JP7640356B2 - Rotating Connector Device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this application relates to a rotating connector device.

The rotary connector device is configured to electrically connect electronic components provided in the steering wheel to electronic components provided in the vehicle body. For example, the rotary connector device includes a fixed member, a rotating member, and a flexible flat cable. The fixed member is fixed to the vehicle body. The rotating member is rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the fixed member. The rotating member is connected to the steering wheel so as to rotate together with the steering. The steering wheel is fixed to an end of a steering shaft. The steering shaft is rotatably supported on the vehicle body. The flexible flat cable is provided in a space formed by the fixed member and the rotating member, and electrically connects the electronic components provided in the steering wheel to the electronic components provided in the vehicle body.

However, manufacturing errors and assembly errors in parts can cause steering misalignment with respect to the rotary connector device. When steering misalignment occurs, the load on the connection between the steering wheel and the rotating member increases, which can cause abnormal noise from the connection or damage to the connection.

Therefore, a rotary connector device that follows steering misalignment has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2019-181841

However, while the rotary connector device described in Patent Document 1 takes into consideration the eccentricity of the steering, it does not take into consideration the steering angle (the inclination of the axis of rotation of the steering relative to the axis of rotation of the rotary connector device).

The objective of the technology disclosed in this application is to provide a rotary connector device that can reduce the effects of steering deviation.

According to a first feature, the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator, and a movable member. The stator is configured to be fixed to a vehicle body. The rotator is rotatably provided relative to the stator about a rotation axis. The movable member is attached to the rotator so as to transmit rotation of the steering to the rotator. The stator and the rotator form a cable accommodating space provided to surround the rotation axis. The movable member includes a rotation input portion configured to receive a rotational force from the steering. The rotator includes a support structure that movably supports the movable member so that the angle of the rotation input portion relative to the rotator changes.

In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the support structure movably supports the movable member so that the angle of the rotation input part relative to the rotator changes, so that even if the rotation axis of the steering is tilted relative to the rotation axis of the rotary connector device, the rotation input part of the movable member can follow the steering deviation angle. Therefore, the effect of the steering deviation angle can be reduced.

According to a second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the support structure includes a first support that movably supports the movable member along a first imaginary spherical surface centered on a reference point.

In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can smoothly follow the steering angle.

According to a third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the reference point is defined on the axis of rotation.

The rotary connector device according to the third feature allows the rotation input portion of the movable member to more smoothly follow the steering angle.

According to a fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the second or third feature, the first support and the movable member are capable of contacting each other on a first imaginary spherical surface.
In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the rotation input portion of the movable member can reliably follow the deflection angle of the steering.

According to a fifth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the second to fourth features, at least one of the first support and the movable member includes a first curved surface that is provided along the first virtual spherical surface.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to a sixth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the second to fifth features, the support structure includes a second support that movably supports the movable member along a second virtual spherical surface centered on the reference point.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to the seventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, the second support and the movable member are capable of contacting each other on the second virtual spherical surface.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can reliably and smoothly follow the steering angle.

According to an eighth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth or seventh feature, at least one of the second support and the movable member includes a second curved surface that is provided along the second virtual spherical surface.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to a ninth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the sixth to eighth features, the first imaginary spherical surface has a first radius of curvature defined from a reference point. The second imaginary spherical surface has a second radius of curvature defined from a reference point. The second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature.

In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the rotation input part of the movable member can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to a tenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the sixth to ninth features, the movable member is disposed between the first support and the second support.

In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, the rotation input portion of the movable member can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to an eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the sixth to tenth features, the rotator includes a rotator body and a holding member attached to the rotator body. The stator and the rotator body form a cable accommodating space. The movable member is movably held between the rotator body and the holding member.

The rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature allows the rotation input portion of the movable member to more smoothly follow the steering deflection angle.

According to a twelfth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the first support is provided on the rotator body. The second support is provided on the holding member.

The rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature makes it easy to attach the movable member to the rotator body.

According to a thirteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the eleventh or twelfth feature, the movable member includes a first movable body and a second movable body. The rotation input portion includes a first rotation input portion and a second rotation input portion. The first movable body includes the first rotation input portion. The second movable body includes the second rotation input portion. The support structure movably supports the first movable body so that the angle of the first rotation input portion relative to the rotator changes. The support structure movably supports the second movable body so that the angle of the second rotation input portion relative to the rotator changes.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, the first rotary input section and the second rotary input section can receive the rotation of the steering wheel, and the load on the first rotary input section and the second rotary input section can be distributed. Furthermore, since the first rotary input section and the second rotary input section can each follow the steering wheel deviation angle separately, the effect of the steering wheel deviation angle can be effectively reduced.

According to a fourteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, the first support includes a first support portion and a second support portion. The first support portion supports the first movable body so that it can move along the first imaginary spherical surface. The second support portion supports the second movable body so that it can move along the first imaginary spherical surface.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, each of the first rotary input section and the second rotary input section can smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to a fifteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, the second support includes a third support portion and a fourth support portion. The third support portion supports the first movable body so that it can move along the second imaginary spherical surface. The fourth support portion supports the second movable body so that it can move along the second imaginary spherical surface.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifteenth feature, each of the first rotary input section and the second rotary input section can more smoothly follow the steering deviation angle.

According to a sixteenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth feature, the first movable body includes a first movable part that is movably held between the first support part and the holding member. The first rotation input part protrudes from the first movable part along the rotation axis. The holding member includes a first opening. The first rotation input part passes through the first opening.

The rotary connector device according to the sixteenth feature holds the first movable body movably while allowing the first movable body to move more smoothly relative to the rotator.

According to a seventeenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth features, the second movable body includes a second movable part that is movably held between the second support part and the holding member. The second rotation input part protrudes from the second movable part along the rotation axis. The holding member includes a second opening. The second rotation input part passes through the second opening.

The rotary connector device according to the seventeenth feature holds the second movable body movably while allowing the second movable body to move more smoothly relative to the rotator.

The technology disclosed in this application makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device that can follow the steering angle.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a rotary connector device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotary connector device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line III-III in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VI-VI of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a movable member (first movable body) of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a movable member (second movable body) of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly shown in FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a holding member of the rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a movable member (first movable body) of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a movable member (second movable body) of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a rotator of the rotary connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a rotator of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical configurations.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 3. The rotator 20 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. In this embodiment, for example, the stator 10 is configured to be fixed to a combination switch of the vehicle body 3. The rotator 20 is configured to rotate together with the steering wheel 4 relative to the stator 10. The steering wheel 4 includes a steering wheel 5 and a steering shaft 6. The steering wheel 5 is fixed to an end of the steering shaft 6. The steering wheel 4 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis A2 relative to the vehicle body 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary connector device 2 includes a first electrical connector 30 and second electrical connectors 40 and 42. The first electrical connector 30 is attached to the stator 10. The second electrical connectors 40 and 42 are attached to the rotator 20. The first electrical connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electrical equipment (e.g., a control device and a battery) provided in the vehicle body 3 (see FIG. 1, for example). The second electrical connectors 40 and 42 are configured to be electrically connected to, for example, electrical circuits such as switches on the steering wheel 5 and an airbag device.

3, the stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 that is arranged to surround the rotation axis A1. The rotator 20 includes a rotator body 21. The stator 10 and the rotator body 21 form the cable accommodating space 50. For example, the cable accommodating space 50 is annular and extends in a circumferential direction D3 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device 2 further includes an electric cable 60 that is arranged in the cable accommodating space 50. The electric cable 60 is electrically connected to the first electric connector 30 and the second electric connector 40 (FIG. 1). The electric cable 60 has flexibility and a flat shape. The electric cable 60 may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable. In this embodiment, the electric cable 60 includes a plurality of flat cables 61.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotator body 21 includes a disk portion 21A and a cylindrical portion 21B. The disk portion 21A includes a central opening 21C. The cylindrical portion 21B extends from the inner periphery of the disk portion 21A in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1.

The rotator 20 includes a retainer 22. The retainer 22 is fixed to the rotator body 21. The retainer 22 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 21B. The rotator body 21 and the retainer 22 hold the rotator 20 rotatably about the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10.

The rotary connector device 2 includes a movable member 70. The movable member 70 is attached to the rotator 20 so as to transmit the rotation of the steering wheel 4 (e.g., see FIG. 1) to the rotator 20. The movable member 70 is a separate member from the rotator 20 and is movably attached to the rotator 20. The movable member 70 is connected to the steering wheel 5 (e.g., see FIG. 1) so as to receive a rotational force from the steering wheel 4 (e.g., see FIG. 1). The movable member 70 includes a rotational input portion 73 configured to receive a rotational force from the steering wheel 4 (e.g., see FIG. 1).

In this embodiment, the movable member 70 includes a first movable body 71 and a second movable body 72. The rotation input portion 73 includes a first rotation input portion 73A and a second rotation input portion 73B. The first movable body 71 includes the first rotation input portion 73A. The second movable body 72 includes the second rotation input portion 73B. The first movable body 71 is a separate member from the second movable body 72. However, the first movable body 71 may be integrally formed with the second movable body 72 as a single member. The movable member 70 may include another movable body in addition to the first movable body 71 and the second movable body 72.

The first movable body 71 includes a first movable part 74. The first rotation input part 73A protrudes from the first movable part 74 along the rotation axis A1. The second movable body 72 includes a second movable part 75. The second rotation input part 73B protrudes from the second movable part 75 along the rotation axis A1.

The rotator 20 includes a holding member 80 attached to the rotator body 21. The movable member 70 is movably held between the rotator body 21 and the holding member 80. The first movable body 71 is movably held between the rotator body 21 and the holding member 80. The second movable body 72 is movably held between the rotator body 21 and the holding member 80.

In this embodiment, the holding member 80 is a separate member from the rotator body 21. However, the holding member 80 may be integrally formed with the rotator body 21 as a single member. The holding member 80 may also be divided into multiple parts.

The retaining member 80 includes a first opening 80A. The first rotation input portion 73A passes through the first opening 80A. The retaining member 80 includes a second opening 80B. The second rotation input portion 73B passes through the second opening 80B.

In this embodiment, the stator 10, the rotator body 21, the retainer 22, the movable member 70, and the holding member 80 are made of a non-metallic material. For example, the stator 10, the rotator body 21, the retainer 22, the movable member 70, and the holding member 80 are made of resin. However, the material of the stator 10, the rotator body 21, the retainer 22, the movable member 70, and the holding member 80 may be made of a material other than resin.

5, the steering wheel 5 includes a first protrusion 51A, a second protrusion 51B, and an intermediate member 51C. The first protrusion 51A and the second protrusion 51B are arranged at an interval in the circumferential direction D3. The rotation input portion 73 is arranged between the first protrusion 51A and the second protrusion 51B in the circumferential direction D3. The intermediate member 51C is attached to the rotation input portion 73 and arranged between the first protrusion 51A and the second protrusion 51B. The intermediate member 51C includes an elastic member. For example, the intermediate member 51C is made of rubber. The rotation of the steering wheel 5 is transmitted to the first rotation input portion 73A of the first movable body 71 via the first protrusion 51A, the second protrusion 51B, and the intermediate member 51C. The intermediate member 51C may be included in the movable member 70 as a torque pin cap attached to the first rotation input portion 73A.

6, the steering wheel 5 includes a first protrusion 52A, a second protrusion 52B, and an intermediate member 52C. The first protrusion 52A and the second protrusion 52B are arranged at an interval in the circumferential direction D3. The rotation input portion 73 is arranged between the first protrusion 52A and the second protrusion 52B in the circumferential direction D3. The intermediate member 52C is attached to the rotation input portion 73 and arranged between the first protrusion 52A and the second protrusion 52B. The intermediate member 52C includes an elastic member. For example, the intermediate member 52C is made of rubber. The rotation of the steering wheel 5 is transmitted to the second rotation input portion 73B of the second movable body 72 via the first protrusion 52A, the second protrusion 52B, and the intermediate member 52C. The intermediate member 52C may be included in the movable member 70 as a torque pin cap attached to the second rotation input portion 73B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rotator 20 includes a support structure 90. The support structure 90 movably supports the movable member 70 so that the angle of the rotation input portion 73 relative to the rotator 20 changes. The support structure 90 movably supports the first movable body 71 so that the angle of the first rotation input portion 73A relative to the rotator 20 changes. The support structure 90 movably supports the second movable body 72 so that the angle of the second rotation input portion 73B relative to the rotator 20 changes.

For example, the support structure 90 supports the movable member 70 so that it can move within a predetermined range so that the angle of the rotation input portion 73 relative to the rotator 20 changes. The support structure 90 supports the first movable body 71 so that it can move within a predetermined range so that the angle of the first rotation input portion 73A relative to the rotator 20 changes. The support structure 90 supports the second movable body 72 so that it can move within a predetermined range so that the angle of the second rotation input portion 73B relative to the rotator 20 changes.

The support structure 90 includes a first support 91. The first support 91 supports the movable member 70 so that the movable member 70 can move along a first imaginary spherical surface S1 centered on a reference point RP. The first support 91 and the movable member 70 can come into contact with each other on the first imaginary spherical surface S1.

The support structure 90 includes a second support 92. The second support 92 supports the movable member 70 so that the movable member 70 can move along a second imaginary spherical surface S2 centered on the reference point RP. The second support 92 and the movable member 70 can come into contact with each other on the second imaginary spherical surface S2.

The movable member 70 is disposed between the first support 91 and the second support 92. The first movable part 74 is movably held between the first support 93 and the holding member 80. The second movable part 75 is movably held between the second support 94 and the holding member 80.

In this embodiment, the first support 91 includes a first support portion 93 and a second support portion 94. The first support portion 93 supports the first movable body 71 so that it can move along the first virtual spherical surface S1. The second support portion 94 supports the second movable body 72 so that it can move along the first virtual spherical surface S1.

The second support 92 includes a third support portion 95 and a fourth support portion 96. The third support portion 95 supports the first movable body 71 so that it can move along the second virtual spherical surface S2. The fourth support portion 96 supports the second movable body 72 so that it can move along the second virtual spherical surface S2.

The first movable body 71 is movably held between the first support part 93 and the third support part 95. The second movable body 72 is movably held between the second support part 94 and the fourth support part 96.

The first movable body 71 includes a first contact portion 76. The first contact portion 76 is capable of contacting the first support portion 93 of the first support 91 on the first virtual spherical surface S1. The first contact portion 76 is provided on the first movable portion 74.

The second movable body 72 includes a second contact portion 77. The second contact portion 77 can come into contact with the second support portion 94 of the first support 91 on the first virtual spherical surface S1. The second contact portion 77 is provided on the second movable portion 75.

The first movable body 71 includes a third contact portion 78. The third contact portion 78 can come into contact with the third support portion 95 of the second support 92 on the second virtual spherical surface S2. The third contact portion 78 is provided on the first movable portion 74.

The second movable body 72 includes a fourth contact portion 79. The fourth contact portion 79 can come into contact with the fourth support portion 96 of the second support body 92 on the second virtual spherical surface S2. The fourth contact portion 79 is provided on the second movable portion 75.

In this embodiment, the reference point RP is defined on the rotation axis A1. The first virtual spherical surface S1 has a first radius of curvature R1 defined from the reference point RP. The second virtual spherical surface S2 has a second radius of curvature R2 defined from the reference point RP. The second radius of curvature R2 is larger than the first radius of curvature R1. However, the reference point RP may be offset from the rotation axis A1. The second radius of curvature R2 may be smaller than the first radius of curvature R1.

In this embodiment, the first support 91 is provided on the rotator body 21. The second support 92 is provided on the holding member 80. However, the first support 91 may be provided on the holding member 80. The second support 92 may be provided on the rotator body 21.

As shown in FIG. 8, at least one of the first support 91 and the movable member 70 includes a first curved surface that is provided along the first virtual spherical surface S1. In this embodiment, the first support 91 includes first curved surfaces 93A and 94A that are provided along the first virtual spherical surface S1. The first support 93 includes a first curved surface 93A. The second support 94 includes a first curved surface 94A.

The movable member 70 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the first curved surfaces 93A and 94A. The first contact portion 76 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the first curved surface 93A. The second contact portion 77 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the first curved surface 94A.

In this embodiment, the movable member 70 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the first curved surfaces 93A and 94A. The first contact portion 76 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the first curved surface 93A. The second contact portion 77 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the first curved surface 94A. However, the manner of contact between the movable member 70 and the first support 91 is not limited to the above manner.

The first support 91 and the movable member 70 (at least one of the first contact portion 76 and the second contact portion 77) may include a first curved surface. The movable member 70 (at least one of the first contact portion 76 and the second contact portion 77) may include a first curved surface, and the first support 91 (at least one of the first support portion 93 and the second support portion 94) may be capable of surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the first curved surface. Furthermore, the first curved surface may be at least partially configured by combining flat surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 9, at least one of the second support 92 and the movable member 70 includes a second curved surface that is provided along the second virtual spherical surface S2. In this embodiment, the second support 92 includes second curved surfaces 95A and 96A that are provided along the second virtual spherical surface S2. The third support 95 includes a second curved surface 95A. The fourth support 96 includes a second curved surface 96A.

The movable member 70 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the second curved surfaces 95A and 96A. The third contact portion 78 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the second curved surface 95A. The fourth contact portion 79 can be in surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the second curved surface 96A.

In this embodiment, the movable member 70 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the second curved surfaces 95A and 96A. The third contact portion 78 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the second curved surface 95A. The fourth contact portion 79 can make surface contact and/or line contact with the second curved surface 96A. However, the manner of contact between the movable member 70 and the second support 92 is not limited to the above manner.

The second support 92 and the movable member 70 (at least one of the third contact portion 78 and the fourth contact portion 79) may include a second curved surface. The movable member 70 (at least one of the third contact portion 78 and the fourth contact portion 79) may include a second curved surface, and the second support 92 (at least one of the third support portion 95 and the fourth support portion 96) may be capable of surface contact, line contact, and/or point contact with the second curved surface. Furthermore, the second curved surface may be at least partially configured by combining flat surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first curved surface 93A extends in the circumferential direction D3. The first support portion 93 includes at least one first recess 93B. In this embodiment, the first support portion 93 includes a plurality of first recesses 93B. The first recesses 93B are provided on the first curved surface 93A. The first recesses 93B may be omitted from the first support portion 93.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first curved surface 94A extends in the circumferential direction D3. The second support portion 94 includes at least one second recess 94B. In this embodiment, the second support portion 94 includes a plurality of second recesses 94B. The second recesses 94B are provided on the first curved surface 94A. The second recesses 94B may be omitted from the second support portion 94.

12, the first contact portion 76 includes a plurality of first contact protrusions 76A, 76B, 76C, and 76D. The first contact protrusions 76A, 76B, 76C, and 76D protrude from the first movable portion 74 in the axial direction D1 and extend in the circumferential direction D3. The first contact protrusions 76A, 76B, and 76C are disposed at approximately the same radial position and spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3. The first contact protrusion 76D is disposed radially outward of the first contact protrusion 76A and spaced apart from the first contact protrusion 76A in the radial direction. However, the first contact protrusions 76A, 76B, 76C, and 76D may be formed at least partially as one contact protrusion. The first contact portion 76 may also have a curved surface such as the first curved surface 93A.

The first movable part 74 includes a first base 74A and a plurality of first protrusions 74B, 74C, and 74D. The first protrusions 74B, 74C, and 74D protrude from the first base 74A in the axial direction D1. The first contact protrusion 76A is provided on the first protrusion 74B and protrudes from the first protrusion 74B in the axial direction D1. The first contact protrusion 76B is provided on the first protrusion 74C and protrudes from the first protrusion 74C in the axial direction D1. The first contact protrusion 76C is provided on the first protrusion 74D and protrudes from the first protrusion 74D in the axial direction D1.

The first movable body 71 includes a plurality of first grooves 71A and 71B. The first groove 71A is provided between the first protrusions 74B and 74C in the circumferential direction D3. The first groove 71B is provided between the first protrusions 74B and 74D in the circumferential direction D3.

13, the second contact portion 77 includes a plurality of second contact protrusions 77A, 77B, and 77C. The second contact protrusions 77A, 77B, and 77C protrude from the second movable portion 75 in the axial direction D1 and extend in the circumferential direction D3. The second contact protrusions 77A and 77B are disposed at approximately the same radial position and spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3. The second contact protrusion 77C is disposed radially outward of the second contact protrusion 77A and spaced apart from the second contact protrusion 77A in the radial direction. However, the second contact protrusions 77A, 77B, and 77C may be formed at least in part as a single contact protrusion. The second contact portion 77 may also have a curved surface such as the first curved surface 94A.

The second movable part 75 includes a second base 75A and a plurality of second protruding parts 75B and 75C. The second protruding parts 75B and 75C protrude from the second base 75A in the axial direction D1. The second contact protrusion 77A is provided on the second protruding part 75B and protrudes from the second protruding part 75B in the axial direction D1. The second contact protrusion 77B is provided on the second protruding part 75C and protrudes from the second protruding part 75C in the axial direction D1. The second movable body 72 includes a second groove 72A. The second groove 72A is provided between the second protruding parts 75B and 75C in the circumferential direction D3.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first support portion 93 includes first rotating receiving surfaces 93C and 93G and second rotating receiving surfaces 93D and 93H. The first rotating receiving surfaces 93C and 93G are capable of contacting the movable member 70 in the circumferential direction D3. The second rotating receiving surfaces 93D and 93H are capable of contacting the movable member 70 in the circumferential direction D3. The first rotating receiving surfaces 93C and 93G include curved surfaces. The second rotating receiving surfaces 93D and 93H include curved surfaces.

In this embodiment, the first support portion 93 includes first rotation support portions 93E and 93F. The first rotation support portion 93E includes a first rotation receiving surface 93C and a second rotation receiving surface 93D. The first rotation support portion 93F includes a first rotation receiving surface 93G and a second rotation receiving surface 93H. However, one of the first rotation receiving surfaces 93C and 93G may be omitted, or another rotation receiving surface may be provided in addition to the first rotation receiving surfaces 93C and 93G. One of the second rotation receiving surfaces 93D and 93H may be omitted, or another rotation receiving surface may be provided in addition to the second rotation receiving surfaces 93D and 93H.

The first movable body 71 includes first circumferential surfaces 71C and 71G and second circumferential surfaces 71D and 71H. The first circumferential surface 71C is capable of contacting the first rotation receiving surface 93C. The second circumferential surface 71D is capable of contacting the second rotation receiving surface 93D. The first circumferential surface 71G is capable of contacting the first rotation receiving surface 93G. The second circumferential surface 71D is capable of contacting the second rotation receiving surface 93D. The second circumferential surface 71H is capable of contacting the second rotation receiving surface 93H. The first circumferential surfaces 71C and 71G include curved surfaces. The second circumferential surfaces 71D and 71H include curved surfaces.

The first protrusion 74B includes a first circumferential surface 71C and a second circumferential surface 71H. The first protrusion 74C includes a second circumferential surface 71D. The first protrusion 74D includes a first circumferential surface 71G. The first rotation support portion 93E is provided between the first circumferential surface 71C and the second circumferential surface 71D in the circumferential direction D3. The first rotation support portion 93F is provided between the first circumferential surface 71G and the second circumferential surface 71H in the circumferential direction D3. The first groove 71A is provided between the first circumferential surface 71C and the second circumferential surface 71D in the circumferential direction D3. The first groove 71B is provided between the first circumferential surface 71G and the second circumferential surface 71H in the circumferential direction D3.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second support portion 94 includes a first rotating receiving surface 94C and a second rotating receiving surface 94D. The first rotating receiving surface 94C is capable of contacting the movable member 70 in the circumferential direction D3. The second rotating receiving surface 94D is capable of contacting the movable member 70 in the circumferential direction D3. The first rotating receiving surface 94C includes a curved surface. The second rotating receiving surface 94D includes a curved surface.

In this embodiment, the second support portion 94 includes a first rotation support portion 94E. The first rotation support portion 94E includes a first rotation receiving surface 94C and a second rotation receiving surface 94D. However, another rotation receiving surface may be provided in addition to the first rotation receiving surface 94C. Another rotation receiving surface may be provided in addition to the second rotation receiving surface 94D.

The second movable body 72 includes a first circumferential surface 72C and a second circumferential surface 72D. The first circumferential surface 72C is capable of contacting the first rotation receiving surface 94C. The second circumferential surface 72D is capable of contacting the second rotation receiving surface 94D. The first circumferential surface 72G is capable of contacting the first rotation receiving surface 94G. The second circumferential surface 72D is capable of contacting the second rotation receiving surface 94D. The first circumferential surface 72C includes a curved surface. The second circumferential surface 72D includes a curved surface.

The second protrusion 75B includes a first circumferential surface 72C and a second circumferential surface 72H. The second protrusion 75C includes a second circumferential surface 72D. The second protrusion 75D includes a first circumferential surface 72G. The first rotation support portion 94E is provided between the first circumferential surface 72C and the second circumferential surface 72D in the circumferential direction D3. The first rotation support portion 94F is provided between the first circumferential surface 72G and the second circumferential surface 72H in the circumferential direction D3. The second groove 72A is provided between the first circumferential surface 72C and the second circumferential surface 72D in the circumferential direction D3.

As shown in FIG. 15, the second curved surface 95A extends in the circumferential direction D3. The second curved surface 96A extends in the circumferential direction D3. The second curved surface 95A is connected to the second curved surface 96A. The retaining member 80 includes a first retaining portion 81 and a second retaining portion 82. The second curved surface 95A is provided on the first retaining portion 81. The second curved surface 96A is provided on the second retaining portion 82. The first retaining portion 81 is connected to the second retaining portion 82. The retaining member 80 includes a central opening 80C and an inner peripheral edge 80D. The inner peripheral edge 80D defines the central opening 80C. The second curved surfaces 95A and 96A extend along the inner peripheral edge 80D.

As shown in FIG. 16, the third contact portion 78 includes a plurality of third contact protrusions 78A, 78B, and 78C. The third contact protrusions 78A, 78B, and 78C protrude from the first movable portion 74 in the axial direction D1 and extend in the circumferential direction D3. The third contact protrusions 78A, 78B, and 78C protrude from the first base 74A in the axial direction D1. The third contact protrusions 78B and 78C are disposed at approximately the same radial position and spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3. The third contact protrusions 78B and 78C are disposed radially outward of the third contact protrusion 78A and spaced apart from the third contact protrusion 78A in the radial direction. However, the third contact protrusions 78A, 78B, and 78C may be formed at least partially as one contact protrusion. The third contact portion 78 may also have a curved surface such as the second curved surface 95A.

17, the fourth contact portion 79 includes a plurality of fourth contact protrusions 79A and 79B. The fourth contact protrusions 79A and 79B protrude from the second movable portion 75 in the axial direction D1 and extend in the circumferential direction D3. The fourth contact protrusions 79A and 79B protrude from the second base 75A in the axial direction D1. The fourth contact protrusions 79B are disposed radially outward of the fourth contact protrusions 79A and are disposed radially spaced apart from the fourth contact protrusions 79A. However, the fourth contact protrusions 79A and 79B may be formed at least in part as a single contact protrusion. The fourth contact portion 79 may also have a curved surface such as the second curved surface 96A.

As shown in FIG. 18, the rotator body 21 includes a plurality of mounting portions 103, 104, 105, and 106. The holding member 80 includes a plurality of engagement portions 83, 84, 85, and 86. The engagement portions 83, 84, 85, and 86 are configured to engage with the rotator body 21. The engagement portion 83 is configured to engage with the mounting portion 103. The engagement portion 84 is configured to engage with the mounting portion 104. The engagement portion 85 is configured to engage with the mounting portion 105. The engagement portion 86 is configured to engage with the mounting portion 106. The holding member 80 may be attached to the rotator body 21 by a structure other than the above. For example, the holding member 80 may be fixed to the rotator body 21 by a fixing member such as a screw.

As shown in FIG. 15, the engagement portion 83 includes an opening 83A and an engagement claw 83B. The engagement claw 83B protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the opening 83A. The engagement portion 84 includes an opening 84A and an engagement claw 84B. The engagement claw 84B protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the opening 84A. The engagement portion 85 includes an opening 85A and an engagement claw 85B. The engagement claw 85B protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the opening 85A. The engagement portion 86 includes an opening 86A and an engagement claw 86B. The engagement claw 86B protrudes from the inner peripheral edge of the opening 86A.

As shown in FIG. 19, the mounting portion 103 includes a mounting opening 103A. When the engagement portion 83 (e.g., see FIG. 15) is engaged with the mounting portion 103, the engagement claw 83B (e.g., see FIG. 15) fits into the mounting opening 103A. The mounting portion 104 includes a mounting opening 104A. When the engagement portion 84 (e.g., see FIG. 15) is engaged with the mounting portion 104, the engagement claw 84B (e.g., see FIG. 15) fits into the mounting opening 104A.

As shown in FIG. 18, the mounting portion 105 includes a mounting opening 105A. When the engagement portion 85 (e.g., see FIG. 15) is engaged with the mounting portion 105, the engagement claw 85B (e.g., see FIG. 15) fits into the mounting opening 105A. As shown in FIG. 20, the mounting portion 106 includes a mounting opening 106A. When the engagement portion 86 (e.g., see FIG. 15) is engaged with the mounting portion 106, the engagement claw 86B (e.g., see FIG. 15) fits into the mounting opening 106A.

As shown in FIG. 8, the rotary connector device 2 includes a stator 10, a rotator 20, and a movable member 70. The stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 3. The rotator 20 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The movable member 70 is attached to the rotator 20 so as to transmit the rotation of the steering wheel 4 to the rotator 20. The stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 provided to surround the rotation axis A1. The movable member 70 includes a rotation input portion 73 configured to receive a rotational force from the steering wheel 4. The rotator 20 includes a support structure 90 that movably supports the movable member 70 so that the angle of the rotation input portion 73 relative to the rotator 20 changes.

As shown in Figures 21 to 23, in the rotary connector device 2, the support structure 90 movably supports the movable member 70 so that the angle of the rotation input part 73 relative to the rotator 20 changes. Therefore, even if the rotation axis A2 of the steering wheel 4 is tilted relative to the rotation axis A1 of the rotary connector device 2, the rotation input part 73 of the movable member 70 can follow the tilt of the rotation axis A2 of the steering wheel 4 within a predetermined range (e.g., 2 degrees). Therefore, the effect of the deviation angle of the steering wheel 4 can be reduced.

In this application, the words "comprise" and their derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the words "have," "include," and their derivatives.

In this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying configurations and have no other meaning (e.g., a particular order). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

In addition, the terms "parallel," "orthogonal," and "coincidence" in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, but may include the meanings of "substantially parallel," "substantially orthogonal," and "substantially coincident," respectively. In addition, terms expressing degree, such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," mean that the modifying term may include a reasonable amount of deviation that does not significantly change the final result.

In this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, and (3) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes, for example, (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (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 to be interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

In view of the above disclosure, it is clear that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible. Therefore, the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from the specific disclosure of this application without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

2: Rotary connector device 3: Vehicle body 4: Steering 5: Steering wheel 6: Steering shaft 10: Stator 20: Rotator 21: Rotator body 50: Cable accommodating space 70: Movable member 71: First movable body 72: Second movable body 73: Rotation input portion 73A: First rotation input portion 73B: Second rotation input portion 74: First movable portion 75: Second movable portion 76: First contact portion 77: Second contact portion 78: Third contact portion 79: Fourth contact portion 80: Holding member 90: Support structure 91: First support body 92: Second support body 93: First support portion 93A: First curved surface 94: Second support portion 94A: First curved surface 95: Third support portion 95A: Second curved surface 96: Fourth support portion 96A : Second curved surface A1 : Rotation axis R1 : First radius of curvature R2 : Second radius of curvature RP : Reference point S1 : First virtual spherical surface S2 : Second virtual spherical surface

Claims (14)

A stator configured to be fixed to a vehicle body;
a rotator provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator;
a movable member attached to the rotator so as to transmit rotation of a steering wheel to the rotator;
the stator and the rotator define a cable accommodating space surrounding the rotation axis;
the movable member includes a rotation input portion configured to receive a rotational force from the steering;
the rotator includes a support structure that movably supports the movable member such that an angle of the rotation input portion relative to the rotator is changed;
the support structure includes a first support that supports the movable member movably along a first virtual spherical surface centered on a reference point, and a second support that supports the movable member movably along a second virtual spherical surface centered on the reference point,
the first phantom spherical surface has a first radius of curvature defined from the reference point;
the second phantom spherical surface has a second radius of curvature defined from the reference point;
The second radius of curvature is greater than the first radius of curvature.
Rotating connector device. The reference point is defined on the axis of rotation.
2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1 . the first support and the movable member are capable of contacting each other on the first virtual spherical surface.
3. A rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2 . At least one of the first support and the movable member includes a first curved surface provided along the first virtual spherical surface.
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . the second support and the movable member are capable of contacting each other on the second virtual spherical surface.
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . At least one of the second support and the movable member includes a second curved surface provided along the second virtual spherical surface.
A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The movable member is disposed between the first support and the second support.
A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . the rotator includes a rotator body and a holding member attached to the rotator body,
The stator and the rotator body form the cable accommodating space,
The movable member is movably held between the rotator body and the holding member.
A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The first support is provided on the rotator body,
The second support is provided on the holding member.
9. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 8 . the movable member includes a first movable body and a second movable body disposed at a position different from that of the first movable body,
the rotation input portion includes a first rotation input portion and a second rotation input portion disposed at a position different from the first rotation input portion,
the first movable body includes the first rotation input portion,
the second movable body includes the second rotation input portion,
the support structure movably supports the first movable body such that an angle of the first rotation input portion with respect to the rotator is changed;
the support structure movably supports the second movable body so that an angle of the second rotation input portion with respect to the rotator is changed.
A rotary connector device according to claim 8 or 9 . the first support includes a first support portion and a second support portion disposed at a position different from the first support portion,
the first support portion supports the first movable body movably along the first virtual spherical surface,
the second support portion supports the second movable body movably along the first virtual spherical surface,
11. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 10 . the second support includes a third support portion and a fourth support portion disposed at a position different from that of the third support portion,
the third support portion supports the first movable body movably along the second virtual spherical surface,
the fourth support portion supports the second movable body movably along the second virtual spherical surface,
12. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 11 . the first movable body includes a first movable portion movably held between the first support portion and the holding member,
the first rotation input portion protrudes from the first movable portion along the rotation axis,
The retaining member includes a first opening.
The first rotation input portion passes through the first opening.
A rotary connector arrangement according to claim 11 or 12 . the second movable body includes a second movable part that is disposed at a position different from the first movable part and is movably held between the second support part and the holding member,
the second rotation input portion protrudes from the second movable portion along the rotation axis,
the holding member includes a second opening disposed at a position different from the first opening ,
The second rotation input portion passes through the second opening.
14. The rotary connector arrangement of claim 13 .

Images