Rotary connector device

Abstract

A rotary connector device (1) comprises a stator (10) and a rotator (20). The rotator (20) includes a rotator body (21) and a connector holder (22). A rotator-side connector (40) is at least partially provided inside an internal space (S1). The rotator body (21) includes a first rotator engagement part (26). The connector holder (22) includes a first holder engagement part (27). The first holder engagement part (27) is engaged with the first rotator engagement part (26) so as to restrict the connector holder (22) from separating from the rotator body (21) in the axial direction (D1). The first holder engagement part (27) is at least partially provided on the inner peripheral side of an inner peripheral wall (25) in a state in which the connector holder (22) is attached to the rotator body (21).

Description

Rotary connector device

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

[0002] International Publication No. 2018 / 047581 describes a rotary connector device used for vehicles.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 047581

[0004] For example, a rotary connector device includes a rotator main body and a connector holding portion. The connector holding portion is attached to the rotator main body so as to hold a connector between the rotator main body and the connector holding portion. The connector holding portion is attached to the rotator main body via an engagement structure. The engagement structure is normally disposed in a space that accommodates the connector.

[0005] However, if the connector holding portion is not properly attached to the rotator main body, the engagement structure cannot be checked from the outside, so there is a possibility that the product is used in a state where the connector holder is not properly attached to the rotator main body, leading to a decrease in quality of the rotary connector device.

[0006] An object of the technology disclosed in the present application is to stabilize the quality of a rotary connector device.

[0007] According to the first feature, the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator, an electrical cable, a stator-side connector, and a rotator-side connector. The rotator is mounted to be rotatable relative to the stator about a rotation axis. The electrical cable is at least partially mounted within a cable housing space formed between the stator and the rotator. The stator-side connector is electrically connected to the electrical cable and attached to the stator. The rotator-side connector is electrically connected to the electrical cable and attached to the rotator. The rotator includes a rotator body, a connector holder, and an internal space. The rotator body is mounted to be rotatable relative to the stator about a rotation axis. The connector holder is a separate component from the rotator body and is attached to the rotator body. The internal space is formed between the rotator body and the connector holder. The rotator-side connector is at least partially mounted within the internal space. The stator includes an outer peripheral wall that partially forms the cable housing space. The rotator body includes an inner peripheral wall and a first rotator engagement portion. The inner circumferential wall is provided at least partially radially inward of the outer circumferential wall and together with the outer circumferential wall at least partially forms a cable housing space. The first rotator engagement portion is provided at least partially on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential wall. The connector holder includes a first holder engagement portion that engages with the first rotator engagement portion to restrict the connector holder from moving away from the rotator body in an axial direction defined along the axis of rotation. The first holder engagement portion is provided at least partially on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential wall when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

[0008] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the first rotator engagement portion and the first holder engagement portion are provided on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall, so the engagement state of the first rotator engagement portion and the first holder engagement portion can be visually inspected, and it is possible to confirm whether or not the connector holder is correctly attached to the rotator body based on the engagement state of the first rotator engagement portion and the first holder engagement portion. Therefore, the rotary connector device will be used in a state where the connector holder is correctly attached to the rotator body, thereby stabilizing the quality of the rotary connector device.

[0009] According to the second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the first rotator engagement portion includes a first rotator engagement surface. The first holder engagement portion includes a first holder engagement surface. The first holder engagement surface is capable of contacting the first rotator engagement surface in such a way as to restrict the connector holder from moving axially away from the rotator body.

[0010] In the rotary connector device relating to the second feature, the first rotator engagement surface and the first holder engagement surface can prevent the connector holder from separating from the rotator body while it is attached to the rotator body. Therefore, the rotary connector device is reliably used with the connector holder correctly attached to the rotator body, thereby ensuring stable quality of the rotary connector device.

[0011] According to the third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the first rotator engagement portion includes a first engagement projection projecting radially inward from the inner circumferential wall. The first engagement projection includes a first rotator engagement surface. The first holder engagement portion includes a first engagement opening. The first holder engagement surface defines the first engagement opening at least partially. The first engagement projection is provided at least partially within the first engagement opening when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

[0012] In the rotary connector device relating to the third feature, a relatively simple structure, such as the first engaging projection and the first engaging opening, can prevent the connector holder from separating from the rotator body while it is attached to the rotator body. Therefore, the rotary connector device can be reliably used with the connector holder correctly attached to the rotator body, thereby ensuring stable quality of the rotary connector device.

[0013] According to the fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the third feature, the connector holder includes a first holder body and a second holder body. The first holder body, together with the rotator body, defines the internal space. The second holder body extends axially from the first holder body and is provided at least partially between the radially connected inner and outer circumferential walls. The first holder engagement portion is provided on the second holder body.

[0014] In the rotary connector device relating to the fourth feature, since the first holder engagement portion is provided on the second holder body, it becomes easier to position the first holder engagement portion at least partially on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall. Therefore, the engagement state of the first rotator engagement portion and the first holder engagement portion can be easily visually inspected with a relatively simple structure, thereby ensuring stable quality of the rotary connector device.

[0015] According to the fifth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the first holder engagement portion includes a radial extension and an axial extension. The radial extension extends radially inward from the second holder body. The axial extension is provided radially inward of the inner circumferential wall and extends axially from the radial extension. The first engagement opening is provided at least partially in the axial extension.

[0016] In the rotary connector device relating to the fifth feature, it becomes easier to visually confirm that the first engaging projection is positioned within the first engaging opening, and with a relatively simple structure, it is possible to confirm whether or not the connector holder is correctly attached to the rotator body. Therefore, the rotary connector device is reliably used with the connector holder correctly attached to the rotator body, and the stabilization of the quality of the rotary connector device can be reliably ensured.

[0017] According to the sixth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, the axial extension portion includes a first axial extension portion, a second axial extension portion, and a connecting portion. The first axial extension portion extends axially from the radial extension portion. The second axial extension portion is provided at a distance from the first axial extension portion and extends axially from the radial extension portion. The connecting portion includes a first holder engagement surface and connects the first axial extension portion and the second axial extension portion. The first engagement opening is defined by the first axial extension portion, the second axial extension portion, and the connecting portion.

[0018] In the rotary connector device relating to the sixth feature, the first axial extension and the second axial extension make it easier to fit the first engaging projection into the first engaging opening. In addition, the connecting portion makes it easier to ensure the strength of the first holder engaging portion. Therefore, the stabilization of the quality of the rotary connector device can be more reliably achieved while improving the ease of assembly of the rotary connector device.

[0019] According to the seventh feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the second to sixth features, the rotator includes a sleeve attached to the rotator body. A first gap is provided between the first holder engagement surface and the first rotator engagement surface when the first holder engagement portion is in contact with the end face of the inner circumferential wall of the rotator body. A second gap is provided between the first holder engagement portion and the sleeve when the connector holder and sleeve are attached to the rotator body and the first holder engagement portion is in contact with the end face of the inner circumferential wall of the rotator body. The first gap is different from the second gap.

[0020] In the rotary connector device relating to the seventh feature, since the first gap is different from the second gap, the degree of design freedom for the first holder engagement part, the first rotator engagement part, and the sleeve is increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the design freedom of the rotary connector device while stabilizing the quality of the rotary connector device.

[0021] According to the eighth feature, in the rotary connector device relating to the seventh feature, the first gap is smaller than the second gap.

[0022] In the rotary connector device relating to the eighth feature, since the first gap is smaller than the second gap, the first holder engagement portion is less likely to come off the first rotator engagement portion. Therefore, the quality of the rotary connector device can be reliably stabilized.

[0023] According to the ninth feature, in a rotary connector device according to either the seventh or eighth feature, the first holder engagement portion has a first thickness defined in the axial direction. At least one of the first gap and the second gap is smaller than the first thickness.

[0024] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, at least one of the first gap and the second gap is smaller than the first thickness, so the first holder engagement portion is less likely to come off the first rotator engagement portion. Therefore, the quality of the rotary connector device can be reliably stabilized.

[0025] According to the tenth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to ninth features, the rotator includes a sleeve attached to the rotator body. The first holder engaging portion is capable of contacting the sleeve in the axial direction when the first holder engaging portion is deformed radially inward.

[0026] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, the sleeve can be used to suppress or prevent the first holder engaging portion from disengaging from the first engaging projection. Alternatively, if the sleeve is attached to the rotator body while the first holder engaging portion is disengaged from the first engaging projection, the sleeve can be used to engage the first holder engaging portion with the first engaging projection. Therefore, the stabilization of the quality of the rotary connector device can be more reliably achieved.

[0027] According to the eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, the sleeve includes a sleeve end face facing axially. The first holder engagement portion is provided so as to face axially with the sleeve end face when the connector holder and sleeve are attached to the rotator body.

[0028] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the sleeve end face can be used to suppress or prevent the first holder engaging portion from disengaging from the first engaging projection. Alternatively, when the sleeve is attached to the rotator body while the first holder engaging portion is disengaged from the first engaging projection, the sleeve end face can be used to engage the first holder engaging portion with the first engaging projection. Therefore, the stabilization of the quality of the rotary connector device can be more reliably achieved.

[0029] According to the twelfth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to eleventh features, the rotator body includes a second rotator engaging portion provided at least partially within the internal space. The connector holder includes a second holder engaging portion that engages with the second rotator engaging portion to restrict the connector holder from moving axially away from the rotator body. The second holder engaging portion is provided at least partially within the internal space when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

[0030] In the rotary connector device relating to the twelfth feature, the connection strength between the connector holder and the rotator body can be increased by utilizing the second rotator engagement portion and the second holder engagement portion in addition to the first rotator engagement portion and the first holder engagement portion.

[0031] According to the thirteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature, the second rotator engagement portion includes a second rotator engagement surface. The second holder engagement portion includes a second holder engagement surface. The second holder engagement surface is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface in such a way as to restrict the connector holder from moving axially away from the rotator body.

[0032] In the rotary connector device relating to the 13th feature, the second rotator engagement surface and the second holder engagement surface can prevent the connector holder from separating from the rotator body while it is attached to the rotator body. Therefore, the rotary connector device is reliably used with the connector holder correctly attached to the rotator body, thereby ensuring stable quality of the rotary connector device.

[0033] According to the fourteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, the second rotator engagement portion includes a second engagement projection. The second engagement projection includes a second rotator engagement surface. The second holder engagement portion includes a second engagement opening. The second holder engagement surface defines at least partially the second engagement opening. The second engagement projection is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

[0034] In the rotary connector device relating to the 14th feature, a relatively simple structure, such as the second engaging projection and the second engaging opening, can prevent the connector holder from separating from the rotator body while it is attached to the rotator body. Therefore, the rotary connector device is reliably used with the connector holder correctly attached to the rotator body, thereby ensuring stable quality of the rotary connector device.

[0035] The technology disclosed in this application can help stabilize the quality of rotary connector devices.

[0036] Figure 1 is a side view of a rotary connector device according to an example of an embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the electrical cable of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotator of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rotator shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the rotator of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line IX-IX of Figure 2. Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line X-X of Figure 2. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector holder of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XII-XII of Figure 2. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the sleeve of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotator shown in Figure 7, corresponding to Figure 12. Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 16 is a partial side view of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 17 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XVII-XVII of Figure 2. Figure 18 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 2. Figure 19 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XIX-XIX of Figure 2. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XX-XX of Figure 2. Figure 21 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXI-XXI of Figure 2. Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 23 is a perspective view of the connector holder of the rotator shown in Figure 7. Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXIV-XXIV of Figure 2.

[0037] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical components.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the rotary connector device 1 is electrically connected to the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6. The first electronic control unit 4 is mounted on the vehicle body 2. The second electronic control unit 6 is mounted on a steering wheel that is rotatable relative to the vehicle body 2. The second electronic control unit 6 is electrically connected to the first electronic control unit 4 via the rotary connector device 1. Electricity is supplied from the first electronic control unit 4 to the second electronic control unit 6 via the rotary connector device 1. Information is also transmitted between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6 via the rotary connector device 1. That is, a power supply line and a transmission path are provided between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6. The rotary connector device 1 is configured to maintain the electrical connection between the first electronic control unit 4 and the second electronic control unit 6 while allowing the steering wheel to rotate relative to the vehicle body 2.

[0039] The rotary connector device 1 includes a stator 10. The stator 10 is configured to be attached to the vehicle body 2. The vehicle body 2 includes, for example, a steering column module 2A, a steering lower cover 2B, and a steering column cover 2C. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the steering column module 2A.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the rotary connector device 1 includes a rotator 20. The rotator 20 is mounted so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The rotator 20 is configured to be connected to the steering wheel.

[0041] The rotary connector device 1 includes a stator-side connector 30. The stator-side connector 30 is attached to the stator 10. The stator-side connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body-side connector 4A. The vehicle body-side connector 4A is electrically connected to the first electronic control unit 4. The vehicle body-side connector 4A includes a first vehicle body-side connector 4B and a second vehicle body-side connector 4C. The stator-side connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the first vehicle body-side connector 4B.

[0042] The rotary connector device 1 includes a stator-side connector 35. The stator-side connector 35 is attached to the stator 10. The stator-side connector 35 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body-side connector 4A. The stator-side connector 35 is configured to be electrically connected to the second vehicle body-side connector 4C.

[0043] The rotary connector device 1 includes a rotator-side connector 40. The rotator-side connector 40 is attached to the rotator 20. The rotator-side connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to a steering-side connector 6A (see, for example, FIG. 1). The steering-side connector 6A (see, for example, FIG. 1) is electrically connected to a second electronic control unit 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the steering-side connector 6A (see, for example, FIG. 1) includes a first steering-side connector 6B and a second steering-side connector 6C. The rotator-side connector 40 is configured to be electrically connected to the first steering-side connector 6B (see, for example, FIG. 1).

[0044] The rotary connector device 1 includes a rotator-side connector 45. The rotator-side connector 45 is attached to the rotator 20. The rotator-side connector 45 is configured to be electrically connected to the steering-side connector 6A (see, for example, FIG. 1). The rotator-side connector 45 is configured to be electrically connected to the second steering-side connector 6C (see, for example, FIG. 1).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the stator-side connector 30 includes a first stator terminal block 31 and a second stator terminal block 32. The first stator terminal block 31 and the second stator terminal block 32 are attached to the stator 10. The first stator terminal block 31 and the second stator terminal block 32 are configured to be electrically connected to the first vehicle body-side connector 4B. The first stator terminal block 31 and the second stator terminal block 32 may also be referred to as stator terminal blocks 31 and 32. One of the first stator terminal block 31 and the second stator terminal block 32 may be omitted from the stator-side connector 30. The stator-side connector 30 may include three or more terminal blocks.

[0046] The stator-side connector 35 includes a third stator terminal block 33. The third stator terminal block 33 is attached to the stator 10. The third stator terminal block 33 is configured to be electrically connected to the second steering-side connector 6C. The third stator terminal block 33 may also be referred to as the stator terminal block 33. The stator-side connector 35 may include two or more terminal blocks.

[0047] The rotator-side connector 40 includes a first rotator terminal block 41 and a second rotator terminal block 42. The first rotator terminal block 41 and the second rotator terminal block 42 are attached to the rotator 20. The first rotator terminal block 41 and the second rotator terminal block 42 are configured to be electrically connected to the first steering-side connector 6B. The first rotator terminal block 41 and the second rotator terminal block 42 may also be referred to as rotator terminal blocks 41 and 42. One of the first rotator terminal block 41 and the second rotator terminal block 42 may be omitted from the rotator-side connector 40. The rotator-side connector 40 may include three or more terminal blocks.

[0048] The rotator-side connector 45 includes a third rotator terminal block 43. The third rotator terminal block 43 is attached to the rotator 20. The third rotator terminal block 43 is configured to be electrically connected to the second steering-side connector 6C. The third rotator terminal block 43 may also be referred to as the rotator terminal block 43. The rotator-side connector 45 may include two or more terminal blocks.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodation space 60. The cable accommodation space 60 is provided so as to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable accommodation space 60 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1.

[0050] The rotary connector device 1 includes an electrical cable 50. The electrical cable 50 is at least partially provided within a cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The stator-side connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 50. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 50.

[0051] In this embodiment, the electrical cable 50 includes a first electrical cable 51, a second electrical cable 52, a third electrical cable 53, and a dummy cable 54. The first electrical cable 51 includes at least one conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the at least one conductor. The second electrical cable 52 includes at least one conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the at least one conductor. The third electrical cable 53 includes at least one conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the at least one conductor. The dummy cable 54 does not include a conductor. The first electrical cable 51, the second electrical cable 52, and the third electrical cable 53 may also be referred to as flexible flat cables 51, 52, and 53.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the first stator terminal block 31 is electrically connected to the first electrical cable 51. The first rotator terminal block 41 is electrically connected to the first electrical cable 51.

[0053] The first stator terminal block 31 includes a block body 31A and at least one conductor 31B. The block body 31A includes an electrical insulator. At least one conductor 31B is partially provided within the block body 31A. At least one conductor 31B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the first electrical cable 51.

[0054] The first rotator terminal block 41 includes a block body 41A and at least one conductor 41B. The block body 41A includes an electrical insulator. The at least one conductor 41B is partially provided within the block body 41A. The at least one conductor 41B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the first electrical cable 51.

[0055] The second stator terminal block 32 is electrically connected to the second electrical cable 52. The second rotator terminal block 42 is electrically connected to the second electrical cable 52.

[0056] The second stator terminal block 32 includes a block body 32A and at least one conductor 32B. The block body 32A includes an electrical insulator. At least one conductor 32B is partially provided within the block body 32A. At least one conductor 32B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the second electrical cable 52.

[0057] The second rotator terminal block 42 includes a block body 42A and at least one conductor 42B. The block body 42A includes an electrical insulator. At least one conductor 42B is partially provided within the block body 42A. At least one conductor 42B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the second electrical cable 52.

[0058] The third stator terminal block 33 is electrically connected to the third electrical cable 53. The third rotator terminal block 43 is electrically connected to the third electrical cable 53.

[0059] The third stator terminal block 33 includes a block body 33A and at least one conductor 33B. The block body 33A includes an electrical insulator. At least one conductor 33B is partially provided within the block body 33A. At least one conductor 33B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the third electrical cable 53.

[0060] The third rotator terminal block 43 includes a block body 43A and at least one conductor 43B. The block body 43A includes an electrical insulator. At least one conductor 43B is partially provided within the block body 43A. At least one conductor 43B is electrically connected to at least one conductor of the third electrical cable 53.

[0061] The dummy cable 54 may be an electrical cable. One or two of the first electrical cable 51, the second electrical cable 52, and the third electrical cable 53 may be omitted from the electrical cable 50 or replaced with a dummy cable. The electrical cable 50 may include four or more flat cables.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the rotator 20 includes a rotator body 21 and a connector holder 22. The rotator body 21 is rotatable around the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10 (see, for example, Figure 2). The connector holder 22 is a separate component from the rotator body 21 and is attached to the rotator body 21. The rotator 20 also includes a sleeve 23. The sleeve 23 is a separate component from the rotator body 21 and the connector holder 22 and is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the rotator-side connector 40 is attached to the rotator body 21. With the rotator-side connector 40 attached to the rotator body 21, the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21. The connector holder 22 prevents the rotator-side connector 40 from falling off and protects the rotator-side connector 40.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the rotator 20 includes a connector holder 24. The connector holder 24 is a separate component from the rotator body 21 and is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the rotator-side connector 45 is attached to the rotator body 21. With the rotator-side connector 45 attached to the rotator body 21, the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21. The connector holder 24 prevents the rotator-side connector 45 from falling off and protects the rotator-side connector 45.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the rotator 20 includes an internal space S1. The internal space S1 is formed between the rotator body 21 and the connector holder 22. The rotator-side connector 40 is provided at least partially within the internal space S1.

[0067] The stator 10 includes an outer periphery wall 15. The outer periphery wall 15 partially forms a cable housing space 60. The rotator body 21 includes an inner periphery wall 25. The inner periphery wall 25 is provided at least partially radially inward of the outer periphery wall 15 and together with the outer periphery wall 15 at least partially forms a cable housing space 60. In Figure 9, the electrical cable 50 is omitted.

[0068] The rotator body 21 includes a first rotator engagement portion 26. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided at least partially on the inner circumferential side of the inner circumferential wall 25. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 25B of the inner circumferential wall 25. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided on the outside of the cable housing space 60. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided on the outside of the internal space S1.

[0069] The connector holder 22 includes a first holder engagement portion 27. The first holder engagement portion 27 engages with a first rotator engagement portion 26 to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided at least partially on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall 25 when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0070] The connector holder 22 includes a first holder body 22A and a second holder body 22B. The first holder body 22A, together with the rotator body 21, defines the internal space S1. The second holder body 22B extends axially D1 from the first holder body 22A and is at least partially provided between the inner circumferential wall 25 and the outer circumferential wall 15 in the radial direction. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided on the second holder body 22B.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the first rotator engagement portion 26 includes a first rotator engagement surface 26A. The first holder engagement portion 27 includes a first holder engagement surface 27A. The first holder engagement surface 27A is capable of contacting the first rotator engagement surface 26A to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0072] The first rotator engagement portion 26 includes a first engagement projection 26B that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential wall 25. The first engagement projection 26B protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 25B of the inner circumferential wall 25. The first engagement projection 26B includes a first rotator engagement surface 26A.

[0073] The first holder engagement portion 27 includes a first engagement opening 27B. The first holder engagement surface 27A defines the first engagement opening 27B at least partially. The first engagement projection 26B is provided at least partially within the first engagement opening 27B when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0074] The first holder engagement portion 27 includes a radial extension portion 27C and an axial extension portion 27D. The radial extension portion 27C extends radially inward from the second holder body 22B. The axial extension portion 27D is provided radially inward of the inner circumferential wall 25 and extends axially D1 from the radial extension portion 27C. The first engagement opening 27B is provided at least partially in the axial extension portion 27D.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, the axial extension 27D includes a first axial extension 27E, a second axial extension 27F, and a connecting portion 27G. The first axial extension 27E extends axially D1 from the radial extension 27C. The second axial extension 27F is provided at a distance from the first axial extension 27E and extends axially D1 from the radial extension 27C. The connecting portion 27G connects the first axial extension 27E and the second axial extension 27F. The first engagement opening 27B is defined by the first axial extension 27E, the second axial extension 27F, and the connecting portion 27G.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, the connecting portion 27G includes a first holder engagement surface 27A. When the first holder engagement portion 27 is in contact with the end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 of the rotator body 21, a first gap C1 is provided between the first holder engagement surface 27A and the first rotator engagement surface 26A. When the connector holder 22 and sleeve 23 are attached to the rotator body 21, and the first holder engagement portion 27 is in contact with the end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 of the rotator body 21, a second gap C2 is provided between the first holder engagement portion 27 and the sleeve 23. The first gap C1 is defined in the axial direction D1. The second gap C2 is defined in the axial direction D1.

[0077] The sleeve 23 includes a sleeve end face 23A facing the axial direction D1. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided so as to face the sleeve end face 23A in the axial direction D1 when the connector holder 22 and sleeve 23 are attached to the rotator body 21. The second gap C2 is provided between the first holder engagement portion 27 and the sleeve end face 23A.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first gap C1 is different from the second gap C2. The first gap C1 is smaller than the second gap C2. However, the first gap C1 may be the same as the second gap C2 or larger than the second gap C2. The second gap C2 may be zero.

[0079] The first holder engagement portion 27 has a first thickness T1 defined in the axial direction D1. At least one of the first gap C1 and the second gap C2 is smaller than the first thickness T1. In this embodiment, the radial extension portion 27C has a first thickness T1 defined in the axial direction D1. The first gap C1 and the second gap C2 are smaller than the first thickness T1. However, at least one of the first gap C1 and the second gap C2 may be larger than the first thickness T1 or the same as the first thickness T1.

[0080] The axial extension 27D has a second thickness T2 defined in the radial direction. At least one of the first gap C1 and the second gap C2 is smaller than the second thickness T2. In this embodiment, the first gap C1 and the second gap C2 are smaller than the second thickness T2. However, at least one of the first gap C1 and the second gap C2 may be larger than the second thickness T2 or the same as the second thickness T2.

[0081] As shown in Figure 13, the sleeve 23 includes a sleeve body 23B and an axial projection 23H. The sleeve body 23B is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D2. The axial projection 23H protrudes from the sleeve body 23B in the axial direction D1. The axial projection 23H includes the sleeve end face 23A.

[0082] For example, the axial projection 23H includes ribs 23H1 to 23H8. The ribs 23H1 to 23H8 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction D2. The sleeve end face 23A includes rib end faces 23A1 and 23A6. Rib 23H1 includes rib end face 23A1. Rib 23H6 includes rib end face 23A6.

[0083] As shown in Figure 14, the first engaging projection 26B includes a guide surface 26C. The guide surface 26C guides the first holder engaging portion 27 radially inward when the first holder engaging portion 27 engages with the first rotator engaging portion 26. At this time, the first holder engaging portion 27 elastically deforms radially inward. Once the engagement between the first holder engaging portion 27 and the first rotator engaging portion 26 is complete, the first holder engaging portion 27 returns to its original state, and the first engaging projection 26B is positioned within the first engagement opening 27B. In this state, the first holder engaging surface 27A and the first rotator engaging surface 26A face each other.

[0084] For example, the guide surface 26C includes a first guide surface 26C1 and a second guide surface 26C2. The first guide surface 26C1 is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1. The second guide surface 26C2 is provided along the axial direction D1. The first guide surface 26C1 is inclined with respect to the second guide surface 26C2. The second guide surface 26C2 may be omitted from the guide surface 26C.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, the first holder engaging portion 27 can contact the sleeve 23 in the axial direction D1 when the first holder engaging portion 27 is deformed radially inward. When the first holder engaging portion 27 is deformed radially inward and in contact with the sleeve 23 in the axial direction D1, the first holder engaging portion 27 does not contact the guide surface 26C. That is, when the sleeve 23 is attached to the rotator body 21, the first holder engaging portion 27 engages with the first rotator engaging portion 26 in the correct position. Therefore, even if the first holder engaging portion 27 is only partially engaged with the first rotator engaging portion 26, attaching the sleeve 23 to the rotator body 21 will cause the first holder engaging portion 27 to fully engage with the first rotator engaging portion 26.

[0086] As shown in Figure 15, the rotator body 21 includes a first projection 21A and a second projection 21B. The first projection 21A and the second projection 21B project radially inward from the inner circumferential wall 25. The first projection 21A is provided at a distance from the second projection 21B in the circumferential direction D2 defined around the rotation axis A1. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided at least partially between the first projection 21A and the second projection 21B in the circumferential direction D2. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided at least partially between the first projection 21A and the second projection 21B in the circumferential direction D2.

[0087] As shown in Figure 16, the rotator body 21 includes a recess 21C. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided at least partially within the recess 21C. The sleeve 23 is provided at least partially within the recess 21C. The end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 defines the recess 21C at least partially.

[0088] For example, the recess 21C includes a first recess 21C1 and a second recess 21C2. The first recess 21C1 is provided within the second recess 21C2. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided at least partially within the first recess 21C1. The sleeve 23 is provided at least partially within the second recess 21C2. The end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 defines at least partially the first recess 21C1. At least one of the first recess 21C1 and the second recess 21C2 may be omitted from the recess 21C. The recess 21C may be omitted from the rotator body 21.

[0089] As shown in Figure 17, the rotator body 21 includes a second rotator engagement portion 71. The second rotator engagement portion 71 is at least partially located within the internal space S1. The connector holder 22 includes a second holder engagement portion 72. The second holder engagement portion 72 engages with the second rotator engagement portion 71 to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second holder engagement portion 72 is at least partially located within the internal space S1 when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0090] The second rotator engagement portion 71 includes a second rotator engagement surface 71A. The second holder engagement portion 72 includes a second holder engagement surface 72A. The second holder engagement surface 72A is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface 71A to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0091] The second rotator engagement portion 71 includes a second engagement projection 71B. The second engagement projection 71B includes a second rotator engagement surface 71A. The second holder engagement portion 72 includes a second engagement opening 72B. The second holder engagement surface 72A at least partially defines the second engagement opening 72B. The second engagement projection 71B is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening 72B when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0092] With the second holder engaging portion 72 in contact with the end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 of the rotator body 21 (see, for example, Figure 10), a third gap C3 is provided between the second holder engaging surface 72A and the second rotator engaging surface 71A. For example, the third gap C3 is the same as the first gap C1 (see, for example, Figure 10), but it may also be different from the first gap C1.

[0093] As shown in Figure 18, the rotator body 21 includes a second rotator engagement portion 73. The second rotator engagement portion 73 is at least partially located within the internal space S1. The connector holder 22 includes a second holder engagement portion 74. The second holder engagement portion 74 engages with the second rotator engagement portion 73 to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second holder engagement portion 74 is at least partially located within the internal space S1 when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0094] The second rotator engagement portion 73 includes a second rotator engagement surface 73A. The second holder engagement portion 74 includes a second holder engagement surface 74A. The second holder engagement surface 74A is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface 73A to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0095] The second rotator engagement portion 73 includes a second engagement projection 73B. The second engagement projection 73B includes a second rotator engagement surface 73A. The second holder engagement portion 74 includes a second engagement opening 74B. The second holder engagement surface 74A at least partially defines the second engagement opening 74B. The second engagement projection 73B is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening 74B when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0096] With the second holder engaging portion 74 in contact with the end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 of the rotator body 21 (see, for example, Figure 10), a fourth gap C4 is provided between the second holder engaging surface 74A and the second rotator engaging surface 73A. For example, the fourth gap C4 is the same as the first gap C1 (see, for example, Figure 10) and the third gap C3 (see, for example, Figure 17), but may be different from at least one of the first gap C1 and the third gap C3.

[0097] As shown in Figure 19, the rotator body 21 includes a second rotator engagement portion 75. The second rotator engagement portion 75 is at least partially located within the internal space S1. The connector holder 22 includes a second holder engagement portion 76. The second holder engagement portion 76 engages with the second rotator engagement portion 75 to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second holder engagement portion 76 is at least partially located within the internal space S1 when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0098] The second rotator engagement portion 75 includes a second rotator engagement surface 75A. The second holder engagement portion 76 includes a second holder engagement surface 76A. The second holder engagement surface 76A is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface 75A to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0099] The second rotator engagement portion 75 includes a second engagement projection 75B. The second engagement projection 75B includes a second rotator engagement surface 75A. The second holder engagement portion 76 includes a second engagement opening 76B. The second holder engagement surface 76A at least partially defines the second engagement opening 76B. The second engagement projection 75B is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening 76B when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0100] With the second holder engaging portion 76 in contact with the end face 25A of the inner circumferential wall 25 of the rotator body 21 (see, for example, Figure 10), a fifth gap C5 is provided between the second holder engaging surface 76A and the second rotator engaging surface 75A. For example, the fifth gap C5 is the same as the first gap C1 (see, for example, Figure 10), the third gap C3 (see, for example, Figure 17), and the fourth gap C4 (see, for example, Figure 18), but may be different from at least one of the first gap C1, the third gap C3, and the fourth gap C4.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11, the second holder engagement portions 72, 74, and 76 extend from the first holder body 22A in the axial direction D1. The axial direction D1 includes the first axial direction D11 and the second axial direction D12. The second axial direction D12 is in the opposite direction to the first axial direction D11. The second holder body 22B extends from the first holder body 22A in the second axial direction D12. On the other hand, the second holder engagement portions 72, 74, and 76 extend from the first holder body 22A in the first axial direction D11. The first holder engagement portion 27 extends from the second holder body 22B in the first axial direction D11.

[0102] As shown in Figure 20, the rotator 20 includes an internal space S2. The internal space S2 is formed between the rotator body 21 and the connector holder 24. The rotator-side connector 45 is provided at least partially within the internal space S2. In Figure 9, the electrical cable 50 is omitted.

[0103] As shown in Figure 21, the rotator body 21 includes a first rotator engagement portion 126. The first rotator engagement portion 126 is provided at least partially on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall 25. The first rotator engagement portion 126 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 25B of the inner circumferential wall 25. The first rotator engagement portion 126 is provided on the outside of the cable housing space 60. The first rotator engagement portion 126 is provided on the outside of the internal space S2.

[0104] The connector holder 24 includes a first holder engagement portion 127. The first holder engagement portion 127 engages with a first rotator engagement portion 126 to restrict the connector holder 24 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The first holder engagement portion 127 is provided at least partially on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall 25 when the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0105] As shown in Figure 20, the connector holder 24 includes a first holder body 24A and a second holder body 24B. The first holder body 24A, together with the rotator body 21, defines the internal space S2. The second holder body 24B extends axially D1 from the first holder body 24A and is at least partially provided between the inner circumferential wall 25 and the outer circumferential wall 15 in the radial direction. The first holder engagement portion 127 is provided on the second holder body 24B.

[0106] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first rotator engagement portion 126 has substantially the same structure as the first rotator engagement portion 26 (see, for example, Figure 11). The first holder engagement portion 127 has substantially the same structure as the first holder engagement portion 27 (see, for example, Figure 11). Therefore, the description of the first rotator engagement portion 26 can be used as a description of the first rotator engagement portion 126. The description of the first holder engagement portion 27 can be used as a description of the first holder engagement portion 127.

[0107] As shown in Figure 24, the rotator body 21 includes a second rotator engagement portion 171. The second rotator engagement portion 171 is at least partially located within the internal space S2. The connector holder 24 includes a second holder engagement portion 172. The second holder engagement portion 172 engages with the second rotator engagement portion 171 to restrict the connector holder 24 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second holder engagement portion 172 is at least partially located within the internal space S2 when the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0108] The second rotator engagement portion 171 includes a second rotator engagement surface 171A. The second holder engagement portion 172 includes a second holder engagement surface 172A. The second holder engagement surface 172A is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface 171A to restrict the connector holder 24 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0109] The second rotator engagement portion 171 includes a second engagement projection 171B. The second engagement projection 171B includes a second rotator engagement surface 171A. The second holder engagement portion 172 includes a second engagement opening 172B. The second holder engagement surface 172A at least partially defines the second engagement opening 172B. The second engagement projection 171B is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening 172B when the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0110] As shown in Figure 24, the rotator body 21 includes a second rotator engagement portion 173. The second rotator engagement portion 173 is provided at least partially within the internal space S2. The connector holder 24 includes a second holder engagement portion 174. The second holder engagement portion 174 engages with the second rotator engagement portion 173 to restrict the connector holder 24 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second holder engagement portion 174 is provided at least partially within the internal space S2 when the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0111] The second rotator engagement portion 173 includes a second rotator engagement surface 173A. The second holder engagement portion 174 includes a second holder engagement surface 174A. The second holder engagement surface 174A is capable of contacting the second rotator engagement surface 173A to restrict the connector holder 24 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0112] The second rotator engagement portion 173 includes a second engagement projection 173B. The second engagement projection 173B includes a second rotator engagement surface 173A. The second holder engagement portion 174 includes a second engagement opening 174B. The second holder engagement surface 174A at least partially defines the second engagement opening 174B. The second engagement projection 173B is provided at least partially within the second engagement opening 174B when the connector holder 24 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0113] As shown in Figure 23, the second holder engagement portions 172 and 174 extend from the first holder body 24A in the axial direction D1. The second holder body 24B extends from the first holder body 24A in the second axial direction D12. On the other hand, the second holder engagement portions 172 and 174 extend from the first holder body 24A in the first axial direction D11. The first holder engagement portion 127 extends from the second holder body 24B in the first axial direction D11.

[0114] As shown in Figures 11 and 22, the sleeve 23 includes sleeve engagement portions 23D, 23E, 23F, and 23G. The sleeve engagement portions 23D, 23E, 23F, and 23G extend from the sleeve body 23B in the axial direction D1.

[0115] The rotator body 21 includes rotator engagement portions 21D, 21E, 21F, and 21G. The sleeve engagement portion 23D engages with the rotator engagement portion 21D to restrict the sleeve 23 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The sleeve engagement portion 23E engages with the rotator engagement portion 21E to restrict the sleeve 23 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The sleeve engagement portion 23F engages with the rotator engagement portion 21F to restrict the sleeve 23 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The sleeve engagement portion 23G engages with the rotator engagement portion 21G to restrict the sleeve 23 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

[0116] As shown in Figure 11, the first rotator engagement portion 26 and the first holder engagement portion 27 are at least partially provided between the sleeve engagement portions 23D and 23E in the circumferential direction D2. The first rotator engagement portion 126 and the first holder engagement portion 127 are at least partially provided between the sleeve engagement portions 23F and 23G in the circumferential direction D2.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10, a gap is provided between the first holder engagement portion 27 and the inner circumferential wall 25. However, by making this gap smaller, the inner circumferential wall 25 may suppress the deformation of the first holder engagement portion 27 radially inward after the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0118] As described above, the rotary connector device 1 comprises a stator 10, a rotator 20, an electrical cable 50, a stator-side connector 30, and a rotator-side connector 40. The rotator 20 is mounted to the stator 10 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis A1. The electrical cable 50 is at least partially mounted within a cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The stator-side connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 50 and attached to the stator 10. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 50 and attached to the rotator 20. The rotator 20 includes a rotator body 21, a connector holder 22, and an internal space S1. The rotator body 21 is mounted to the stator 10 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis A1. The connector holder 22 is a separate component from the rotator body 21 and is attached to the rotator body 21. An internal space S1 is formed between the rotator body 21 and the connector holder 22. The rotator-side connector 40 is provided at least partially within the internal space S1. The stator 10 includes an outer peripheral wall 15 that partially forms a cable housing space 60. The rotator body 21 includes an inner peripheral wall 25. The inner peripheral wall 25 is provided at least partially radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 15 and together with the outer peripheral wall 15 at least partially forms the cable housing space 60. The rotator body 21 includes a first rotator engagement portion 26. The first rotator engagement portion 26 is provided at least partially on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral wall 25. The connector holder 22 includes a first holder engagement portion 27. The first holder engagement portion 27 engages with the first rotator engagement portion 26 to restrict the connector holder 22 from moving away from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The first holder engagement portion 27 is provided at least partially on the inner side of the inner circumferential wall 25 when the connector holder 22 is attached to the rotator body 21.

[0119] As shown in Figure 10, in the rotary connector device 1, the first rotator engagement portion 26 and the first holder engagement portion 27 are provided on the inner circumference side of the inner circumference wall 25. Therefore, the engagement state of the first rotator engagement portion 26 and the second rotator engagement portion 71 can be visually inspected, and it is possible to confirm whether the connector holder 22 is correctly attached to the rotator body 21 based on the engagement state of the first rotator engagement portion 26 and the second rotator engagement portion 71. Consequently, the rotary connector device 1 is used in a state where the connector holder 22 is correctly attached to the rotator body 21, thereby stabilizing the quality of the rotary connector device 1.

[0120] In this application, “comprise” and its derivatives are non-restrictive terms that describe the existence of components 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 (for example, 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] Words expressing degree, such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," may mean a reasonable deviation that does not significantly alter the final result. All numerical values ​​described in this application may be interpreted as including words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0123] Furthermore, the terms “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “coincident” in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, and allow for deviations resulting from design tolerances, manufacturing errors, and assembly errors. In other words, the terms “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “coincident” include the meanings of “approximately parallel,” “approximately perpendicular,” and “approximately coincidental,” respectively. Other terms relating to arrangement should also not be interpreted strictly.

[0124] 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".

[0125] 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.

[0126] 1: Rotating connector device 2: Vehicle body 4: First electronic control device 6: Second electronic control device 10: Stator 15: Outer peripheral wall 20: Rotator 21: Rotator body 21A: First projection 21B: Second projection 21C: Recess 21C1: First recess 21C2: Second recess 21D: Rotator engagement part 21E: Rotator engagement part 21F: Rotator engagement part 21G: Rotator engagement part 22: Connector holder 22A: First holder body 22B: Second holder body 23: Sleeve 23A: Sleeve end face 23A1: Rib end face 23A6: Rib end face 23B: Sleeve body 23D: Sleeve engagement part 23E: Sleeve engagement part 23F : Sleeve engagement portion 23G : Sleeve engagement portion 23H : Axial projection portion 23H1 : Rib 23H6 : Rib 24 : Connector holder 24A : First holder body 24B : Second holder body 25 : Inner circumferential wall 25A : End face 25B : Inner circumferential surface 26 : First rotator engagement portion 26A : First rotator engagement surface 26B : First engagement projection 26C : Guide surface 26C1 : First guide surface 26C2 : Second guide surface 27 : First holder engagement portion 27A : First holder engagement surface 27B : First engagement opening 27C : Radial extension portion 27D : Axial extension portion 27E : First axial extension portion 27F : Second axial extension portion 27G : Connecting portion 30 : Stator-side connector 31 : First stator terminal block 31A : Block body 31B : Conductor 32 : Second stator terminal block 32A : Block body 32B : Conductor 33 : Third stator terminal block 33A : Block body 33B : Conductor 35 : Stator-side connector 40 : Rotator-side connector 41 : First rotator terminal block 41A : Block body 41B : Conductor 42 : Second rotator terminal block 42A : Block body 42B : Conductor43: Third rotator terminal block 43A: Block body 43B: Conductor 45: Rotator side connector 50: Electrical cable 51: First electrical cable 52: Second electrical cable 53: Third electrical cable 54: Dummy cable 60: Cable housing space 71: Second rotator engagement part 71A: Second rotator engagement surface 71B: Second engagement projection 72: Second holder engagement part 72A: Second holder engagement surface 72B: Second engagement opening 73: Second rotator engagement part 73A: Second rotator engagement surface 73B: Second engagement projection 74: Second holder engagement part 74A: Second holder engagement surface 74B: Second engagement opening 75: Second rotator engagement part 75A : Second rotator engagement surface 75B : Second engagement projection 76 : Second holder engagement portion 76A : Second holder engagement surface 76B : Second engagement opening 126 : First rotator engagement portion 127 : First holder engagement portion 171 : Second rotator engagement portion 171A : Second rotator engagement surface 171B : Second engagement projection 172 : Second holder engagement portion 172A : Second holder engagement surface 172B : Second engagement opening 173 : Second rotator engagement portion 173A : Second rotator engagement surface 173B : Second engagement projection 174 : Second holder engagement portion 174A : Second holder engagement surface 174B : Second engagement opening A1 : Rotation axis C1 : First gap C2 : Second gap C3 : Third gap C4 : Fourth gap C5 : Fifth gap D1 : Axial direction D11 : First axial direction D12 : Second axial direction D2 : Circumferential direction S1 : Internal space S2 : Internal space T1 : First thickness T2 : Second thickness

Claims

1. A stator, a rotator rotatably mounted on the stator around a rotation axis, an electrical cable at least partially provided in a cable housing space formed between the stator and the rotator, a stator-side connector electrically connected to the electrical cable and attached to the stator, and a rotator-side connector electrically connected to the electrical cable and attached to the rotator, wherein the rotator includes a rotator body rotatably mounted on the stator around a rotation axis, a connector holder separate from the rotator body and attached to the rotator body, and an internal space formed between the rotator body and the connector holder, the rotator-side connector at least partially provided in the internal space, the stator includes an outer peripheral wall that partially forms the cable housing space, the rotator body includes an inner peripheral wall at least partially provided radially inward of the outer peripheral wall and together with the outer peripheral wall at least partially forming the cable housing space, and a first rotator engagement portion at least partially provided on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral wall, Rotary connector device, wherein the connector holder includes a first holder engagement portion that engages with the first rotator engagement portion to restrict the connector holder from moving away from the rotator body in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the first holder engagement portion being provided at least partially on the inner side of the inner wall when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

2. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotator engaging portion includes a first rotator engaging surface, the first holder engaging portion includes a first holder engaging surface, and the first holder engaging surface is contactable with the first rotator engaging surface to restrict the connector holder from moving away from the rotator body in the axial direction.

3. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein the first rotator engagement portion includes a first engagement projection projecting radially inward from the inner circumferential wall, the first engagement projection includes the first rotator engagement surface, the first holder engagement portion includes a first engagement opening, the first holder engagement surface at least partially defines the first engagement opening, and the first engagement projection is at least partially provided within the first engagement opening when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

4. The rotary connector device according to claim 3, wherein the connector holder includes a first holder body that together with the rotator body defines the internal space, and a second holder body that extends axially from the first holder body and is at least partially provided between the inner and outer circumferential walls in the radial direction, and the first holder engagement portion is provided on the second holder body.

5. The rotary connector device according to claim 4, wherein the first holder engagement portion includes a radial extension portion extending radially inward from the second holder body, and an axial extension portion provided radially inward of the inner circumferential wall and extending axially from the radial extension portion, and the first engagement opening is provided at least partially in the axial extension portion.

6. The rotary connector device according to claim 5, wherein the axial extension includes a first axial extension extending in the axial direction from the radial extension, a second axial extension provided at a distance from the first axial extension and extending in the axial direction from the radial extension, and a connecting portion including the first holder engagement surface and connecting the first axial extension and the second axial extension, and the first engagement opening is defined by the first axial extension, the second axial extension, and the connecting portion.

7. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein the rotator includes a sleeve attached to the rotator body, and a first gap is provided between the first holder engagement surface and the first rotator engagement surface when the first holder engagement portion is in contact with the end face of the inner circumferential wall of the rotator body, and a second gap is provided between the first holder engagement portion and the sleeve when the connector holder and the sleeve are attached to the rotator body and the first holder engagement portion is in contact with the end face of the inner circumferential wall of the rotator body, and the first gap is different from the second gap.

8. The rotary connector device according to claim 7, wherein the first gap is smaller than the second gap.

9. The rotary connector device according to claim 7, wherein the first holder engaging portion has a first thickness defined in the axial direction, and at least one of the first gap and the second gap is smaller than the first thickness.

10. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the rotator includes a sleeve attached to the rotator body, and the first holder engaging portion is capable of contacting the sleeve in the axial direction when the first holder engaging portion is deformed radially inward.

11. The rotary connector device according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve includes a sleeve end face facing the axial direction, and the first holder engagement portion is provided so as to face the sleeve end face in the axial direction when the connector holder and the sleeve are attached to the rotator body.

12. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rotator body includes a second rotator engaging portion provided at least partially within the internal space, the connector holder includes a second holder engaging portion that engages with the second rotator engaging portion to restrict the connector holder from moving axially away from the rotator body, and the second holder engaging portion is provided at least partially within the internal space when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

13. The rotary connector device according to claim 12, wherein the second rotator engaging portion includes a second rotator engaging surface, the second holder engaging portion includes a second holder engaging surface, and the second holder engaging surface is capable of contacting the second rotator engaging surface to restrict the connector holder from moving away from the rotator body in the axial direction.

14. The rotary connector device according to claim 13, wherein the second rotator engagement portion includes a second engagement projection, the second engagement projection includes a second rotator engagement surface, the second holder engagement portion includes a second engagement opening, the second holder engagement surface at least partially defines the second engagement opening, and the second engagement projection is at least partially provided within the second engagement opening when the connector holder is attached to the rotator body.

Images