JP2015011955A - Rotary connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotary connector capable of obtaining a desired change gear ratio even if a gear including a deformation allowed part is present.SOLUTION: A rotary connector 101 comprises: an inner case K1 and an outer case R1 which are rotatable relatively; a flexible cable; a first connector part CN1; and a second connector part, and also includes: a sun gear K91g provided in the inner case K1; an internal gear R11g provided in the outer case R1; and a planet gear 51 disposed between the sun gear K91g and the internal gear R11g. At least one of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 includes a deformation allowed part K91A in which a plurality of voids K91c are formed in a circumferential direction of the sun gear K91g, and the planet gear 51 includes a first tooth row 51s and a second tooth row. The first tooth row 51s is engaged with the sun gear K91g, and the second tooth row is engaged with the internal gear R11g. The number of first teeth in the first tooth row 51s and the number of second teeth in the second tooth row are different.

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary connector for performing electrical signal transmission, power supply, and the like between a fixed body and a rotating body, and in particular, is relatively rotatable using a planetary gear mechanism between an outer case and a movable case. Related to the rotating connector.

  In general, a rotary connector for transmitting an electric signal and supplying power between a fixed body and a rotating body is used in a vehicle, is attached to a vehicle body that is a fixed body, and is a rotary operation tool that is a rotating body ( It is mounted around the steering. The rotary connector electrically connects an airbag device, a switch, and the like provided on the vehicle steering to a safety device, an audio device, a car navigation system, and the like provided on the vehicle side.

  In addition, the rotary connector when applied to this vehicle has an outer case fixed on the fixed body (vehicle) side and a movable case that rotates as the steering rotates on the same axis. A flexible cable is accommodated in an annular space formed by the movable case and the movable case so as to be wound and unwound, and the outer case and the movable case are relatively rotatable using a planetary gear mechanism.

  As a rotary connector as described above, Patent Document 1 proposes an energization device (rotary connector) 800 as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the energization device 800 of Patent Document 1 (conventional example 1). 12 includes a case lower 801 that is fixed to a steering column that is a fixed body (not shown), a case side 802 that is positioned with the case lower 801, and a case upper 805 that is attached to a steering that is a rotating body (not shown). A case inner 806 locked to the case upper 805, a case stopper 807 locked to the case inner 806, a planetary shaft 808 disposed between the case inner 806 and the case side 802, and a case inner 806 A flat cable (electrical conductor) 809 wound around the periphery and the planetary shaft 808 and a guide member 815 that presses the flat cable 809 from the periphery are configured.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, a lower internal gear 801 b as an “internal gear” on the case lower 801 and an upper internal gear 802 b as an “internal gear” on the case side 802 are paired up and down. Is formed. The case inner 806 is formed with a pair of upper external gear 806b and lower external gear 806c as "external gears" in the vertical direction. The planetary shaft 808 has an upper first planetary gear 808a and an upper second planetary gear 808b on the upper side, and a lower first planetary gear 808c and a lower second planetary gear 808d on the lower side. Is formed. Then, the upper external gear 806b and the lower external gear 806c mesh with the upper first planetary gear 808a and the lower first planetary gear 808c, respectively, and the upper second planetary gear 808b and the lower second planetary gear 808d. The upper internal gear 802b and the lower internal gear 801b are meshed with each other.

  However, in the configuration as in Conventional Example 1, when the vehicle vibrates, the gears are pressed against each other, and a squeak noise may occur. In particular, in the configuration as in Conventional Example 1, the flat cable 809 is wound around the planetary shaft 808 so that the planetary gears (808a, 808b, 808c, 808d) rotate, so one end side and the other end of the planetary shaft 808 are rotated. A planetary gear (808a, 808b, 808c, 808d) must be provided on the side. For this reason, a planetary gear (808a, 808b) provided on one end side of the planetary shaft 808, a portion where the upper external gear 806b and the upper internal gear 802b are meshed with each other, and a planetary provided on the other end side of the planetary shaft 808. Since the gear (808c, 808d), the lower external gear 806c, and the lower internal gear 801b mesh with each other with the planetary shaft 808 sandwiched therebetween, the dimensional error and assembly error of the parts cause There has been a problem that rattling occurs in the meshing portion and a squeak noise is generated.

  As a rotary connector that solves the problem of Conventional Example 1, Patent Document 2 proposes a rotary connector 900 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a rotary connector 900 disclosed in Patent Document 2 (conventional example 2). FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an arrangement state of each gear in the rotary connector 900 of Patent Document 2 (conventional example 2). A rotary connector 900 shown in FIG. 13 includes a fixed housing 901 fixed to a steering column portion (not shown), a movable housing 902 that rotates together with a handle (not shown), and an annular space formed between the fixed housing 901 and the movable housing 902. A flat cable 903 wound and housed in the unit, a rotating ring body 904 that supports the winding of the flat cable 903, and a planetary gear 911 that is rotatably supported by the rotating ring body 904 are configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower case 925 of the fixed housing 901 is provided with an internal gear 912, and the planetary gear 911 meshes with the internal gear 912. A sun gear 910 is attached to the upper rotor 930 of the movable housing 902 and is opposed to the internal gear 912 in the radial direction and meshed with the planetary gear 911. Accordingly, the sun gear 910 rotates with the rotation of the movable housing 902, and the planetary gear 911 rotates in the circumferential direction while rotating. Then, due to the rotation and revolution of the planetary gear 911, the rotating ring body 904 rotates on the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 926 of the lower case 925, and the flat cable 903 is accommodated so as to be wound and unwound and fixed. The housing 901 and the movable housing 902 are relatively rotatable.

  In addition, the rotary connector 900 of Conventional Example 2 configured as described above has a deformation in which at least one of the planetary gear 911, the internal gear 912, and the sun gear 910 has a plurality of gaps along the circumferential direction. An allowable portion 950 (951) is provided. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of each gear in the planetary gear mechanism of the rotary connector 900 of Patent Document 2 (conventional example 2), and FIG. 15 (a) is an enlarged plan view of a P portion shown in FIG. FIG. 15B is an enlarged plan view of an embodiment different from FIG. 15A.

  In the form shown in FIG. 15A, the planetary gear 911 and the sun gear 910 are provided with deformation allowing portions (950, 951) having a plurality of gap portions (950e, 951e). As a result, the planetary gear 911 and the sun gear 910 can be elastically deformed in the radial direction, so that the planetary gear 911, the other sun gear 910, and the internal gear 912 can be operated smoothly, and rattling. It is said that sound can be prevented. In FIG. 15A, the planetary gear 911 is elastically deformed in the radial direction.

  15B, the sun gear 910B and the internal gear 912B are provided with deformation allowing portions (950B, 952B) having a plurality of gaps (950g, 952g). Accordingly, the sun gear 910B and the internal gear 912B can be elastically deformed in the radial direction. Similarly, the planetary gear 911B, the other sun gear 910B, and the internal gear 912B can be smoothly operated. It is possible to prevent rattling noises.

JP-A-8-031536 JP 2012-209253 A

  However, when a deformation permission portion is provided in at least one of the internal gear 912 (912B) and the sun gear 910 (910B), the internal gear 912 (912B) and the sun gear 910 are equivalent to the space where the deformation permission portion is provided. There was a problem that the dimension in the radial direction of (910B) was increased. On the other hand, when the rotary connector is configured without increasing the radial dimension, the dimension between the internal gear 912 (912B) and the sun gear 910 (910B) needs to be narrowed. There is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the number of teeth of each gear and it is substantially difficult to obtain a desired gear ratio.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a rotary connector that can obtain a desired gear ratio even when a gear provided with a deformation allowing portion is present.

  In order to solve this problem, the rotary connector of the present invention includes an inner case having an inner cylindrical portion and an outer case having an outer cylindrical portion arranged outside the inner case, the centers of which are coaxial. A housing that is arranged so as to be relatively rotatable, and a flexible cable that is accommodated in an annular accommodating portion formed by the inner case and the outer case so as to be wound and unwound, A rotary connector comprising a first connector connected to one end of the flexible cable and a second connector connected to the other end of the flexible cable, the rotary connector being provided in the inner case. A sun gear, an internal gear provided on the outer case facing the sun gear, and disposed between the sun gear and the internal gear so as to mesh with the sun gear and the internal gear. Placed in A star gear, and at least one of the inner case and the outer case has a deformation allowing portion in which a plurality of gaps are formed along a circumferential direction of the sun gear and the internal gear, The planetary gear has a first tooth row and a second tooth row along a thickness direction, the first tooth row meshes with the sun gear, and the second tooth row meshes with the internal gear. The first tooth number of the first tooth row is different from the second tooth number of the second tooth row.

  According to this, the sun gear and the internal gear are arranged so that the radial dimension of the rotary connector is not increased even if a deformation allowing portion is provided in at least one of the inner case and the outer case. It is possible to reduce the dimension between the two facing each other. Since the first number of teeth of the first tooth row and the second number of teeth of the second tooth row are made different, the number of teeth of each gear can be easily adjusted and a desired gear ratio can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rotary connector that can obtain a desired gear ratio even when a gear provided with a deformation allowing portion is present.

  In the rotary connector of the present invention, the first diameter of the first tooth row and the second diameter of the second tooth row are different.

  According to this, when the first diameter of the first tooth row is large, a part of the first tooth row faces the internal gear, and when the second diameter of the second tooth row is large, The part comes to face the sun gear. For this reason, when the planetary gear rotates and revolves, even if the planetary gear tends to tilt in either direction, if the first diameter of the first tooth row is large, the internal gear or the second tooth row of the second tooth row When the two diameters are large, the tilting is regulated by the sun gear. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case and the outer case can be prevented, and rattling can be prevented even when vibration is applied to the rotary connector.

  In the rotary connector of the present invention, the first tooth row and the second tooth row are formed to overlap each other.

  According to this, in the planetary gear, the horizontal force received by meshing with the sun gear and the horizontal force received by meshing with the internal gear are substantially in the same plane. For this reason, compared with the structure of the prior art example 1, the inclination of the planetary gear shaft is reduced. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case and the outer case can be further prevented, and rattling can be further prevented when the rotary connector is subjected to vibration.

  In the rotary connector of the present invention, the inner case has the deformation allowing portion on the radially inner side of the sun gear.

  According to this, compared with the case where it does not have a deformation | transformation permission part, the dimension of the radial direction of a sun gear becomes large. For this reason, the number of teeth of the sun gear can be increased. As a result, the number of teeth of the sun gear and the number of teeth of the planetary gear can be adjusted more easily, and a desired gear ratio can be obtained.

In the rotary connector of the present invention, the gear ratio is Gr, the number of sun teeth of the sun gear is Za, the number of internal teeth of the internal gear is Zc, and the number of first teeth of the first tooth row is Z _1. , the second number of teeth of the second teeth when the Z _2,
Gr = Za × Z ₂ / (Za × Z ₂ + Zc × Z ₁ ),
It is characterized by being.

  According to this, by using this mathematical formula, even if the sun gear becomes larger or the internal gear becomes smaller, the gear ratio is easily calculated. This makes it possible to set an optimum gear ratio without increasing the outer shape of the rotary connector, and the rotary connector can be easily manufactured.

  In the rotary connector of the present invention, even when a deformation allowing portion is provided in at least one of the inner case and the outer case, the sun gear and the internal gear are opposed to each other so that the radial dimension of the rotary connector is not increased. The dimensions can be narrowed. Since the first number of teeth of the first tooth row and the second number of teeth of the second tooth row are made different, the number of teeth of each gear can be easily adjusted and a desired gear ratio can be obtained.

It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the rotation connector of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view explaining the rotation connector of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the rotation connector of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the rotation connector of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the bottom view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a side view seen from the X2 side shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5B is shown in FIG. It is the rear view seen from the Y2 side. It is a figure explaining the 1st outer case of the rotation connector of a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and Drawing 6 (a) is a perspective view seen from the Z1 side shown in Drawing 2, and Drawing 6 (b) It is the perspective view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. In the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a gear body provided with a sun gear, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the gear body. It is a top view of a gear body. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a planetary gear of the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 8A is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a bottom view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8C is a side view. It is a figure explaining the rotation connector of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a top view which abbreviate | omitted the 2nd inner case, the 2nd outer case, the cable support body, and the flexible cable in the top view shown in FIG. is there. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 10A is an enlarged plan view of a Q portion shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. It is the cross-sectional perspective view which looked at the cross section in the XX line shown to diagonally. It is a figure explaining the rotation connector of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is sectional drawing in the XI-XI line shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the electricity supply device 800 of Conventional Example 1. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the rotation connector 900 of the prior art example 2. FIG. In the rotary connector 900 of the prior art example 2, it is a top view showing the arrangement state of each gear. FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of each gear in the planetary gear mechanism of the rotary connector 900 of Conventional Example 2, and FIG. 15A is an enlarged plan view of a P portion shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. These are the enlarged plan views in embodiment different from FIG. 15 (a).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a rotary connector 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a bottom view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a side view seen from the X2 side shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view seen from the Y2 side shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rotary connector 101 of the first embodiment of the present invention has a cylindrical shape, an outer case R1 having an outer cylinder portion R1s, and an inner case K1 having an inner cylinder portion K1s. The housing 1 is formed by combining the above. The outer case R1 and the inner case K1 are arranged so that the centers thereof are coaxial, so that the outer case R1 and the inner case K1 are relatively rotatable. The rotary connector 101 includes a flexible cable FC that is housed in an annular housing portion formed by the housing 1, the outer case R1, and the inner case K1 so as to be wound and unwound, and the flexible cable FC. The first connector portion CN1 connected to one end of the flexible cable FC, and the second connector portion CN2 connected to the other end of the flexible cable FC. Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the planetary gear 51 (51A, 51B) and the gears of the inner case K1 for allowing the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 to rotate relatively. It has a body K91 and a cable support CS5 for winding the flexible cable FC.

  Moreover, since the rotary connector 101 of 1st Embodiment of this invention is applied to a motor vehicle, outer side case R1 is fixed to the vehicle main body side, the 2nd opening K21k of inner side case K1 is shown to Fig.5 (a). A steering (rotating operation tool) is inserted from the Z1 direction side shown in the Z2 direction (insertion direction ID). Then, the steering and the inner case K1 are engaged, and the inner case K1 rotates as the steering rotates.

  6 is a view for explaining the first outer case R11 of the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 (a) is a perspective view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. (B) is the perspective view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the planetary gear 51 (51A) of the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 (a) is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. FIG. 8B is a bottom view seen from the Z2 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 8C is a side view. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a gear body K91 provided with a sun gear K91g in the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the gear body K91. FIG. 7B is a plan view of the gear body K91. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the top view shown in FIG. 3, the first inner case K11, the second outer case R21, the cable support CS5, and the flexibility It is the top view which abbreviate | omitted the cable FC. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 (a) is an enlarged plan view of a Q portion shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. It is the cross-sectional perspective view which looked at the cross section in the XX line shown to 10 (a) from diagonally. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI shown in FIG.

  The outer case R1 of the housing 1 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first outer case R11 having a circular plate base R11b and upper and lower ends (Z direction shown in FIG. 1) The cylindrical second outer case R21 is opened (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first outer case R11 and the second outer case R21 are snap-coupled or the like. Are connected and integrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first outer case R11 of the outer case R1 has a circular plate base R11b that forms one cylindrical surface of the rotary connector 101 (the Z2 side shown in FIG. 5). ing. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first circular opening R11k has a first opening R11k at the center of the circular plate base R11b. When the rotary connector 101 is mounted on the vehicle, the first opening R11k is provided. The steering is inserted through the opening R11k. At this time, the shape of the first opening R11k is made larger than the outer shape of the steering.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first outer case R11 is provided with a fixing portion R11r extending from three locations on the outer periphery of the disc base R11b, and the fixing portion R11r is provided with a through hole R11h. It has been. Using this through hole R11h, the fixing portion R11r and the fixing portion (not shown) on the vehicle body side are engaged, and the outer case R1 is fixed to the fixing body.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the first outer case R11 is provided with a first connector portion CN1 connected to one end of the flexible cable FC, which is integrally formed with the first outer case R11. . Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a first terminal group T1 for electrical connection with a power source or an electronic device on the vehicle body side is embedded in the first connector portion CN1 by insert molding or the like. And is electrically connected to one end of the flexible cable FC.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first outer case R11 has an internal gear R11g formed on the outer peripheral end portion on one surface side (Z1 side shown in FIG. 2) of the disc base portion R11b. As shown in FIG. 9, planetary gears 51 (51A, 51B) are meshed with the internal gear R11g.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second outer case R21 of the outer case R1 has a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends (the Z direction shown in FIG. 1) open, as shown in FIGS. The cylindrical portion constitutes the cylindrical outer side surface of the rotary connector 101.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second outer case R21 has one end side of a cylindrical open end, specifically, one end side on the first outer case R11 side (Z2 side shown in FIG. 1). Further, a box-shaped support frame R21w extending from the one end is provided. When the first outer case R11 and the second outer case R21 are connected and integrated, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the first outer case R11 and the first outer case R11 are integrally formed. The box-shaped support frame R21w covers a part of the first connector portion CN1 thus formed. Thereby, even if extra force from the Y direction is applied to the first connector portion CN1, problems such as breakage can be prevented.

  The inner case K1 of the housing 1 is made of synthetic resin, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first inner case K11 having the flat base first base K11b and the flat base second shape K21b. And a gear body K91 sandwiched between the first inner case K11 and the second inner case K21.

  The first inner case K11 of the inner case K1 is formed with a cylindrical inner wall portion K11w extending downward (in the Z2 direction shown in FIG. 1) from the central circular opening of the first base K11b. In the second inner case K21 of the inner case K1, four upper hanging portions K21d extending from the second base K21b (in the Z1 direction shown in FIG. 1) are formed. When the rotary connector 101 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 2, the claw portion K11t and the hanging portion K21d formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner wall portion K11w are locked at four locations, The first inner case K11 and the second inner case K21 are connected and integrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first inner case K11 of the inner case K1 has a flat plate-shaped first base K11b having a circular opening at the center, and a lower side from the circular opening (Z2 direction shown in FIG. 1). And a cylindrical inner wall portion K11w extending in the direction. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the first base K11b constitutes the other cylindrical surface of the rotary connector 101 (Z1 side shown in FIG. 5), as shown in FIG. The cylindrical inner wall portion K11w constitutes the cylindrical inner side surface of the rotary connector 101. Thereby, when the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 are assembled, the first base K11b and the inner wall K11w of the first inner case K11 of the inner case K1, the disc base R11b of the first outer case R11, and An annular housing portion is formed by the second outer case R21.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first inner case K11 has a flexible cable FC on one surface side (the Z1 side shown in FIG. 2A) of the first base K11b having a circular plate shape. A second connector portion CN2 connected to the other end of the first inner case K11 is formed integrally with the first inner case K11. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a second terminal group T2 for electrical connection with a steering side switch or the like is embedded in the second connector portion CN2 by insert molding or the like. The other end of the cable FC is electrically connected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the second inner case K21 of the inner case K1 includes a flat plate-shaped second base portion K21b and an upper hanging portion extending upward (in the Z1 direction shown in FIG. 1) from the second base portion K21b. K21d and a cylindrical wall portion K21w. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second opening K21k is provided at the center of the second base K21b. When the rotary connector 101 is mounted on the vehicle, the second opening K21k has a second opening K21k. Steering is inserted. When the steering is inserted, the inner wall K11w of the first inner case K11 and the steering are engaged, and the inner case K1 rotates as the steering rotates.

  When the rotary connector 101 is assembled, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second inner case K21 is arranged so as to cover a part of the first opening R11k of the first outer case R11. Established.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the gear body K91 of the inner case K1 is formed in a circular ring shape, and is provided with a ring-shaped vehicle body base K91b and a sun gear provided facing the outer periphery of the vehicle body base K91b. K91g, and nine connecting portions K91j that connect the vehicle body base K91b and the sun gear K91g. Between the nine connecting portions K91j, there are nine gap portions K91c, and the gap portion K91c and the connecting portion K91j constitute a deformation allowing portion K91A. That is, the deformation allowing portion K91A is formed on the radially inner side of the sun gear K91g. Thereby, the dimension of the radial direction of the sun gear K91g becomes large. For this reason, the number of teeth of the sun gear K91g can be increased.

  Further, as described above, when the rotary connector 101 is assembled, the gear body K91 is sandwiched between the first inner case K11 and the second inner case K21 (see FIG. 11), and the first inner case K11. And the second inner case K21. And with the rotation of the inner case K1, the gear body K91 also rotates.

  The flexible cable FC electrically connects the first connector portion CN1 provided in the outer case R1 fixed to the vehicle body side and the second connector portion CN2 provided in the inner case K1 that rotates together with the steering. Connected.

  The flexible cable FC is a cable in which a plurality of conductor wires are covered with a flexible resin film, and is a flat cable having an elongated film shape as shown in FIG. Moreover, in the embodiment of the present invention, four flat cables are used and are wound around the cable support CS5 shown in FIG. 1 so as to be wound and unwound. The flexible cable FC is accommodated together with the cable support CS5 in the annular accommodating portion formed by the inner case K1 and the outer case R1.

  The outer case R1 and the inner case K1 are relatively rotatable with respect to the internal gear R11g provided in the first outer case R11 of the outer case R1 and the gear body K91 of the inner case K1. The planetary gear 51 is meshed with the sun gear K91g, the internal gear R11g, and the sun gear K91g.

  The planetary gear 51 includes two planetary gears 51 (51A and 51B) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, and is provided on the same axis as the ring-shaped gear base 51b as shown in FIG. The first shaft 51d formed over the entire circumference of the gear base 51b, the three shafts 51d extending in the radial direction and connecting the gear base 51b and the shaft 51d. And a second tooth row 51t.

  The planetary gear 51 is disposed between the sun gear K91g and the internal gear R11g as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the shaft 51d of the planetary gear 51 is connected to the cable support as shown in FIG. It is inserted into a support ring CS5r (see FIG. 1) of CS5 and is rotatably supported. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 10, the first tooth row 51s meshes with the sun gear K91g, and the second tooth row 51t meshes with the internal gear R11g.

  The first tooth row 51s and the second tooth row 51t of the planetary gear 51 are along the thickness direction, in other words, the axial direction of the shaft portion 51d (the Z direction shown in FIG. 8C), as shown in FIG. , Are formed in layers. Thereby, in the planetary gear 51, the horizontal force received by meshing with the sun gear K91g and the horizontal force received by meshing with the internal gear R11g are substantially in the same plane. For this reason, the inclination of the shaft of the planetary gear 51 is reduced as compared with the configuration of the first conventional example. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 can be further prevented, and rattling can be further prevented when the rotary connector 101 receives vibration.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the first diameter D1 of the first tooth row 51s and the second diameter D2 of the second tooth row 51t are different, and the first diameter D1 is the second diameter D2. It is getting bigger. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a part of the first tooth row 51s is opposed to the internal gear R11g. For this reason, when the planetary gear 51 rotates and revolves, even if the planetary gear 51 tilts in any direction, the tilting is regulated by the internal gear R11g. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 can be prevented, and rattling can be prevented even when the rotary connector 101 receives vibration.

  Further, the fact that the first diameter D1 of the first tooth row 51s is larger than the second diameter D2 of the second tooth row 51t also has an effect in assembly. This is because the planetary gear 51 is simply mounted from the Z1 direction (shown in FIG. 2) in the assembling work in which the second inner case K21, the first outer case R11, the gear body K91, and the planetary gear 51 are assembled in order. Thus, the second tooth row 51t can be meshed with the internal gear R11g, and the first tooth row 51s can be meshed with the sun gear K91g. As a result, the rotary connector 101 can be easily assembled, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, in a first number of teeth _{Z 1} is 22 in the first teeth 51 s, and the second number of teeth _{Z 2} of the second teeth 51t is a 19, the present invention of the rotary connector 101 is first number of teeth Z ₁ and the second number of teeth Z ₂ and have different configurations.

The planetary gear 51 configured as described above is disposed between the sun gear K91g and the internal gear R11g as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, and the first tooth as shown in FIGS. The row 51s meshes with the sun gear K91g, and the second tooth row 51t meshes with the internal gear R11g. Thereby, even if the deformation | transformation permission part K91A is provided in the gear body K91 of the inner side case K1, the dimension between the sun gear K91g and the internal gear R11g facing so that the dimension of the radial direction of the rotation connector 101 may not be enlarged. Can be narrowed. And, since as the first number of teeth of the first teeth 51 s Z ₁ different from the second number of teeth Z ₂ of the second tooth row 51t, can be easily the number of teeth of the adjustment of the gears, a desired transmission ratio Can be obtained.

In particular, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the following numerical formula (A) is used in order to appropriately match the rotation speed of each gear. Equation (A) is a gear ratio Gr, the number of sun teeth of the sun gear K91g Za, the number of internal teeth of teeth of the internal gear R11g Zc, the first number of teeth of the first teeth 51 s _{Z 1,} second tooth the second number of teeth of the row 51t when the _{Z 2,}
Gr = Za × Z ₂ / (Za × Z ₂ + Zc × Z ₁ ),
It is.

  Thereby, even if the sun gear K91g becomes large or the internal gear R11g becomes small, the transmission gear ratio Gr is easily calculated by the equation (A). This makes it possible to set the optimum gear ratio Gr without increasing the outer shape of the rotary connector 101.

  The effects of the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below.

  In the rotary connector 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the planetary gear 51 includes the first tooth row 51s and the second tooth row 51t along the thickness direction. The second tooth row 51t can be meshed with the internal gear R11g by meshing with K91g. For this reason, even if the deformation | transformation allowance part K91A is provided in the gear body K91 of the inner side case K1, the dimension between the sun gear K91g and the internal gear R11g facing so that the dimension of the radial direction of the rotation connector 101 may not be enlarged. Can be narrowed. Since the first number of teeth of the first tooth row 51s and the second number of teeth of the second tooth row 51t are different, the number of teeth of each gear can be easily adjusted, and a desired gear ratio can be obtained. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the rotary connector 101 that can obtain a desired gear ratio even when a gear provided with the deformation allowing portion K91A is present.

  Further, since the first diameter D1 of the first tooth row 51s is larger than the second diameter D2 of the second tooth row 51t, a part of the first tooth row 51s faces the internal gear R11g. For this reason, when the planetary gear 51 rotates and revolves, even if the planetary gear 51 tilts in any direction, the tilting is regulated by the internal gear R11g. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 can be prevented, and rattling can be prevented even when the rotary connector 101 receives vibration.

  Further, since the first tooth row 51s and the second tooth row 51t are formed so as to overlap each other, in the planetary gear 51, the horizontal force received by meshing with the sun gear K91g and the horizontal force received by meshing with the internal gear R11g are received. The force is almost in the same plane. For this reason, the inclination of the shaft of the planetary gear 51 is reduced as compared with the configuration of the first conventional example. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 can be further prevented, and rattling can be further prevented when the rotary connector 101 receives vibration.

  Moreover, since the deformation | transformation permission part K91A is provided in the radial inside of the sun gear K91g, the dimension of the radial direction of the sun gear K91g becomes large compared with the case where it does not have the deformation | transformation permission part K91A. For this reason, the number of teeth of the sun gear K91g can be increased. As a result, the number of teeth of the sun gear K91g and the number of teeth of the planetary gear 51 can be adjusted more easily, and a desired gear ratio can be obtained.

Further, by using this equation of Gr = Za × Z ₂ / (Za × Z ₂ + Zc × Z ₁ ), even if the sun gear K91g becomes larger or the internal gear R11g becomes smaller, the gear ratio Gr becomes this equation. It is easily calculated in (A). This makes it possible to set the optimum gear ratio Gr without enlarging the outer shape of the rotary connector 101, and the rotary connector can be easily manufactured.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, it can deform | transform and implement as follows, These embodiments also belong to the technical scope of this invention.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the gear member K91 of the inner case K1 is provided with the deformation allowing portion K91A. However, the first outer case R11 of the outer case R1 is directed along the circumferential direction of the internal gear R11g. The structure which provided the deformation | transformation permission part in which the several space part was formed may be sufficient. Moreover, the structure provided in both the gear body K91 and 1st outer side case R11 may be sufficient.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, the first diameter D1 of the first tooth row 51s is configured to be larger than the second diameter D2 of the second tooth row 51t. However, the second diameter D2 of the second tooth row 51t is The first tooth row 51s may be configured to be larger than the first diameter D1. In that case, a part of the second tooth row 51t comes to face the sun gear K91g, and when the planetary gear 51 rotates and revolves, the sun gear K91g This tilting is regulated. As a result, rattling during relative rotation of the inner case K1 and the outer case R1 can be prevented, and rattling can be prevented even when the rotary connector 101 receives vibration.

<Modification 3>
In the said 1st Embodiment, although comprised using the two planetary gears 51, it is not restricted to two.

<Modification 4>
In the first embodiment, the outer case R1 is preferably fixed to the vehicle main body side and the inner case K1 is engaged with the steering to rotate. However, the inner case K1 is fixed to the vehicle main body side and the outer case R1 is fixed to the outer side. The case R1 may be configured to rotate by engaging with the steering.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 51, 51A, 51B Planetary gear 51s 1st tooth row 51t 2nd tooth row D1 1st diameter D2 2nd diameter K1 Inner case K1s Inner cylinder part K91A Deformation allowance part K91c Air gap part K91g Sun gear R1 Outer case R1s Outer cylinder Part R11g Internal gear CN1 First connector part CN2 Second connector part FC Flexible cable Gr Gear ratio Za Number of sun teeth Zc Number of internal teeth Z ₁ First number of teeth Z ₂ Second number of teeth 101 Rotating connector

Claims (5)

An inner case having an inner cylinder part and an outer case having an outer cylinder part arranged outside the inner case are arranged so that their centers are coaxial, and are combined so as to be relatively rotatable. A housing;
A flexible cable accommodated in an annular accommodating portion formed by the inner case and the outer case so as to be wound and unwound; and
A first connector connected to one end of the flexible cable;
A rotary connector comprising a second connector connected to the other end of the flexible cable,
A sun gear provided in the inner case;
An internal gear provided on the outer case facing the sun gear;
A planetary gear disposed between the sun gear and the internal gear and disposed so as to mesh with the sun gear and the internal gear;
At least one of the inner case and the outer case has a deformation allowing portion in which a plurality of gaps are formed along the circumferential direction of the sun gear and the internal gear,
The planetary gear has a first tooth row and a second tooth row along the thickness direction,
The first tooth row meshes with the sun gear, the second tooth row meshes with the internal gear, and the first tooth number of the first tooth row and the second tooth number of the second tooth row are different. A rotary connector characterized by that.   The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein a first diameter of the first tooth row and a second diameter of the second tooth row are different.   The rotary connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first tooth row and the second tooth row are formed so as to overlap each other.   The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner case has the deformation allowing portion on a radially inner side of the sun gear. The gear ratio is Gr, the number of sun teeth of the sun gear is Za, the number of internal teeth of the internal gear is Zc, the first number of teeth of the first tooth row is Z ₁ , and the second number of second teeth is the second tooth row. the number of teeth in the case of the Z _2,
Gr = Za × Z ₂ / (Za × Z ₂ + Zc × Z ₁ )
The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotary connector is any one of the above.

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