JP7640368B2 - Rotating connector device and steering device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this application relates to a rotary connector device and a steering 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, the rotary connector device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a structure for detecting steering eccentricity (deviation between the rotation axis of the rotator and the rotation axis of the steering), which makes the structure of the rotary connector device complex.

The objective of the technology disclosed in this application is to provide a rotary connector device and a steering device that can reduce the effects of steering eccentricity with a simple structure.

According to a first feature, the rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator, and a coupling structure. The rotator is rotatably arranged relative to the stator about a rotation axis. The coupling structure is configured to couple the stator to the vehicle body. The stator and the rotator form a cable accommodating space arranged to surround the rotation axis. The coupling structure is contactable with the vehicle body so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis while allowing movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis when the coupling structure couples the stator to the vehicle body.

In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, even if steering eccentricity occurs, the stator follows the steering eccentricity, so the rotator can also follow the steering eccentricity. This makes it possible to reduce the effects of steering eccentricity with a simple structure.

According to a second feature, in the rotary connector device according to the first feature, the connecting structure is capable of contacting the vehicle body so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis within a first movable range when the connecting structure connects the stator to the vehicle body.

The rotary connector device according to the second feature can limit the movement of the stator along a virtual plane relative to the vehicle body to the minimum necessary range while allowing the stator to follow the eccentricity of the steering wheel, thereby preventing the expansion of the space required for installation of the rotary connector device.

According to a third feature, in the rotary connector device according to the second feature, the connecting structure is capable of contacting the vehicle body so as to restrict rotation of the stator relative to the vehicle body about the rotation axis when the connecting structure connects the stator to the vehicle body.

The rotary connector device according to the third feature can suppress the rotation of the stator relative to the vehicle body while allowing the stator to follow the eccentricity of the steering wheel, stabilizing the operation of the rotary connector device.

According to a fourth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third features, the connecting structure includes a first sliding portion that is slidable with the vehicle body.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the first sliding portion allows the stator to move along a virtual plane relative to the vehicle body while restricting the movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body in the axial direction. This reduces the effects of steering eccentricity while simplifying the connection structure.

According to a fifth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth feature, the first sliding portion is arranged at a distance from the stator in the axial direction.

The rotary connector device according to the fifth feature can effectively utilize the space between the first sliding part and the stator, thereby reducing the effect of steering eccentricity while suppressing an increase in the space required for installation of the rotary connector device.

According to a sixth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth or fifth feature, the connecting structure includes a second sliding portion that is slidable with the vehicle body. The second sliding portion is disposed at a different position in the axial direction from the first sliding portion.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion limit the movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body in the axial direction, while allowing the stator to move along a virtual plane relative to the vehicle body. This makes it possible to stabilize the movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body, and effectively reduce the effects of steering eccentricity.

According to the seventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth feature, the second sliding portion is arranged at a distance from the first sliding portion in the axial direction.

The rotary connector device according to the seventh feature can effectively utilize the space between the first sliding part and the second sliding part, thereby reducing the effect of steering eccentricity while suppressing an increase in the space required for installation of the rotary connector device.

According to an eighth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth or seventh feature, the second sliding portion is provided on the stator.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighth feature, the stator can be used as part of the connecting structure, further simplifying the connecting structure.

According to a ninth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fourth to eighth features, the connecting structure includes a connecting member extending from the stator in the axial direction. The first sliding portion is provided at an end of the connecting member and protrudes from the connecting member along an imaginary plane.

In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the first sliding part can be realized by the first sliding part.

According to a tenth feature, in the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the connecting member extends from the stator in the axial direction away from the cable accommodating space.

The rotary connector device according to the tenth feature can effectively use the space behind the cable housing space as space for providing a connection structure, suppressing an increase in the space required for installing the rotary connector device while reducing the effects of steering eccentricity.

According to an eleventh feature, in the rotary connector device according to the ninth or tenth feature, the connecting member is provided integrally with the stator as a single member.

The rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature can reduce the effects of steering eccentricity while increasing the connection strength between the stator and the connecting member.

According to a twelfth feature, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the ninth to eleventh features, the coupling member includes at least one coupling rod extending from the stator in the axial direction. The first sliding portion includes at least one limiting plate attached to an end of the at least one coupling rod, respectively. The at least one limiting plate protrudes from the at least one coupling rod along an imaginary plane, respectively.

The rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature can reduce the effects of steering eccentricity while further increasing the connection strength between the stator and the connecting member by using at least one connecting rod and at least one limiting plate.

According to a thirteenth feature, the steering device includes a support member included in the vehicle body and a rotary connector device according to any one of the first to twelfth features. The coupling structure is capable of contacting the support member so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the support member in the axial direction while allowing movement of the stator relative to the support member along an imaginary plane when the coupling structure couples the stator to the support member.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, even if steering eccentricity occurs, the stator follows the steering eccentricity, so the rotator can also follow the steering eccentricity. This makes it possible to reduce the effects of steering eccentricity with a simple structure.

According to a fourteenth feature, in the steering device according to the thirteenth feature, the support member includes an opening and a first support portion provided around the opening. The coupling structure is inserted into the opening in a state in which the coupling structure couples the stator to the support member. The coupling structure is capable of contacting the first support portion so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the support member in the axial direction and allow movement of the stator relative to the support member along an imaginary plane in a state in which the coupling structure couples the stator to the support member.

The steering device according to the fourteenth feature can reduce the effects of steering eccentricity with a simple structure while preventing the support member from becoming too large.

The technology disclosed in this application makes it possible to provide a rotary connector device and a steering device that can reduce the effects of steering eccentricity with a simple structure.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a steering device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device of the steering system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the steering device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the steering device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the support member of the steering device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support member of the steering device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the steering device shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the steering device shown in 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 steering device 1 is a device for changing the traveling direction of a vehicle, and is rotatably provided with respect to the vehicle body 2. The steering device 1 includes a support member 3 and a rotary connector device 4. The support member 3 is included in the vehicle body 2. The support member 3 includes, for example, a housing for a combination switch. The steering device 1 includes a steering wheel 5. The steering wheel 5 is rotatably provided around a rotation axis A2 with respect to the support member 3. The steering wheel 5 includes a steering wheel 6 and a steering shaft 7. The steering wheel 6 is fixed to the end of the steering shaft 7.

The rotary connector device 4 includes a stator 10 and a rotator 20. The stator 10 is configured to be connected to the vehicle body 2. The stator is configured to be connected to the support member 3. The rotator 20 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The rotator 20 is connected to the steering wheel 5 so as to rotate about the rotation axis A1 together with the steering wheel 5 relative to the stator 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary connector device 4 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 2. 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 6 and an airbag device.

The support member 3 includes a support 44 and a cover 45. The cover 45 is configured to be attached to the support 44. The cover 45 includes a first cover 46 and a second cover 47. The first cover 46 is a separate member from the second cover 47. The cover 45 includes an opening 45A. The stator 10 is disposed in the opening 45A with the stator 10 and the cover 45 attached to the support 44. The opening 45A is defined by the first cover 46 and the second cover 47.

The stator 10 includes a base plate 11, an outer peripheral wall 12, and a cover 13. The base plate 11 includes a central opening 11C. The outer peripheral wall 12 extends from the base plate 11 in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The cover 13 is connected to the base plate 11 and the outer peripheral wall 12 to cover the cable passage from the outer peripheral wall 12 to the first electrical connector 30.

The rotator 20 includes a rotator body 21, a sleeve 22, and a rotation input portion 23. The sleeve 22 is fixed to the rotator body 21. The rotator body 21 and the sleeve 22 hold the rotator 20 rotatably about the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10.

The rotation input portion 23 protrudes from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The rotation input portion 23 is configured to receive a rotational force from the steering 5 (see, for example, FIG. 1). The rotation input portion 23 includes a first rotation input portion 23A and a second rotation input portion 23B. The first rotation input portion 23A protrudes from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1. The second rotation input portion 23B protrudes from the rotator body 21 in the axial direction D1.

1, the steering wheel 6 includes a first protrusion 6A, a second protrusion 6B, and an intermediate member 6C. The first protrusion 6A and the second protrusion 6B are arranged at an interval in the circumferential direction D3. The first rotation input portion 23A is arranged between the first protrusion 6A and the second protrusion 6B in the circumferential direction D3. The intermediate member 6C is attached to the first rotation input portion 23A and arranged between the first protrusion 6A and the second protrusion 6B. The intermediate member 6C includes an elastic member. For example, the intermediate member 6C is made of rubber. The rotation of the steering wheel 6 is transmitted to the first rotation input portion 23A of the rotator 20 via the first protrusion 6A, the second protrusion 6B, and the intermediate member 6C. The intermediate member 6C may be included in the rotator 20 as a torque pin cap attached to the first rotation input portion 23A.

3, the steering wheel 6 includes a first protrusion 6D, a second protrusion 6E, and an intermediate member 6F. The first protrusion 6D and the second protrusion 6E are spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3. The second rotation input portion 23B is disposed between the first protrusion 6D and the second protrusion 6E in the circumferential direction D3. The intermediate member 6F is attached to the second rotation input portion 23B and disposed between the first protrusion 6D and the second protrusion 6E. The intermediate member 6F includes an elastic member. For example, the intermediate member 6F is made of rubber. The rotation of the steering wheel 6 is transmitted to the second rotation input portion 23B of the rotator 20 via the first protrusion 6D, the second protrusion 6E, and the intermediate member 6F. The intermediate member 6F may be included in the rotator 20 as a torque pin cap attached to the second rotation input portion 23B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 that is arranged to surround the rotation axis A1. 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 4 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 connectors 40 and 42 (for example, see FIG. 2). The electric cable 60 is flexible and has 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 Figures 5 and 6, the rotary connector device 4 includes a coupling structure 70. The coupling structure 70 is configured to couple the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2. The coupling structure 70 is configured to couple the stator 10 to the support member 3 of the vehicle body 2. The coupling structure 70 is configured to movably couple the stator 10 to the support member 3 of the vehicle body 2.

The coupling structure 70 is capable of contacting the vehicle body 2 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 in the axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1 when the coupling structure 70 couples the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2, and to allow movement of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 along an imaginary plane 70P perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 when the coupling structure 70 couples the stator 10 to the support member 3. The coupling structure 70 is capable of contacting the support member 3 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 in the axial direction D1 when the coupling structure 70 couples the stator 10 to the support member 3, and to allow movement of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 along the imaginary plane 70P.

The connecting structure 70 includes a first sliding part 71 that is slidable with the vehicle body 2. The first sliding part 71 is slidable with the support member 3. The first sliding part 71 is disposed at a distance from the stator 10 in the axial direction D1. When the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2, at least a portion of the support member 3 is disposed between the stator 10 and the first sliding part 71 in the axial direction D1.

The connecting structure 70 includes a second sliding portion 72 that can slide with the vehicle body 2. The second sliding portion 72 is arranged at a position different from the first sliding portion 71 in the axial direction D1. The second sliding portion 72 is arranged at a distance from the first sliding portion 71 in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the second sliding portion 72 is provided on the stator 10. The second sliding portion 72 is provided on the base plate 11 of the stator 10. The base plate 11 includes a first surface 11A and a second surface 11B. The second surface 11B is provided on the back side of the first surface 11A in the axial direction D1. The outer peripheral wall 12 extends from the first surface 11A of the base plate 11 in the axial direction D1. The second sliding portion 72 is provided on the second surface 11B of the base plate 11. The second sliding portion 72 includes a second sliding surface 72A. The second sliding surface 72A is included in the second surface 11B of the base plate 11. However, the second sliding portion 72 may be provided on another portion of the stator 10 and on a member other than the stator 10.

The connecting structure 70 includes a connecting member 73. The connecting member 73 extends from the stator 10 in the axial direction D1. The first sliding portion 71 is provided at an end of the connecting member 73 and protrudes from the connecting member 73 along an imaginary plane 70P. The connecting member 73 extends from the stator 10 away from the cable accommodating space 50 in the axial direction D1.

The connecting member 73 is provided integrally with the stator 10 as a single member. The first sliding portion 71 is a separate member from the stator 10 and the connecting member 73. However, the first sliding portion 71 may be provided integrally with at least one of the stator 10 and the connecting member 73 as a single member. The connecting member 73 may be a separate member from the stator 10.

7, the connecting member 73 includes at least one connecting rod 73A, 73B, 73C, and/or 73D extending from the stator 10 in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the connecting member 73 includes multiple connecting rods 73A, 73B, 73C, and 73D extending from the stator 10 in the axial direction D1. However, the total number of connecting rods 73A, 73B, 73C, and 73D is not limited to four. The structure of the connecting member 73 is not limited to connecting rods 73A, 73B, 73C, and 73D.

The first sliding part 71 includes at least one limiting plate 74A, 74B, 74C, and/or 74D attached to at least one connecting rod 73A, 73B, 73C, and/or 73D, respectively. In this embodiment, the first sliding part 71 includes a plurality of limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D attached to a plurality of connecting rods 73A, 73B, 73C, and 73D, respectively. However, the total number of limiting plates is not limited to four. The structure of the first sliding part 71 is not limited to limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D.

5 and 6, at least one limiting plate 74A, 74B, 74C, and/or 74D protrudes from at least one connecting rod 73A, 73B, 73C, and/or 73D along the imaginary plane 70P. In this embodiment, multiple limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D protrude from multiple connecting rods 73A, 73B, 73C, and 73D along the imaginary plane 70P.

The first sliding portion 71 includes at least one first sliding surface 71A, 71B, 71C, and/or 71D. At least one first sliding surface 71A, 71B, 71C, and/or 71D is provided on at least one limiting plate 74A, 74B, 74C, and/or 74D, respectively. In this embodiment, the multiple first sliding surfaces 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D are provided on the multiple limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D, respectively. However, the total number of first sliding surfaces is not limited to four. The first sliding surfaces 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D may be provided on portions other than the limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D.

The support member 3 includes an opening 80 and a first support portion 81 provided around the opening 80. The connecting structure 70 is inserted into the opening 80 in a state where the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3. The connecting structure 70 is capable of contacting the first support portion 81 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 in the axial direction D1 and allow the stator 10 to move relative to the support member 3 along the imaginary plane 70P in a state where the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3. Note that the position of the imaginary plane 70P shown in the figure is merely an example, and the imaginary plane 70P may be defined at a position other than the position shown in the figure.

The opening 80 includes at least one opening 80A, 80B, 80C, and/or 80D. The first support portion 81 includes at least one first support portion 81A, 81B, 81C, and/or 81D. In this embodiment, the opening 80 includes a plurality of openings 80A, 80B, 80C, and 80D. The first support portion 81 includes a plurality of first support portions 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D. However, the total number of openings is not limited to four. The total number of first support portions is not limited to four.

The connecting members 73 are inserted into the openings 80 with the connecting structure 70 connecting the stator 10 to the support member 3. The connecting rods 73A are inserted into the openings 80A with the connecting structure 70 connecting the stator 10 to the support member 3. The connecting rods 73B are inserted into the openings 80B with the connecting structure 70 connecting the stator 10 to the support member 3. The connecting rods 73C are inserted into the openings 80C with the connecting structure 70 connecting the stator 10 to the support member 3. The connecting rods 73D are inserted into the openings 80D with the connecting structure 70 connecting the stator 10 to the support member 3.

The first sliding portion 71 can slide with the first support portion 81. The first sliding surface 71A can slide with the first support portion 81A. The first sliding surface 71B can slide with the first support portion 81B. The first sliding surface 71C can slide with the first support portion 81C. The first sliding surface 71D can slide with the first support portion 81D.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first support portion 81A is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 80A and is arranged to surround the opening 80A. The first support portion 81B is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 80B and is arranged to surround the opening 80B. The first support portion 81C is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 80C and is arranged to surround the opening 80C. The first support portion 81D is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 80D and is arranged to surround the opening 80D. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first support portions 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D protrude in the axial direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 9, the support member 3 includes a second support portion 82. The second support portion 82 includes at least one second support portion 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and/or 82F. In this embodiment, the second support portion 82 includes a plurality of second support portions 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and 82F. The second support portions 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and 82F are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction D3. However, the total number of second support portions is not limited to six. The arrangement of the second support portions 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and 82F is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in Figures 5, 10, and 11, the second sliding portion 72 is capable of sliding with the second support portion 82. The second sliding surface 72A is capable of sliding with the second support portion 82. The second sliding portion 72 is capable of sliding with the plurality of second support portions 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and 82F. The second sliding surface 72A is capable of sliding with the plurality of second support portions 82A, 82B, 82C, 82D, 82E, and 82F.

5 and 6, the connecting structure 70 can contact the vehicle body 2 so as to restrict the movement of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 along the imaginary plane 70P perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 within a first movable range MR1 when the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2. The connecting structure 70 can contact the support member 3 so as to restrict the movement of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 along the imaginary plane 70P within a first movable range MR1 when the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3. The first movable range MR1 indicates a range in which the stator 10 can move along the imaginary plane 70P relative to the support member 3, based on a state in which the rotation axis A1 of the rotary connector device 4 coincides with the rotation axis A2 of the steering 5. The first movable range MR1 is defined in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis A1.

When the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2, the connecting structure 70 can contact the vehicle body 2 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 in the axial direction D1 to within the second movable range MR2. When the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3, the connecting structure 70 can contact the support member 3 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 in the axial direction D1 to within the second movable range MR2. The second movable range MR2 is defined in the axial direction D1. The first movable range MR1 is larger than the second movable range MR2. The second movable range MR2 is defined by the first sliding portion 71, the second sliding portion 72, the first support portion 81, and the second support portion 82.

12, the support member 3 includes a first limiting portion 83. The first limiting portion 83 is capable of contacting the first sliding portion 71. The first limiting portion 83 is capable of contacting the limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D. The first limiting portion 83 includes a plurality of first limiting surfaces 83A, 83B, 83C, and 83D. The limiting plate 74A is capable of contacting the first limiting surface 83A. The limiting plate 74B is capable of contacting the first limiting surface 83B. The limiting plate 74C is capable of contacting the first limiting surface 83C. The limiting plate 74D is capable of contacting the first limiting surface 83D. The first limiting surface 83A is provided radially between the limiting plate 74A and the rotation axis A1. The first limiting surface 83B is provided radially between the limiting plate 74B and the rotation axis A1. The first limiting surface 83C is provided radially between the limiting plate 74C and the rotation axis A1. The first limiting surface 83D is provided radially between the limiting plate 74D and the rotation axis A1.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2, the connecting structure 70 can contact the vehicle body 2 to restrict rotation of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 about the rotation axis A1. When the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3, the connecting structure 70 can contact the support member 3 to restrict rotation of the stator 10 relative to the support member 3 about the rotation axis A1 to within a predetermined rotation range MR3.

The support member 3 includes a second limiting portion 84. The second limiting portion 84 is capable of contacting the first sliding portion 71. The first sliding portion 71 is capable of contacting the second limiting portion 84 so as to limit the rotation of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 about the rotation axis A1 when the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3. The first sliding portion 71 is capable of contacting the second limiting portion 84 so as to limit the rotation of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 about the rotation axis A1 to within a predetermined rotation range MR3 when the connecting structure 70 connects the stator 10 to the support member 3.

The second limiting portion 84 can contact the limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D. The second limiting portion 84 includes a plurality of second limiting surfaces 84A, 84B, 84C, and 84D. The limiting plate 74A can contact the second limiting surface 84A when the stator 10 rotates around the rotation axis A1 relative to the support member 3. The limiting plate 74B can contact the second limiting surface 84B when the stator 10 rotates around the rotation axis A1 relative to the support member 3. The limiting plate 74C can contact the second limiting surface 84C when the stator 10 rotates around the rotation axis A1 relative to the support member 3. The limiting plate 74D can contact the second limiting surface 84D when the stator 10 rotates around the rotation axis A1 relative to the support member 3. The rotation range MR3 is defined by the limiting plates 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D and the second limiting surfaces 84A, 84B, 84C, and 84D.

In this embodiment, the second limiting surface 84A is provided to surround the limiting plate 74A. The second limiting surface 84B is provided to surround the limiting plate 74B. The second limiting surface 84C is provided to surround the limiting plate 74C. The second limiting surface 84D is provided to surround the limiting plate 74D. However, the arrangement of the second limiting surfaces 84A, 84B, 84C, and 84D is not limited to the arrangement in this embodiment.

5 and 6, the rotary connector device 4 includes a stator 10, a rotator 20, and a coupling structure 70. The rotator 20 is rotatably provided around the rotation axis A1 relative to the stator 10. The coupling structure 70 is configured to couple the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2. The stator 10 and the rotator 20 form a cable accommodating space 50 that is provided to surround the rotation axis A1. The coupling structure 70 is capable of contacting the vehicle body 2 so as to restrict movement of the stator 10 relative to the vehicle body 2 in the axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1 when the coupling structure 70 couples the stator 10 to the vehicle body 2, and to allow the stator 10 to move relative to the vehicle body 2 along a virtual plane 70P perpendicular to the rotation axis A1.

When the steering wheel 5 becomes eccentric, the load on the connection between the rotation input part 23 (e.g., at least one of the first rotation input part 23A and the second rotation input part 23B shown in Figures 1 to 3) and the steering wheel 5 (e.g., the steering wheel 6 shown in Figures 1 and 3) increases, which may cause abnormal noise or damage to the connection.

However, in the rotary connector device 4, even if eccentricity of the steering wheel 5 occurs, the stator 10 follows the eccentricity of the steering wheel 5, so the rotator 20 can also follow the eccentricity of the steering wheel 5. Even if eccentricity of the steering wheel 5 occurs, the load acting on the connection between the rotation input part 23 and the steering wheel 6 can be reduced. Therefore, the effect of eccentricity of the steering wheel 5 can be reduced with a simple structure.

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, any of (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, any of (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 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.

1: Steering device 2: Vehicle body 3: Support member 4: Rotary connector device 5: Steering 10: Stator 20: Rotator 21: Rotator body 22: Sleeve 23: Rotation input section 30: First electric connector 40: Second electric connector 50: Cable accommodating space 60: Electric cable 70: Connection structure 70P: Virtual plane 71: First sliding portion 71A: First sliding surface 71B: First sliding surface 71C: First sliding surface 71D: First sliding surface 72: Second sliding portion 72A: Second sliding surface 73: Connection member 73A, 73B, 73C, 73D: Connection rod 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D: Limiting plate 80: Opening 81: First support portion 82: Second support portion 83: First limiting portion 84 : Second limiting portion A1 : Rotation axis A2 : Rotation axis D1 : Axial direction D3 : Circumferential direction MR1 : First movable range MR2 : Second movable range MR3 : Rotation range

Claims (11)

A stator;
a rotator provided rotatably about a rotation axis relative to the stator;
a coupling structure configured to couple the stator to a vehicle body,
the stator and the rotator define a cable accommodating space surrounding the rotation axis;
the coupling structure is capable of contacting the vehicle body such that, when the coupling structure couples the stator to the vehicle body, the coupling structure restricts movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis, and allows the stator to move relative to the vehicle body along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis ,
The connecting structure includes a first sliding portion slidable with the vehicle body and a connecting member extending from the stator in the axial direction,
The first sliding portion is provided at an end of the connecting member and protrudes from the connecting member along the imaginary plane,
the connecting member includes at least one connecting rod extending from the stator in the axial direction;
The first sliding portion includes at least one limiting plate attached to an end of the at least one connecting rod,
The at least one limiting plate protrudes from the at least one connecting rod along the imaginary plane.
Rotating connector device. the connecting structure is capable of contacting the vehicle body so as to limit movement of the stator relative to the vehicle body along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis within a first movable range when the connecting structure connects the stator to the vehicle body.
2. The rotary connector assembly of claim 1. the coupling structure is capable of contacting the vehicle body to limit rotation of the stator relative to the vehicle body about the rotation axis with the coupling structure coupling the stator to the vehicle body.
3. The rotary connector assembly of claim 2. The first sliding portion is disposed at a distance from the stator in the axial direction.
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The connecting structure includes a second sliding portion that is slidable with the vehicle body,
The second sliding portion is disposed at a position different from that of the first sliding portion in the axial direction.
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The second sliding portion is disposed at a distance from the first sliding portion in the axial direction.
6. A rotary connector arrangement according to claim 5 . The second sliding portion is provided on the stator.
7. A rotary connector device according to claim 5 or 6 . The connecting member extends from the stator away from the cable accommodating space in the axial direction.
A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The connecting member is provided integrally with the stator as a single member.
A rotary connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . A support member included in the vehicle body;
The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
the coupling structure is contactable with the support member so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the support member in the axial direction while allowing the stator to move relative to the support member along the imaginary plane, when the coupling structure couples the stator to the support member.
Steering gear. The support member includes an opening and a first support portion provided around the opening,
the coupling structure is inserted into the opening with the coupling structure coupling the stator to the support member;
the coupling structure is capable of contacting the first support portion so as to restrict movement of the stator relative to the support member in the axial direction while allowing the stator to move relative to the support member along the imaginary plane when the coupling structure couples the stator to the support member.
A steering device according to claim 10 .

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