Rotary connector device

Abstract

A rotary connector device (1) is provided with a stator (10), a rotator (20), electric cables (51, 52, and / or 53), a stator-side connector (30), and a rotator-side connector (40). The stator (10) includes a first stator (11) and a second stator (12). The first stator (11) includes a plate (13) and a first wall (14). The plate (13) is an annular member extending in a circumferential direction defined around the rotation axis (A1), and partially defines a cable housing space (60). The first wall (14) protrudes from the plate (13) toward the second stator (12), in an axial direction (D1) defined along the rotation axis (A1). The second stator (12) includes a second wall (16). The second wall (16) is provided on the radial-direction inner side of the first wall (14) and partially defines the cable housing space (60). The first wall (14) includes a discharge opening (14A). The second wall (16) at least partially covers the discharge opening (14A).

Description

Rotary connector device

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

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-126465 describes a rotary connector for use in vehicles.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-126465

[0004] For example, the rotary connector (1) described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-126465 has a lower rotor portion (3B). In the lower rotor portion (3B), a discharge port (20) for discharging dew condensation water that has entered the rotary connector main body (1A) to the outside of the rotary connector main body (1A) is provided in a portion near the inner periphery located in the lower region of the rotary connector main body (1A).

[0005] However, since the discharge port (20) is provided in the lower rotor portion (3B), foreign matter such as dust easily enters the rotary connector main body (1A) from the outside through the discharge port (20). In addition, grease applied to a cable (5) provided inside the rotary connector main body (1A) may enter the discharge port (20), causing the discharge port (20) to be clogged. Therefore, it cannot be said that the environmental resistance of the rotary connector (1) is improved by the discharge port (20).

[0006] An object of the technique disclosed in the present application is to enhance the environmental resistance 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 rotatable relative to the stator around a rotation axis. The electrical cable is at least partially provided 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 stator includes a first stator and a second stator. The second stator is a separate component from the first stator and is attached to the first stator. The first stator includes a plate portion and a first wall. The plate portion is an annular member extending circumferentially as defined around a rotation axis, and partially defines the cable housing space. The first wall projects from the plate portion toward the second stator in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis. The second stator includes a second wall. The second wall is located radially inward of the first wall and partially defines the cable housing space. The first wall includes an outlet opening. The second wall covers the outlet opening at least partially.

[0008] In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, liquid that enters the cable housing space may flow out of the stator through the gap formed between the first and second stators, but depending on the amount of liquid, it may also accumulate in the cable housing space. However, since the first wall includes a discharge opening, liquid that enters the cable housing space is efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator through the discharge opening. Furthermore, since the second wall covers the discharge opening at least partially, it is possible to suppress or prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the cable housing space from outside the stator. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress or prevent grease applied to the electrical cable from being discharged to the outside of the stator through the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be improved.

[0009] According to the second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the second stator includes an outer peripheral wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The outer peripheral wall is provided radially outward of the cable housing space and partially defines the cable housing space. The second wall protrudes axially from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion. The third wall protrudes axially from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion and is provided at a distance radially outward from the second wall. The first wall is provided at least partially between the second wall and the third wall.

[0010] In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, any liquid that enters the cable housing space is efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator through the gap formed between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall, and through the discharge opening. Furthermore, since the first wall is provided at least partially between the second wall and the third wall, it is possible to reliably suppress or prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the cable housing space from outside the stator, and to reliably suppress or prevent grease applied to the electrical cable from being discharged to the outside of the stator through the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be reliably improved.

[0011] According to the third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the third wall covers at least partially the discharge opening.

[0012] In the rotary connector device relating to the third feature, since the third wall covers at least partially the discharge opening, it is possible to more reliably suppress or prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the cable housing space from outside the stator, and to more reliably suppress or prevent grease applied to the electrical cable from being discharged to the outside of the stator through the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved.

[0013] According to the fourth feature, in a rotary connector device according to the second or third feature, the second stator includes a projection provided between the second wall and the third wall and projecting from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion. The projection is provided at least partially within the discharge opening.

[0014] In the rotary connector device relating to the fourth feature, the second stator can be positioned circumferentially relative to the first stator by the protruding portion and the discharge opening. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the rotary connector device can be improved while also improving the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device.

[0015] According to the fifth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction. The protrusion has a third length defined in the axial direction and a fourth length defined in the circumferential direction. The first length is longer than the third length.

[0016] In the rotary connector device relating to the fifth feature, since the first length is longer than the third length, the second stator can be positioned circumferentially relative to the first stator by the protrusion and the discharge opening while ensuring the discharge effect obtained by the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be improved while improving the ease of assembly of the rotary connector device.

[0017] According to the sixth feature, in the rotary connector device relating to the fifth feature, the second length is greater than or equal to the fourth length.

[0018] In the rotary connector device relating to the sixth feature, since the second length is greater than or equal to the fourth length, the protruding portion can be inserted into the discharge opening. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the rotary connector device can be improved while also improving the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device.

[0019] According to the seventh feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to sixth features, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is provided below the axis of rotation.

[0020] In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, liquid entering the cable housing space flows more easily towards the discharge opening and is more efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator through the gap formed between the first wall, second wall, and third wall and the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved.

[0021] According to the eighth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to seventh features, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is provided at the lowest part of the cable housing space.

[0022] In the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, liquid entering the cable housing space flows more easily towards the discharge opening and is more efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator through the gap formed between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall and the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved.

[0023] According to the ninth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to eighth features, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is provided below the uppermost part of the stator-side connector.

[0024] In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, liquid entering the cable housing space flows more easily towards the discharge opening and is more efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator through the gap formed between the first wall, second wall, and third wall and the discharge opening. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved.

[0025] According to the tenth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to ninth features, the first wall includes a first axial end and extends axially from the plate portion to the first axial end. The discharge opening includes a slit extending from the first axial end toward the plate portion.

[0026] In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, since the discharge opening includes a slit, it is easier to form the discharge opening in the first wall compared to when a hole is formed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably improve the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device while suppressing or preventing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the rotary connector device.

[0027] According to the eleventh feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to tenth features, the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction. The first wall has a first thickness. The first length is longer than the first thickness.

[0028] In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, since the first length is longer than at least one of the second length and the first thickness, the discharge opening can be formed to be longer in the axial direction. Therefore, liquid that enters the cable housing space is discharged more efficiently to the outside of the stator through the gap formed between the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall and the discharge opening. Thus, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved.

[0029] According to the twelfth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to eleventh features, the first stator includes a first engaging portion. The second stator includes a second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion to maintain the state in which the second stator is attached to the first stator. A discharge opening is provided radially inward of the first engaging portion.

[0030] In the rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature, since the discharge opening is provided radially inward of the first engagement portion, the strength of the stator around the discharge opening can be increased by the first engagement portion. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved while suppressing or preventing a decrease in the strength of the rotary connector device.

[0031] According to the thirteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature, the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction. The first engaging portion has a fifth length defined in the circumferential direction. The fifth length is longer than the second length.

[0032] In the rotary connector device relating to the 13th feature, since the fifth length is longer than the second length, the strength of the stator around the discharge opening can be reliably increased by the first engagement portion. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably increased while reliably suppressing or preventing a decrease in the strength of the rotary connector device.

[0033] According to the 14th feature, in a rotary connector device relating to either the 12th or 13th feature, the first engaging portion includes a radial extension portion that protrudes radially outward from the plate portion and an axial extension portion that extends axially from the radial extension portion.

[0034] In the rotary connector device relating to the 14th feature, the strength of the stator around the discharge opening can be reliably increased by the radial extension and the axial extension. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably increased while reliably suppressing or preventing a decrease in the strength of the rotary connector device.

[0035] According to the fifteenth feature, in a rotary connector device relating to any one of the first to fourteenth features, the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction. The second length is shorter than the first length.

[0036] In the rotary connector device relating to the 15th feature, since the second length is shorter than the first length, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be more reliably improved while suppressing or preventing a decrease in the strength of the stator due to the discharge opening.

[0037] The technology disclosed herein can improve the environmental resistance of rotary connector devices.

[0038] 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 cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line III-III of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the electrical cable, stator-side connector, and rotator-side connector of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stator terminal block of the stator-side connector of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the stator terminal block of the stator-side connector of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the stator terminal block of the stator-side connector of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the stator and stator-side connector of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line IX-IX of Figure 3. Figure 10 is a first stator portion perspective view of the stator shown in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XI-XI of Figure 3. Figure 12 is a partial side view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the second stator of the stator shown in Figure 8. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XIV-XIV of Figure 1. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XV-XV of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XVI-XVI of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the stator-side connector and connector holder shown in Figure 8. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the stator-side connector and connector holder shown in Figure 8. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the stator-side connector and connector holder shown in Figure 8. Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XX-XX of Figure 15. Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXI-XXI of Figure 15. Figure 22 is a partial side view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXIII-XXIII of Figure 1. Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXIV-XXIV of Figure 25. Figure 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXV-XXV of Figure 1.Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device in line XXVI-XXVI of Figure 25. Figure 27 is a perspective view of the stator-side connector and connector holder shown in Figure 8. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the stator-side connector and connector holder shown in Figure 8. Figure 29 is a partial side view of the rotary connector device shown in Figure 1. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the stator discharge opening. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the stator discharge structure. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the stator discharge structure.

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

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the rotary connector device 1 includes a rotator 20. The rotator 20 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis A1 relative to a stator 10. The rotator 20 is configured to be coupled to a steering wheel.

[0043] 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 a vehicle body-side connector 4A. The vehicle body-side connector 4A is electrically connected to a first electronic control unit 4. The vehicle body-side connector 4A includes a vehicle body-side connector 4B and a vehicle body-side connector 4C. The stator-side connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle body-side connector 4B.

[0044] 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 vehicle body-side connector 4C.

[0045] 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 (for example, see Figure 1). The steering-side connector 6A (for example, see Figure 1) is electrically connected to a second electronic control unit 6. As shown in Figure 1, the steering-side connector 6A (for example, see Figure 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 (for example, see Figure 1).

[0046] 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 a steering-side connector 6A (see, for example, FIG. 1). The rotator-side connector 45 is configured to be electrically connected to a second steering-side connector 6C (see, for example, FIG. 1).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the stator-side connector 30 includes a stator terminal block 31. The stator terminal block 31 is attached to the stator 10. The stator terminal block 31 is configured to be electrically connected to a vehicle-body-side connector 4B.

[0048] The stator-side connector 30 includes a stator terminal block 32. The stator terminal block 32 is attached to the stator 10. The stator terminal block 32 is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle-body-side connector 4B. One of the stator terminal blocks 31 and 32 may be omitted from the stator-side connector 30. The stator-side connector 30 may include three or more terminal blocks.

[0049] The stator-side connector 35 includes a stator terminal block 33. The stator terminal block 33 is attached to the stator 10. The stator terminal block 33 is configured to be electrically connected to the second steering-side connector 6C. The stator-side connector 35 may include two or more terminal blocks.

[0050] The rotator-side connector 40 includes a rotator terminal block 41. The rotator terminal block 41 is attached to the rotator 20. The rotator terminal block 41 is configured to be electrically connected to a first steering-side connector 6B.

[0051] The rotator-side connector 40 includes a rotator terminal block 42. The rotator terminal block 42 is attached to the rotator 20. The rotator terminal block 42 is configured to be electrically connected to the first steering-side connector 6B. One of the rotator terminal blocks 41 and 42 may be omitted from the rotator-side connector 40. The rotator-side connector 40 may include three or more terminal blocks.

[0052] The rotator-side connector 45 includes a rotator terminal block 43. The rotator terminal block 43 is attached to the rotator 20. The rotator terminal block 43 is configured to be electrically connected to the second steering-side connector 6C. The 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.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the stator 10 and rotator 20 form a cable housing space 60. The cable housing space 60 is provided so as to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable housing space 60 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1.

[0054] The rotary connector device 1 includes an electrical cable 51. The electrical cable 51 is at least partially provided within a cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The electrical cable 51 includes a conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the conductor. The electrical cable 51 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable 51.

[0055] The rotary connector device 1 includes an electrical cable 52. The electrical cable 52 is at least partially provided within a cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The electrical cable 52 includes a conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the conductor. The electrical cable 52 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable 52.

[0056] The rotary connector device 1 includes an electrical cable 53. The electrical cable 53 is at least partially provided within a cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The electrical cable 53 includes a conductor and an insulating cover that at least partially covers the conductor. The electrical cable 53 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable 53.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rotary connector device 1 includes a dummy cable 54 instead of an electrical cable. The dummy cable 54 is at least partially provided within the cable housing space 60 formed between the stator 10 and the rotator 20. The dummy cable 54 does not contain a conductor and is not electrically connected to any other components.

[0058] In this embodiment, the rotary connector device 1 includes electrical cables 51, 52, 53, and a dummy cable 54. However, one or two of the electrical cables 51, 52, and 53 may be omitted from the rotary connector device 1 or replaced with a dummy cable. The dummy cable 54 may also be replaced with an electrical cable.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the stator-side connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 51. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 51. The stator terminal block 31 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 51. The rotator terminal block 41 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 51.

[0060] The stator terminal block 31 includes a block body 31A and a conductor 31B. The block body 31A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 31B is partially provided within the block body 31A. The conductor 31B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 51. In this embodiment, the stator terminal block 31 includes at least two conductors 31B, but the total number of conductors 31B in the stator terminal block 31 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0061] The rotator terminal block 41 includes a block body 41A and a conductor 41B. The block body 41A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 41B is partially provided within the block body 41A. The conductor 41B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 51. In this embodiment, the rotator terminal block 41 includes at least two conductors 41B, but the total number of conductors 41B in the rotator terminal block 41 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the stator-side connector 30 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 52. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 52. The stator terminal block 32 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 52. The rotator terminal block 42 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 52.

[0063] The stator terminal block 32 includes a block body 32A and a conductor 32B. The block body 32A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 32B is partially provided within the block body 32A. The conductor 32B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 52. In this embodiment, the stator terminal block 32 includes at least two conductors 32B, but the total number of conductors 32B in the stator terminal block 32 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0064] The rotator terminal block 42 includes a block body 42A and a conductor 42B. The block body 42A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 42B is partially provided within the block body 42A. The conductor 42B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 52. In this embodiment, the rotator terminal block 42 includes at least two conductors 42B, but the total number of conductors 42B in the rotator terminal block 42 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, the stator-side connector 35 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 53. The rotator-side connector 45 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 53. The stator terminal block 33 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 53. The rotator terminal block 43 is electrically connected to the electrical cable 53.

[0066] The stator terminal block 33 includes a block body 33A and a conductor 33B. The block body 33A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 33B is partially provided within the block body 33A. The conductor 33B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 53. In this embodiment, the stator terminal block 33 includes at least two conductors 33B, but the total number of conductors 33B in the stator terminal block 33 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0067] The rotator terminal block 43 includes a block body 43A and a conductor 43B. The block body 43A includes an electrical insulator. The conductor 43B is partially provided within the block body 43A. The conductor 43B is electrically connected to the conductor of the electrical cable 53. In this embodiment, the rotator terminal block 43 includes at least two conductors 43B, but the total number of conductors 43B in the rotator terminal block 43 may be one, and is not limited to the number shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the conductor 31B includes a pin 31C and an exposed portion 31D. The pin 31C protrudes from the block body 31A so as to be able to contact the terminal of the vehicle body connector 4B (see, for example, Figure 2). The exposed portion 31D is located at a different position from the pin 31C, and the electrical cable 51 is electrically connected to it.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, the conductor 32B includes a pin 32C and an exposed portion 32D. The pin 32C protrudes from the block body 32A so as to be able to contact the terminal of the vehicle body connector 4B (see, for example, Figure 2). The exposed portion 32D is located at a different position from the pin 32C, and the electrical cable 52 is electrically connected to it.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the conductor 33B includes a pin 33C and an exposed portion 33D. The pin 33C protrudes from the block body 33A so as to be able to contact the terminal of the vehicle body connector 4C (see, for example, Figure 2). The exposed portion 33D is located at a different position from the pin 33C, and the electrical cable 53 is electrically connected to it.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, the stator 10 comprises a first stator 11 and a second stator 12. The second stator 12 is a separate component from the first stator 11 and is attached to the first stator 11. The stator-side connector 30 is at least partially provided between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12. The stator-side connector 35 is at least partially provided between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12. The stator terminal block 31 is at least partially provided between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12. The stator terminal block 32 is at least partially provided between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12. The stator terminal block 33 is at least partially provided between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12.

[0072] The first stator 11 includes a plate portion 13 and a first wall 14. The plate portion 13 is an annular member extending in a circumferential direction D2 defined around the rotation axis A1, and partially defines the cable housing space 60. The plate portion 13 constitutes the bottom plate of the stator 10. The first wall 14 protrudes from the plate portion 13 toward the second stator 12 in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The first wall 14 extends in a circumferential direction D2 along the outer edge of the plate portion 13.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, the second stator 12 includes an outer peripheral wall 15, a second wall 16, and a third wall 17. The outer peripheral wall 15 is provided on the radially outer side of the cable housing space 60 and partially defines the cable housing space 60. The second wall 16 is provided on the radially inner side of the first wall 14 and partially defines the cable housing space 60. The second wall 16 protrudes axially D1 from the outer peripheral wall 15 toward the plate portion 13. The third wall 17 protrudes axially D1 from the outer peripheral wall 15 toward the plate portion 13 and is provided at a distance from the radially outer side of the second wall 16.

[0074] The first wall 14 is provided at least partially between the second wall 16 and the third wall 17. In this embodiment, the first wall 14 is provided entirely between the second wall 16 and the third wall 17. However, the first wall 14 may be provided only partially between the second wall 16 and the third wall 17.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the first stator 11 includes a first contact surface 11A. The first contact surface 11A is located radially outward of the cable housing space 60 and is capable of contacting the second stator 12 when the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11. The second stator 12 includes a second contact surface 12A. The second contact surface 12A is located radially outward of the cable housing space 60 and is capable of contacting the first contact surface 11A when the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11.

[0076] In this embodiment, the plate portion 13 includes a first contact surface 11A. The second wall 16 includes a second contact surface 12A. A gap is formed between the first contact surface 11A and the second contact surface 12A through which liquid can pass. Therefore, liquid entering the cable housing space 60 flows radially outward, for example, through the gap between the first contact surface 11A and the second contact surface 12A.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the first wall 14 includes a discharge opening 14A. The first wall 14 includes a first axial end 14B and extends axially D1 from the plate portion 13 to the first axial end 14B. The discharge opening 14A includes a slit 14C extending from the first axial end 14B toward the plate portion 13. The shape of the discharge opening 14A is not limited to a slit. The discharge opening 14A may include another slit and / or an opening other than a slit (e.g., a hole) in place of or in addition to the slit.

[0078] The first wall 14 includes a first inner surface 14E, a second inner surface 14F, a first inclined surface 14G, and a second inclined surface 14H. The first inner surface 14E is spaced apart from the second inner surface 14F. The first inner surface 14E extends in the axial direction D1 and faces the second inner surface 14F. The second inner surface 14F extends in the axial direction D1 and faces the first inner surface 14E. The first inclined surface 14G is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and extends from the first inner surface 14E to the first axial end 14B. The second inclined surface 14H is inclined with respect to the axial direction D1 and extends from the second inner surface 14F to the first axial end 14B. The discharge opening 14A is formed by the first inner surface 14E, the second inner surface 14F, the first inclined surface 14G, and the second inclined surface 14H. At least one of the first inclined surface 14G and the second inclined surface 14H may be omitted from the first wall 14.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the second wall 16 covers the discharge opening 14A at least partially. In this embodiment, the second wall 16 completely covers the discharge opening 14A. However, the second wall 16 may be provided to partially cover the discharge opening 14A.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12, the third wall 17 covers the discharge opening 14A at least partially. In this embodiment, the third wall 17 completely covers the discharge opening 14A. However, the third wall 17 may be provided to partially cover the discharge opening 14A.

[0081] The discharge opening 14A has a first length L1 and a second length L2. The first length L1 is defined in the axial direction D1. The second length L2 is defined in the circumferential direction D2. For example, the first length L1 is the maximum length of the discharge opening 14A in the axial direction D1. The second length L2 is the maximum length of the discharge opening 14A in the circumferential direction D2. For example, the second length L2 is defined by the first inclined surface 14G and the second inclined surface 14H. In this embodiment, the second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1. However, the second length L2 may be greater than or equal to the first length L1.

[0082] As shown in Figure 13, the second stator 12 includes a projection 12B. The projection 12B is provided between the second wall 16 and the third wall 17. The projection 12B protrudes from the outer peripheral wall 15 in the axial direction D1.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, the protrusion 12B extends from the outer peripheral wall 15 toward the plate portion 13. The protrusion 12B is provided at least partially within the discharge opening 14A. In this embodiment, the protrusion 12B is provided partially within the discharge opening 14A. However, the protrusion 12B may be provided entirely within the discharge opening 14A.

[0084] The projection 12B has a third length L3 and a fourth length L4. The third length L3 is defined in the axial direction D1. The fourth length L4 is defined in the circumferential direction D2. In this embodiment, the first length L1 is longer than the third length L3. The second length L2 is greater than or equal to the fourth length L4. However, the first length L1 may be less than or equal to the third length L3.

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, the first wall 14 has a first thickness T1. The first thickness T1 is defined in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the first length L1 is longer than the first thickness T1. However, the first length L1 may be less than or equal to the first thickness T1.

[0086] The first stator 11 includes a first engaging portion 18. The second stator 12 includes a second engaging portion 19. The first engaging portion 18 engages with the second engaging portion 19 to hold the second stator 12 in a state where it is attached to the first stator 11.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, the first engaging portion 18 has a fifth length L5 defined in the circumferential direction D2. In this embodiment, the fifth length L5 is longer than the second length L2. However, the fifth length L5 may be less than or equal to the second length L2.

[0088] For example, the first engaging portion 18 includes an engaging opening 18A. The second engaging portion 19 includes an engaging projection 19A. When the second stator 12 is attached to the first stator 11, the engaging projection 19A is positioned within the engaging opening 18A.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3, the first stator 11 includes at least two first engagement portions 18. The second stator 12 includes at least two second engagement portions 19. The total number of first engagement portions 18 is not limited to the total number of first engagement portions 18 shown. The total number of second engagement portions 19 is not limited to the total number of second engagement portions 19 shown.

[0090] As shown in Figure 9, the first engaging portion 18 is provided at least partially on the radially outer side of the third wall 17. The second engaging portion 19 is provided at least partially on the radially outer side of the third wall 17. The engaging opening 18A is provided at least partially on the radially outer side of the third wall 17. The engaging projection 19A protrudes radially outward from the third wall 17.

[0091] With the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the second engagement portion 19 is capable of contacting the first engagement portion 18 in the axial direction D1. The first engagement portion 18 includes a first engagement surface 18B. The second engagement portion 19 includes a second engagement surface 19B. With the second stator 12 attached to the first stator 11, the first engagement surface 18B faces the second engagement surface 19B. The first engagement surface 18B partially defines the engagement opening 18A. The second engagement surface 19B is provided on the engagement projection 19A.

[0092] The discharge opening 14A is provided radially inward of the first engaging portion 18. The discharge opening 14A is provided radially inward of the second engaging portion 19. The first engaging portion 18 includes a radial extension 18C and an axial extension 18D. The radial extension 18C protrudes radially outward from the plate portion 13. The axial extension 18D extends axially D1 from the radial extension 18C. The engaging opening 18A is provided at least partially in the axial extension 18D.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, when the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the discharge opening 14A is located below the rotation axis A1. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the discharge opening 14A is located at the bottom of the cable housing space 60. When the stator 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2 and viewed from the axial direction D1, the discharge opening 14A is located below the top of the stator-side connector 30.

[0094] The stator 10 includes a stator body 71. The stator body 71 defines at least a portion of the cable housing space 60. The stator body 71 is partially composed of a first stator 11 and a second stator 12. For example, the stator body 71 includes a plate portion 13, a first wall 14, an outer peripheral wall 15, a second wall 16, and a third wall 17.

[0095] The stator 10 includes a connector housing 72. The connector housing 72 is connected to the stator body 71 and houses the stator-side connector 30. The connector housing 72 is partially composed of a first stator 11 and a second stator 12.

[0096] As shown in Figure 14, the connector housing 72 includes a discharge structure 73. The discharge structure 73 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The discharge structure 73 is configured to guide the fluid flowing from the cable housing space 60 toward the stator-side connector 30 at least partially toward the outside of the stator 10.

[0097] The discharge structure 73 is provided along the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The pin 31C extends along the first direction D3. The discharge structure 73 extends along the first direction D3 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0098] As shown in Figure 15, the discharge structure 73 includes at least one of a guide wall and a guide recess. In this embodiment, the discharge structure 73 includes a guide wall 74 and a guide recess 75. However, one of the guide wall 74 and the guide recess 75 may be omitted from the discharge structure 73. The discharge structure 73 may have structures other than the guide wall 74 and the guide recess 75.

[0099] At least one of the guide wall 74 and the guide recess 75 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 72. The guide wall 74 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 72. The guide recess 75 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 72.

[0100] In this embodiment, the guide wall 74 is entirely housed in the connector housing 72. The guide recess 75 is entirely housed in the connector housing 72. However, the guide wall 74 may be partially housed in the connector housing 72. The guide recess 75 may be partially housed in the connector housing 72.

[0101] The connector housing 72 includes a connector housing space 72A that communicates with the cable housing space 60. The connector housing 72 also includes a connector housing section 72B. The connector housing section 72B is connected to the stator body 71 and defines at least partially the connector housing space 72A.

[0102] The connector housing section 72B includes a first connector housing section 72C and a second connector housing section 72D. The first stator 11 includes the first connector housing section 72C. The second stator 12 includes the second connector housing section 72D. The first connector housing section 72C and the second connector housing section 72D define the connector housing space 72A.

[0103] The stator-side connector 30 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 72A. At least one of the guide wall 74 and the guide recess 75 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 72A. The guide wall 74 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 72A. The guide recess 75 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 72A.

[0104] In this embodiment, the guide wall 74 is provided entirely within the connector housing space 72A. The guide recess 75 is provided entirely within the connector housing space 72A. However, the guide wall 74 may be provided only partially within the connector housing space 72A. The guide recess 75 may be provided only partially within the connector housing space 72A.

[0105] The guide wall 74 includes a first side surface 74A and a second side surface 74B. The first side surface 74A faces the stator-side connector 30. The second side surface 74B is provided on the back side of the first side surface 74A. A first gap C11 is provided between the connector housing portion 72B and the second side surface 74B of the guide wall 74. The guide recess 75 is provided on the second side surface 74B of the guide wall 74 and forms at least a portion of the first gap C11.

[0106] For example, the guide wall 74 includes a wall body 74C and at least one rib 74D. The wall body 74C has a plate shape and includes a first side surface 74A. At least one rib 74D protrudes from the wall body 74C to the opposite side of the first side surface 74A. The wall body 74C and at least one rib 74D form a second side surface 74B.

[0107] In this embodiment, the guide wall 74 includes at least two ribs 74D. The guide recess 75 includes at least one recess 75A. The recess 75A is provided between two adjacent ribs 74D. For example, the guide recess 75 includes at least two recesses 75A.

[0108] The guide wall 74 includes a first end 74E and a second end 74F, and extends in the axial direction D1 from the first end 74E to the second end 74F. The first side surface 74A extends from the first end 74E to the second end 74F. The second side surface 74B extends from the first end 74E to the second end 74F. In this embodiment, the first contact surface 11A is provided between the first end 74E and the second end 74F in the axial direction D1. The first end 74E is closer to the first contact surface 11A than to the second end 74F in the axial direction D1. However, the first contact surface 11A may be provided outside the range between the first end 74E and the second end 74F in the axial direction D1. The second end 74F may be provided closer to the first contact surface 11A than to the first end 74E in the axial direction D1.

[0109] As shown in Figure 16, the discharge structure 73 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the exposed portion 31D when viewed from the axial direction D1. At least one of the guide wall 74 and the guide recess 75 is provided between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The guide wall 74 is provided between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The guide recess 75 is provided between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0110] The connector housing 72 includes a connector holder 76 attached to the connector housing 72B. The connector holder 76 includes a connector holding space 76A. The vehicle body side connector 4B is at least partially provided in the connector holding space 76A, such that the stator side connector 30 is electrically connected to the vehicle body side connector 4B.

[0111] As shown in Figure 17, the stator-side connector 30 is attached to the connector holder 76. At least two pins 31C and 32C of the stator-side connector 30 are located within the connector retaining space 76A. The connector retaining space 76A includes a first connector retaining space 76B and a second connector retaining space 76C. At least one pin 31C of the stator-side connector 30 is located within the first connector retaining space 76B. At least one pin 31C and at least one pin 32C of the stator-side connector 30 are located within the second connector retaining space 76C.

[0112] As shown in Figure 18, the connector holder 76 includes a holder engagement portion 76E. The stator terminal block 31 includes a block engagement portion 31E. The holder engagement portion 76E engages with the block engagement portion 31E to maintain the state in which the stator terminal block 31 is attached to the connector holder 76.

[0113] As shown in Figure 19, the connector holder 76 includes a holder engagement portion 76F. The stator terminal block 31 includes a block engagement portion 31F. The holder engagement portion 76F engages with the block engagement portion 31F to maintain the state in which the stator terminal block 31 is attached to the connector holder 76.

[0114] The connector holder 76 includes a holder engagement portion 76G. The stator terminal block 32 includes a block engagement portion 32G. The holder engagement portion 76G engages with the block engagement portion 32G to maintain the state in which the stator terminal block 32 is attached to the connector holder 76.

[0115] As shown in Figure 18, in this embodiment, the guide wall 74 is integrally provided with the connector holder 76 as a single component. However, the guide wall 74 may be a separate component from the connector holder 76.

[0116] As shown in Figures 16 and 20 to 22, a second gap C12 is provided between the connector housing 72B and the connector holder 76, which communicates with the space outside the stator 10. The first gap C11 communicates with the second gap C12, and communicates with the space outside the stator 10 via the second gap C12.

[0117] As shown in Figure 22, when viewed from the first direction D3, the second gap C12 is formed between the connector housing portion 72B and the connector holder 76 so as to surround the connector holder 76.

[0118] As shown in Figure 23, the stator 10 includes a connector housing 82. The connector housing 82 is connected to the stator body 71 and houses the stator-side connector 35. The connector housing 82 is partially composed of a first stator 11 and a second stator 12.

[0119] The connector housing 82 includes a discharge structure 83. The discharge structure 83 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 35 when viewed from an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The discharge structure 83 is configured to guide at least partially the fluid flowing from the cable housing space 60 toward the stator-side connector 35 to the outside of the stator 10.

[0120] The discharge structure 83 is provided along the stator-side connector 35 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The pin 33C extends along the first direction D4. The discharge structure 83 extends along the first direction D4 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0121] As shown in Figure 24, the discharge structure 83 includes at least one of a guide wall and a guide recess. In this embodiment, the discharge structure 83 includes a guide recess 85. However, the discharge structure 83 may include a guide wall instead of the guide recess 85, or in addition to the guide recess 85. The discharge structure 83 may have structures other than the guide wall and the guide recess 85.

[0122] The guide recess 85 is at least partially housed in the connector housing 82. In this embodiment, the guide recess 85 is entirely housed in the connector housing 82. However, the guide recess 85 may be partially housed in the connector housing 82.

[0123] The connector housing 82 includes a connector housing space 82A that communicates with the cable housing space 60. The connector housing 82 also includes a connector housing portion 82B. The connector housing portion 82B is connected to the stator body 71 and defines at least partially the connector housing space 82A.

[0124] The connector housing section 82B includes a first connector housing section 82C and a second connector housing section 82D. The first stator 11 includes the first connector housing section 82C. The second stator 12 includes the second connector housing section 82D. The first connector housing section 82C and the second connector housing section 82D form a connector housing space 82A.

[0125] The stator-side connector 35 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 82A. The guide recess 85 is provided at least partially within the connector housing space 82A. In this embodiment, the guide recess 85 is provided entirely within the connector housing space 82A. However, the guide recess 85 may be provided only partially within the connector housing space 82A.

[0126] The first stator 11 includes a recessed inner surface 85A that partially defines the guide recess 85. The recessed inner surface 85A constitutes, for example, the bottom surface of the guide recess 85. The recessed inner surface 85A is provided at a distance of axial D1 from the first contact surface 11A. The recessed inner surface 85A is provided at a distance of axial D1 from the stator-side connector 35.

[0127] As shown in Figure 25, the discharge structure 83 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the exposed portion 33D when viewed from the axial direction D1. The guide recess 85 is provided between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 35 when viewed from the axial direction D1. The guide recess 85 is provided between the cable housing space 60 and the exposed portion 33D when viewed from the axial direction D1.

[0128] As shown in Figure 26, the connector housing 82 includes an intermediate wall 82G. The intermediate wall 82G protrudes axially D1 from the inner surface 85A of the recess toward the second stator 12. The intermediate wall 82G is provided at least partially between the stator-side connector 35 and the inner surface 85A of the recess.

[0129] The connector housing 82 includes a connector holder 86 attached to the connector housing 82B. The connector holder 86 includes a connector holding space 86A. The vehicle body side connector 4B is at least partially provided in the connector holding space 86A, such that the stator side connector 35 is electrically connected to the vehicle body side connector 4B.

[0130] As shown in Figure 27, the stator-side connector 35 is attached to the connector holder 86. At least one pin 33C of the stator-side connector 35 is located within the connector holding space 86A.

[0131] As shown in Figure 28, the connector holder 86 includes a holder engagement portion 86E. The stator terminal block 33 includes a block engagement portion 33E. The holder engagement portion 86E engages with the block engagement portion 33E to maintain the state in which the stator terminal block 33 is attached to the connector holder 86.

[0132] As shown in Figures 25, 26, and 29, a second gap C22 is provided between the connector housing 82B and the connector holder 86, which communicates with the space outside the stator 10. The first gap C11 communicates with the second gap C22, and communicates with the space outside the stator 10 via the second gap C22.

[0133] As shown in Figure 29, when viewed from the first direction D4, the second gap C22 is formed between the connector housing portion 82B and the connector holder 86 so as to surround the connector holder 86.

[0134] As shown in Figures 3 and 30, any liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 is discharged to the outside of the stator 10 through the gap formed between the first wall 14 and the second wall 16. At that time, the liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 is efficiently discharged to the outside of the cable housing space 60 through the discharge opening 14A of the first wall 14.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, since the second wall 16 covers at least partially the discharge opening 14A, it is possible to suppress or prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the cable housing space 60 from outside the stator 10, and to suppress or prevent the grease applied to the electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53 from being discharged to the outside of the stator 10 through the discharge opening 14A. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0136] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 31, liquid entering the cable housing space 60 may flow into the connector housing space 72A. In that case, the liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be discharged to the outside of the stator 10 by the discharge structure 73. Therefore, malfunctions caused by liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be reduced, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 32, liquid entering the cable housing space 60 may flow into the connector housing space 82A. In that case, the liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be discharged to the outside of the stator 10 by the discharge structure 83. Therefore, malfunctions caused by liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be reduced, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0138] As described above, the rotary connector device 1 comprises a stator 10, a rotator 20, electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53, 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 about a rotation axis A1. The electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53 are 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 cables 51, 52, and / or 53 and is attached to the stator 10. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53 and is attached to the rotator 20. The stator 10 includes a first stator 11 and a second stator 12. The second stator 12 is a separate component from the first stator 11 and is attached to the first stator 11. The first stator 11 includes a plate portion 13 and a first wall 14. The plate portion 13 is an annular member extending circumferentially around a rotation axis A1, and partially defines a cable housing space 60. The first wall 14 protrudes from the plate portion 13 toward the second stator 12 in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The second stator 12 includes a second wall 16. The second wall 16 is provided radially inward of the first wall 14 and partially defines the cable housing space 60. The first wall 14 includes an outlet opening 14A. The second wall 16 covers the outlet opening 14A at least partially.

[0139] As shown in Figure 30, in the rotary connector device 1, liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 may flow out of the stator 10 through the gap formed between the first stator 11 and the second stator 12, but depending on the amount of liquid, it may also accumulate in the cable housing space 60. However, since the first wall 14 includes a discharge opening 14A, liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 is efficiently discharged to the outside of the stator 10 through the discharge opening 14A. Furthermore, since the second wall 16 covers the discharge opening 14A at least partially, it is possible to suppress or prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the cable housing space 60 from outside the stator 10. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress or prevent grease applied to the electrical cable from being discharged to the outside of the stator 10 through the discharge opening 14A. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0140] The rotary connector device 1 comprises a stator 10, a rotator 20, electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53, 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 about a rotation axis A1. The electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53 are 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 cables 51, 52, and / or 53 and is attached to the stator 10. The rotator-side connector 40 is electrically connected to the electrical cables 51, 52, and / or 53 and is attached to the rotator 20. The stator 10 includes a stator body 71 and a connector housing 72. The stator body 71 at least partially defines the cable housing space 60. The connector housing 72 is connected to the stator body 71 and houses the stator-side connector 30. The connector housing 72 includes a discharge structure 73. The discharge structure 73 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The discharge structure 73 is configured to guide at least partially the fluid flowing from the cable housing space 60 toward the stator-side connector 30 to the outside of the stator 10.

[0141] As shown in Figure 31, in the rotary connector device 1, liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 can be discharged to the outside of the stator 10 by the discharge structure 73. Therefore, malfunctions caused by liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be reduced, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0142] The stator 10 also includes a stator body 71 and a connector housing 82. The stator body 71 defines at least partially the cable housing space 60. The connector housing 82 is connected to the stator body 71 and houses the stator-side connector 30. The connector housing 82 includes a discharge structure 83. The discharge structure 83 is provided at least partially between the cable housing space 60 and the stator-side connector 30 when viewed from an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The discharge structure 83 is configured to guide at least partially the fluid flowing from the cable housing space 60 toward the stator-side connector 30 to the outside of the stator 10.

[0143] As shown in Figure 32, in the rotary connector device 1, liquid that enters the cable housing space 60 can be discharged to the outside of the stator 10 by the discharge structure 83. Therefore, malfunctions caused by liquid entering the cable housing space 60 can be reduced, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be improved.

[0144] Furthermore, if the stator 10 includes at least one of the discharge structures 73 and 83, the discharge opening 14A may be omitted from the stator 10. Also, if the stator 10 includes the discharge opening 14A, at least one of the discharge structures 73 and 83 may be omitted from the stator 10.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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."

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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".

[0150] 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.

[0151] 1: Rotary connector device 2: Vehicle body 2A: Steering column module 2B: Steering lower cover 2C: Steering column cover 4: First electronic control unit 4A: Vehicle body side connector 4B: Vehicle body side connector 4C: Vehicle body side connector 6: Second electronic control unit 6A: Steering side connector 6B: First steering side connector 6C: Second steering side connector 10: Stator 11: First stator 11A: First contact surface 12: Second stator 12A: Second contact surface 12B: Protrusion 13: Plate portion 14: First wall 14A: Discharge opening 14B: First axial end 14C: Slit 14E: First inner surface 14F: Second inner surface 14G: First inclined surface 14H: Second inclined surface 15 : Outer wall 16 : Second wall 17 : Third wall 18 : First engaging portion 18A : Engaging opening 18B : First engaging surface 18C : Radial extension portion 18D : Axial extension portion 19 : Second engaging portion 19A : Engaging projection 19B : Second engaging surface 20 : Rotator 30 : Stator side connector 31 : Stator terminal block 31A : Block body 31B : Conductor 31C : Pin 31D : Exposed portion 31E : Block engaging portion 31F : Block engaging portion 32 : Stator terminal block 32A : Block body 32B : Conductor 32C : Pin 32D : Exposed portion 32G : Block engaging portion 33 : Stator terminal block 33A : Block body 33B : Conductor 33C : Pin 33D : Exposed part 33E : Block engagement part 35 : Stator side connector 40 : Rotator side connector 41 : Rotator terminal block 41A : Block body 41B : Conductor 42 : Rotator terminal block 42A : Block body 42B : Conductor 43 : Rotator terminal block 43A : Block body 43B : Conductor45: Rotator-side connector 51: Electrical cable 52: Electrical cable 53: Electrical cable 54: Dummy cable 60: Cable housing space 71: Stator body 72: Connector housing 72A: Connector housing space 72B: Connector housing section 72C: First connector housing section 72D: Second connector housing section 73: Discharge structure 74: Guide wall 74A: First side surface 74B: Second side surface 74C: Wall body 74D: Rib 74E: First end section 74F: Second end section 75: Guide recess 75A: Recess 76: Connector holder 76A: Connector holding space 76B: First connector holding space 76C: Second connector holding space 76E: Holder engagement section 76F: Holder engagement section 76G 82: Holder engagement portion 82: Connector housing 82A: Connector housing space 82B: Connector housing portion 82C: First connector housing portion 82D: Second connector housing portion 82G: Intermediate wall 83: Discharge structure 85: Guide recess 85A: Inner surface of recess 86: Connector holder 86A: Connector holding space 86E: Holder engagement portion A1: Rotation axis C11: First gap C12: Second gap C22: Second gap D1: Axial direction D2: Circumferential direction D3: First direction D4: First direction T1: First thickness

Claims

1. A rotary connector device comprising: a stator; a rotator rotatably mounted relative to 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 stator includes a first stator and a second stator, which is a separate member from the first stator and attached to the first stator, the first stator includes an annular member extending circumferentially around the rotation axis and having a plate portion that partially defines the cable housing space, and a first wall projecting from the plate portion toward the second stator in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, the second stator includes a second wall provided radially inward of the first wall and partially defining the cable housing space, the first wall includes a discharge opening, and the second wall at least partially covers the discharge opening.

2. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the second stator includes an outer peripheral wall provided radially outward of the cable housing space and partially defining the cable housing space, a second wall projecting axially from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion, and a third wall projecting axially from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion and provided at a distance radially outward of the second wall, and the first wall is provided at least partially between the second wall and the third wall.

3. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein the third wall covers at least partially the discharge opening.

4. The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein the second stator is provided between the second wall and the third wall and includes a projection that protrudes from the outer peripheral wall toward the plate portion, and the projection is at least partially provided within the discharge opening.

5. The rotary connector device according to claim 4, wherein the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction, and the protrusion has a third length defined in the axial direction and a fourth length defined in the circumferential direction, and the first length is longer than the third length.

6. The rotary connector device according to claim 5, wherein the second length is greater than or equal to the fourth length.

7. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is located below the rotation axis.

8. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is provided at the lowest part of the cable housing space.

9. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein, when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body and viewed from the axial direction, the discharge opening is located below the uppermost part of the stator-side connector.

10. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the first wall includes a first axial end and extends axially from the plate portion to the first axial end, and the discharge opening includes a slit extending from the first axial end toward the plate portion.

11. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction, and the first wall has a first thickness, the first length being longer than the first thickness.

12. The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the first stator includes a first engaging portion, the second stator includes a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion to maintain the state in which the second stator is attached to the first stator, and the discharge opening is provided radially inward of the first engaging portion.

13. The rotary connector device according to claim 12, wherein the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction, and the first engaging portion has a fifth length defined in the circumferential direction, the fifth length being longer than the second length.

14. The rotary connector device according to claim 12, wherein the first engaging portion includes a radial extension portion projecting radially outward from the plate portion and an axial extension portion extending axially from the radial extension portion.

15. The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the discharge opening has a first length defined in the axial direction and a second length defined in the circumferential direction, the second length being shorter than the first length.

Images