Rotary connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotary connector capable of suppressing the generation of abrasive powder. The rotary connector includes: an annular conductive ring; a conductive shaft inserted into the conductive ring and configured to rotate relative to the conductive ring; and a current collector disposed radially between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft, wherein a groove is formed at the axial end of at least one of the conductive ring and the conductive shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary connector, for example a rotary connector for electrically connecting a rotating side element and a stationary side element in a rotating mechanism. Prior Technology

[0002] Rotary connectors are known in various industries for electrically connecting rotating and stationary components in rotating mechanisms. These connectors electrically connect the conductive ring and the conductive shaft via a current collector positioned between them.

[0003] Such rotary connectors, used as current collectors, include those filled with liquid metals such as mercury or gallium alloys, and those equipped with multiple conductive roller current collectors. In recent years, rotary connectors using roller current collectors have attracted attention from the perspectives of environmental impact and leakage risk caused by liquid leakage.

[0004] For example, the rotary connector shown in Patent Document 1 includes an annular outer peripheral component, a shaft, and a roller current collector. A tapered section is formed in the shaft. The roller current collector is disposed in the tapered section. The roller current collector is positioned radially between the outer peripheral component and the shaft, and contacts both of them. The roller current collector performs a so-called planetary motion, rotating on its own axis and revolving around the outer peripheral component, based on the relative rotation of the shaft relative to the outer peripheral component. Therefore, even if the shaft rotates relative to the outer peripheral component, an electrical connection between the shaft and the outer peripheral component can be achieved.

[0005] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-218997 (page 3, figure 1). Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the rotary connector described in Patent Document 1, the axial position of the roller current collector disposed on the narrow diameter portion of the shaft is maintained by the large diameter portion, which is located further outward axially than the narrow diameter portion.

[0008] However, when the roller current collector is tilted relative to the axis of the shaft, its axial end may come into contact with the shaft and peripheral components, resulting in stress concentration at that axial end, also known as edge load. When edge load occurs, a portion of the shaft and peripheral components may be ground, generating wear powder.

[0009] This invention was made with regard to the problem that aims to provide a rotary connector capable of suppressing the generation of abrasive powder.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the rotary connector of the present invention includes: an annular conductive ring; a conductive shaft inserted into the conductive ring and configured to rotate relative to the conductive ring; and a current collector disposed radially between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft. A groove is formed at the axial end of the current collector in at least one of the conductive ring and the conductive shaft.

[0012] Therefore, the groove reduces the frequency and force of contact between the axial end of the current collector and one side of the conductive ring or conductive shaft. This suppresses the generation of wear powder. Furthermore, wear powder can be accumulated within the groove.

[0013] The groove can be formed at both ends of the current collector along its axial direction. This reduces the frequency and force generated when the current collector's axial ends come into contact with the conductive ring or one side of the conductive shaft.

[0014] The groove can be formed on the conductive shaft. Therefore, it is easy to form a groove.

[0015] The groove can be formed in the conductive ring. Therefore, due to the large volume of the tank, wear powder is easily accumulated.

[0016] A flange may be formed at a position axially outer of the groove. Therefore, by forming a flange at a position on the outer side of the groove, the position of the current collector can be maintained such that the axial end of the current collector is located inside the groove.

[0017] The groove can extend circumferentially. This allows for a more reliable reduction in the frequency and force generated by the contact between the axial end of the current collector and the conductive ring or one side of the conductive shaft. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotary connector in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of the rotary connector in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the main part of the conductive shaft in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the main parts of the rotary connector in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the main part of the conductive shaft in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector of Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Implementation

[0019] The following describes the method of implementing the rotary connector of the present invention based on embodiments.

[0020] [Example 1]

[0021] The rotary connector of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The top and bottom of the rotary connector will be described below from the front view in Figure 1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the rotary connector 1 is arranged longitudinally, for example, for a rotating part in a rotating mechanism. The rotary connector 1 supplies power from an external power source to the rotating shaft of the rotating mechanism.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotary connector 1 mainly consists of a rotating side element 2, a stationary side element 3, seven roller current collectors 4, and seven rotating spacers 5. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the roller current collectors 4 and the rotating spacers 5 are evenly arranged circumferentially, but their quantity and arrangement can be appropriately changed.

[0024] The rotating side component 2 includes a conductive shaft 20, a lower oil baffle ring 21, an upper oil baffle ring 22, a lower bearing 40, and an upper bearing 41.

[0025] The conductive shaft 20 is connected to a rotating shaft (not shown) in the rotating mechanism. The conductive shaft 20 is configured to rotate relative to the stationary element 3 by being driven to rotate on the rotating shaft.

[0026] The conductive shaft 20 is formed into a stepped cylindrical shape from a highly conductive material. The conductive shaft 20 has a large-diameter main body portion 23, a lower small-diameter main body portion 24, and an upper small-diameter main body portion 25. It should be noted that the conductive shaft 20 can be hollow.

[0027] An electroplating process based on a highly conductive material such as silver is applied to the outer peripheral surface 23a of the large-diameter main body 23. It should be noted that the electroplating is relatively thin and the pattern is complex, therefore it is omitted from the illustration. The same applies to the electroplating described below.

[0028] The lower small-diameter main body portion 24 extends axially downward from the center of the lower end face of the large-diameter main body portion 23. The diameter of the lower small-diameter main body portion 24 is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter main body portion 23. A lower oil baffle ring 21 is embedded outside the lower small-diameter main body portion 24.

[0029] The lower oil baffle ring 21 is formed into a ring shape from a non-conductive material. The lower oil baffle ring 21 has a cylindrical rim portion 21a extending axially and a flange portion 21b extending outward from the upper end of the rim portion 21a. A lower small-diameter main body portion 24 is pressed and fixed into the lower oil baffle ring 21's rim portion 21a. Furthermore, the lower oil baffle ring 21 abuts against the large-diameter main body portion 23 axially.

[0030] The upper small-diameter main body portion 25 is cylindrical and extends axially upward from the center of the upper end face of the large-diameter main body portion 23. The diameter of the upper small-diameter main body portion 25 is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter main body portion 23. An upper oil baffle ring 22 is embedded outside the upper small-diameter main body portion 25.

[0031] The upper oil baffle ring 22 is formed into a ring shape from a non-conductive material. The upper oil baffle ring 22 has an axially extending cylindrical inner rim portion 22a, a bottom portion 22b extending outward from the lower end of the inner rim portion 22a, and an outer rim portion 22c extending axially upward from the outer diameter end of the bottom portion 22b. An upper small-diameter main body portion 25 is pressed and fixed into the upper oil baffle ring 22's inner rim portion 22a. Furthermore, the upper oil baffle ring 22 abuts against the large-diameter main body portion 23 axially.

[0032] An O-ring 26 seals the upper oil baffle ring 22 with respect to the upper small-diameter main body 25. The O-ring 26 is recessed from the outer periphery of the upper small-diameter main body 25 towards the inner diameter side and is disposed in an annular groove that opens towards the outer diameter side. It should be noted that the annular groove in which the O-ring 26 is disposed can be provided in the upper oil baffle ring 22.

[0033] The stationary component 3 can be connected to an external power source (not shown). The stationary component 3 mainly consists of a conductive ring 30, a lower guide plate 31, an upper guide plate 32, a housing 35, and a cover 36.

[0034] The conductive ring 30 is formed into a cylindrical shape from a highly conductive material. An electroplating process, such as silver, is performed on the inner circumferential surface 30a of the conductive ring 30. Inside the conductive ring 30, the large-diameter main body 23 of the conductive shaft 20 of the rotating element 2, each roller current collector 4, and each rotating spacer 5 are arranged.

[0035] The lower guide plate 31 is formed into a cylindrical shape and is positioned below the conductive ring 30.

[0036] The lower guide plate 31 has a lower recess 31a and an upper recess 31b formed at its radial center. The lower recess 31a and the upper recess 31b are divided axially by an inwardly extending annular flange 31c.

[0037] In detail, the lower recess 31a is recessed from the lower end of the lower guide plate 31 towards the axially upward side, and is open towards the axially downward side and the inner diameter side. The upper recess 31b is recessed from the upper end of the lower guide plate 31 towards the axially downward side, and is open towards the axially upward side and the inner diameter side. The flange 31c extends from the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the lower recess 31a towards the inner diameter side.

[0038] A lower bearing 40 is inserted into the lower recess 31a. The lower bearing 40 abuts against the flange 31c in the axial direction.

[0039] The lower bearing 40 is made of porous resin material and is formed in a ring shape. Additionally, the lower bearing 40 is impregnated with oil as a lubricant. The same applies to the upper bearing 41.

[0040] The lower small-diameter main body 24 of the conductive shaft 20, to which the rotating element 2 is inserted, is inserted into the lower guide plate 31. The lower small-diameter main body 24 is fitted with the lower bearing 40 through the through hole inside the flange 31c from the upper recess 31b side.

[0041] Furthermore, the lower oil baffle ring 21, fixed to the lower small-diameter main body 24, is disposed on the inner diameter side of the lower guide plate 31. The rim portion 21a of the lower oil baffle ring 21 extends through the through hole inside the flange 31c from the upper recess 31b side and abuts against the lower bearing 40. In addition, the flange portion 21b of the lower oil baffle ring 21 extends outward from the through hole inside the flange 31c, and a portion of it is axially opposed to the flange 31c.

[0042] The lower oil baffle ring 21 rotates integrally with the conductive shaft 20.

[0043] The upper recess 31b abuts against the lower end of the rotating spacer 5 at a position closer to the outer diameter than the flange 21b of the lower oil baffle ring 21, allowing the rotating spacer 5 to roll. The outer peripheral side of the upper recess 31b is positioned closer to the inner diameter than the inner peripheral surface 30a of the conductive ring 30, enabling the rotating spacer 5 to roll without contacting the conductive ring 30.

[0044] The upper guide plate 32 is cylindrical and positioned above the conductive ring 30. The upper guide plate 32 has a through hole 32a extending radially through the center. Furthermore, the lower end of the through hole 32a forms a recess 32b that expands outward in diameter.

[0045] An upper bearing 41 is inserted into the through hole 32a.

[0046] The upper small-diameter main body 25 of the conductive shaft 20, to which the rotating element 2 is inserted, is inserted into the upper guide plate 32. The upper small-diameter main body 25 is fitted with the upper bearing 41, which is inserted into the through hole 32a from the recess 32b side.

[0047] Furthermore, the upper oil baffle ring 22, fixed to the upper small-diameter main body portion 25, is disposed within the through hole 32a. The inner rim portion 22a of the upper oil baffle ring 22 abuts against the upper bearing 41 in the axial direction. That is, the lower oil baffle ring 21 and the upper oil baffle ring 22 have a so-called spacer function, maintaining the axial position of the conductive shaft 20.

[0048] The upper oil baffle ring 22 rotates integrally with the conductive shaft 20.

[0049] The upper end of the recess 32b abuts against the rotating spacer 5, which is capable of rolling. The diameter of the outer peripheral side of the recess 32b is approximately the same as the diameter of the outer peripheral side of the upper recess 31b of the lower guide plate 31, which can guide the rotating spacer 5 to roll.

[0050] The shell 35 has an inverted U-shaped cross-section. In addition, the cover 36 is formed as a thin plate.

[0051] A conductive ring 30, a lower guide plate 31, and an upper guide plate 32 are embedded inside the housing 35. A cover 36 is fixed to the lower end of the cylindrical part of the housing 35 by bolts.

[0052] The roller current collector 4 is formed into a cylindrical shape capable of elastic deformation from a highly conductive metal, such as copper or a copper alloy. Furthermore, its outer circumferential surface is electroplated with a highly conductive material such as silver.

[0053] The roller current collector 4 is disposed axially between the lower guide plate 31 and the upper guide plate 32. Furthermore, the roller current collector 4 is disposed radially between the large-diameter main body 23 of the conductive shaft 20 and the conductive ring 30 in a radially compressed state. Thus, the roller current collector 4 maintains contact with both the conductive shaft 20 and the conductive ring 30.

[0054] The roller current collector 4 is in contact with the large-diameter main body 23 and the conductive ring 30 in a dry state, i.e., without lubricant. As a result, the resistance values ​​between the conductive shaft 20 and the roller current collector 4, and between the roller current collector 4 and the conductive ring 30, are stably maintained. Furthermore, the lower oil baffle ring 21 and the upper oil baffle ring 22 maintain a dry state.

[0055] The rotating spacer 5 is formed into a cylindrical shape from insulating resin material. The rotating spacer 5 is longer in the axial direction than the roller current collector 4, and its diameter is smaller than that of the roller current collector 4.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the central axis A1 of the rotating spacer 5 is positioned further outward than the central axis A2 of the roller current collector 4, and is positioned circumferentially between adjacent roller current collectors 4. It should be noted that, in Figure 2, to clearly show that the rotating spacer 5 is located within the upper recess 31b of the lower guide plate 31, the lower oil baffle ring 21 is omitted from the illustration.

[0057] When the rotating shaft of the rotating mechanism rotates, the conductive shaft 20 also rotates. Each roller current collector 4 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation of the conductive shaft 20 due to the rotation of the conductive shaft 20, and revolves in the direction of rotation of the conductive shaft 20 (refer to the thick black arrow).

[0058] Each rotating spacer 5 is affected by the rotation of each roller current collector 4, and rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the roller current collector 4, while revolving in the same direction as the revolution direction of the roller current collector 4 (refer to the thick white arrow).

[0059] Adjacent roller current collectors 4 in the circumferential direction are prevented from contacting each other by a rotating spacer 5 disposed between them in the circumferential direction. In other words, the rotating spacer 5 maintains the circumferential distance between adjacent roller current collectors 4.

[0060] The rotary connector 1 of this embodiment is less prone to generating wear powder. This will be explained in detail below.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the large-diameter main body 23 of the conductive shaft 20 has an outer peripheral surface 23a extending in a straight line along the axis of the large-diameter main body 23 at its axial center. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the large-diameter main body 23 cut radially at its axial center is approximately constant throughout the axial direction.

[0062] At both axial ends of the large-diameter main body 23, annular flanges 27 extending outward from the outer circumferential surface 23a are formed. In addition, in the large-diameter main body 23, annular grooves 28 extending circumferentially are formed on the side of the flanges 27 near the axial center.

[0063] The upper flange 27 and the lower flange 27 are symmetrical in shape. Similarly, the upper groove 28 and the lower groove 28 are also symmetrical in shape. In the following description, Figure 3 will be used to illustrate the upper flange 27 and groove 28, while the description of the lower flange 27 and groove 28 will be omitted or simplified.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the groove 28 is a U-shaped groove with a cross-section that is recessed towards the inner diameter side from the outer peripheral surface 23a of the large-diameter main body 23 and open towards the outer diameter side. The groove 28 has: an inner inclined surface 28a that is continuous with the upper axial end of the outer peripheral surface 23a of the large-diameter main body 23; an outer inclined surface 28b that is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the flange 27; and a curved surface 28c that is continuous with both the inner inclined surface 28a and the outer inclined surface 28b.

[0065] The inner inclined surface 28a is inclined from the upper axial end of the outer peripheral surface 23a of the large diameter main body 23 towards the inner diameter side and extends upward in the axial direction.

[0066] The inner inclined surface 28a is inclined at approximately 30 degrees from the outer peripheral surface 23a toward the inner diameter side. In other words, the angle between the solid portion of the outer peripheral surface 23a and the inner inclined surface 28a is approximately 150 degrees.

[0067] The outer inclined surface 28b is inclined from the lower axial end of the outer peripheral surface of the flange 27 toward the inner diameter side and extends to the lower axial side.

[0068] The outer inclined surface 28b is inclined at approximately 60 degrees from the outer periphery of the flange 27 towards the inner diameter. In other words, the angle between the solid portion of the outer periphery and the outer inclined surface 28b is approximately 120 degrees.

[0069] The curved surface 28c is curved in a manner that protrudes towards the inner diameter side.

[0070] The roller current collector 4 is configured such that its axial end 4a overlaps with the groove 28 in the radial direction. In other words, the groove 28 is provided at the position of the axial end 4a of the roller current collector 4.

[0071] Even if the axis of the roller current collector 4 is tilted relative to the axis of the conductive shaft 20, the angle 4b on the outer periphery of the axial end 4a will move into the space within the groove 28. That is, the angle 4b of the roller current collector 4 is difficult to contact the inner inclined surface 28a and the curved surface 28c. In other words, the roller current collector 4 is difficult to contact one side of the conductive shaft 20.

[0072] Furthermore, the angle between the solid side of the outer peripheral surface 23a and the inner inclined surface 28a is approximately 150 degrees. This makes it easier to reduce the force generated by the contact between the roller current collector 4 and the large-diameter main body 23 at angle 23b.

[0073] It should be noted that the inclination angle of the inner inclined surface 28a relative to the outer peripheral surface 23a is preferably in the range of 1 degree or more and 45 degrees or less, and as mentioned above, it is particularly preferably 30 degrees. This is based on the viewpoint of preventing the axial end edge of the roller current collector 4 from contacting the inner inclined surface 28a and reducing the force generated by the contact between the roller current collector 4 and the large-diameter main body 23.

[0074] The angle 4b of the roller current collector 4 can move from a position above the angle 23b where the outer peripheral surface 23a of the larger diameter main body 23 intersects with the inner inclined surface 28a (see Figure 3) to abutting against the outer inclined surface 28b.

[0075] Furthermore, even if the roller current collector 4 moves axially relative to the conductive shaft 20 and comes into contact with the outer inclined surface 28b, the axial end 4a will elastically deform toward the outer diameter side and the axial center side. Through the elastic force generated therefrom, the roller current collector 4 moves toward the axial center side, maintaining the axial position of the roller current collector 4 in such a way that the axial end 4a overlaps with the groove 28 in the radial direction.

[0076] From this perspective, the inclination angle of the outer inclined surface 28b relative to the outer peripheral surface of the flange 27 is preferably in the range of greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and more preferably in the range of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0077] As explained above, in the rotary connector 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the axial end 4a of the roller current collector 4 is unlikely to come into contact with the conductive shaft 20 on one side, thereby reducing the force generated by contact with the conductive shaft 20. As a result, the rotary connector 1 can suppress the generation of abrasive powder.

[0078] Furthermore, the roller current collector 4 is in line contact with the conductive shaft 20. It is well known that within the range of this line contact, the stress at the two axial edges is higher than the stress at the axial center. In the rotary connector 1 of this embodiment, since the stress generated at the corner 4b of the roller current collector 4 is reduced, edge loads caused by stress concentration are less likely to occur at corner 4b.

[0079] In this embodiment, the thickness of the roller current collector 4 is less than 1 mm, and the cross-sectional shape of the thin plate portion at corner 4b is a knife-edge shape. As described above, since edge loads are less likely to occur at corner 4b, the generation of wear powder can be effectively suppressed. It should be noted that the thickness of the roller current collector can be appropriately changed. In addition, the axial end edge of the roller current collector can be chamfered.

[0080] Furthermore, the axial end 4a of the roller current collector 4 is configured to overlap the groove 28 radially. This makes it difficult for wear powder to be caught between the roller current collector 4 and the conductive shaft 20. Additionally, since wear powder is easily generated on the axial end 4a side of the roller current collector 4, it tends to accumulate within the groove 28.

[0081] Furthermore, grooves 28 are formed at both axial ends. This reduces the frequency of contact between the upper and lower axial ends 4a of the roller current collector 4 and the conductive shaft 20, as well as the force generated by the contact between the upper and lower axial ends 4a and the conductive shaft 20.

[0082] In addition, since the groove 28 is formed on the conductive shaft 20, it is easy to form.

[0083] In addition, since the groove 28 is continuous with the flange 27, wear powder generated from the contact between the roller current collector 4 and the flange 27 can be accumulated quickly.

[0084] Furthermore, the groove 28 has an annular shape extending throughout the circumference. As a result, the frequency of unilateral contact between the axial end 4a on the upper side and the axial end 4a on the lower side of the roller current collector 4 and the conductive shaft 20, as well as the force generated by the contact between the axial end 4a on the upper side and the axial end 4a on the lower side and the conductive shaft 20, can be reduced more reliably.

[0085] Furthermore, the rotary connector 1 has an upper oil retainer ring 22 positioned axially upwards from the large-diameter main body 23. This prevents wear powder from being caught by the upper bearing 41. In other words, if wear powder remains below the upper oil retainer ring 22, it is more likely to accumulate in the upper or lower groove 28.

[0086] Furthermore, the rotary connector 1 has a lower oil retainer ring 21 positioned axially lower than the large-diameter main body 23. This prevents wear powder from being caught by the lower bearing 40. In other words, if wear powder remains positioned above the lower oil retainer ring 21, it is more likely to accumulate in the upper or lower grooves 28.

[0087] [Example 2]

[0088] Next, the rotary connector of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG4. It should be noted that descriptions of structures that are the same as or repeats those in Embodiment 1 described above are omitted.

[0089] As shown in FIG4, in the conductive shaft 120 of this embodiment, an axially upward groove 28 and an axially downward groove 128 are formed in its large-diameter main body 123.

[0090] The axial dimension, i.e. the width, of the lower groove 128 is longer than that of the upper groove 28. That is, the volume of the lower groove 128 is larger than that of the upper groove 28.

[0091] With this structure, the lower groove 128 makes it difficult for wear powder that falls due to gravity to be caught between the lower axial end of the roller current collector 4 and the large-diameter main body 123. In addition, the lower groove 128 easily accumulates wear powder that falls due to gravity.

[0092] It should be noted that the example illustrates a structure where the axial dimension of the lower groove is longer than that of the upper groove, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a structure where the radial dimension, i.e., the depth, is greater than that of the upper groove, i.e., the depth, as long as its volume is larger than that of the upper groove. It can be modified appropriately.

[0093] [Example 3]

[0094] Next, the rotary connector of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG5. It should be noted that the description of structures that are the same as or repeat the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above is omitted.

[0095] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the axial end 204c of the axial end 204a of the roller current collector 204 is inclined outward. The axial end 204a is formed by stamping in a manner in which the axial end 204c of the cylindrical roller current collector 204 is bent towards the inner diameter side at approximately 60 degrees. The outer peripheral surface of the axial end 204c is an inclined surface 204d that is inclined towards the inner diameter side. The inclination angle of this inclined surface 204d is approximately parallel to the inclination angle of the outer inclined surface 28b of the conductive shaft 20.

[0096] Furthermore, the angle 204b between the inclined surface 204d of the axial end 204c and the outer peripheral surface of the axial end 204a other than the axial end 204c is arranged at an axial position that is approximately the same as the angle 4b of the roller current collector 4 in the above embodiment 1.

[0097] With this structure, the inclined surface 204d of the axial end 204c can easily come into contact with the outer inclined surface 28b of the conductive shaft 20. As a result, the force generated by the contact between the inclined surface 204d of the axial end 204c and the outer inclined surface 28b of the conductive shaft 20 is dispersed, and wear powder is less likely to be generated.

[0098] In addition, the roller current collector 204 improves the structural strength through the axial end 204c.

[0099] It should be noted that the tilt angle of the inclined surface of the roller current collector can be changed appropriately.

[0100] In addition, the inclined surface of the roller current collector is not limited to the structure that is bent by stamping, but can also be the structure that is formed by cutting.

[0101] [Example 4]

[0102] Next, the rotary connector of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG6. It should be noted that the description of structures that are the same as or repeat the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above is omitted.

[0103] As shown in Figure 6, the conductive shaft 320 of this embodiment has an inner groove 329U, a portion of which is axially downward and further recessed on the inner diameter side of the upper groove 328U. The upper groove 328U has an inner inclined surface 28a and an outer inclined surface 28b.

[0104] Additionally, the conductive shaft 320 has an inner groove 329D, a portion of which is axially downward and further recessed on the inner diameter side, of a lower groove 328D. The lower groove 328D has an inner inclined surface 28a and an outer inclined surface 28b.

[0105] If this is the structure, the wear powder that enters the inner groove 329U and inner groove 329D will be difficult to disperse outward from the inner groove 329U and inner groove 329D.

[0106] [Example 5]

[0107] Next, the rotary connector of Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG7. It should be noted that the description of structures that are the same as or repeat the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above is omitted.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the conductive shaft 420 of the rotating side element 402 is integrated with the upper oil baffle ring 422. With this structure, the number of components in the rotating side element 402 can be reduced.

[0109] [Example 6]

[0110] Next, the rotary connector of Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to FIG8. It should be noted that the description of structures that are the same as or repeat the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above is omitted.

[0111] As shown in Figure 8, the rotary connector 501 of this embodiment has a flange 527 and a groove 528 on the conductive ring 530 (refer to the enlarged view in the bubble box). On the other hand, the conductive shaft 520 omits the flange and groove as in Embodiment 1 above.

[0112] The flange 527 extends from the inner circumferential surface 530a of the upper or lower axial end of the conductive ring 530 toward the inner diameter side. In addition, the groove 528 is recessed toward the outer diameter side of the inner circumferential surface 530a of the conductive ring 530, which is closer to the axial center side than the flange 527, and is open toward the inner diameter side.

[0113] With this structure, the volume of groove 528 can be larger than that of groove 28 formed on conductive shaft 20 in Embodiment 1 above. As a result, it is easier to accumulate wear powder.

[0114] In addition, since the conductive ring 530 is part of the stationary side element 503, wear powder is difficult to scatter outward from the groove 528.

[0115] It should be noted that, alternatively, the conductive ring 530 can be part of the rotating side element, and the conductive shaft 20 can be part of the stationary side element. In such a structure, wear powder is less likely to scatter outwards from the groove 528 due to centrifugal effect.

[0116] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments. Changes and additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0117] For example, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, the structure of the rotary connector being arranged in a longitudinal direction was described, but it is not limited thereto; the rotary connector may also be arranged in a transverse direction.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, the structure in which the conductive shaft is a rotating element and the conductive ring is a stationary element has been described, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible that the conductive shaft is a stationary element and the conductive ring is a rotating element.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, the structure of the current collector as a roller current collector was described, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a ring-shaped current collector, and can be modified appropriately.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 5, a structure in which a groove is provided only on the conductive shaft was described, and in the above embodiment 6, a structure in which a groove is provided only on the conductive ring was described, but it is not limited to this, and grooves may also be provided on the conductive shaft and the conductive ring respectively.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, it is described that the groove is an annular shape that extends throughout the circumference, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a spiral shape that extends throughout the circumference, or a groove that does not extend throughout the circumference, or multiple grooves that do not extend throughout the circumference can be formed in the circumference. It can be modified appropriately.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, it is described that there is one groove at the upper end and one at the lower end, but it is not limited to this. There may be only one groove at the upper end or the lower end in the axial direction, or there may be more than three grooves in the axial direction. The quantity and configuration can be changed appropriately.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 6, a structure with an outer inclined surface of the flange having a dividing groove was described, but it is not limited to this; it may also have a structure with only a radially extending end face. That is, the flange only needs to be able to restrict the axial movement of the roller current collector, and its shape can be appropriately modified.

[0124] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 6 described above illustrate a structure where the flange and groove are continuous, the design is not limited to this. The flange may also be axially separated from the groove, or it may be formed on a component different from the component with the groove. These modifications are permissible. For example, the upper and lower oil baffle rings may also function as flanges capable of restricting the axial movement of the roller current collector.

[0125] 1: Rotary connector 128, 28, 328D, 328U, 528: Slot 2: Rotating side element 20, 120, 320, 420, 520: Conductive axis 204: Roller current collector 204a: Axial end 204c: Axial end 204d: Inclined surface 21: Lower oil baffle ring 21a: Flange 21b: Flange portion 22,422: Upper oil baffle ring 22a: Inner rim portion 22b: Bottom 22c: Outer rim 23,123: Large diameter main body 23a: outer peripheral surface 24: Lower side small diameter main body 25: Upper small diameter main part 26: O-ring 27,31c,527: Flange 28a: Inner inclined surface 28b: Outer inclined surface 28c: Curved surface 3: Stationary side components 30,530: Conductive ring 30a, 530a: Inner circumferential surface 31: Lower guide plate 31a: Lower recess 31b: Upper concave part 32: Upper guide plate 32a: Through hole 32b: concave part 35: Shell 36: Cover 329D, 329U: Inner groove 4: Roller current collector 4a: Axial end 4b, 23b, 204b: Angle 40: Lower bearing 41: Upper bearing 402: Rotating side element 5: Rotating spacer 501: Rotary Connector 503: Stationary side element A1, A2: Central axis

Claims

1. A rotary connector, comprising: A ring-shaped conductive ring; A conductive shaft is inserted into the conductive ring and configured to rotate relative to the conductive ring; And a current collector disposed radially between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft, wherein a groove is formed at the axial end of the current collector on at least one of the conductive ring and the conductive shaft.

2. The rotary connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The groove is formed at both ends of the current collector along its axial direction.

3. The rotary connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The groove is formed on the conductive shaft.

4. The rotary connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The groove is formed in the conductive ring.

5. The rotary connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein, A flange is formed at a position axially outer of the groove.

6. The rotary connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The groove extends circumferentially.

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