stator and a second stator attached to the first stator. The rotator is rotatable relative to the stator about a first rotation axis and together with the stator forms a cable housing space provided to surround the first rotation axis. The electrical cable is provided within the cable housing space. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical cable. The connector coupling is configured to connect the electrical connector to the first stator. With the electrical connector connected to the first stator, the electrical connector can be positioned in a first position relative to the first stator. The electrical connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position, the second surface is positioned between the first rotation axis and the first surface. The connector connection is configured to support the electrical connector in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator such that the second surface is a free end when the electrical connector is in the first position and the second stator is detached from the first stator. When the electrical connector is in the first position and the second stator is attached to the first stator, the second stator is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in the axial direction defined along the first rotation axis.

[0008] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the connector connecting portion is configured to support the electrical connector in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator such that the second surface becomes a free end when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and the second stator is detached from the first stator. Therefore, the position of the electrical connector can be brought closer to the first rotation axis while facilitating the work of attaching the second stator to the first stator. This makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device that achieves both improved ease of assembly and miniaturization.

[0009] According to the second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the rotator includes an inner circumferential wall provided on the radially inner side of the cable housing space, and a first plate extending radially outward from the inner circumferential wall. The first stator includes an outer circumferential wall provided on the radially outer side of the cable housing space. The second stator includes a second plate attached to the outer circumferential wall and spaced apart from the first plate in the axial direction. With the electrical connector in the first position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the second plate is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in the axial direction.

[0010] In the rotary connector device relating to the second feature, the assembly process is made easier by positioning the second plate at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in the axial direction.

[0011] According to the third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first or second feature, the connector connecting portion is configured to connect an electrical connector to a first stator so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis.

[0012] In the rotary connector device relating to the third feature, the position of the electrical connector relative to the first stator can be stabilized while increasing the degree of freedom in the position of the electrical connector relative to the first stator.

[0013] According to the fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the third feature, when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and viewed along the first rotation axis, the first distance between the first surface and the second rotation axis is shorter than the second distance between the second surface and the second rotation axis.

[0014] In the rotary connector device relating to the fourth feature, the electrical connector can be more easily positioned radially inward, making it easier to miniaturize the rotary connector device.

[0015] According to the fifth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to the third or fourth feature, when viewed along the first rotation axis with the electrical connector positioned in the first position, the second rotation axis is provided radially outward of the electrical connector with respect to the first rotation axis.

[0016] In the rotary connector device relating to the fifth feature, the electrical connector can be positioned more radially inward, making it easier to miniaturize the rotary connector device.

[0017] According to the sixth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the third to fifth features, the electrical connector is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The electrical connector positioned in the first position is closer to the first rotation axis than the electrical connector positioned in the second position.

[0018] In the rotary connector device relating to the sixth feature, the electrical connector is positioned at a second location when attaching the second stator to the first stator, making it easier to attach the second stator to the first stator.

[0019] According to the seventh feature, in the rotary connector device relating to the sixth feature, when viewed along the first rotation axis with the electrical connector positioned in the second position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the electrical connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the second plate.

[0020] In the rotary connector device relating to the seventh feature, the electrical connector is positioned in a second position when attaching the second stator to the first stator, making it easier to attach the second stator to the first stator.

[0021] According to the eighth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth or seventh feature, with the second stator attached to the first stator, the electrical connector is rotatable around a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position.

[0022] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, after attaching the second stator to the first stator, the electrical connector can be disposed at the first position, making it easier to attach the second stator to the first stator.

[0023] According to the ninth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the third to eighth features, the electrical connector includes a connector case including an internal space, and a lead block provided in the internal space and electrically connected to an electrical cable. In a state where the electrical connector is disposed at the first position and the second stator is attached to the first stator, the second stator is disposed at least partially axially between the first stator and at least one of the connector case and the lead block.

[0024] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, it becomes easier to dispose the electrical connector radially inward, and it becomes easier to miniaturize the rotary connector device. <0C00089><00C0090>According to the tenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, when viewed along the first rotation axis in a state where the electrical connector is disposed at the first position, the second rotation axis is provided radially outside the lead block with respect to the first rotation axis.

[0026] <00C0093>In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, it becomes easier to dispose the electrical connector more radially inward, and it becomes easier to further miniaturize the rotary connector device.

[0027] According to the eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to tenth features, one of the first stator and the connector connecting portion includes a support hole. The other of the first stator and the connector connecting portion includes a pin provided in the support hole. [[ID=2I]]

[0028] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, a connector connecting portion can be realized with a simple structure.

[0029] According to the twelfth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the support hole includes a first support hole and a second support hole. The pin includes a first pin provided in the first support hole and a second pin provided in the second support hole.

[0030] In the rotary connector device relating to the twelfth feature, the connection strength between the first stator and the electrical connector by the connector connection portion is improved.

[0031] According to the 13th feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to 12th features, the connector connecting portion is configured to detachably connect an electrical connector to a first stator.

[0032] In the rotary connector device relating to the 13th feature, removing the electrical connector when attaching the second stator to the first stator makes it easier to attach the second stator to the first stator.

[0033] According to the 14th feature, the method for manufacturing a rotary connector device includes the steps of: setting an electrical cable radially inward on the outer peripheral wall of a first stator; connecting an electrical connector electrically connected to the electrical cable to the first stator via a connector connecting portion; and attaching a second stator to the first stator. The step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes the step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion so that the electrical connector can be positioned in a first position relative to the first stator. The electrical connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position, the second surface is positioned between the first rotation axis and the first surface. The step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes the step of cantilevering the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion so that the second surface is a free end when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and the second stator is removed from the first stator. The step of attaching the second stator to the first stator includes the step of attaching the second stator to the first stator such that the second stator is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in an axial direction defined along the first rotation axis.

[0034] In the manufacturing method relating to the 14th feature, the step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes a step of cantilevering the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion such that the second surface becomes a free end when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and the second stator is detached from the first stator. Therefore, the position of the electrical connector can be brought closer to the first rotation axis while facilitating the work of attaching the second stator to the first stator. This makes it possible to provide a manufacturing method for a rotary connector device that achieves both improved ease of assembly and miniaturization.

[0035] According to the 15th feature, in the manufacturing method relating to the 14th feature, the step of connecting an electrical connector to a first stator via a connector connecting portion includes the step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator so that it can rotate around a second rotation axis.

[0036] The manufacturing method relating to the 15th feature allows for increased flexibility in the position of the electrical connector relative to the first stator, while also stabilizing the position of the electrical connector relative to the first stator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] The technology disclosed in this application provides a rotary connector device and a method for manufacturing a rotary connector device that can achieve both improved ease of assembly and miniaturization. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line II-II of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line IV-IV of Figure 8. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first stator, rotator, electrical cable, electrical connector, and connector connection portion of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the first stator, electrical connector, and connector connection section of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the first stator, electrical connector, and connector connection section of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line VIII-VIII of Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first stator, second stator, rotator, electrical cable, electrical connector, and connector connection part of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XX of Figure 8. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of the first and second stators of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary connector device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the first stator, rotator, electrical cable, electrical connector, and connector connection portion of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first stator, electrical connector, and connector connection section of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 13. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the first stator, electrical connector, and connector connection section of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 13. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the first stator, second stator, rotator, electrical cable, electrical connector, and connector connection part of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 13. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0040] [First Embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The stator 10 is configured to be mounted on the vehicle body. The rotator 20 is rotatable around a first rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The rotator 20 is configured to be connected to the steering wheel. The rotator 20 is rotatable together with the steering wheel around the first rotation axis A1.

[0041] The rotary connector device 2 includes an electrical connector 30. The electrical connector 30 is connected to the stator 10. The electrical connector 30 may also be referred to as the first electrical connector 30. The rotary connector device 2 includes a second electrical connector 40. The second electrical connector 40 is connected to the rotator 20. The first electrical connector 30 is configured so that the vehicle body side connector is detachably connected. The first electrical connector 30 is positioned so that the vehicle body side connector is inserted and removed along a first direction D31. The vehicle body side connector is electrically connected to electrical circuits such as control devices. The second electrical connector 40 is configured so that the steering side connector is detachably connected. The second electrical connector 40 is positioned so that the steering side connector is inserted and removed along a second direction D32. The steering side connector is electrically connected to electrical circuits such as switches on the steering wheel and airbag devices. The vehicle body side connector and the steering side connector may also be referred to as external connectors.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first direction D31 and the second direction D32 are defined parallel to the first rotation axis A1. However, at least one of the first direction D31 and the second direction D32 may be defined non-parallel to the first rotation axis A1.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the rotator 20, together with the stator 10, forms a cable housing space 50 that surrounds the first rotation axis A1. The stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable housing space 50 between the stator 10 and the rotator 20 that surrounds the first rotation axis A1. For example, the cable housing space 50 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D2 with respect to the first rotation axis A1.

[0044] The rotary connector device 2 includes an electrical cable 60 provided within a cable housing space 50. An electrical connector 30 (see, for example, Figure 1) is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. A second electrical connector 40 (see, for example, Figure 1) is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. In other words, the electrical cable 60 electrically connects the first electrical connector 30 to the second electrical connector 40 (see, for example, Figure 1). The electrical cable 60 is arranged within the cable housing space 50. The electrical cable 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The electrical cable 60 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable 60.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the rotator 20 includes an inner circumferential wall 22 and a first plate 24. The inner circumferential wall 22 is located radially inward of the cable housing space 50 (see, for example, Figure 2). The first plate 24 extends radially outward from the inner circumferential wall 22. The rotary connector device 2 includes a sleeve 65. The sleeve 65 is connected to the inner circumferential wall 22 of the rotator 20.

[0046] The stator 10 includes a first stator 11 and a second stator 12. The second stator 12 is a separate component from the first stator 11. The second stator 12 is mounted to the first stator 11. In the first embodiment, the second stator 12 is detachably mounted to the first stator 11. The second stator 12 is detachable from and reattachable to the first stator 11. Here, "detachably mounted" includes a configuration that allows for repeated detachment and reattachment without substantial damage. However, the second stator 12 may be mounted to the first stator 11 in a manner that prevents detachment and reattachment.

[0047] The first stator 11 includes an outer perimeter wall 13. The outer perimeter wall 13 is located radially outward of the cable housing space 50 (see, for example, Figure 2). The second stator 12 includes a second plate 14. The second plate 14 is attached to the outer perimeter wall 13.

[0048] The rotary connector device 2 includes a connector connecting portion 70. The connector connecting portion 70 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11. The first stator 11 includes a connector support 18. The connector support 18 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral wall 13. The connector connecting portion 70 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the connector support 18.

[0049] The electrical connector 30 includes a connector case 31 and a lead block 32. The lead block 32 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. The lead block 32 is mounted on the connector case 31. The connector coupling section 70 connects the connector case 31 to the first stator 11. The connector coupling section 70 connects the connector case 31 to the connector support 18.

[0050] The second stator 12 includes a first connector cover 15. The first connector cover 15 extends from the second plate 14 in an axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1. The first connector cover 15 includes a first wall 15A, a second wall 15B, and a third wall 15C. The first wall 15A, the second wall 15B, and the third wall 15C extend from the second plate 14 in the axial direction D1. The second wall 15B and the third wall 15C extend radially outward from the first wall 15A. The second wall 15B is spaced apart from the third wall 15C.

[0051] The second plate 14 includes a second plate body 14A and an insertion portion 14B. The second plate body 14A extends in the circumferential direction D2. The insertion portion 14B extends radially outward from the second plate body 14A. The second wall 15B and the third wall 15C extend axially D1 from the insertion portion 14B. The first wall 15A, the second wall 15B, the third wall 15C, and the insertion portion 14B form a connector housing space 15D. With the manufacturing of the rotary connector device 2 completed, the electrical connector 30 is placed in the connector housing space 15D.

[0052] The rotary connector device 2 includes a second connector cover 16. The second connector cover 16 is a separate component from the second stator 12 and is attached to the second stator 12. The second connector cover 16 is removably attached to the first connector cover 15. The first connector cover 15 and the second connector cover 16 are configured to hold the electrical connector 30.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the second plate 14 is positioned with a gap between it and the first plate 24 in the axial direction D1. The insertion portion 14B is positioned with a gap between it and the first plate 24 in the axial direction D1.

[0054] The connector case 31 includes an internal space 31A. The lead block 32 is provided within the internal space 31A. In the first embodiment, the lead block 32 includes a first lead block 33 and a second lead block 34.

[0055] The lead block 32 includes a lead block body and a plurality of busbars. The plurality of busbars are electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. In the first embodiment, the first lead block 33 includes a first lead block body 33A and a plurality of first busbars 33B. The second lead block 34 includes a second lead block body 34A and a plurality of second busbars 34B. The electrical cable 60 includes a first electrical cable 61 and a second electrical cable 62. The first electrical cable 61 is electrically connected to the plurality of first busbars 33B. The second electrical cable 62 is electrically connected to the plurality of second busbars 34B.

[0056] The first busbar 33B includes a first pin terminal 33C. The first pin terminal 33C extends from the first lead block body 33A in a first direction D31. The first pin terminal 33C is capable of contacting the terminals of the vehicle-side connector.

[0057] The second busbar 34B includes a second pin terminal 34C. The second pin terminal 34C extends from the second lead block body 34A in the first direction D31. The second pin terminal 34C is capable of contacting the terminals of the steering-side connector.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the first pin terminal 33C extends from the first lead block body 33A in the axial direction D1. The second pin terminal 34C extends from the second lead block body 34A in the axial direction D1. However, the first pin terminal 33C may extend from the first lead block body 33A in a direction different from the axial direction D1. The second pin terminal 34C may extend from the second lead block body 34A in a direction different from the axial direction D1.

[0059] The second electrical connector 40 includes a connector case 41 and a lead block 42. The lead block 42 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. The lead block 42 is mounted in the connector case 41. The lead block 42 includes a third lead block 43 and a fourth lead block 44. The third lead block 43 is electrically connected to the first lead block 33 of the electrical connector 30 via the first electrical cable 61. The fourth lead block 44 is electrically connected to the second lead block 34 of the electrical connector 30 via the second electrical cable 62.

[0060] The first stator 11 includes a cable guide groove 19. The cable guide groove 19 communicates with a cable housing space 50 (see, for example, Figure 7). The electrical cable 60 extends from the cable housing space 50 to the electrical connector 30 through the cable guide groove 19.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, with the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 11, the electrical connector 30 can be positioned at a first position P1 relative to the first stator 11. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 70 is provided at least partially radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 70 is provided partially radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. However, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 70 may be provided entirely radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1.

[0062] With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1.

[0063] In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at a first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 is positioned partially between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at a first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 is positioned partially between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. However, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at a first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 may be positioned entirely between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at a first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 may be positioned entirely between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1.

[0064] With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and at least one of the connector case 31 and the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and at least one of the connector case 31 and the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1.

[0065] In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 is positioned partially between the first stator 11 and the connector case 31 and between the first stator 11 and the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 is positioned partially between the first stator 11 and the connector case 31 and between the first stator 11 and the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1. However, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second stator 12 may be positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and either the connector case 31 or the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second plate 14 may be positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and either the connector case 31 or the lead block 32 in the axial direction D1.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the electrical connector 30 includes a first surface 30A and a second surface 30B. The second surface 30B is located on the back side of the first surface 30A. When the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1, the second surface 30B is located between the first rotation axis A1 and the first surface 30A. When the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1, the second surface 30B faces the first rotation axis A1. The first surface 30A is located closer to the connector connection portion 70 than the second surface 30B.

[0067] With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 detached from the first stator 11, the connector connecting portion 70 is configured to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner relative to the first stator 11, such that the second surface 30B is a free end. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 detached from the first stator 11, the connector connecting portion 70 is positioned closer to the first surface 30A than to the second surface 30B so as to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner relative to the first stator 11.

[0068] With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the electrical connector 30 is positioned at a distance from the first stator 11 such that a space SP is formed between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, at least one of the connector case 31 and the lead block 32 is positioned at a distance from the first stator 11 such that a space SP is formed between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1.

[0069] In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector case 31 and lead block 32 are positioned at a distance from the first stator 11 such that a space SP is formed between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. However, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, only one of the connector case 31 and lead block 32 may be positioned at a distance from the first stator 11 such that a space SP is formed between the first stator 11 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the connector connection portion 70 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis A2. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 11, the electrical connector 30 can be positioned at a second position P2, which is different from a first position P1, relative to the first stator 11. The electrical connector 30 is rotatable around the second rotation axis A2 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 is closer to the first rotation axis A1 than the electrical connector 30 positioned at the second position P2. However, the rotation of the electrical connector 30 around the second rotation axis A2 relative to the first stator 11 may be restricted so that the electrical connector 30 is not positioned at the second position P2.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the angle between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is approximately 90 degrees. However, the second position P2 is not limited to the position shown in the figure.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the first distance DS1 between the first surface 30A and the second rotation axis A2 is shorter than the second distance DS2 between the second surface 30B and the second rotation axis A2. When the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the second rotation axis A2 is located radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. In the first embodiment, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the second rotation axis A2 is located radially outward of the lead block 32 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. The second rotation axis A2 is positioned at a twisted position with respect to the first rotation axis A1. However, the arrangement of the second rotation axis A2 is not limited to the arrangement disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0073] When the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the electrical connector 30 overlaps the first stator 11 at least partially. In the first embodiment, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the electrical connector 30 completely overlaps the first stator 11. However, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the electrical connector 30 may partially overlap the first stator 11, or it may be positioned so as not to overlap the first stator 11.

[0074] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connector connection portion 70 is configured to detachably connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11. One of the first stator 11 and the connector connection portion 70 includes a support hole 71. The other of the first stator 11 and the connector connection portion 70 includes a pin 72 provided within the support hole 71. In the first embodiment, the first stator 11 includes the support hole 71, and the connector connection portion 70 includes the pin 72. However, the first stator 11 may include the pin 72, and the connector connection portion 70 may include the support hole 71.

[0075] The support hole 71 includes a first support hole 71A and a second support hole 71B. The pin 72 includes a first pin 72A provided in the first support hole 71A and a second pin 72B provided in the second support hole 71B. However, the total number of support holes included in the support hole 71 is not limited to the total number disclosed in the first embodiment. The total number of pins included in the pin 72 is not limited to the total number disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0076] The connector connecting portion 70 includes a first connecting arm 73A and a second connecting arm 73B. The first connecting arm 73A and the second connecting arm 73B protrude from the electrical connector 30 in an axial direction D1. The first connecting arm 73A and the second connecting arm 73B protrude from the connector case 31 in an axial direction D1. The first connecting arm 73A and the second connecting arm 73B protrude from the first surface 30A in an axial direction D1.

[0077] The first pin 72A is provided on the first connecting arm 73A. The second pin 72B is provided on the second connecting arm 73B. The first connecting arm 73A is positioned with a gap between it and the second connecting arm 73B. The first pin 72A protrudes away from the first connecting arm 73A, away from the second pin 72B. The second pin 72B protrudes away from the second connecting arm 73B, away from the first pin 72A.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the second stator 12 can be attached to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned in at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2. The second plate 14 can be attached to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned in at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2. With the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the electrical connector 30 can rotate around the second rotation axis A2 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the second stator 12 can be attached to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively. The second plate 14 can be attached to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively. The second stator 12 can be inserted into space SP with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. The second plate 14 can be inserted into space SP with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. However, the second stator 12 may only be attachable to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the second position P2. The second plate 14 may only be attachable to the first stator 11 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the second position P2.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10, with the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the first connector cover 15 covers the electrical connector 30 at least partially. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the first connector cover 15 and the second connector cover 16 cover the electrical connector 30 at least partially. In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the first connector cover 15 covers the electrical connector 30. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the first connector cover 15 and the second connector cover 16 cover the electrical connector 30.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the second position P2 and the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11, and viewed along the first rotation axis A1, the electrical connector 30 is positioned so as not to overlap with the second plate 14 when viewed along the first rotation axis A1. However, when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the second position P2 and the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11, the electrical connector 30 may be positioned so as to at least partially overlap with the second plate 14 when viewed along the first rotation axis A1.

[0082] The manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 2 will be explained using Figure 12.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, the first electrical connector 30 and the second electrical connector 40 are connected to the electrical cable 60 (step S1). Specifically, the lead block 32 of the first electrical connector 30 (see, for example, Figure 4) and the lead block 42 of the second electrical connector 40 (see, for example, Figure 4) are electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. The lead block 32 is mounted in the connector case 31. The lead block 42 is mounted in the connector case 41.

[0084] The second electrical connector 40 is attached to the rotator 20 (step S2). The electrical cable 60 is wrapped around the rotator 20 (step S3). The rotator 20 is attached to the first stator 11 (step S4). Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the inner circumferential wall 22 of the rotator 20 is positioned radially inward of the outer circumferential wall 13 of the first stator 11. Steps S3 and S4 may be performed in reverse order.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, the first electrical connector 30 is connected to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 (step S5). In other words, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 2 includes the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30, which is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60, to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 detached from the first stator 11, the connector connecting portion 70 is configured to support the first electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator 11 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end. Therefore, the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 includes the step of cantilevering the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 detached from the first stator 11.

[0087] At this time, as shown in Figure 5, the first electrical connector 30 can be positioned at the first position P1. In other words, the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 includes the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 so that the first electrical connector 30 can be positioned at the first position P1 relative to the first stator 11.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, when connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70, the pins 72 are fitted into the support holes 71. More specifically, the first pin 72A is fitted into the first support hole 71A, and the second pin 72B is fitted into the second support hole 71B. In other words, the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 via the connector connecting portion 70 includes the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 so that it can rotate around the second rotation axis A2.

[0089] As shown in Figure 12, the electrical cable 60 is attached to the first stator 11 (step S6). Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the electrical cable 60 is set radially inside the outer peripheral wall 13 of the first stator 11. In other words, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 2 includes the step of setting the electrical cable 60 radially inside the outer peripheral wall 13 of the first stator 11.

[0090] As shown in Figure 12, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 2 includes the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 11. Specifically, with the first electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 11, the first electrical connector 30 is positioned at the second position P2 (step S7). As shown in Figure 9, with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the second position P2, the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11 (step S8).

[0091] As shown in Figure 12, the first electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 (step S9). As shown in Figure 9, with the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the first electrical connector 30 is rotated around the second rotation axis A2 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. At this time, the first electrical connector 30 is inserted into the connector housing space 15D of the first connector cover 15. With the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and the first electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. In other words, the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 11 includes the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 11 such that the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 and the first electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12, the second connector cover 16 is attached to the first stator 11 (step S10). As shown in Figure 10, with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the second connector cover 16 is attached to the first connector cover 15. Thus, the position of the first electrical connector 30 is stabilized at the first position P1.

[0093] In the manufacturing method shown in Figure 12, the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11 with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the second position P2. However, the second stator 12 may be attached to the first stator 11 with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. In this case, in step S7, the first electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1, and step S9 is omitted.

[0094] [Second Embodiment] The rotary connector device 202 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 13 to 18. Except for the electrical connector 30, the rotary connector device 202 has substantially the same structure as the rotary connector device 2 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, components having substantially the same structure as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and, for the sake of simplification, are not described and / or illustrated again in detail.

[0095] As shown in Figure 13, the rotary connector device 202 includes a stator 10, a rotator 20, an electrical cable 60, an electrical connector 30, and a connector connecting portion 270. The stator 10 has substantially the same structure as the stator 10 of the first embodiment. The rotator 20 has substantially the same structure as the rotator 20 of the first embodiment. The electrical connector 30 has substantially the same structure as the electrical connector 30 of the first embodiment. The connector connecting portion 270 has substantially the same structure as the connector connecting portion 70 of the first embodiment.

[0096] The stator 10 includes a first stator 211 and a second stator 12. The first stator 211 includes an outer peripheral wall 13 and a connector support 218. The connector support 218 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral wall 13.

[0097] The connector connection section 270 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211. The connector connection section 270 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the connector support 218. The connector connection section 270 connects the connector case 31 to the first stator 211. The connector connection section 270 connects the connector case 31 to the connector support 218.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 270 is provided at least partially radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. In the first embodiment, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 270 is provided partially radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1. However, with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the connector connecting portion 270 may be provided entirely radially outward of the electrical connector 30 with respect to the first rotation axis A1.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14, the connector connecting portion 270 is configured to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator 211 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 211. When the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 211, the connector connecting portion 270 is positioned closer to the first surface 30A than to the second surface 30B so as to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator 211.

[0100] The connector connection portion 270 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211 so as to hold the electrical connector 30 in a first position P1. The connector connection portion 270 restricts the rotation of the electrical connector 30 around the second rotation axis A2 relative to the first stator 211 so as not to be positioned in a second position P2.

[0101] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the connector coupling portion 270 is configured to removably connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211. The connector coupling portion 270 secures the connector case 31 to the first stator 211. The connector coupling portion 270 includes a first connector coupling portion 271 and a second connector coupling portion 272. The first connector coupling portion 271 is spaced apart from the second connector coupling portion 272. The first connector coupling portion 271 includes a first coupling portion 271A and a first pin 271B. The first coupling portion 271A protrudes from the connector case 31 in an axial direction D1. The first pin 271B protrudes from the first coupling portion 271A in a direction different from the axial direction D1. The second connector coupling portion 272 includes a second coupling portion 272A and a second pin 272B. The second coupling portion 272A protrudes from the connector case 31 in an axial direction D1. The second pin 272B protrudes from the second connecting portion 272A in a direction different from the axial direction D1.

[0102] The connector support 218 includes a connecting groove 219. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 211, the connector connecting portion 270 is at least partially located within the connecting groove 219. The connecting groove 219 includes a first groove 219A, a second groove 219B, and a third groove 219C. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 211, the first pin 271B is at least partially located within the first groove 219A. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 211, the second pin 272B is at least partially located within the second groove 219B. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 211, the first connecting portion 271A is at least partially located within the third groove 219C. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 211, the second connecting portion 272A is at least partially located within the third groove 219C.

[0103] As shown in Figure 14, the third groove 219C includes the first inner surface 219D, the second inner surface 219E, and the bottom surface 219F. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the connector coupling portion 270 is in contact with the bottom surface 219F. With the electrical connector 30 positioned in the first position P1, the connector coupling portion 270 is positioned at least partially between the first inner surface 219D and the second inner surface 219E. The connector coupling portion 270 is capable of contacting the first inner surface 219D and the second inner surface 219E. Therefore, the third groove 219C restricts the rotation of the connector coupling portion 270.

[0104] As shown in Figure 17, the second stator 12 can be attached to the first stator 211 when the electrical connector 30 is detached from the first stator 211 (the connector connecting portion 270 is not connected to the electrical connector 30 on the first stator 211). The second plate 14 can be attached to the first stator 211 when the electrical connector 30 is detached from the first stator 211 (the connector connecting portion 270 is not connected to the electrical connector 30 on the first stator 211).

[0105] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the second stator 12 can be attached to the first stator 211 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. The second plate 14 can be attached to the first stator 211 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. However, the second stator 12 does not necessarily have to be attachable to the first stator 211 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1. The second plate 14 does not necessarily have to be attachable to the first stator 211 with the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1.

[0106] The manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 202 will be explained using Figure 18.

[0107] As shown in Figure 18, the method for manufacturing the rotary connector device 202 is substantially the same as the method for manufacturing the rotary connector device 2 shown in Figure 12, except that steps S5, S7, and S9 shown in Figure 12 are replaced by steps S25, S27, and S29.

[0108] As shown in Figure 18, the first electrical connector 30 is temporarily installed on the first stator 211 (step S25). Specifically, the first electrical connector 30 is connected to the first stator 211 via the connector connecting portion 270. In other words, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 202 includes the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30, which is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60, to the first stator 211 via the connector connecting portion 270.

[0109] As shown in Figure 14, the connector connection portion 270 is configured to support the first electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator 211 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the first electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 211. Therefore, the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211 via the connector connection portion 270 includes the step of cantilevering the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211 via the connector connection portion 270 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the first electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 211.

[0110] At this time, as shown in Figure 17, the first electrical connector 30 can be positioned at the first position P1. In other words, the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211 via the connector connecting portion 270 includes the step of connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the first stator 211 via the connector connecting portion 270 so that the first electrical connector 30 can be positioned at the first position P1 relative to the first stator 211.

[0111] As shown in Figure 18, the electrical cable 60 is attached to the first stator 211 (step S5). Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the electrical cable 60 is set radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 13 of the first stator 211. In other words, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 202 includes the step of setting the electrical cable 60 radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 13 of the first stator 211. After the electrical cable 60 is attached to the first stator 211, the first electrical connector 30 is removed from the first stator 211 (step S27).

[0112] As shown in Figure 18, the manufacturing method of the rotary connector device 202 includes the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 211. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, with the first electrical connector 30 removed from the first stator 211, the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 211 (step S8).

[0113] As shown in Figure 17, with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 211 and the first electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1. In other words, the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 211 includes the step of attaching the second stator 12 to the first stator 211 such that the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 211 and the first electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1.

[0114] After the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 211, the first electrical connector 30 is reconnected to the first stator 211 (step S29).

[0115] In the manufacturing method shown in Figure 18, the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 211 with the first electrical connector 30 removed from the first stator 211. However, the second stator 12 may be attached to the first stator 211 with the first electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1.

[0116] As described above, the rotary connector device 2 or 202 includes a stator 10, a rotator 20, an electrical cable 60, an electrical connector 30, and a connector coupling portion 70 or 270. The stator 10 includes a first stator 11 or 211 and a second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11 or 211. The rotator 20 is rotatable relative to the stator 10 about a first rotation axis A1 and together with the stator 10 forms a cable housing space 50 that surrounds the first rotation axis A1. The electrical cable 60 is provided within the cable housing space 50. The electrical connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 60. The connector coupling portion 70 or 270 is configured to connect the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211. With the electrical connector 30 connected to the first stator 11 or 211, the electrical connector 30 can be positioned at a first position P1 relative to the first stator 11 or 211. The electrical connector 30 includes a first surface 30A and a second surface 30B provided on the back side of the first surface 30A. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the second surface 30B is positioned between the first rotation axis A1 and the first surface 30A. The connector connection portion 70 or 270 is configured to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner relative to the first stator 11 or 211 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 11 or 211. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11 or 211, the second stator 12 is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 or 211 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction D1 defined along the first rotation axis A1.

[0117] In the rotary connector device 2 or 202, the connector connecting portion 70 or 270 is configured to support the electrical connector 30 in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator 11 or 211 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator 12 is detached from the first stator 11 or 211. Therefore, the position of the electrical connector 30 can be brought closer to the first rotation axis A1 while facilitating the installation of the second stator 12 to the first stator 11 or 211. This makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device 2 or 202 that achieves both improved ease of assembly and miniaturization.

[0118] Furthermore, the manufacturing method for the rotary connector device 2 or 202 includes the steps of: setting an electrical cable 60 radially inward on the outer peripheral wall of the first stator 11 or 211; connecting an electrical connector 30 electrically connected to the electrical cable 60 to the first stator 11 or 211 via a connector connecting portion 70 or 270; and attaching the second stator to the first stator 11 or 211. The step of connecting the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector connecting portion 70 or 270 includes the step of connecting the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector connecting portion 70 or 270 so that the electrical connector 30 can be positioned at a first position P1 relative to the first stator 11 or 211. The electrical connector 30 includes a first surface 30A and a second surface 30B provided on the back side of the first surface 30A. With the electrical connector 30 positioned at the first position P1, the second surface 30B is positioned between the first rotation axis and the first surface 30A. The step of connecting the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector coupling portion 70 or 270 includes the step of cantilevering the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector coupling portion 70 or 270 such that the second surface 30B is a free end when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator is detached from the first stator 11 or 211. The step of attaching the second stator to the first stator 11 or 211 includes the step of attaching the second stator to the first stator 11 or 211 such that the second stator is positioned at least partially between the first stator 11 or 211 and the electrical connector 30 in the axial direction defined along the first rotation axis.

[0119] In the manufacturing method for the rotary connector device 2 or 202, the step of connecting the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector connecting portion 70 or 270 includes the step of cantilevering the electrical connector 30 to the first stator 11 or 211 via the connector connecting portion 70 or 270 such that the second surface 30B becomes a free end when the electrical connector 30 is positioned at the first position P1 and the second stator is removed from the first stator 11 or 211. Therefore, the position of the electrical connector 30 can be brought closer to the first rotation axis while facilitating the work of attaching the second stator to the first stator 11 or 211. This makes it possible to provide a manufacturing method for the rotary connector device 2 or 202 that achieves both improved ease of assembly and miniaturization.

[0120] In this application, "equipped with" and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the existence of a component and do not exclude the existence of other components not described. This also applies to "have," "include," and their derivatives.

[0121] In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms used to identify the components and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a specific order). For example, the existence of a "first element" does not implicitly mean that a "second element" exists, nor does the existence of a "second element" implicitly mean that a "first element" exists.

[0122] Furthermore, the terms “parallel,” “orthogonal,” and “coincident” in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but rather include the meanings of “substantially parallel,” “substantially orthogonal,” and “substantially coincidental,” respectively. Other terms relating to arrangement should also not be interpreted strictly.

[0123] Furthermore, the expression "at least one of A and B" in this disclosure includes, for example, (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, (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 construed as "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0124] Based on the above disclosure, it is clear that various changes and modifications to the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosures of this application, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 2: Rotary connector device 10: Status 11: First Status 12: Second Status 13:Outer wall 14: Second Plate 18: Connector Support 20: Rotator 22: Inner wall 24: First Plate 30: Electrical connector 30A: 1st side 30B: 2nd side 31: Connector Case 31A: Internal space 32: Lead Block 50: Cable housing space 60: Electrical Cables 70: Connector connection part 71: Support hole 71A: 1st support hole 71B: 2nd support hole 72: Pin 72A: Pin 1 72B: Pin 2 73A: First connecting arm 73B: Second connecting arm 202: Rotary connector device 211: First Status 218: Connector Support 219:Connection groove 219A: 1st groove 219B: 2nd groove 219C: 3rd groove 219D: First inner surface 219E: Second inner surface 219F: Bottom 270: Connector connection part 271: First connector connection section 271A: 1st connection part 271B: Pin 1 272: Second connector connection section 272A: 2nd connection part 272B: Pin 2 A1: First axis of rotation A2: 2nd axis of rotation D1: Axial direction DS1: First distance DS2: Second distance P1: 1st position P2: 2nd position

Claims

1. A stator including a first stator and a second stator attached to the first stator, A rotator is provided so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis relative to the stator, and together with the stator, forms a cable housing space that surrounds the first rotation axis. An electrical cable provided within the aforementioned cable housing space, An electrical connector that is electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical cable, The electrical connector comprises a connector connecting portion configured to connect to the first stator, With the electrical connector connected to the first stator, the electrical connector can be positioned in a first position relative to the first stator. The electrical connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position, the second surface is positioned between the first axis of rotation and the first surface. The connector connecting portion is configured to support the electrical connector in a cantilever manner with respect to the first stator such that the second surface becomes a free end when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and the second stator is detached from the first stator. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the second stator is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in the axial direction defined along the first rotation axis. Rotary connector device.

2. The rotator includes an inner circumferential wall provided radially inward of the cable housing space, and a first plate extending radially outward from the inner circumferential wall. The first stator includes an outer peripheral wall provided radially outward of the cable housing space, The second stator includes a second plate attached to the outer peripheral wall and positioned at a distance from the first plate in the axial direction, With the electrical connector positioned in the first position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the second plate is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in the axial direction. The rotary connector device according to claim 1.

3. The connector connection portion is configured to connect the electrical connector to the first stator so as to be rotatable around the second rotation axis. The rotary connector device according to claim 2.

4. When the electrical connector is positioned in the first location and viewed along the first axis of rotation, the first distance between the first surface and the second axis of rotation is shorter than the second distance between the second surface and the second axis of rotation. The rotary connector device according to claim 3.

5. When the electrical connector is positioned in the first location and viewed along the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis is provided radially outward of the electrical connector with respect to the first rotation axis. The rotary connector device according to claim 3.

6. The electrical connector is rotatable about the second rotation axis between the first position and the second position. The electrical connector positioned at the first position is closer to the first axis of rotation than the electrical connector positioned at the second position. The rotary connector device according to claim 3.

7. When viewed along the first rotation axis with the electrical connector positioned in the second position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the electrical connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the second plate. The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

8. With the second stator attached to the first stator, the electrical connector is rotatable around the second rotation axis between the first and second positions. The rotary connector device according to claim 6.

9. The electrical connector includes a connector case including an internal space, and a lead block provided within the internal space and electrically connected to the electrical cable. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position and the second stator attached to the first stator, the second stator is positioned at least partially in the axial direction between the first stator and at least one of the connector case and the lead block. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. When the electrical connector is positioned in the first location and viewed along the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis is provided radially outward of the lead block with respect to the first rotation axis. The rotary connector device according to claim 9.

11. The first stator and the connector connecting portion include a support hole, The other of the first stator and the connector connecting portion includes a pin provided in the support hole. A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The support hole includes a first support hole and a second support hole. The pin includes a first pin provided in the first support hole and a second pin provided in the second support hole. The rotary connector device according to claim 11.

13. The connector connection portion is configured to detachably connect the electrical connector to the first stator. A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. The process involves setting an electrical cable radially inward on the outer wall of the first stator, The steps include connecting an electrical connector electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical cable to the first stator via a connector connection portion, The process includes the step of attaching the second stator to the first stator, The step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes the step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion such that the electrical connector can be positioned in a first position relative to the first stator, The electrical connector includes a first surface and a second surface provided on the back side of the first surface. With the electrical connector positioned in the first position, the second surface is positioned between the first axis of rotation and the first surface. The step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes the step of cantilevering the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion such that the second surface becomes a free end when the electrical connector is positioned in the first position and the second stator is removed from the first stator, The step of attaching the second stator to the first stator includes the step of attaching the second stator to the first stator such that the second stator is positioned at least partially between the first stator and the electrical connector in an axial direction defined along the first rotation axis, A method for manufacturing a rotary connector device.

15. The step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator via the connector connecting portion includes the step of connecting the electrical connector to the first stator so that it can rotate around a second rotation axis. The manufacturing method according to claim 14.

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