Rotary connector

Abstract

Provided is a rotary connector with which it is possible to reduce generation of wear debris and suppress adhesion of wear debris to a current collector.　This rotary connector 1 comprises: an annular electrically conductive ring 5; an electrically conductive shaft 4 that is inserted into the electrically conductive ring 5 and is disposed so as to be able to rotate relative to the electrically conductive ring 5; current collectors 6 that are arranged between the electrically conductive ring 5 and the electrically conductive shaft 4 in the radial direction; a retainer pin 7 that is disposed between the current collectors 6 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction; and a retainer plate 31 that is disposed on at least one side of the retainer pin 7 in the axial direction, wherein the retainer pin 7 has shaft portions 71, 72 that are in sliding contact with the retainer plate 31, and a protruding portion 70 that is connected from one axial end of the shaft portion 72 and protrudes to the outside of the shaft portion 72.

Description

Rotary Connector

[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.

[0002] In various industrial fields, rotary connectors that electrically connect a rotating side element and a stationary side element in a rotating mechanism are known. The rotary connector can electrically connect a conductive ring and a conductive shaft through a current collecting element disposed between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft.

[0003] As for such rotary connectors, there are known two types as current collecting elements: one filled with liquid metal such as mercury or gallium alloy, and the other provided with a plurality of conductive current collectors. In recent years, rotary connectors using current collectors have attracted attention from the viewpoints of environmental load caused by liquid leakage, risk of electric leakage, and the like.

[0004] For example, the rotary connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an annular outer peripheral member, a shaft body, roller current collectors, a guide plate, and a spacer. The roller current collectors are disposed between the outer peripheral member and the shaft body in the radial direction, and are in contact with both of them. The spacer is an insulator and is disposed between adjacent roller current collectors. The guide plate is an annular plate material, and is formed with an annular guide groove in which the lower portion of the spacer is disposed in an inserted state. When the shaft body rotates, the roller current collectors in contact with the shaft body perform so-called planetary motion in which they revolve while rotating on their own axes. Accordingly, even when the shaft body rotates relative to the outer peripheral member, the shaft body and the outer peripheral member can be electrically connected.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-152914 (Pages 4 and 5, Figure 1)

[0006] In the rotary connector described in Patent Document 1, the spacer that contacts the planetary-motion roller current collectors also undergoes planetary motion, thus reliably preventing contact between adjacent roller current collectors. On the other hand, friction between the spacer and the guide plate can generate wear particles, which may adhere to the roller current collectors and hinder current flow between components. Although the amount of wear particles generated is basically very small and does not affect long-term operation, the amount and frequency of current flow obstruction become more pronounced as the period of operation lengthens, and the device approaches the end of its operating life. Therefore, further extension of the operating life is desired.

[0007] This invention was made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a rotary connector that can reduce the generation of wear particles and suppress the adhesion of wear particles to the current collector.

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the rotary connector of the present invention comprises: an annular conductive ring; a conductive shaft inserted through the conductive ring and arranged to be rotatable relative to the conductive ring; current collectors arranged radially between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft; retainer pins arranged between adjacent current collectors in the circumferential direction; and a retainer plate arranged on at least one axial side of the retainer pins, wherein the retainer pin has a shaft portion that slides against the retainer plate and an overhang portion connected from one axial end of the shaft portion and extending outward from the shaft portion. As a result, since the angular velocity of the shaft portion provided at the axial end of the retainer pin and the overhang portion connected from one axial end of the shaft portion are the same, the rotational speed of the shaft portion becomes slower than the rotational speed of the overhang portion, and wear particles generated between the shaft portion and the retainer plate can be reduced. Furthermore, the stepped portion formed by the overhang portion and the shaft portion can prevent wear particles from reaching the outer circumferential surface of the overhang portion.

[0009] The protruding portion may be cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. This allows the retainer pin, which receives the rotation of the current collector, to roll smoothly.

[0010] The shaft portion may be coaxial with the protruding portion. This makes it easier to stabilize the rotation of the retainer pin.

[0011] The angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect may be 90 degrees or less. This effectively prevents wear particles from reaching the outer surface of the protruding portion.

[0012] The protruding portion may be longer in the axial direction than the electron collector, and the outer surface of the protruding portion may extend along the axial direction. This makes it easier to stabilize the orientation of the electron collector.

[0013] The retainer pin has a shaft portion that is rotatably positioned in a guide recess that is recessed in a direction away from the protruding portion from the axial end face of the retainer plate, and the shaft portion may be longer in the axial direction than the guide recess. This allows the shaft portion of the retainer pin to slide against the retainer plate while the protruding portion of the retainer pin and the retainer plate are spaced apart, thereby reducing the amount of wear debris generated between the retainer pin and the retainer plate.

[0014] The retainer pin may have a shaft portion positioned in the guide recess of the retainer plate on one axial side, and a shaft portion positioned in the guide recess of the retainer plate on the other axial side. This makes it easier to stabilize the position of the retainer pin.

[0015] The retainer plate may be provided with a storage recess formed in a direction away from the protruding portion from the axial end face of the retainer plate at at least one of the positions where it overlaps the protruding portion in the axial direction and a position outside the protruding portion. This allows wear particles to be stored in the recess, making it easier to prevent wear particles from reaching the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion.

[0016] This is a perspective view of the rotary connector in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This is a side cross-sectional view of the rotary connector in Embodiment 1. This is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2. This is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4. This is a side cross-sectional view of the rotary connector in Modification 1-1. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. This is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 6 of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the rotary connector in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0017] Embodiments for implementing the rotary connector according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

[0018] The rotary connector according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Hereafter, the top and bottom of Figure 2, as viewed from the front, will be referred to as the top and bottom of the rotary connector.

[0019] The rotary connector 1 of this embodiment is applied, for example, to a semiconductor manufacturing machine as a rotating device, and is used to energize a temperature control device that heats a semiconductor substrate, or to energize a thermocouple that measures the temperature of the heated substrate.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotary connector 1 comprises a rotating body 2, which is the rotating element; a stationary body 3, which is the stationary element; a plurality of roller current collectors 6 (see Figure 2); a plurality of retainer pins 7 (see Figure 2); and two bearings 8 (see Figure 2). It also has four terminals 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D for individually energizing the four conductors 90 to 93 connected to the rotating body 2 and the stationary body 3, respectively. This rotary connector 1 is used in a vertical orientation. Note that in Figure 4 and other figures, the conductors 90 to 93 are omitted from the illustration to avoid making the diagrams too complex.

[0021] The rotating body 2 comprises a rotating shaft 20, five spacers 21 (see Figure 2), four insulating members 22 (see Figure 2), and four inner circumferential electrodes 4 (see Figure 2) that serve as conductive shafts. The conductive shaft of this invention may be an axial body or an annular body as in this embodiment, as long as it is a conductor inserted through a conductive ring, and its shape may be changed as appropriate.

[0022] In the following explanation, of the five spacers 21, the one located at the top will be referred to as spacer 21U, the one located at the bottom as spacer 21L, and the three spacers located between spacers 21U and 21L in the axial direction will be referred to as spacer 21M.

[0023] The rotating shaft 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape from metal. The rotating shaft 20 and each inner circumferential electrode 4 are insulated by an insulating member 22 made of an insulator such as resin or ceramics. The rotating shaft may be made of a material other than metal, for example, an insulator. Also, in Figure 1 and other figures, the insulating member 22 is omitted from the illustration to avoid making the diagram too complex.

[0024] The rotating shaft 20 is supported by being fitted into two bearings 8 which are fitted and fixed to the upper and lower ends of the stationary body 3. The shape of the rotating shaft 20 may be changed as appropriate depending on the application; for example, it may be hollow, and a temperature control device may be provided at its tip. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the rotating shaft 20 will be simply referred to as "axial direction," "radial direction," and "circumferential direction."

[0025] Four through grooves 20a to 20d are formed on the outer diameter side of the rotating shaft 20. The through grooves 20a to 20d are recessed on the inner diameter side of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 20 and penetrate in the axial direction (see Figure 1). One of the conductors 90 to 93 is inserted through each of the through grooves 20a to 20d.

[0026] The five spacers 21 are formed from an insulator in the shape of an annular flat plate and are fitted and fixed to the rotating shaft 20.

[0027] The five spacers 21 function as spacers for the four inner electrodes 4. Two spacers 21 adjacent to each other in the axial direction are connected with one inner electrode 4 in between. As a result, each inner electrode 4 rotates together with the rotation axis 20 and the five spacers 21.

[0028] Each inner electrode 4 is made of a conductive material and is formed in an annular shape with a rectangular cross-section. Each inner electrode 4 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the five spacers 21 and protrudes outward from each spacer 21.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, an annular groove 40 is formed on the outer diameter side of each inner circumferential electrode 4, which is recessed on the inner diameter side and opens toward the outer diameter side.

[0030] Returning to Figure 2, the fixed body 3 comprises an upper body 30U, a lower body 30L, five retainer plates 31, and four outer electrodes 5 as a conductive ring, and is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the rotating body 2. In this invention, a conductive ring is defined as one in which at least a part of the annular member surrounding the conductive shaft is conductive. Note that in Figure 1, the upper body 30U, the lower body 30L, and the five retainer plates 31 are given a dot pattern.

[0031] In the following explanation, of the five retainer plates 31, the one located at the top will be referred to as retainer plate 31U, the one located at the bottom as retainer plate 31L, and the three plates located between retainer plates 31U and 31L in the axial direction will be referred to as retainer plate 31M.

[0032] The upper body 30U is formed of an insulator with a downward-facing L-shaped cross-section, and the rotating shaft 20 is rotatably inserted through it. A bearing 8 is fitted into the radial center of the upper body 30U. The upper body 30U is fixed to the uppermost retainer plate 31U.

[0033] The lower body 30L is formed from an insulator in an L-shaped annular form, and the rotating shaft 20 is rotatably inserted through it. A bearing 8 is fitted into the radial center of the lower body 30L. The lower body 30L is fixed to the lowest retainer plate 31L.

[0034] The five retainer plates 31 are formed in an annular, flat shape from an insulator and function as spacers for the four outer peripheral electrodes 5. The uppermost retainer plate 31U surrounds the uppermost spacer 21U. The lowermost retainer plate 31L surrounds the lowermost spacer 21L. The middle retainer plate 31M surrounds one of the middle spacers 21M.

[0035] Two adjacent retainer plates 31 in the axial direction are connected with a single outer electrode 5 in between. More details about the retainer plates 31 will be described later.

[0036] Each outer electrode 5 is made of a conductive material and is formed in an annular shape with a rectangular cross-section. Each outer electrode 5 surrounds one of the inner electrodes 4. The inner diameter of each outer electrode 5 is larger than the inner diameter of the five retainer plates 31. In other words, each retainer plate 31 protrudes inward from each outer electrode 5.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, 16 roller current collectors 6 and 16 retainer pins 7 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer electrode 5 and the inner electrode 4 in the radial direction. Note that the number of roller current collectors 6 and retainer pins 7 may be changed as appropriate.

[0038] The roller current collector 6 is made of a conductor and is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is held radially between the outer electrode 5 and the inner electrode 4.

[0039] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the retainer pin 7 is formed from an insulator in a stepped cylindrical shape and is positioned between two adjacent roller current collectors 6 in the circumferential direction (see Figure 4). The retainer pin 7 has a cylindrical large-diameter portion 70 as an overhanging portion and cylindrical small-diameter portions 71 and 72 (see Figure 3) that protrude from the large-diameter portion 70 in one or the other axial direction.

[0040] The diameter of the large-diameter section 70 is smaller than the outer diameter of the roller current collector 6, and larger than the diameters of the small-diameter sections 71 and 72. Also, the axial length of the large-diameter section 70, that is, its length in the vertical direction, is longer than the axial length of the roller current collector 6.

[0041] The large diameter portion 70 is substantially coaxial with the small diameter portions 71 and 72, and protrudes toward the outer diameter side relative to the small diameter portions 71 and 72, that is, outward, by a substantially identical radial length over the entire circumferential direction. In the present invention, coaxial means that, for example, the axial center of the shaft portion and the axial center of the protruding portion are arranged on the same straight line.

[0042] For the retainer pin 7, the upper small diameter portion 71 is rollably disposed in the upper guide recess 32 formed in the upper retainer plate 31, and the lower small diameter portion 72 is rollably disposed in the lower guide recess 33 formed in the lower retainer plate 31.

[0043] The upper guide recess 32 is formed in a portion protruding toward the inner diameter side relative to the outer peripheral electrode 5, and is an annular groove that is recessed above the lower end surface 31a serving as the axial end surface of the retainer plate 31, that is, in the direction away from the large diameter portion 70 in the axial direction, and is open toward the lower side. The upper guide recess 32 is defined by an annular flat bottom surface 32a extending in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, an inner diameter side surface 32b extending axially downward from the inner diameter edge of the bottom surface 32a, and an outer diameter side surface 32c extending axially downward from the outer diameter edge of the bottom surface 32a. The upper guide recess 32 is provided in the uppermost retainer plate 31U and the three middle retainer plates 31M.

[0044] The depth of the upper guide recess 32, that is, the length in the axial direction, is shorter than the axial length of the upper small diameter portion 71 of the retainer pin 7. In addition, the width of the upper guide recess 32, that is, the radial length between the inner diameter side surface 32b and the outer diameter side surface 32c, is slightly longer than the diameter of the upper small diameter portion 71 of the retainer pin 7.

[0045] The lower guide recess 33 is formed in a portion projecting radially inward from the outer peripheral electrode 5, and is an annular recess that is recessed below the upper end surface 31b, which is the axial end surface of the retainer plate 31, that is, recessed in a direction away from the large diameter portion 70 in the axial direction, and opens upward. The lower guide recess 33 is defined by an annular flat bottom surface 33a extending radially and circumferentially, and an inner diameter side surface 33b extending axially upward from the inner diameter edge of the bottom surface 33a. The bottom surface 33a is disposed to face and be substantially parallel to the bottom surface 32a. The lower guide recess 33 is provided in the three middle retainer plates 31M and the lowermost retainer plate 31L.

[0046] The depth of the lower guide recess 33 is shorter than the axial length of the lower small diameter portion 72 of the retainer pin 7.

[0047] The lower guide recess 33 is open toward the outer diameter side, and communicates with a storage portion 34 serving as a storage recess provided on the outer diameter side relative to the lower guide recess 33. Note that the storage recess may be provided on the inner diameter side relative to the guide recess, or may be provided respectively on the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side relative to the revolution orbit of the shaft portion. In addition, in FIG. 4, to clarify the illustration, the lower guide recess 33 is provided with a light dot pattern, and the storage portion 34 is provided with a dark dot pattern.

[0048] The storage portion 34 is an annular groove that is recessed below the upper end surface 31b of the retainer plate 31, that is, recessed in a direction away from the large diameter portion 70 in the axial direction, and opens upward. The storage portion 34 is provided in the three middle retainer plates 31M and the lowermost retainer plate 31L.

[0049] The vertical distance between the bottom surface 32a of the upper guide recess 32 in the upper retainer plate 31 and the bottom surface 33a of the lower guide recess 33 in the lower retainer plate 31 is very slightly longer than the axial length of the retainer pin 7.

[0050] Furthermore, the vertical distance between the lower end surface 31a of the upper retainer plate 31 and the upper end surface 31b of the lower retainer plate 31 is slightly longer than the axial length of the large diameter portion 70 of the retainer pin 7.

[0051] As described above, the rotary connector 1 of this embodiment consists of four inner electrodes 4, four outer electrodes 5, and multiple roller current collectors 6, which together form four stations 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D. Of these, station 9A is located at the top, and the others are arranged in descending order.

[0052] When the inner electrode 4 rotates counterclockwise, each roller current collector 6 rotates clockwise as shown by the black arrows in Figure 5, while its outer surface remains in contact with the outer surface of the inner electrode 4 and the inner surface of the outer electrode 5, and revolves counterclockwise as shown by the dashed arrows in response to the rotation of the inner electrode 4. Here, the outer surface of the inner electrode 4 is the rolling surface 4a. The inner surface of the outer electrode 5 is the rolling surface 5a. Furthermore, the outer surface of the roller current collector 6 is the rolling surface 6a.

[0053] As a result, when the inner electrode 4 rotates, the current flow between the inner electrode 4 and the outer electrode 5 is maintained by the interposed roller current collectors 6.

[0054] Furthermore, the portion of the roller current collector 6 located on the inner diameter side of the rotary connector 1 is positioned within the groove 40 in the inner circumferential electrode 4 (see Figure 3). Since the vertical movement of the roller current collector 6 is restricted by the groove 40, contact with the retainer plate 31 is prevented.

[0055] Furthermore, the groove in which a portion of the roller current collector 6 is positioned is not limited to the annular groove 40 formed in the inner electrode 4, but may also be formed in the outer electrode 5, or only in the outer electrode 5, and may be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, instead of a groove, annular stepped portions may be provided on the inner electrode 4 and the outer electrode 5 facing each other in the axial direction, and the roller current collector 6 may be interposed between these annular stepped portions to hold the roller current collector 6 in the axial direction.

[0056] Furthermore, adjacent roller current collectors 6 in the circumferential direction are prevented from directly contacting each other because a retainer pin 7 is placed between them.

[0057] The retainer pin 7 rolls relative to the roller current collector 6 as its rolling surface 70a, which is the outer surface of its large diameter portion 70, slides against the rolling surface 6a of the rotating roller current collector 6. As a result, the retainer pin 7 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by the black arrow. In addition, the retainer pin 7 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by the dashed arrow as its large diameter portion 70 is pressed by the adjacent and revolving roller current collector 6, and its small diameter portions 71 and 72 are guided by the guide recesses 32 and 33 to align with the direction of rotation of the roller current collector 6.

[0058] Referring to Figure 3, the retainer pin 7, which rotates and revolves, has its lower end surface 72a of the lower small-diameter portion 72 sliding in contact with the bottom surface 33a of the lower guide recess 33, and its circumferential surface 72b sliding in contact with the inner diameter side surface 33b of the lower guide recess 33. In addition, the upper end surface 71a of the upper small-diameter portion 71 of the retainer pin 7 is spaced apart in the axial direction from the bottom surface 32a of the upper guide recess 32, and its circumferential surface 71b sliding in contact with the inner diameter side surface 32b and outer diameter side surface 32c of the upper guide recess 32.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, let P0 be the rotation center point of the retainer pin 7, P1 be a point on the rolling surface 70a of the large diameter portion 70 which forms the outer circumference, and P2 be a point on the circumferential surface 72b of the lower small diameter portion 72 which forms the outer circumference. Let r1 and r2 (r1 > r2) be the radii, which are the distances from the rotation center point P0 to points P1 and P2. The retainer pin 7 is assumed to rotate (rotate) at an angular velocity θ1 (rad / s). Note that the explanation of the upper small diameter portion 71 is substantially the same as the explanation of the lower small diameter portion 72, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0060] Under these conditions, the peripheral speed v1 of the outer circumference of the large-diameter section 70 is r1 × θ1. Also, the peripheral speed v2 of the small-diameter section 72 is r2 × θ1. Peripheral speed v1 is faster than peripheral speed v2 (v1 > v2) because the radius r1 from the rotation center point P0 to point P1 is longer than the radius r2 from the rotation center point P0 to point P2 (r1 > r2). In other words, the rotational speed of the large-diameter section 70 is faster than the rotational speed of the small-diameter section 72.

[0061] For example, if the angular velocity of the roller current collector 6 is the same as in this embodiment, or more specifically, if the angular velocity of the inner electrode 4, the distance from the center of the inner electrode 4 to the center of the roller current collector 6 (orbital radius), and the distance from the rotation center point P10 of the roller current collector 6 to the rolling surface 6a (rotation radius) are the same as in this embodiment, and unlike the shape of this embodiment, the retainer pin is simply a cylindrical shape with a radius r1 that is the same diameter as the large diameter portion 70, then the peripheral velocity of this retainer pin will be the same peripheral velocity v1 as the large diameter portion 70 in this embodiment.

[0062] In this embodiment, the retainer pin 7 generates less wear dust than such a retainer pin because the peripheral speed v2 of the lower small-diameter portion 72, which slides against the bottom surface 33a and inner diameter side surface 33b of the lower retainer plate 31, is slower than the peripheral speed v1 of a cylindrical retainer pin with the same diameter as the large-diameter portion 70. The same applies to the sliding contact between the upper small-diameter portion 71 and the side surfaces 32b and 32c of the upper retainer plate 31.

[0063] Furthermore, if the angular velocity of the roller current collector 6 is the same as in this embodiment, and the retainer pin is simply a cylindrical shape with a radius r2 that is the same diameter as the small diameter portion 72, then the peripheral speed of this retainer pin will be the same peripheral speed v1 as that of the large diameter portion 70 in this embodiment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the retainer pin 7 generates less wear dust than such a retainer pin because the peripheral speed v2 of the lower small-diameter portion 72 is slower than the peripheral speed v1 of a cylindrical retainer pin of the same diameter as the small-diameter portion 72. The same applies to the sliding contact between the upper small-diameter portion 71 and the sides 32b and 32c of the upper retainer plate 31.

[0065] As described above, the rotary connector 1 of this embodiment has small-diameter portions 71 and 72 provided at both axial ends of the retainer pin 7, and a large-diameter portion 70 connected to one axial end of the small-diameter portions 71 and 72 and extending outward from the small-diameter portions 71 and 72. As a result, the angular velocity of the large-diameter portion 70 and the small-diameter portions 71 and 72 become the same, the rotational speed of the small-diameter portions 71 and 72 becomes slower than the rotational speed of the large-diameter portion 70, and wear particles generated between the small-diameter portions 71 and 72 and the retainer plates 31 and 31 can be reduced.

[0066] Therefore, while conventional rotary connectors, such as those shown in Patent Document 1, can operate for long periods because they generate only a very small amount of wear particles, the rotary connector 1 of this embodiment can further reduce the generation of wear particles, making it effective in extending the operating life even more.

[0067] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has a stepped portion 73 (see Figure 3) formed by a large diameter portion 70 and a small diameter portion 72. For example, even if wear particles generated by the sliding contact between the lower small diameter portion 72 and the lower retainer plate 31 move upward due to the sliding contact between the circumferential surface 72b and the inner diameter side surface 33b of the small diameter portion 72, their movement is restricted by the lower surface 70b (see Figure 3) of the large diameter portion 70, making it easier for them to fall before reaching the rolling surface 70a. Also, wear particles that are blown up by vibration or the like are restricted from moving upward by the lower surface 70b of the large diameter portion 70. In this way, the stepped portion 73 can prevent wear particles from reaching the rolling surface 70a of the large diameter portion 70.

[0068] Furthermore, because the large-diameter portion 70 of the retainer pin 7 is cylindrical, it can roll smoothly in response to the rotation of the roller current collector 6.

[0069] Furthermore, since the retainer pin 7 has a large diameter portion 70 and small diameter portions 71 and 72 that are coaxial, it is easier to stabilize its rotation.

[0070] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has an outer angle of 90 degrees between the lower surface 70b of the large diameter portion 70 and the circumferential surface 72b of the small diameter portion 72. Therefore, wear particles can be effectively prevented from reaching the rolling surface 70a of the large diameter portion 70. In order to achieve this effect, it is preferable that the outer angle be 90 degrees or less.

[0071] In this embodiment, the configuration described is one in which the lower surface 70b of the large-diameter portion 70 and the circumferential surface 72b of the small-diameter portion 72 directly intersect. However, an inclined surface or a curved surface may be provided between the inner diameter end of the lower surface 70b and the upper end of the circumferential surface 72b to prevent stress concentration. Even with such a configuration, if the outer angle formed by a virtual line extending the lower surface 70b inward and a virtual line extending the circumferential surface 72b upward is 90 degrees or less, it is considered to be included in the configuration of the present invention in which the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less.

[0072] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has a large diameter portion 70 that is longer in the axial direction than the roller current collector 6, and the rolling surface 70a extends along the axial direction, so even if the roller current collector 6 tries to tilt, it can be prevented from tilting. In other words, the retainer pin 7 makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the roller current collector 6 with its large diameter portion 70, making it difficult for both the retainer pin 7 and the roller current collector 6 to tip over.

[0073] Furthermore, the lower small-diameter portion 72 of the retainer pin 7 is axially longer than the lower guide recess 33. This allows the lower surface 70b of the large-diameter portion 70 of the retainer pin 7 and the upper end surface 31b of the lower retainer plate 31 to be spaced apart in the axial direction, while the small-diameter portion 72 of the retainer pin 7 and the lower retainer plate 31 are in sliding contact. As a result, wear particles generated between the retainer pin 7 and the lower retainer plate 31 can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has an upper small-diameter portion 71 that is rotatable within the upper guide recess 32, and a lower small-diameter portion 72 that is rotatable within the lower guide recess 33. As a result, even if the retainer pin 7 tries to move vertically relative to the retainer plate 31 due to disturbances or the like, its movement is restricted by the bottom surfaces 32a and 33a.

[0075] Furthermore, even if the retainer pin 7 attempts to move radially relative to the retainer plate 31, its movement is restricted by the inner diameter sides 32b, 33b and the outer diameter side 32c. In this way, the rotary connector 1 makes it easier to stabilize the position of the retainer pin 7, and also maintains a non-contact state between the retainer pin 7 and the inner diameter electrode 4 and the outer diameter electrode 5.

[0076] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has a large-diameter portion 70 that protrudes outward from the guide recesses 32 and 33, that is, towards the inner diameter or outer diameter. As a result, if the retainer pin 7 attempts to tilt radially or circumferentially, i.e., in the direction of its orbit, the lower surface 70b of the large-diameter portion 70 will come into contact with the upper end surface 31b of the lower retainer plate 31, or the upper end surface 70c of the large-diameter portion 70 will come into contact with the lower end surface 31a of the upper retainer plate 31, thereby restricting the tilting.

[0077] In this way, the rotary connector 1 can restrict the tilting of the retainer pin 7, making it easier to prevent wear particles from being generated when, for example, the lower small-diameter portion 72 makes contact with the lower retainer plate 31 at an angle. In addition, the retainer pin 7 is less likely to tip over because its tilting is restricted.

[0078] Furthermore, because the rotary connector 1 is less likely to tip over due to the large-diameter portion 70 of the retainer pin 7, a storage portion 34 that communicates with the lower guide recess 33 in the circumferential direction can be provided.

[0079] Furthermore, the retainer pin 7 has a symmetrical shape in both the axial and radial directions, and is better balanced than the retainer pin 207 of Embodiment 2 described later, making it less prone to tilting. As a result, the retainer pin 7 is more stable in its rotation and revolution.

[0080] Furthermore, the lower retainer plate 31 extends from a position where the storage portion 34 overlaps the outer diameter end of the large diameter portion 70 of the retainer pin 7 in the axial direction, to an outer diameter side beyond the large diameter portion 70. As a result, the lower retainer plate 31 can store wear particles in the storage portion 34, making it easier to prevent wear particles from reaching the rolling surface 70a of the large diameter portion 70.

[0081] Furthermore, since the storage section 34 overlaps the large-diameter section 70 in the axial direction, wear particles whose upward movement is restricted by the large-diameter section 70 can easily move into the storage section 34. Also, since the storage section 34 is located in a position radially close to the small-diameter section 72, the efficiency of storing wear particles is increased. In addition, since the storage section 34 is radially continuous with the lower guide recess 33, wear particles generated between the lower guide recess 33 and the retainer pin 7 can be easily stored. Note that the storage section does not necessarily have to overlap the protruding section in the axial direction, as in the storage section 234 of Embodiment 2 described later.

[0082] Furthermore, since the retainer plate 31 is part of the stationary element, the wear particles stored in the storage section 34 are less likely to scatter.

[0083] Furthermore, the storage section 34 is an annular groove and communicates with the lower guide recess 33 in the circumferential direction, thus increasing the efficiency of storing wear particles.

[0084] Furthermore, since the lower end surface 72a of the lower small-diameter portion 72 of the retainer pin 7 is in sliding contact with the bottom surface 33a of the retainer plate 31, it is easier to disperse the force generated between the retainer pin and the bottom surface 33a than a spherical retainer pin that makes point contact with the bottom surface 33a. The same applies to the force generated between the rolling surface 6a of the roller current collector 6, which makes line contact or surface contact, and the rolling surface 70a of the retainer pin 7.

[0085] Furthermore, because the retainer pin 7 is formed in a stepped cylindrical shape, even when two different forces act on it, such as the forward force of the revolving roller current collector 6 and the rotational force of the rotating roller current collector 6, it can only rotate around the central axis of the retainer pin 7, which passes through the rotation center point P0 when the rotation axis 20 rotates. In other words, there is no rotational component around an axis that extends radially from the rotation axis 20 and is perpendicular to the central axis of the retainer pin 7. In contrast, a spherical retainer pin, for example, is prone to accelerated wear because its rotation is unstable, and the rotation may momentarily stall when two different forces act on it.

[0086] Furthermore, a spherical retainer pin whose rotation direction is not restricted will have its rolling surface in contact not only with the bottom surface of the retainer plate but also with the rolling surface of the roller current collector. As a result, if wear particles from the bottom surface of the retainer plate adhere to the spherical retainer pin, there is a risk that these particles will be guided to and adhere to the rolling surface of the roller current collector. In contrast, a stepped cylindrical retainer pin 7 as in this embodiment is preferable from the viewpoint of making it difficult to guide wear particles from the bottom surface 33a of the retainer plate 31 to the rolling surface 6a of the roller current collector 6.

[0087] Furthermore, the current collection efficiency of the roller current collector 6 is enhanced because the rolling surface 6a is made of silver plating.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the rotation center point P0 of the retainer pin 7 and the rotation center point P10 of the roller current collector 6 are arranged along concentric circles indicated by the dashed lines. Referring to the white arrows in Figure 5, the direction of the force exerted by the roller current collector 6 on the upstream side (left side of the paper) against the retainer pin 7 is opposite to the direction of the resistance force that the retainer pin 7 receives from the roller current collector 6 on the downstream side (right side of the paper). Note that the white arrows schematically indicate only the direction in which the force acts.

[0089] As a result, the retainer pin 7 is less likely to be pushed inward towards the inner diameter, as in Embodiment 7 described later, and also less likely to be pushed outward towards the outer diameter, although this is not shown directly in the illustration. The circumferential surface 71b of the upper small diameter portion 71 is less likely to be pressed against the inner diameter side surface 32b and outer diameter side surface 32c of the upper guide recess 32, thus reducing wear on the retainer pin 7. The same applies to the circumferential surface 72b of the lower small diameter portion 72 and the inner diameter side surface 33b of the lower guide recess 33.

[0090] Furthermore, since the retainer pin 7 has an upper smaller diameter portion 71 which is smaller in diameter than the larger diameter portion 70 and is positioned within the upper guide recess 32, it is easier to secure the radial thickness of the inner diameter side wall having the inner diameter side surface 32b and increase structural strength. The same applies to the inner diameter side wall having the inner diameter side surface 33b.

[0091] Although the rotary connector 1 has been described as having multiple stations, it is not limited to this configuration, and may have only one station, as shown in Embodiment 6 described later. In other words, the number of stations may be changed as appropriate.

[0092] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the retainer plate 31 as also serving as a spacer in the fixed body 3, it is not limited to this configuration, and may also serve as a spacer in the rotating body 102, as exemplified by the retainer plate 121 shown as Modification 1-1 in Figure 6. Note that a spacer 131 is interposed between the axial directions of each outer peripheral electrode 5.

[0093] The retainer plate 121 has at least one of an upper guide recess 122 and a lower guide recess 123 formed in the portion that protrudes outward from the inner circumferential electrode 4. Even with this configuration, by providing the retainer pin 7 with a large diameter portion 70 that protrudes outward from the small diameter portions 71 and 72, the wear particles generated between the small diameter portions 71 and 72 and the retainer plates 121 and 121 can be reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, a storage section 124 is provided on the outer diameter side of the lower guide recess 123, allowing wear particles to be stored in the storage section 34, which makes it easier to prevent wear particles from reaching the rolling surface 70a of the large diameter section 70.

[0095] Furthermore, since the retainer plate 121 is part of the rotating body 102, which is a rotating element, the storage portion 124 is provided on the outer diameter side of the lower guide recess 123, thereby increasing the efficiency of storing wear particles that would otherwise be scattered by centrifugal force.

[0096] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0097] As shown in Figure 7, the retainer pin 207 of this embodiment has a large diameter portion 70 and a lower small diameter portion 72, while the upper shaft portion is omitted.

[0098] The retainer plate 231, which is positioned below the retainer pin 207, has a lower guide recess 233 and a storage portion 234. On the other hand, the retainer plate 231, which is positioned above the retainer pin 207, omits the upper guide recess.

[0099] The lower guide recess 233 is an annular groove, defined by a bottom surface 233a, an inner diameter side surface 233b, and an outer diameter side surface 233c that extends axially upward from the outer diameter edge of the bottom surface 233a.

[0100] Even with this configuration, the retainer pin 207 is guided along the circumferential direction while the small-diameter portion 72 is restricted from moving radially by the lower guide recess 233, thus enabling stable planetary motion.

[0101] Furthermore, by providing the retainer pin 207 with a larger diameter portion 70 that protrudes outward from the smaller diameter portion 72, the amount of wear debris generated between the smaller diameter portion 72 and the retainer plate 231 can be reduced.

[0102] Furthermore, the retainer pin 207 is less likely to tip over due to the large diameter portion 70, so it can perform stable planetary motion even if the upper shaft portion is omitted.

[0103] Furthermore, the storage section 234 is not in communication with the lower guide recess 233 and is located on the outer diameter side of the large diameter section 70. Even with this configuration, wear particles can be stored in the storage section 234. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of facilitating the movement of wear particles from the guide recess to the storage section, a configuration in which the guide recess and the storage section are in communication, as in Embodiment 1, is preferable.

[0104] Furthermore, the retainer pin 207 in this embodiment lacks the upper shaft portion and is not symmetrical in the axial direction. Therefore, it is less balanced and more prone to tilting than the retainer pin 7 in Embodiment 1, making the retainer pin 7 of Embodiment 1 preferable.

[0105] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0106] As shown in Figure 8, the retainer pin 307 is formed in a hollow shape and has small diameter portions 71 and 72, a cylindrical large diameter portion 370, a ceiling portion 373 that closes the upper end of the large diameter portion 370, and a bottom portion 374 that closes the lower end of the large diameter portion 370. The upper small diameter portion 71 is formed above the radial center of the ceiling portion 373. The lower small diameter portion 72 is formed below the radial center of the bottom portion 374. In other words, the protruding portion may be connected to one axial end of the shaft portion with other parts such as the ceiling portion 373 and the bottom portion 374 interposed therebetween, and may not be directly connected to the shaft portion. In other words, the protruding portion may be connected to one axial end of the shaft portion directly or with other parts interposed therebetween, i.e., it may be provided to be continuous.

[0107] With this structure, the retainer pin 307 is lighter than the retainer pin 7 in the first embodiment, thus reducing friction and further suppressing the generation of wear particles.

[0108] In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 370 of the retainer pin was described as being formed in a cylindrical shape to reduce its weight, but this is not the only option, and the shaft portion may also be a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0109] Furthermore, while a solid retainer pin was described in Embodiment 1 and a hollow retainer pin was described in this embodiment, the structure may be modified as appropriate, for example, by forming the protruding portion or shaft portion in a lattice shape, and as long as it is possible to make it lighter than a solid retainer pin.

[0110] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of making it easier to roll relative to the electron collector, it is preferable to have a protruding portion having a rolling surface that is continuous in the circumferential and axial directions, as in the first embodiment and this embodiment, and from the viewpoint of ease of processing, a solid retainer pin like the one in the first embodiment is preferable.

[0111] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0112] As shown in Figure 9, the retainer pin 407 has small diameter portions 71 and 72 and a large diameter portion 470.

[0113] The large-diameter portion 470 has a tapered shape, with its upper end narrowing upwards. The large-diameter portion 470 has an annular upper inclined surface 470c that extends linearly upwards and toward the inner diameter from the upper end of the rolling surface 470a. The upper inclined surface 470c is continuous with the lower end of the circumferential surface 71b of the upper small-diameter portion 71, and the outer angle between the upper inclined surface 470c and the circumferential surface 71b is approximately 120 degrees.

[0114] Furthermore, the large-diameter portion 470 has a tapered shape, with its lower end narrowing downwards. The large-diameter portion 470 has an annular lower inclined surface 470b that extends linearly downwards and toward the inner diameter from the lower end of the rolling surface 470a. The lower inclined surface 470b is continuous with the upper end of the circumferential surface 72b of the lower small-diameter portion 72, and the outer angle between the lower inclined surface 470b and the circumferential surface 72b is approximately 120 degrees.

[0115] This configuration makes it easier to guide wear particles along the inclined surfaces 470b and 470c to the storage section 34. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of further suppressing wear particles from reaching the rolling surface, it is preferable that the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less, as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 5 described later.

[0116] In this embodiment, the protruding portion was described as tapering outward in the axial direction by a linearly extending inclined surface, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may taper outward in the axial direction by a curved surface, or multiple stepped portions may be formed to taper outward in the axial direction, and its shape may be changed as appropriate.

[0117] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the inclined surface as being directly continuous with the rolling surface in the protruding portion and the circumferential surface in the shaft portion, it is not limited to this, and for example, a radially extending surface may be interposed between the rolling surface and the inclined surface.

[0118] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0119] As shown in Figure 10, the retainer pin 507 has small diameter portions 71 and 72 and a large diameter portion 570.

[0120] The large-diameter portion 570 has an annular upper inclined surface 570c that extends linearly downward and toward the inner diameter from the upper end of the rolling surface 570a. In other words, the upper end of the large-diameter portion 570 is annular, and its inner diameter decreases from the upper side toward the lower side. The upper inclined surface 570c is continuous with the lower end of the circumferential surface 71b of the upper small-diameter portion 71, and the outer angle between the upper inclined surface 570c and the circumferential surface 71b is approximately 60 degrees.

[0121] Furthermore, the large-diameter portion 570 has an annular lower inclined surface 570b that extends linearly upward and toward the inner diameter from the lower end of the rolling surface 570a. In other words, the lower end of the large-diameter portion 570 is annular, and its inner diameter decreases from the bottom to the top. The lower inclined surface 570b is continuous with the upper end of the circumferential surface 72b of the lower small-diameter portion 72, and the outer angle between the lower inclined surface 570b and the circumferential surface 72b is approximately 60 degrees.

[0122] With this configuration, the retainer pin 507 is better able to restrict wear particles from moving outward beyond the inclined surfaces 570b and 570c. In other words, wear particles are less likely to reach the rolling surface than in the first embodiment. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less.

[0123] In this embodiment, it has been explained that the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less due to a linearly extending inclined surface, but this is not limited to this. For example, the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less due to a curved surface, and multiple stepped portions may be formed so that the inner diameter of the axial end of the protruding portion expands outward in the axial direction, and the shape may be changed as appropriate.

[0124] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the inclined surface as being directly continuous with the rolling surface in the protruding portion and the circumferential surface in the shaft portion, it is not limited to this, and for example, a radially extending surface may be interposed between the rolling surface and the inclined surface.

[0125] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0126] As shown in Figure 11, the rotary connector 601 consists of only one station and comprises a conductive shaft 604 which is the rotating element and a conductive ring 605 which is the stationary element. The upper retainer plate 631U has an upper guide recess 632 formed therein. The lower retainer plate 631L has a lower guide recess 633 and a storage section 634 formed therein.

[0127] Even with this configuration, by providing the retainer pin 7 with a large-diameter portion 70 that protrudes outward from the small-diameter portion 72, the wear particles generated between the small-diameter portion 72 and the retainer plate 631 can be reduced. Furthermore, the wear particles can be stored in the storage portion 634.

[0128] Although not shown directly, guide recesses and storage recesses may be formed in the retainer plate, which is rotatably mounted integrally with the conductive shaft 604, similar to the modified example 1-1 described above.

[0129] Next, the rotary connector according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Note that the description of the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0130] As shown in Figure 12, the rotation center point P0 of the retainer pin 7 is located on the inner diameter side of the rotation center point P10 of the roller current collector 6, with reference to the concentric circles shown by the dashed-dotted line.

[0131] Referring to the white arrows in Figure 12, the force exerted by the upstream (left side of the page) roller collector 6 on the retainer pin 7 acts in the direction of the inner diameter and downstream (right side of the page) relative to the retainer pin 7. The resistance force that the retainer pin 7 receives from the downstream roller collector 6 acts in the direction of the inner diameter and upstream relative to the retainer pin 7. The resultant force of these forces acts to push the retainer pin 7 in the inner diameter direction, referring to the white dashed arrows in Figure 12. Note that the white dashed arrows schematically show only the direction in which the forces act.

[0132] Here, in the retainer pin 7, the portion passing through the outer diameter side moves in approximately the same direction as the orbital direction, while the portion passing through the inner diameter side moves in approximately the opposite direction to the orbital direction. Since the retainer plate 31 is a stationary element, at the circumferential surface 71b of the upper small diameter portion 71 of the retainer pin 7, the relative velocity of the portion passing through the inner diameter side with respect to the inner diameter side surface 32b is slower than the relative velocity of the portion passing through the outer diameter side with respect to the outer diameter side surface 32c.

[0133] The retainer pin 7 is pushed inward by the combined force described above, causing its circumferential surface 71b to easily slide against the inner diameter side surface 32b, while making it less likely to slide against the outer diameter side surface 32c. This allows the retainer pin 7 to be guided more smoothly, and also reduces wear by preventing the generation of large frictional forces. The same applies to the circumferential surface 72b of the lower small diameter portion 72 and the inner diameter side surface 33b of the lower guide recess 33. Furthermore, even if a storage portion 34 is provided that communicates with the lower guide recess 33 in the circumferential direction, the retainer pin 7 can still be guided smoothly.

[0134] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included.

[0135] For example, while embodiments 1 to 7 described a configuration in which the rotary connector is oriented vertically, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the rotary connector may be oriented horizontally.

[0136] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 5 and 7, the retainer plate was described as functioning as a spacer for the inner or outer electrode, but the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the retainer plate may be a separate component from the spacer.

[0137] Furthermore, although it was explained in the above embodiments 1 to 7 that the current collectors and retainer pins are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, multiple retainer pins may be arranged between adjacent retainer pins in the circumferential direction, and this may be changed as appropriate.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 7, the retainer pin was described as having a cylindrical or cylindrical shaft and protruding portion, but it is not limited to this, and may be polygonal, elliptical, or star-shaped, and its shape may be changed as appropriate. In other words, the outer surface of the protruding portion does not have to extend along the circumference. Moreover, the shapes of the shaft and the protruding portion may be different; for example, the shaft may be rectangular prism-shaped and the protruding portion may be cylindrical.

[0139] Furthermore, although the shaft portion and the protruding portion were described as being coaxial in the above embodiments 1 to 7, the invention is not limited to this, and they do not have to be coaxial.

[0140] Furthermore, although the guide recesses in embodiments 1, 3 to 7 were described as being formed on both sides of the retainer pin in the axial direction, the invention is not limited to this configuration. As in embodiment 2, the guide recesses may be formed on only one side in the axial direction, or they may not be provided on both sides in the axial direction.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 7, the storage recess for storing wear particles was described as being provided in the retainer plate together with the guide recess, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The storage recess may be provided on the retainer plate alone, or there may be no storage recess at all.

[0142] Furthermore, although the storage recess for storing wear particles was described as an annular groove in Examples 1 to 7, it is not limited to this, and for example, one or more hemispherical storage recesses may be provided, and the number, shape, and arrangement may be changed as appropriate.

[0143] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 7 described a configuration in which the conductive shaft is the rotating element and the conductive ring is the stationary element, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and the conductive shaft may be the stationary element and the conductive ring may be the rotating element.

[0144] 1 Rotary connector 4 Inner electrode (conductive shaft) 5 Outer electrode (conductive ring) 6 Roller current collector 7 Retainer pin 31 Retainer plate 31a Lower end face (axial end face) 31b Upper end face (axial end face) 32 Upper guide recess (guide recess of the retainer plate on the other axial side) 33 Lower guide recess (guide recess of the retainer plate on one axial side) 34 Storage section (recess) 70 Large diameter section (protruding section) 70a Rolling surface (outer surface) 71, 72 Small diameter section (shaft section)

Claims

1. A rotary connector comprising: an annular conductive ring; a conductive shaft inserted through the conductive ring and rotatably positioned relative to the conductive ring; current collectors positioned radially between the conductive ring and the conductive shaft; retainer pins positioned between adjacent current collectors in the circumferential direction; and a retainer plate positioned on at least one axial side of the retainer pins, wherein the retainer pins have a shaft portion that slides against the retainer plate and a protruding portion connected from one axial end of the shaft portion and extending outward from the shaft portion.

2. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is cylindrical or cylindrical.

3. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the shaft portion is coaxial with the protruding portion.

4. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the angle at which the protruding portion and the shaft portion intersect is 90 degrees or less.

5. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is longer in the axial direction than the current collector, and the outer circumferential surface of the protruding portion extends along the axial direction.

6. The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shaft portion of the retainer pin is rotatably arranged in a guide recess formed in a direction spaced apart from the protruding portion from the axial end face of the retainer plate, and the shaft portion is longer in the axial direction than the guide recess.

7. The rotary connector according to claim 6, wherein the retainer pin has a shaft portion disposed in the guide recess of the retainer plate on one axial side and a shaft portion disposed in the guide recess of the retainer plate on the other axial side.

8. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the retainer plate is provided with a storage recess recessed in a direction away from the protruding portion from the axial end face of the retainer plate at at least one of the positions where it overlaps the protruding portion in the axial direction and a position outside the protruding portion.

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