JP2001165607A - Steering roll connector and steering neutral position detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering roll connector having a steering angle detecting mechanism quickly detectable of neutral position and a steering neutral position detector having such a steering roll connector. SOLUTION: A rotator 20 rotated with a steering wheel and a retainer 30 are mutually connected through a flat flexible cable 50 wound on a roller 32, and the rotation of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the retainer 30 at a prescribed deceleration ratio of less than 1/2. The retainer 30 has a magnetic protruding piece 52. When the steering wheel reaches a neutral position, the protruding piece 52 is detected by a magnetic sensor 56, and it is detected that the steering wheel reaches the neutral position. Since the rotation frequency of the retainer 30 is less than 1 even if the steering wheel is rotated from the neutral position to the position of receiving a rotation limitation, the magnetic sensor 56 detects the protruding piece 52 only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steering roll connector for electrically connecting a steering side of a vehicle to a vehicle body and a steering neutral position detecting device for detecting whether a steering wheel is at a neutral position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a four-wheel steering vehicle, a so-called steering angle proportional control is performed in which the rear wheels are steered in the opposite phase in a low speed range and in the same phase in a middle and high speed range in proportion to the steering angle.
For this control, a steering angle detecting device for detecting the steering angle is used.

[0003] Such a steering angle detection device includes, for example, a configuration in which a steering angle is detected from a rotation angle of a steering wheel. In such a type, a sensor portion in the steering angle detection device is provided. The steering roll connector is provided on a so-called steering roll connector (hereinafter, the steering roll connector is referred to as “SRC”).

Usually, the SRC has a stator fixed to a steering column, and the stator is provided with a rotator that rotates integrally with a steering wheel. A connector is provided on the stator and the rotator, and a long strip-shaped flat cable is connected to both connectors, and both connectors are mechanically and electrically connected. Therefore, for example, by connecting the connector on the stator side to the battery or the like on the vehicle body and connecting the connector on the rotator side to the airbag device or horn switch, power can be supplied to the airbag device or horn switch.

The steering angle detecting device is provided with a sensor portion on the stator of the SRC, detects the rotational position of the rotator rotating with the steering wheel, and indirectly detects the rotational position of the steering wheel, that is, the steering angle. Becomes

[0006]

By the way, the steering angle is defined as a rotation position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, and a neutral position, and how much the steering wheel rotates clockwise or counterclockwise from the neutral position. Although the detection is performed, the rotating body is not always located at the reference position immediately after the vehicle is started (that is, immediately after the engine is started by the ignition key). In particular, usually, the steering wheel can be rotated two or more times from the neutral position until the rotation is restricted, and a predetermined portion of the rotator corresponding to the neutral position is detected by the sensor portion other than the neutral position, and the predetermined portion is detected. The position cannot be determined as the neutral position.

[0007] For this reason, usually, most of the running vehicle is in a straight-ahead state, so that the rotation position of the rotator which occupies most of the running vehicle for a certain time or more is set as the neutral position of the steering wheel. However, it takes time until the neutral position is determined, and until then, the so-called steering angle proportional control cannot be performed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a steering roll connector provided with a steering angle detecting mechanism capable of quickly detecting a neutral position in consideration of the above fact, and such a rudder neutral position detecting device.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stator fixed to a vehicle body side of a vehicle, and a rotator provided on the steering wheel side of the vehicle and integrally rotating with the steering wheel. Connecting means having one end fixed to the stator and the other end fixed to the rotator, wherein the steering roll connector electrically connects the vehicle body side and the steering wheel side via the connecting means. A retainer rotatable relative to both the stator and the rotator;
The rotation speed of the retainer is reduced to less than one rotation with respect to the rotation speed of the rotator from a neutral position, which is a rotation position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, to a rotation position at which rotation of the steering wheel is restricted. Speed reduction means for transmitting the rotation of the rotator to the retainer to rotate the retainer, rotation position detection means for detecting a predetermined portion of the retainer at the neutral position,
It is characterized by having.

According to the steering roll connector having the above structure, although the steering wheel rotates relatively to the vehicle body, the stator is fixed to the vehicle body and provided on the steering wheel side to rotate integrally with the steering wheel. The rotator is connected via a connection means, and the control means such as a battery or a computer on the vehicle body and the airbag device or horn on the steering wheel side are electrically connected via the connection means.

On the other hand, the rotation of the rotator is transmitted to the retainer via the speed reduction means, and the retainer is rotated. Further, when the steering wheel reaches a neutral position which is a rotational position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, a predetermined portion of the retainer is detected by the rotational position detecting means, and the steering wheel is in the neutral position. Is detected.

Here, the above-mentioned deceleration means reduces the rotation speed of the retainer with respect to the rotation speed of the rotator from the neutral position to the rotation position at which the rotation of the steering wheel is restricted to less than one rotation. When the steering wheel is rotated to any of the left and right rotation limited positions, the rotation position detecting means does not detect the predetermined portion of the retainer after rotation from the neutral position (that is, the predetermined position of the retainer is not detected at positions other than the neutral position). The rotation position detection means does not detect it). Therefore, when used together with the steering angle detecting device, no matter what the rotational position of the steering wheel is immediately before starting the vehicle, it is only necessary to return to the neutral position once and let the rotational position detecting means detect the predetermined portion of the retainer. , The neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering roll connector according to the first aspect, an elongated cable having one end connected to the rotator and the other end connected to the stator is connected to the connecting means. In addition, the cable is rotatably supported by the retainer, and the speed reduction means is configured to include the roller and the cable around which an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the cable is wound.

[0014] According to the steering roll connector having the above-described structure, the deceleration means includes the long cable as the connection means and the roller supported by the retainer (ie, the connection means). And the member constituting the deceleration means are overlapped), the number of parts can be reduced, and this greatly contributes to downsizing, weight reduction and cost reduction.

The long cable here may be in the form of a string or a band.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the steering roll connector according to the first or second aspect, a magnetic portion formed including a magnetic member and provided at the predetermined portion of the retainer; And a magnetic sensor that detects a change in magnetism caused by the magnetic part coming into and out of contact with the magnetic part.

According to the steering roll connector having the above-described structure, the stator is provided with the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic portion provided at a predetermined portion of the retainer comes into contact with and separates from the magnetic sensor by rotating together with the retainer. The rotation of the retainer is detected by the magnetic sensor detecting a change in magnetism due to the contact and separation of the magnetic portion, and a predetermined change in magnetism is detected when the retainer is at the rotation position corresponding to the neutral position. , The neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the steering roll connector according to the first or second aspect, wherein the steering roll connector faces the retainer along a rotation axis direction or a rotation radius direction of the retainer, and A switch that is urged in a direction approaching the retainer and pressed against the retainer by the urging force, and a switch that electrically detects displacement of the pressure contact portion, and a biasing force that urges the pressure contact portion; A mechanical detector that projects or opens from the retainer along the direction opposite to the biasing direction and faces the press-contact portion at the rotational position of the retainer corresponding to the neutral position. It is characterized by having comprised.

According to the steering roll connector having the above-described structure, the mechanical detecting portion which is protruded or opened along the rotation radius direction or the rotation axis direction of the retainer is provided on the retainer, and the retainer is rotated to the rotation position corresponding to the neutral position. When is rotated, the mechanical detection unit faces the press-contact portion of the switch. The press contact portion is urged by the urging force in the direction opposite to the direction in which the mechanical detection portion protrudes or opens, and the press contact portion is constantly pressed against the retainer, but is opposed to the mechanical detection portion. If the mechanical detector is protruding, it is pressed by the mechanical detector against the urging force and displaces in the direction in which the mechanical detector protrudes. The force enters the mechanical detector and is displaced. The displacement of the pressure contact portion is electrically detected by the switch, and the neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected by detecting the displacement of the pressure contact portion by the switch.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the steering roll connector according to the first or second aspect, the light emitting element is provided integrally with the stator and emits light in a predetermined direction; A light-receiving element provided integrally with the stator for receiving light from the light-emitting element, and a state in which the retainer is provided on the retainer and rotates integrally with the retainer and is at a rotation position corresponding to the neutral position An optical detection unit that is located in an optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting element and makes the light reach the light receiving element or blocks the light, and the rotation position detection unit is configured. It is characterized by:

According to the steering roll connector having the above structure, when the optical detection unit rotates together with the retainer and the steering wheel reaches the neutral position, the optical detection unit changes from the light emitting element provided on the retainer to the light receiving element. The optical path of the light to the light receiving element is formed or blocked, and the light receiving state of the light from the light emitting element in the light receiving element changes. The neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected by the change in the light receiving state at this time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the steering roll connector according to the first or second aspect, a moving contact provided integrally with the retainer, and a rotation locus of the moving contact rotating with the retainer. A fixed contact that is provided on the stator in correspondence with the moving contact at least at a rotating position of the moving contact that corresponds to the neutral position, and that is in contact with the moving contact and conducts. The contact state between the moving contact and the fixed contact at the rotational position of the moving contact corresponding to the neutral position or the electric resistance value in a circuit including the moving contact and the fixed contact other than the neutral position. The contact state or the electric resistance value changes.

In the steering roll connector having the above structure, when the retainer rotates, the moving contact rotates together with the retainer. A fixed contact is provided on the stator corresponding to the moving contact, and when the retainer reaches a rotation position corresponding to the neutral position of the steering wheel, the contact state between the moving contact and the fixed contact or the moving contact and the fixed contact is changed. The electric resistance value in the included circuit changes as compared with that before (that is, the rotational position other than the neutral position). The neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected from the contact state or the change in the electric resistance value at this time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the rudder neutral position detecting device transmits a rotation of a rotator provided on the vehicle body side and a steering wheel of the vehicle to the rotator to rotate the rotator and allow the vehicle to go straight. Speed reduction means for reducing the rotation speed of the rotating body to less than one rotation with respect to the rotation speed of the steering wheel from a neutral position, which is the rotation position of the steering wheel in a normal state, to a rotation position at which rotation of the steering wheel is restricted. And rotation position detection means for detecting a predetermined portion of the rotating body at the neutral position.

According to the rudder neutral position detecting device having the above structure,
When the steering wheel rotates, the rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted to the rotating body provided on the vehicle body side by the deceleration means, and the rotating body is rotated. Further, when the steering wheel reaches a neutral position which is a rotational position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, a predetermined portion of the rotating body is detected by the rotational position detecting means, and the steering wheel is in the neutral position. Is detected.

Here, the above-mentioned deceleration means reduces the rotation speed of the rotating body to less than one rotation with respect to the rotation speed of the steering wheel from the neutral position to the rotation position at which the rotation of the steering wheel is restricted. Even if the steering wheel is rotated from the neutral position to any of the left and right rotation limit positions, the rotation position detecting means does not detect a predetermined portion of the rotating body after the rotation from the neutral position (that is, the rotating body is not in the neutral position). Is not detected by the rotational position detecting means). Therefore, when used in combination with the steering angle detection device, no matter what the rotational position of the steering wheel is immediately before the vehicle starts moving, the steering wheel is once returned to the neutral position and the rotational position detecting means only detects the predetermined portion of the rotating body. Thus, the steering wheel can be detected, and the steering angle detecting device can be operated accurately in a very short time.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector 10 as a rudder neutral position detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the steering roll connector 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the steering roll connector 10 includes a stator 12 fixed near a steering column (both not shown) of the vehicle. The stator 12 includes a bottom 14 and a frame 16. The bottom portion 14 has a bottomed cylindrical shape in which the depth dimension along the axial direction of a column shaft (not shown) is extremely smaller than the direct dimension. On the other hand, the frame 16 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the peripheral wall of the bottom 14, and
4 is connected to the open end of the peripheral wall. Therefore, the stator 12 has a bottomed cylindrical shape as a whole.

A circular hole 18 substantially coaxial with the inner peripheral shape of the frame 16 is formed in the bottom portion 14, and a column shaft penetrates through the hole. A rotator 20 is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom portion 14 via the frame 16. The rotator 20 has a disk shape that is substantially coaxial with the inner peripheral shape of the frame 16, is arranged so as to close the side opposite to the bottom portion 14 of the frame 16, and is arranged around its own center line. Stator 12
It is rotatable with respect to. Further, the rotator 20 is formed with a circular hole 22 coaxial with the above-described circular hole 18, and the column shaft also passes therethrough. However, the rotator 20 is mechanically connected to a column shaft or a steering wheel via a connecting means (not shown), and rotates integrally with the steering wheel and the column shaft.

Further, a connector 24 is formed on the opposite side of the rotator 20 from the bottom portion 14 for connecting cables and the like electrically connected to respective devices provided on the steering wheel, such as a horn switch and an airbag device. Connector 2
4 can be connected mechanically and electrically.

On the other hand, a cylindrical inner wall 26 is formed on the bottom 14 side of the rotator 20. The inner diameter of the inner wall 26 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the circular hole 22, and the inner wall 26 is coaxial with the circular hole 22.

A substantially disk-shaped retainer 30 (corresponding to a rotating body in the present invention according to claim 7) is provided in a housing portion 28 (see FIG. 2) which is a space surrounded by the stator 12 and the rotator 20. Are accommodated substantially coaxially with the circular holes 18 and 22. A circular hole 31 is formed substantially at the center of the retainer 30, and the inner wall portion 26 of the rotator 20 and the column shaft penetrate therethrough. A plurality of rollers 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42 are provided on the rotator 20 side of the retainer 30. Each axis of the rollers 32 to 42 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the retainer 30 and each axis is located on the same imaginary circumference concentric with the circular hole 18. It is rotatably supported by a retainer 30.

Further, as shown in FIG.
8 accommodates a flat flexible cable 50 as connection means. The flat flexible cable 50 is a band-shaped member having a widthwise direction along the height direction of the frame 16 and the inner wall portion 26, and a plurality of long conductive wires are housed therein along the longitudinal direction. . One end of the flat flexible cable 50 in the longitudinal direction is the inner wall 2.
6 is connected and fixed to a connecting portion (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral portion. The connection portion is electrically connected to the connector 24 described above, and the flat flexible cable 50 connected and fixed to the connection portion is provided on a steering wheel such as a horn switch or an airbag device connected to the connector 24. Connected to each other.
As described above, since the rotator 20 rotates integrally with the steering wheel and the column shaft, one end of the flat flexible cable 50 rotates together with the inner wall 26 as the rotator 20 rotates, and the flat flexible cable 50 It is wound around the outer periphery of the portion 26 or the winding is released.

In the present embodiment, the connecting means is a strip-shaped flat flexible cable 50, but the connecting means is a string-like structure having flexibility and elasticity such as a cable or a cord. Is also good.

The flat flexible cable 50, one end of which is connected and fixed to the connection portion of the inner wall portion 26, has a middle portion in the longitudinal direction wound around the roller 32 described above. The cable 50 is connected to the roller 3 from one end around the inner wall 26.
While being curved in the opposite direction to the direction toward 2, and abutting on the rollers 34 to 42, it is connected and fixed to a frame-side connection portion (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral portion of the frame 16.

The frame-side connection portion is electrically connected to a connector 46 provided on the frame 16. Connector 46
A cord (not shown) electrically connected to a battery or horn body mounted on the vehicle body, a computer for controlling the airbag device, or the like is connected to the vehicle.

Here, as described above, the retainer 30 is rotatable in the housing portion 28. Therefore, the flat flexible cable 50 is wound around the inner wall portion 26,
Also, when the flat flexible cable 50 is pulled out, the retainer 30 rotates so that the longitudinal middle portion of the flat flexible cable 50 is always wrapped around the roller 32. Also,
Generally, the steering wheel is set so as to rotate only up to two rotations in the forward and reverse directions from a rotation position (neutral position) at which the vehicle can travel straight. Therefore, the retainer 30 makes only one rotation in the forward and reverse directions, similarly to a general moving pulley.

Further, a protruding piece 52 constituting a rotation position detecting means as a magnetic part is formed so as to protrude from a part of the outer periphery of the retainer 30 toward the outside in the radial direction of the retainer 30.
For example, a magnetic member such as iron is fixed to a part of the outer periphery of the retainer, or a thin magnetic piece formed by the magnetic member is attached to the protruding piece 52.

On the other hand, a cutout 54 is formed in a part of the peripheral wall of the bottom 14, and the cutout 54 is provided with a magnetic sensor 56 which constitutes a rotational position detecting means together with the projecting piece 52.
Is attached. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the magnetic sensor 56 has entered the housing portion 28.
The portion of the magnetic sensor 56 that has entered the housing 28 includes
A sensor body 58 such as a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element is provided, and a permanent magnet 60 is provided near the sensor body 58.
Is provided. The sensor main body 58 detects a change in the magnetism of the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet 60. For example, the change in the magnetism causes the resistance value of the sensor main body 58 to change.

The sensor main body 58 is electrically connected to a steering angle detecting device 62 shown in FIG. 2, and a signal from the sensor main body 58 detects a steering angle from a rotation angle of a steering wheel or a column shaft. Angle detector 6
2.

Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described.

The steering roll connector 1 having the above configuration
0, the rotator 20 together with the steering wheel
Is rotated clockwise (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), the flat flexible cable 50 is sequentially wound around the outer periphery of the rotator 20 from one end thereof (ie, the side connected to the connection portion on the rotator 20 side). When the rotator 20 rotates counterclockwise (along arrow B in FIG. 2) together with the steering wheel, the flat flexible cable 50 wound around the outer periphery of the rotator 20 is loosened. Thus, regardless of whether the rotator 20 rotates in the left or right direction, the connection portion on the rotator 20 side and the connection portion on the stator 12 side are connected to the flat flexible cable 50.
Are electrically connected via Therefore, the electrical connection between the airbag device or horn switch on the steering wheel side and the battery or computer on the vehicle body side is maintained, and the rotation of the steering wheel is not hindered.

Here, when the rotator 20 rotates together with the steering wheel, the flat flexible cable 50 moves while being guided by the rollers 32 to 42. At this time, the roller 32 is moved to the retainer 3 by the same principle as the moving pulley.
The protrusion 52 is rotated about the center of the circle, and the protruding piece 52 integral with the retainer 30 is further rotated. With this rotation, the projecting piece 52 moves toward and away from the sensor body 58, and when the steering wheel reaches a neutral position, which is a rotation position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, the projecting piece 52 and the sensor body 58 Are closest, as shown in FIG.
The protruding piece 52 and the sensor main body 58 face each other along the rotation axis direction of the retainer 30.

As described above, the sensor main body 58 detects the magnetism of the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet 60, but the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 60 changes when the magnetic projection piece 52 approaches, and as a result, The magnetism detected by the sensor body 58 changes. When the steering angle detecting device 62 receives a signal from the sensor body 58 corresponding to the change in magnetism at this time, the steering angle detecting device 62 moves the projecting piece 52 and the sensor Detecting the opposition, it is determined that the state is a neutral state of the steering wheel (that is, a state in which the vehicle can travel straight).

By the way, the retainer 30 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotator 20, and a configuration in which the rotation of the rotator 20 is detected by the sensor main body 58 can be considered as a matter of course. However, usually, since the steering wheel can be rotated twice from the neutral position to the left and right respectively, if a protruding portion similar to the protruding piece 52 is provided on a part of the outer periphery of the rotator 20 and the protruding portion approaches, Even if it is configured to detect the change in magnetism, not only does the protrusion approach the magnetic sensor at the neutral position, but also the protrusion contacts the magnetic sensor during the period from the neutral position until rotation of the steering wheel is restricted. Closest approach. That is,
In this case, even if the protrusion comes closest to the magnetic sensor, the steering wheel is not always at the neutral position.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the rotation of the rotator 20 is reduced to less than 1/2 by being transmitted through the flat flexible cable 50 and the roller 32, and the steering wheel is rotated twice from the neutral position. However, the rotation speed of the retainer 30 is less than one rotation.
Therefore, only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position, the protruding piece 52 comes closest to the sensor body 58, so that it is possible to reliably detect that the steering wheel has reached the neutral position.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in order to provide the above-described functions and effects, for example, when the vehicle is completely stopped (that is, in a state where not only the engine but also the ignition key is removed), the steering wheel Even in the rotational position, the neutral position of the steering wheel can be determined irrespective of the traveling distance and the traveling time, as long as the steering wheel is returned to the neutral position even once after the start of traveling. Thus, when the steering control is performed by the steering angle sensor, the steering control can be performed immediately.

Further, in the present embodiment, the flat flexible cable 50 as the connecting means is a component of the speed reducing means, but from the viewpoint of the present invention as set forth in claim 1, a gear train irrelevant to the connecting means. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotation of the rotator 20 is reduced and transmitted to the retainer 30 by using a deceleration means having the above. However, in the case of such a configuration, a configuration of a speed reduction unit such as a gear train is required separately from the configuration of the connection unit, so that the number of parts increases, and as a result, the steering roll connector 10 becomes large, Further, it is conceivable that the weight increases and further the cost increases.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the flat flexible cable 50 is one of the components of the speed reduction means, and the rollers 32 to 42 are also necessary as members for guiding the flat flexible cable 50 smoothly. When considered, a member specially used as the speed reduction means is substantially unnecessary. For this reason, there is another merit that it can be manufactured at a small size and light weight and at a low cost, despite the effects and effects described above.

<Second Embodiment> Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In describing each of the following embodiments, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment will be used for portions that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment and the above embodiment. The description is omitted here.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector 80 as a rudder neutral position detecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this drawing, in the present steering roll connector 80, a substantially trapezoidal cam 82 as a mechanical detection unit is formed on the surface on the bottom 14 side of the retainer 30.
On the other hand, the bottom portion 14 of the stator 12 has a substantially rectangular opening 8.
4 are formed. The opening 84 is formed so as to correspond to the rotation locus of the cam 82 when the retainer 30 rotates, and further, the cam 82 extends along the rotation axis direction of the retainer 30 when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position. Are formed at positions facing each other. Also, the bottom portion 14 of the stator 12 is opposite to the retainer 30 (ie,
On the outside), a microswitch 86 as a switch is arranged. The microswitch 86 includes a box-shaped housing 88, and a projection 90 as a press-contact portion protrudes from a side of the stator 12 facing the bottom 14 of the stator 12.
The projection 90 is constantly urged in a direction to protrude from the housing 88, but is pushed into the housing 88 by receiving a pressing force. Further, a pair of cords 92 and 94 are provided from the housing 88.
, And the micro switch 86 is electrically connected to the steering angle detecting device 62 via these cords 92 and 94. The cords 92 and 94 are always disconnected, but are conductive when the projection 90 is pushed.

The housing 88 of the microswitch 86 has a bottom 1
The protrusion 90 is disposed on the opposite side of the retainer 30 via the base 4 and fixed to the stator 12, but the protrusion 90 protrudes into the housing portion 28 through the above-described opening 84.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position and the cam 82 faces the opening 84, the projection 90
2, the cord 92 is pushed into the housing 88, and the cord 92 and the cord 94 are conducted. The steering angle detecting device 62 has a code 9
It is determined that the steering wheel is in a neutral state by detecting that the second and the 94 are conductive.

As described above, although the structure and operation of the rotational position detecting means are different from those of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment, the cam 82 is turned on only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position. It is the same as the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment in that it presses the projection 90, that is, detects that the retainer 30 has reached a predetermined rotational position. The same effect as the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the cam 82 is applied as the mechanical detecting section. However, the mechanical detecting section is not limited to the configuration that protrudes from the retainer 30 like the cam 82. At the position where the 30 cams 82 were formed, an opening opening toward the protrusion 90 is formed so that the protrusion 90 can enter therein instead of the cam 82, and this opening is used as a mechanical detection unit. When the portion faces the projection 90, the cord 92 and the cord 94 may be electrically connected or disconnected by the projection 90 entering the opening by the urging force.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cam 82 as a mechanical detecting portion is formed on the end face of the retainer 30 on the side of the bottom portion 14 in the axial direction. However, the mechanical detecting portion is partially formed on the outer periphery of the retainer 30. And the projection 90 is attached to the retainer 3.
0 to be slidable along the rotation radius direction.
The micro switch 86 as a switch may be arranged so that 0 faces the outer peripheral portion of the retainer 30.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector 110 as a rudder neutral position detecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this drawing, in the present steering roll connector 110, a protruding piece 112 as an optical detection portion is formed so as to protrude from a part of the outer periphery of the retainer 30 to the outside in the radial direction of the retainer 30. On the other hand, the frame 16
A notch 54 is formed in a part of the notch 5.
The sensor housing 114 of the optical sensor 113 is attached to 4. In addition, a part of the sensor housing 114 enters the housing portion 28.

The housing part 2 of the sensor housing 114
A light-emitting element housing portion 118 in which a light-emitting element 116 is housed is formed in the portion that has entered the inside 8. A window 120 is formed in the light emitting element accommodating portion 118 and opens toward the bottom 14 along the rotation axis direction of the retainer 30, and the light emitting element 116 accommodated in the light emitting element accommodating portion 118 passes through the window 120. Thus, light can be emitted toward the bottom 14 side. A light receiving element housing 122 is formed on the bottom 14 side of the light emitting element housing 118 so as to face the light emitting element housing 118 along the rotation axis direction of the retainer 30. The light receiving element 124 is housed in the light receiving element housing 122 and the light emitting element housing 11
A window 126 opened to the side 8 is formed. Light emitted from the light emitting element 116 and passing through the window 120 of the light emitting element housing 118 passes through the window 126 and reaches the light receiving element 124. The light receiving element 124 is electrically connected to the steering angle detecting device 62, and the light receiving element 124 that has detected light sends an electrical detection signal to the steering angle detecting device 62.

Here, the light emitting element accommodating portion 118 is located at the bottom 14 of the rotation locus of the projecting piece 112 when the retainer 30 is rotated.
And when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position, the protrusion 112 is attached to the retainer 3.
It faces the light emitting element accommodating portion 118 along the 0 rotation axis direction. In this state, light emitted from the light emitting element 116 is blocked by the protruding piece 112 and does not reach the light receiving element 124.

That is, only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position, the light receiving element 124 does not receive light and does not send an electrical detection signal to the steering angle detecting device 62. Therefore, in the steering angle detecting device 62, the light receiving element 12
If no electrical detection signal is sent from the steering wheel 4, it is determined that the state is a neutral state of the steering wheel.

As described above, the structure and operation of the rotational position detecting means are different from those of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment, but only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position.
Does not emit an electrical detection signal, that is, the retainer 3
0 is the same as that of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment in the sense that it has detected that it has reached a predetermined rotational position.
The same effect as the steering roll connector 10 according to the embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the neutral state of the steering wheel is detected by detecting the state in which the protruding piece 112 as the optical detecting means blocks the light. The invention is not limited to the configuration that blocks light. For example, a through hole or notch is formed in a part of the retainer 30 along the axial direction, and when the steering wheel is in a rotational position other than the neutral position, the light of the light emitting element 116 is blocked by the retainer 30 and the neutral position When the steering wheel reaches the through hole or notch, the light from the light emitting element 116 passes through the through hole or notch and the light from the light receiving element 124 faces the light emitting element 116.
May be configured to receive light. In addition, the projecting piece 112 is provided with a mirror-like reflecting portion, and the steering wheel reaches the neutral position and is reflected by the projecting piece 112 in a state where the projecting piece 112 is positioned on the optical path of light emitted from the light emitting element 116. The light receiving element 124 may be arranged on the optical path of light.

<Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector 140 as a rudder neutral position detecting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, in the present steering roll connector 140, a sliding contact 142 as a moving contact is provided on a surface on the bottom portion 14 side of the retainer 30. The sliding contact 142 is formed in a substantially U-shape from a conductive material such as metal having a predetermined elastic force. In addition, sliding contact 1
Reference numeral 42 denotes a state in which the opening side of the letter “U” is fixed to the retainer 30 with the ends 144 and 146 slidably contacting the bottom 14, and rotates together with the retainer 30.

On the other hand, on the bottom portion 14 of the stator 12, a pair of fixed contacts 148 and 150 electrically connected to the above-mentioned steering angle detecting device 62 (see FIG. 2) are provided. The fixed contact 148 is positioned on the rotation trajectory of the end 144 when the sliding contact 142 rotates together with the retainer 30 and when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position.
Are formed at positions where the end portions 144 face each other along the direction of the rotation axis. In addition, the fixed contact 148 moves along the rotation axis of the retainer 30 along the rotation axis of the retainer 30 on the rotation trajectory of the end 146 when the sliding contact 142 rotates together with the retainer 30 and when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position.
Are formed at positions facing each other.

That is, the fixed contacts 148 and 150 are configured to conduct through the sliding contact 142 only when the steering wheel reaches the neutral position.
Then, the state where the fixed contacts 148 and 150 are conducted is determined as the neutral position of the steering wheel.

As described above, this embodiment differs from the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment in the structure and operation of the rotational position detecting means, but the steering wheel reaches the neutral position. Only in this case, the sliding contact 142 and the fixed contacts 148 and 150 are brought into sliding contact with each other, so that the fixed contact 148 and the fixed contact 148 conduct. In other words, since it is the same as the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment in that it detects that the retainer 30 has reached the predetermined rotational position, it is basically the same as the first embodiment. The same effect as that of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector 170 as a rudder neutral position detecting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, in the present steering roll connector 170, a sliding contact 172 as a moving contact is fixed to a surface on the bottom portion 14 side of the retainer 30. The sliding contact 172 is formed in a substantially ring shape from a conductive material such as a metal having a predetermined elastic force, and has a pair of sliding contact portions 174, 1 along the rotational radius direction of the retainer 30.
76 is bent.

On the other hand, on the bottom portion 14 of the stator 12, resistor substrates 178 and 180 are provided as fixed contacts, each of which is formed of carbon in a ring shape. The resistor substrate 178 is formed on the rotation trajectory of the sliding contact portion 174 when the sliding contact 172 rotates together with the retainer 30, and the sliding contact portion 174 is always in sliding contact. Further, the resistor substrate 180 is formed on the rotation trajectory of the sliding contact portion 176 when the sliding contact 172 rotates together with the retainer 30.
74 comes into sliding contact.

Further, of the resistor substrates 178 and 180,
When the steering wheel has reached the neutral position, lead wires 182 and 184 are drawn out from portions where the sliding portions 174 and 176 are in sliding contact with each other.
Is electrically connected to

The resistor substrates 178 and 180 are
2 are connected to each other through the resistor substrate 178,
The electric resistance of the electric circuit including the sliding contact 180 and the sliding contact 172 differs depending on the position of the sliding contact 172 with respect to the resistor substrates 178 and 180, and the sliding contact portions 174 and 176 are formed at the portions where the lead wires 182 and 184 are provided. Resistor substrate 178, 1
The electrical resistance is minimized when sliding on 80. Therefore, by assuming that the state where the electric resistance is minimum is the state where the steering wheel has reached the neutral position,
The neutral position of the steering wheel can be detected immediately regardless of the running time or the running distance of the vehicle.

As described above, in this embodiment, the structure and operation of the rotational position detecting means are different from those of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment, but the steering wheel reaches the neutral position. Only in this case, the sliding contact 142 slides on the resistor substrates 178 and 180, so that the fixed contact 148 and the fixed contact 148 conduct. In other words, since it is the same as the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment in that it detects that the retainer 30 has reached the predetermined rotational position, it is basically the same as the first embodiment. The same effect as that of the steering roll connector 10 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

As described above, the resistor substrates 178, 1
Since the electric resistance of the electric circuit including the sliding contact 80 and the sliding contact 172 differs depending on the position of the sliding contact 172 with respect to the resistor substrates 178 and 180, the rotational position of the steering wheel other than the neutral position, that is, the steering angle is different from the electric circuit. Can be calculated from the electric resistance value of Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate steering angle detecting device.

In each of the above embodiments, the steering roll connectors 10 to 170 each have a steering neutral position detecting function. However, from the viewpoint of the present invention described in claim 7, The rudder neutral position detecting device does not necessarily have to be integrated with the steering roll connector. That is, when considering only the rudder neutral position detecting device, the retainer 3
It is also possible to provide a rotating body instead of the steering wheel, a speed reducing means for reducing the rotation of the steering wheel and transmitting the rotation to the rotating body, and a rotating position detecting means for detecting a predetermined portion of the rotating body separately from the steering roll connector. .

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the neutral position can be detected immediately regardless of the running time and the running distance only by returning the steering wheel to the neutral position once.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of the steering roll connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a rotational position detecting unit applied to the steering roll connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a state of a rotational position detecting means at the time of detecting a neutral position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a rotational position detecting means applied to the steering roll connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a rotational position detecting means applied to a steering roll connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 and showing a state of a rotational position detecting unit when a neutral position is detected.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a steering roll connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 steering roll connector 12 stator 20 rotator 30 retainer 31 circular hole 32 roller (reduction means) 50 flat flexible cable (connection means, cable, reduction means) 52 projecting piece (magnetic part) 56 magnetic sensor 80 steering roll connector 82 cam (machine) 86 Micro switch (switch) 90 Projection (pressure contact part) 110 Steering roll connector 112 Projection piece (optical detection part) 113 Optical sensor 116 Light emitting element 124 Light receiving element 140 Steering roll connector 142 Sliding contact (moving contact) 148 Fixed contact 170 Steering roll connector 172 Sliding contact (moving contact) 178 Resistor substrate (fixed contact) 180 Resistor substrate (fixed contact)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01B 21/22 G01B 21/22 3D030 G01D 5/245 G01D 5/245 B 5/34 H01R 35/04 F H01R 35/04 H02G 11/00 301B H02G 11/00 301 G01D 5/34 D (72) Inventor Narita Hisashi 3-260, Toyota, Oguchi-machi, Niwa-gun, Aichi F-term (reference) 2F062 AA02 AA09 AA82 AA99 BB04 BC44 CC26 CC27 DD24 EE01 EE22 EE62 FF17 FF25 GG63 GG72 GG73 HH05 HH13 JJ08 2F063 AA36 AA50 BA08 BB03 BD05 CA11 CA34 DA01 DA02 DB07 DD02 EA03 FA01 FA08 FA04 FA02 GA02 GA03 GA01 BB40 CC07 DD15 DD27 GG01 GG04 GG06 GG07 GG27 GG43 GG62 HH04 JJ17 JJ25 LL02 MM04 MM11 NN09 2F077 AA38 AA43 AA49 DD03 DD16 EE02 JJ01 JJ08 JJ09 JJ13 JJ21 NN02 NN12 NN21 NN23 PP04 PP12 PP14 PP19 RR02 RR06 TT58 TT62 VV02 WW02 WW03 WW06 2F103 BA00 BA32 BA43 CA02 CA03 DA13 EA12 EB01 EB11 GA33

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A stator fixed to a vehicle body side of a vehicle, a rotator provided on a steering wheel side of the vehicle and integrally rotating with the steering wheel, and one end fixed to the stator and the other end fixed to the stator. And a connecting means fixed to the rotator, wherein the steering roll connector electrically connects the vehicle body side and the steering wheel side via the connecting means, wherein the steering roll connector is connected to both the stator and the rotator. And a rotation of the retainer with respect to a rotation number of the rotator from a neutral position, which is a rotation position of the steering wheel in a state where the vehicle can travel straight, to a rotation position at which rotation of the steering wheel is restricted. The rotation of the rotator to the retainer, Steering roll connector, characterized in that it comprises a speed reduction means for rotating the burner, and the rotational position detecting means for detecting a predetermined portion of said retainer in said neutral position. 2. A long cable having one end connected and fixed to the rotator and the other end connected and fixed to the stator is used as the connection means, and is rotatably supported by the retainer so as to be rotatable. 2. The steering roll connector according to claim 1, wherein the speed reduction unit includes a roller around which a middle part is wound and the cable. 3. A magnetic sensor formed including a magnetic member and provided at the predetermined portion of the retainer, and a magnetic sensor fixed to the stator and detecting a change in magnetism caused by the magnetic portion coming and going. The steering roll connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotation position detection means includes: 4. A device that faces the retainer along a rotation axis direction or a rotation radius direction of the retainer, and
A switch that is urged in a direction approaching the retainer and pressed against the retainer by the urging force, and a switch that electrically detects displacement of the pressure contact portion; and a biasing force that urges the pressure contact portion. A mechanical detector that projects or opens from the retainer along a direction opposite to the biasing direction and faces the pressure contact portion at a rotational position of the retainer corresponding to the neutral position. The steering roll connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 5. A light emitting element provided integrally with the stator and emitting light in a predetermined direction; a light receiving element provided integrally with the stator and receiving light from the light emitting element; The light receiving element is located in an optical path of the light emitted from the light emitting element in a state where the retainer is located at a rotation position corresponding to the neutral position while being rotated integrally with the retainer and provided to the light receiving element. The steering roll connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotation position detection unit includes: an optical detection unit that allows the light to reach or blocks the light. 6. A movable contact provided integrally with the retainer, and a movable contact provided on the stator corresponding to a rotation locus of the movable contact rotating with the retainer, the movable contact corresponding to at least the neutral position. A fixed contact that contacts and conducts with the moving contact at a rotational position, comprising the rotating position detecting means, the moving contact and the fixed contact at the rotating position of the moving contact corresponding to the neutral position. The contact state or the electric resistance at a position other than the neutral position changes with respect to the contact state or the electric resistance in a circuit including the moving contact and the fixed contact, or The steering roll connector according to claim 2. 7. A rotating body provided on the vehicle body side, and a rotation position of the steering wheel in a state where the rotation of the steering wheel of the vehicle is transmitted to the rotating body to rotate the rotating body and the vehicle can travel straight. Speed reduction means for reducing the rotation speed of the rotating body to less than one rotation with respect to the rotation speed of the steering wheel from a neutral position to a rotation position at which rotation of the steering wheel is limited, and the rotating body at the neutral position A rudder neutral position detecting device, comprising: a rotational position detecting means for detecting a predetermined portion of the rudder.