JP3927480B2

JP3927480B2 - Rotating connector

Info

Publication number: JP3927480B2
Application number: JP2002307194A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 知章横林; 長雄黒田
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-22
Filing date: 2002-10-22
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-22
Also published as: JP2004146111A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、自動車等に備えられるステアリングホイール、車体間の電気的接続などに活用される回転コネクタに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
回転コネクタは、例えば回転体である自動車のステアリングホイールに備えられた電気装置と、固定体である車体に備えられた電気装置との間の電気的接続を可能にするものである。この回転コネクタは、ステアリングホイールによって回転駆動される可動体ハウジングと、車体側に固定される固定体ハウジングとを備えるとともに、可動体ハウジングと固定体ハウジングとの間に収納される電気ケーブル、光ファイバケーブル等の可撓性ケーブルを備えている。
【０００３】
この可撓性ケーブルの一端は可動体ハウジングに接続され、他端は固定体ハウジングに接続され、ステアリングホイールと一体に回転する可動体ハウジングの回転に伴って、可撓性ケーブルが巻き締められ、あるいは巻き戻される。この可撓性ケーブルを介して、ステアリングホイール側に固定される電気装置と、車体側に固定される電気装置とが電気的に接続可能になっている。
【０００４】
この種の回転コネクタとして、従来、可動体ハウジングが、互いに連結される上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材を備えるとともに、車体に生じる振動に伴う上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材相互間の離脱を防止する抜け止め機構を備えたものが提案されている。
【０００５】
この提案された従来技術は、上部ロータ部材が円筒部を備えるとともに、この円筒部の内周面から突出する係合部を備えている。また、下部ロータ部材が、上述の円筒部に挿入される円筒部を備えるとともに、この下部ロータ部材の円筒部が、上述の係合部と係合する上部壁を有する開口を備えている。
【０００６】
上述した上部ロータ部材側の係合部と、この係合部が係合する上部壁を有する開口との組み合わせは、上部ロータ部材の円筒部、下部ロータ部材の円筒部の周方向に複数組設けられている。
【０００７】
これらの複数組のうちのいくつかの組が、抜け止め機構を構成している。
【０００８】
この抜け止め機構は、上部ロータ部材側の係合部に形成される傾斜面と、下部ロータ部材側の開口の上部壁に形成される傾斜面とから成っている。係合部の傾斜面は、この係合部の上面を形成し、この上部ロータ部材の円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から先端に向かって徐々に上昇するように延設され、上部ロータ部材の円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する。開口の上部壁の傾斜面は、この上部壁の下面を形成し、下部ロータ部材の円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向って徐々に下降するように延設され、下部ロータ部材の円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成している。
【０００９】
上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材とのそれぞれが、互いに離れる方向に力を与えられたとき、上述した上部ロータ部材側の係合部に形成される傾斜面と、下部ロータ部材側の開口の上部壁に形成される傾斜面とが係合する。これによって、上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材の互いに離反する方向の動きが規制される。すなわち、抜け止めが防止される。
【００１０】
上述した上部ロータ部材に形成される係合部の傾斜面と、下部ロータ部材側の開口の上部壁に形成される傾斜面との間には、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材との組み込みを考慮して、比較的大きなクリアランスが設定されている。したがって、車体に生じる振動等に際し、このクリアランスによってガタツキを生じ、これに伴って異音の発生が懸念される。
【００１１】
このようなことから、この従来技術では、上述した係合部と開口との複数の組み合わせのうちの残りの組み合わせは、抜け止め機構を形成しない構成にしてある。
【００１２】
これらの組み合わせに属する上部ロータ部材側の係合部の上面は、その円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に沿う平坦面に形成してある。また、下部ロータ部材側の開口の上部壁の下面も、その円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に沿う平坦面に形成してある。したがって、これらの平坦面どうしが、係合するようになっている。この組み合わせの場合には、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材との組み込み時には、平坦面どうしを係合させるように組み込めばよいので、これらの平坦面間に形成されるクリアランスは、比較的小さく設定することができる。これにより、上述した抜け止め機構を構成する傾斜面間に形成せざるを得ない比較的大きなクリアランスに伴うガタツキ、これに伴う異音の発生を幾分かは抑制することができる（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【００１３】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−３０６６４９公報
（段落番号０００３，００２７〜００３３，００３８〜００４４、図
２〜４）
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述した従来技術では、上部ロータ部材側の係合部と、下部ロータ部材側の開口の上部壁との組み合わせのうちの特定の組み合わせを、それぞれの円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に延設される平坦面どうしとすることにより、これらの平坦面間のクリアランスを比較的小さくすることができ、大きなガタツキの抑制に貢献している。
【００１５】
しかしながら、小さなクリアランスにしても、平坦面間に、すなわち上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材間に隙間として存在しているので、車体に生じる振動に伴って微小なガタツキを生じ得る。これに伴って、異音の発生を完全には止めることができず、この回転コネクタの近傍にいる者、例えば自動車の運転手等に不快感を与える懸念があった。
【００１６】
本発明は、上述した従来技術における実状からなされたもので、その目的は、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材間のガタツキを確実に防止することができる回転コネクタを提供することにある。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明は、可動体ハウジングを形成し、互いに連結される上部ロータ部材及び下部ロータ部材を備え、前記上部ロータ部材及び前記下部ロータ部材の相互間の離脱を防止する抜け止め機構を備えるとともに、前記上部ロータ部材と前記下部ロータ部材とを互いに圧接する圧接機構を備え、前記上部ロータ部材が第１円筒部を備え、この第１円筒部の内周面から該第１円筒部の軸心へ向けて突出する第１係合部及び第２係合部を備えるとともに、前記下部ロータ部材が、前記第１円筒部に挿入される第２円筒部を備え、この第２円筒部が、前記第１係合部と係合する第１上部壁を有する第１開口、及び前記第２係合部と係合する第２上部壁を有する第２開口を備え、前記抜け止め機構が、前記第１係合部の上面を形成し、前記第１円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から前記第１係合部の先端に向って上昇するようにして延設されて、前記第１円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する第１傾斜面と、前記第１上部壁の下面を形成し、前記第２円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向かって下降するようにして延設されて、前記第２円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する第２傾斜面とから成り、前記圧接機構が、前記第２係合部の上面を形成し、前記第１円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から前記第１円筒部の軸心に略直交する方向に延設した平坦面と、前記第２上部壁の下面を形成し、前記第２円筒部の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向って上昇するようにして延設されて、前記第２円筒部の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する第３傾斜面とを有することを特徴としている。
【００１８】
このように構成した本発明は、抜け止め機構である上部ロータ部材側の第１係合部の第１傾斜面と、下部ロータ部材側の第１開口に備えられる第１上部壁の第２傾斜面との係合によって、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材間の離反する方向の動き、すなわち上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材相互間の抜け止めを防止することができる。さらに、圧接機構を形成する第２係合部の平坦面と、第２開口に備えられる第２上部壁の第３傾斜面とが、相互に圧接されることにより、上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材間のガタツキを確実に防止することができる。
【００１９】
また特に、圧接機構により上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材とが圧接されるので、この圧接機構が位置する上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材間の部分には隙間を生じることがない。したがって、振動等に伴う上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材間のガタツキも確実に防止することができる。
【００２０】
また本発明は、前記発明において、前記第１円筒部に形成される第１係合部と前記第１開口との組み合わせに隣接させて、前記第２係合部と前記第２開口との組み合わせを設けるとともに、これらの組み合わせを複合機構としたとき、前記第１円筒部及び前記第２円筒部の周方向に、前記複合機構を複数設けたことを特徴としている。
【００２１】
このように構成した本発明は、１つの複合機構が抜け止め機構と圧接機構を有するとともに、このような複合機構を複数設けたので、安定した構造を確保できる。
【００２２】
また本発明は、前記発明において、前記抜け止め機構及び前記圧接機構をそれぞれ複数設けたことを特徴としている。
【００２３】
このように構成した本発明は、複数の抜け止め機構によって、より確実に上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材相互間の抜け止めを防止できるとともに、複数の圧接機構によって、より確実に上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材相互間のガタツキを防止することができる。
【００２５】
また本発明は、前記発明において、前記上部ロータ部材と前記下部ロータ部材が連結されるとき、前記第２係合部及び前記第２開口が、前記第２係合部の上面と前記第２開口の第２上部壁の下面とが圧接されるように設けられることを特徴としている。
【００２７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下，本発明の回転コネクタの実施形態を図に基づいて説明する。
【００２８】
［基本構成］
図１は本発明の一実施形態を示す分解斜視図、図２は固定体ハウジングを形成するケーブル収納部及び下カバーに対して、可動体ハウジングを形成する上部ロータ部材及び下部ロータ部材を組み込んだ状態を示す平面図である。
【００２９】
本実施形態は、図１に示すように、例えば回転体であるステアリングホイールに固定される可動体ハウジングが、上部ロータ部材１と、この上部ロータ部材１に連結される下部ロータ部材１６を備えている。
【００３０】
上部ロータ部材１は、その下部に円筒部２（第１円筒部に相当する）を備えている。この円筒部２の内周面には、後述するように、内周面から突出する第１係合部３と第２係合部４とを設けてある。また、この上部ロータ部材１には、外部ケーブル接続部５を設けてある。
【００３１】
下部ロータ部材１６も、その上部に円筒部１７（第２円筒部に相当する）を備えている。この円筒部１７は、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６との連結時に、上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２内に収納されるようになっている。また、この円筒部１７には、後述するように、第１係合部３が挿入される第１開口１８、第２係合部４が挿入される第２開口１９を設けてある。
【００３２】
車体に固定される固定体ハウジングは、可撓性ケーブル９を収納するケーブル収納部６と、このケーブル収納部６の下方を覆う下カバー１２とを備えており、下カバー１２の係合部５０とケーブル収納部６の外周部下方に設けた爪部５１とをスナップ結合させることによって一体化されている。
【００３３】
ケーブル収納部６は、上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２が収納されるとともに、可撓性ケーブル９を反転させ、また、可撓性ケーブル９の径方向への移動を規制する複数のローラ１１を有する移動体１０が収納される孔７を備えている。可撓性ケーブル９の主要部は、ケーブル収納部６内において、上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２の外周面及びケーブル収納部６の内周面と、移動体１０のローラ１１との間に形成される空間内に配置される。
【００３４】
また、このケーブル収納部６の外周面には、後述するように、空洞部８ａを有する第１保持壁８を設けてある。
【００３５】
ケーブル収納部６の下方を覆う下カバー１２は、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７が挿通される孔１３を有している。すなわち、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７は、下カバー１２の孔１３内に挿入された後、移動体１０の中央部に形成された孔内に挿入され、その後、ケーブル収納部６の孔７内において上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２に連結される。
【００３６】
下カバー１２には、外部ケーブル接続部１５を設けてある。また、この下カバー１２の外周面には、後述するように、空洞部１４ａを有する第２保持壁１４を設けてある。
【００３７】
ケーブル収納部６内に収納された可撓性ケーブル９は、その一端が可動体ハウジングを形成する上部ロータ部材１に設けられる外部ケーブル接続部５に接続される。また、この可撓性ケーブル９の他端は、固定体ハウジングを形成する下カバー１２に設けられる外部ケーブル接続部１５に接続される。
【００３８】
上部ロータ部材１の外部ケーブル接続部５は、例えばステアリングホイールに設けられる電気装置にリード線を介して接続される。また、下カバー１２の外部ケーブル接続部１５は、車体に設けられる電気装置にリード線を介して接続される。
【００３９】
［ロック部材２１による仮固定、この仮固定の解除］
本実施形態を、例えば自動車に備えられるステアリング装置に組み付ける場合、その組み付けの以前にあっては、図２に示すように、可動体ハウジングと、固定体ハウジングとを回転中立位置に仮固定するロック部材２１が装着される。
【００４０】
図３は図２のＡ方向から見た要部拡大図、図４は図３のＢ−Ｂ断面図である。
【００４１】
上述したロック部材２１は、上部ロータ部材１に係止され、この上部ロータ部材１と、ケーブル収納部６および下カバー１２との仮固定が可能で、この仮固定の解除時には破断されるように形成されている。また、仮固定の解除時に、このロック部材２１の破断された残部が、ケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２との連結部材を形成するようになっている。
【００４２】
すなわち、図３，４に示すように、ロック部材２１は、上部ロータ部材１の上面に形成した凸部２０が挿入される穴２２を有し、この穴２２に凸部２０が挿入されることによって、ロック部材２１が上部ロータ部材１に係止される。
【００４３】
また、ロック部材２１は、指掛部２３を有するとともに、ケーブル収納部６の外周面に沿って垂下する腕部２４を有する。この腕部２４には切欠き２６を設けてあり、この切欠き２６に連設される腕部２４の部分が薄肉部２５を形成している。
【００４４】
さらに、ロック部材２１は、その腕部２４の下端に、前述した第１保持壁８の空洞部８ａ内、第２保持壁１４の空洞部１４ａ内に挿入されて、これらの第１保持壁８、第２保持壁１４に係止されるスナップ片２８を備えている。図３に示すように、スナップ片２８は、ケーブル収納部６に設けられる第１保持壁８の空洞部８ａに形成した係止部２９に係止される段部２７と、下カバー１２に設けられる第２保持壁１４の空洞部１４ａに形成した係止部３０に係止される段部２７ａとを備えている。なおスナップ片２８は、係止部２９に段部２７が圧接されると共に、係止部３０に段部２７ａが圧接されるように寸法が設定されるので、固定体ハウジングを構成するケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２との結合をさらに強固にすることができ、ケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２間に生じる微動を確実に防止できる。
【００４５】
なお、上述した切欠き２６は、図４に示すように、第１保持壁８の上方に位置する腕部２４の部分に設けてある。
【００４６】
上述のようにロック部材２１で仮固定した可動体ハウジング及び固定体ハウジングが、ステアリング装置に取り付けられる際には、図４に示す指掛部２３に指が掛けられ、同図４の矢印４１に示すように回動させることがおこなわれる。これにより、ロック部材２１は、切欠き２６において、すなわち薄肉部２５において破断される。したがって仮固定が解除され、固定体ハウジングに対して可動体ハウジングが回転自在となる。前述したように、可動体ハウジングはステアリングホイールに固定され、ステアリングホイールと一体に回転可能となる。また、固定体ハウジングは車体に固定される。
【００４７】
上述したロック部材２１の破断によって残された腕部２４の部分２４ａは、第１保持壁８の空洞部８ａ、第２保持壁１４の空洞部１４ａ内にそのまま残されて破断残部となる。この破断残部となっている腕部２４の部分２４ａが、ケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２とを連結する連結部材を形成している。
【００４８】
［抜け止め機構３１と圧接機構３６］
また本実施形態は、図２に示すように、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６の相互間の離脱を防止する抜け止め機構３１を備えるとともに、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６とを圧接する圧接機構３６を備えている。
【００４９】
１つの抜け止め機構３１と、その抜け止め機構３１に隣接させた１つの圧接機構３６とを１つの複合機構としたとき、上部ロータ部材１の周方向に対して、この複合機構を複数、例えば３つ設けてある。
【００５０】
以下、抜け止め機構３１と圧接機構３６について説明する。
【００５１】
図５は図２のＣ部の拡大側断面図、図６は図２のＤ部の拡大側断面図である。
【００５２】
上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６の相互間の離脱を防止する抜け止め機構３１は、図５に示す第１係合部３の傾斜面３２（第１傾斜面に相当する）と、第１開口１８の第１上部壁３３の傾斜面３４（第２傾斜面に相当する）とから成っている。
【００５３】
すなわち、この抜け止め機構３１は、上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２の内周面から突出する第１係合部３の上面を形成し、円筒部２の内周面側に位置する根元から先端に向かって徐々に上昇するように延設され、円筒部２の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する傾斜面３２を含んでいる。また、この抜け止め機構３１は、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７に形成した第１開口１８に形成される第１上部壁３３の下面を形成し、円筒部１７の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向って徐々に下降するように延設され、円筒部１７の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する傾斜面３４を含んでいる。
【００５４】
これらの傾斜面３２，３４を設けたことにより、上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６のそれぞれが、互いに離反する方向に動こうとする動作が規制される。すなわち、上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６相互間の抜け止めを防止することができる。
【００５５】
なお、上部ロータ部材１に設けられる第１係合部３の下面は、上面を形成する傾斜面３２よりも円筒部２の軸心に直交する方向に対し大きな鋭角をなす角度の傾斜面３５に設定してある。
【００５６】
また、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６とを圧接する圧接機構３６は、図６に示す第２係合部４の平坦面３９と、第２開口１９の第２上部壁３８の傾斜面３７（第３傾斜面に相当する）とから成っている。
【００５７】
すなわち、この圧接機構３６は、上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２の内周面から突出する第２係合部４の上面を形成し、円筒部２の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向って形成され、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６とが連結される以前にあっては、円筒部２の軸心に略直交する方向に延設した状態に保たれる平坦面３９を含んでいる。また、この圧接機構３６は、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７に形成した第２開口１９に形成される第２上部壁３８の下面を形成し、円筒部１７の内周面側に位置する根元から外周面に向かって徐々に上昇するように延設され、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７の軸心に直交する方向に対して鋭角を形成する傾斜面３７とを含んでいる。
【００５８】
上述のように、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６とが連結される以前にあっては、円筒部２の軸心に略直交する方向に延設される平坦面であった第２係合部４の上面が、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６との連結に際して変形する。すなわち、第２円筒部の傾斜面３７に、つまり外周面に向って徐々に上昇するように形成される傾斜面３７が乗り上げるようにして適宜変形し、これにより圧接機構３６が形成される。
【００５９】
なお、上部ロータ部材１に設けられる第２係合部４の下面は、例えば前述した第１係合部３の下面と同等の大きな角度の傾斜面４０に設定してある。
【００６０】
このように構成した本実施形態は、前述のように、ステアリングホイールに可動体ハウジングを固定し、車体に固定体ハウジングを固定した状態にあっては、ステアリングホイールの回転に伴って可撓性ケーブル９が巻き締められ、あるいは巻き戻される。これにより、ステアリングホイール側に設けられる電気装置、車体側に設けられる電気装置相互間の電気信号の伝達を、可撓性ケーブル９を介して良好におこなわせることができる。
【００６１】
また、本実施形態をステアリング装置に取り付ける以前では、ロック部材２１によって可動体ハウジングと固定体ハウジングとが回転中立位置に仮固定され、ステアリング装置に取り付ける際に、ロック部材２１が破断されて仮固定が解除される。これにより、ステアリングホイールの回転中立位置を基準にして、正・逆両方向にほぼ同量ずつ可動体ハウジングを回転可能に設定することができ、ステアリングホイールと車体間の電気信号の伝達を良好におこなわせることができる。
【００６２】
また本実施形態は、ロック部材２１による仮固定が解除された後には、ロック部材２１の破断残部がケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２との連結部材を形成することにより、これらのケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２とが上述の連結部材を介して一体構造物を形成する。すなわち、ロック部材２１の破断残部である腕部２４の切欠き２６よりも下方の部分２４ａが、ケーブル収納部６の第１保持壁８の空洞部８ａ内、及び下カバー１２の第２保持壁１４の空洞部１４ａ内に収納されて、これらのケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２とを一体に連結する連結部材を形成する。なおスナップ片２８は、係止部２９に段部２７が圧接されると共に、係止部３０に段部２７ａが圧接されるように寸法が設定されるので、固定体ハウジングを構成するケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２との結合をさらに強固にすることができ、車体に生じる振動等によってケーブル収納部６と下カバー１２間に生じる微動を確実に防止することができる。したがって、これらのケーブル収納部６、下カバー１２間の微動に伴う異音の発生を防止でき、本実施形態の近傍にいる者、例えば自動車の運転手等に対して異音による不快感を与えることがない。
【００６３】
また本実施形態は、ロック部材２１が、仮固定の解除時に破断を容易にさせる薄肉部２５を有している。すなわち、ロック部材２１の腕部２４に切欠き２６を設け、この切欠き２６に連設される腕部２４の部分を薄肉部２５に形成してある。これにより、ロック部材２１による仮固定の解除時には、薄肉部２５が破断され、容易にこの仮固定を解除でき、仮固定の解除作業を能率よくおこなうことができる。また、ロック部材２１の破断残部すなわち連結部材を形成する腕部２４の部分２４ａを容易に形成させることができる。
【００６４】
また本実施形態は、ロック部材２１に、上部ロータ部材１の上面に設けた凸部２０が挿入される穴２２を設けてある。このロック部材２１の穴２２に上部ロータ部材１の凸部２０を挿入させることにより、ロック部材２１を上部ロータ部材１に容易に係止させることができる。さらに、仮固定の解除時には、ロック部材２１の穴２２を凸部２０から容易に離脱させることができ、この仮固定の解除作業を能率よくおこなうことができる。
【００６５】
また本実施形態は、抜け止め機構によって、すなわち第１係合部３に設けた傾斜面３２と、第１開口１８の第１上部壁３３に設けた傾斜面３４とによって、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６間の離反する方向の動き、つまり抜け止めを防止することができる。また、圧接機構３６によって、すなわち、第２係合部４に設けた平坦面３９と、第２開口１９の第２上部壁３８に設けた傾斜面３７とにより、上部ロータ部材１と下部ロータ部材１６とが圧接されるので、この圧接機構３６が位置する上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６間の部分には隙間を生じることがない。したがって、振動等に伴う上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６間のガタツキも確実に防止することができ、これらの上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６間の微動に伴う異音の発生を防止でき、本実施形態の近傍にいる者、例えば自動車の運転手等に対して異音による不快感を与えることがない。
【００６６】
また本実施形態は、上述のように抜け止め機構３１、圧接機構３６をそれぞれ複数、例えば３つずつ設けてある。したがって、３つの抜け止め機構３１によって、より確実に上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６相互間の抜け止めを防止できる。また、３つの圧接機構３６によって、より確実に上部ロータ部材３１、下部ロータ部材３６相互間のガタツキを防止できる。すなわち、より精度の高い抜け止め防止と、ガタツキによる異音の発生防止とを実現できる。
【００６７】
また本実施形態は、１つの抜け止め機構３１に隣接させて１つの圧接機構３６を設け、これらの組み合わせを１つの複合機構としたとき、上述のように上部ロータ部材１の円筒部２、下部ロータ部材１６の円筒部１７の周方向に、上述の複合機構を複数、例えば３つ設けてある。したがって、上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６間の安定した抜け止め構造を実現できるとともに、上部ロータ部材１、下部ロータ部材１６間の微動防止構造を実現でき、装置の信頼性を向上させることができる。
【００６８】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明は、上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材の相互間の離脱を防止する抜け止め機構を備えるとともに、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材とを互いに圧接する圧接機構を備えた構成にしてある。
【００６９】
したがって、抜け止め機構である上部ロータ部材側の第１係合部の第１傾斜面と、下部ロータ部材側の第１開口に備えられる第１上部壁の第２傾斜面との係合によって、上部ロータ部材と下部ロータ部材間の離反する方向の動き、すなわち上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材相互間の抜け止めを防止することができる。さらに、圧接機構を形成する第２係合部の平坦面と、第２開口に備えられる第２上部壁の第３傾斜面とが、相互に圧接されることにより、上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材間のガタツキを確実に防止することができ、上部ロータ部材、下部ロータ部材間の微動に伴う異音の発生を防止でき、本発明の回転コネクタの近傍にいる者に対して従来生じがちであった異音による不快感を与えることがない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の回転コネクタの一実施形態を示す分解斜視図であるる
【図２】固定体ハウジングを形成するケーブル収納部及び下カバーに対して、可動体ハウジングを形成する上部ロータ部材及び下部ロータ部材を組み込んだ状態を示す平面図である。
【図３】図２のＡ方向から見た要部拡大図である。
【図４】図３のＢ−Ｂ断面図である。
【図５】図２のＣ部の拡大側断面図である。
【図６】図２のＤ部の拡大側断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１上部ロータ部材
２円筒部（第１円筒部）
３第１係合部
４第２係合部
５外部ケーブル接続部
６ケーブル収納部
７孔
８第１保持壁
８ａ空洞部
９可撓性ケーブル
１０移動体
１１ローラ
１２下カバー
１３孔
１４第２保持壁
１４ａ空洞部
１５外部ケーブル接続部
１６下部ロータ部材
１７円筒部（第２円筒部）
１８第１開口
１９第２開口
２０凸部
２１ロック部材
２２穴
２３指掛部
２４腕部
２４ａ部分（連結部材）
２５薄肉部
２６切欠き
２７段部
２８スナップ片
２９係止部
３０係止部
３１抜け止め機構
３２傾斜面（第１傾斜面）
３３第１上部壁
３４傾斜面（第２傾斜面）
３５傾斜面
３６圧接機構
３７傾斜面（第３傾斜面）
３８第２上部壁
３９平坦面[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rotary connector used for a steering wheel provided in an automobile or the like, an electrical connection between vehicle bodies, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The rotary connector enables, for example, an electrical connection between an electric device provided in a steering wheel of an automobile as a rotating body and an electric device provided in a vehicle body as a fixed body. The rotary connector includes a movable body housing that is rotationally driven by a steering wheel and a fixed body housing that is fixed to the vehicle body, and an electric cable and an optical fiber that are accommodated between the movable body housing and the fixed body housing A flexible cable such as a cable is provided.
[0003]
One end of the flexible cable is connected to the movable body housing, the other end is connected to the fixed body housing, and the flexible cable is tightened as the movable body housing rotates together with the steering wheel. Or it is rewound. Via this flexible cable, the electric device fixed to the steering wheel side and the electric device fixed to the vehicle body side can be electrically connected.
[0004]
As a rotary connector of this type, a movable body housing has conventionally been provided with an upper rotor member and a lower rotor member that are connected to each other, and a disconnection that prevents the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member from being separated from each other due to vibration generated in the vehicle body The thing provided with the stop mechanism is proposed.
[0005]
In the proposed prior art, the upper rotor member includes a cylindrical portion and an engaging portion that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. The lower rotor member includes a cylindrical portion that is inserted into the above-described cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion of the lower rotor member includes an opening having an upper wall that engages with the above-described engaging portion.
[0006]
A plurality of combinations of the engaging portion on the upper rotor member side and the opening having the upper wall with which the engaging portion engages are provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion of the upper rotor member and the cylindrical portion of the lower rotor member. It has been.
[0007]
Some of these plural sets constitute a retaining mechanism.
[0008]
This retaining mechanism includes an inclined surface formed in the engaging portion on the upper rotor member side and an inclined surface formed on the upper wall of the opening on the lower rotor member side. The inclined surface of the engaging portion forms the upper surface of the engaging portion, and extends so as to gradually rise from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion of the upper rotor member toward the tip. An acute angle is formed with respect to the direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion of the rotor member. The inclined surface of the upper wall of the opening forms the lower surface of the upper wall and extends so as to gradually descend from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion of the lower rotor member toward the outer peripheral surface. An acute angle is formed with respect to the direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion of the rotor member.
[0009]
When each of the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member is applied with a force in a direction away from each other, the inclined surface formed in the engaging portion on the upper rotor member side described above, and the upper wall of the opening on the lower rotor member side The inclined surface formed in the is engaged. As a result, the movement of the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member in the directions away from each other is restricted. That is, the retaining is prevented.
[0010]
Consider the incorporation of the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member between the inclined surface of the engaging portion formed on the upper rotor member described above and the inclined surface formed on the upper wall of the opening on the lower rotor member side. A relatively large clearance is set. Therefore, when the vibration or the like is generated in the vehicle body, the clearance causes rattling, and there is a concern that abnormal noise may be generated.
[0011]
For this reason, in this prior art, the remaining combination of the plurality of combinations of the engagement portion and the opening described above is configured not to form a retaining mechanism.
[0012]
The upper surface of the engaging portion on the upper rotor member side belonging to these combinations is formed as a flat surface along the direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion. Further, the lower surface of the upper wall of the opening on the lower rotor member side is also formed as a flat surface along a direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion. Accordingly, these flat surfaces are engaged with each other. In the case of this combination, when the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member are assembled, the flat surfaces need only be assembled so that the clearance formed between the flat surfaces is set to be relatively small. be able to. As a result, it is possible to somewhat suppress the occurrence of backlash associated with a relatively large clearance that must be formed between the inclined surfaces constituting the above-described retaining mechanism, and the generation of abnormal noise associated therewith (for example, patents). Reference 1).
[0013]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-306649 A
(Paragraph numbers 0003, 0027 to 0033, 0038 to 0044, figure
2-4)
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional technology, a specific combination of the combination of the engaging portion on the upper rotor member side and the upper wall of the opening on the lower rotor member side is extended in a direction orthogonal to the axis of each cylindrical portion. By using the flat surfaces that are formed, the clearance between these flat surfaces can be made relatively small, contributing to the suppression of large backlash.
[0015]
However, even if the clearance is small, there is a gap between the flat surfaces, that is, the gap between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member. Along with this, the generation of abnormal noise cannot be completely stopped, and there is a concern that a person in the vicinity of the rotary connector, for example, a driver of an automobile, may feel uncomfortable.
[0016]
The present invention has been made in accordance with the above-described prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rotary connector that can reliably prevent backlash between an upper rotor member and a lower rotor member.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an upper rotor member and a lower rotor member that form a movable body housing and are connected to each other,SaidUpper rotor memberAnd saidWith a retaining mechanism that prevents the lower rotor members from being separated from each other,SaidUpper rotor member andSaidA press-contact mechanism that presses the lower rotor member togetherThe upper rotor member includes a first cylindrical portion, and includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion toward the axial center of the first cylindrical portion. The lower rotor member includes a second cylindrical portion inserted into the first cylindrical portion, and the second cylindrical portion has a first opening having a first upper wall engaged with the first engaging portion, And a second opening having a second upper wall engaged with the second engaging portion, wherein the retaining mechanism forms an upper surface of the first engaging portion, and an inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion A first inclined surface that extends from a root located on the side toward the tip of the first engaging portion and forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the first cylindrical portion And forming a lower surface of the first upper wall so as to descend from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the second cylindrical portion toward the outer peripheral surface. And a second inclined surface that forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the second cylindrical portion, and the pressure contact mechanism forms an upper surface of the second engaging portion, and Forming a flat surface extending from a root located on the inner peripheral surface side of one cylindrical portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first cylindrical portion, and a lower surface of the second upper wall; A third inclined surface extending from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side toward the outer peripheral surface and forming an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the second cylindrical portion. HaveIt is characterized by that.
[0018]
  The present invention configured as described above has a retaining mechanism.By engaging the first inclined surface of the first engaging portion on the upper rotor member side and the second inclined surface of the first upper wall provided in the first opening on the lower rotor member side,Movement in the direction of separation between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member, i.e.It is possible to prevent the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member from coming off. Furthermore, the flat surface of the second engaging portion that forms the pressure contact mechanism and the third inclined surface of the second upper wall provided in the second opening are pressed against each other, so that the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member It is possible to reliably prevent backlash in the meantime.
[0019]
In particular, since the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member are pressed against each other by the press contact mechanism, there is no gap between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member where the press contact mechanism is located. Therefore, backlash between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member due to vibration or the like can be reliably prevented.
[0020]
  The present invention also providesSaidIn the invention,A combination of the second engagement portion and the second opening is provided adjacent to the combination of the first engagement portion and the first opening formed in the first cylindrical portion, and these combinations are combined. When a mechanism is used, a plurality of the composite mechanisms are provided in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.It is characterized by that.
[0021]
  In the present invention configured as described above, since one composite mechanism has a retaining mechanism and a pressure contact mechanism and a plurality of such composite mechanisms are provided, a stable structure can be secured.
[0022]
  The present invention also providesSaidIn the invention,A plurality of the retaining mechanism and the pressure contact mechanism are provided.It is characterized by that.
[0023]
  The present invention configured as described above can more reliably prevent the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member from coming off between each other by the plurality of retaining mechanisms, and more reliably the upper rotor member and the lower rotor by the plurality of pressure contact mechanisms. The backlash between the rotor members can be prevented.
[0025]
  The present invention also providesSaidIn the invention,When the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member are connected, the second engagement portion and the second opening are formed by an upper surface of the second engagement portion and a lower surface of the second upper wall of the second opening. Provided to be pressedIt is characterized by that.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the rotary connector of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
[Basic configuration]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an assembly of an upper rotor member and a lower rotor member forming a movable body housing with respect to a cable housing portion and a lower cover forming a stationary body housing. It is a top view which shows a state.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a movable body housing fixed to a steering wheel that is a rotating body includes an upper rotor member 1 and a lower rotor member 16 connected to the upper rotor member 1. Yes.
[0030]
  The upper rotor member 1 has a cylindrical portion 2 at the lower portion thereof.(Corresponds to the first cylindrical part)It has. As will be described later, a first engaging portion 3 and a second engaging portion 4 projecting from the inner peripheral surface are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2. The upper rotor member 1 is provided with an external cable connecting portion 5.
[0031]
  The lower rotor member 16 also has a cylindrical portion 17 at the upper portion thereof.(Corresponds to the second cylindrical part)It has. The cylindrical portion 17 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1 when the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 are connected. Further, the cylindrical portion 17 is provided with a first opening 18 into which the first engaging portion 3 is inserted and a second opening 19 into which the second engaging portion 4 is inserted, as will be described later.
[0032]
The fixed body housing fixed to the vehicle body includes a cable housing portion 6 that houses the flexible cable 9 and a lower cover 12 that covers a lower portion of the cable housing portion 6. An engaging portion 50 of the lower cover 12 is provided. And the claw portion 51 provided below the outer peripheral portion of the cable housing portion 6 are integrated by snap-coupling.
[0033]
The cable storage unit 6 stores the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1, reverses the flexible cable 9, and includes a plurality of rollers 11 that regulate the movement of the flexible cable 9 in the radial direction. The moving body 10 having the hole 7 is provided. The main portion of the flexible cable 9 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 6 and the roller 11 of the movable body 10 in the cable storage portion 6. Placed in the space to be.
[0034]
Moreover, the 1st holding wall 8 which has the cavity 8a is provided in the outer peripheral surface of this cable storage part 6 so that it may mention later.
[0035]
The lower cover 12 that covers the lower portion of the cable housing portion 6 has a hole 13 through which the cylindrical portion 17 of the lower rotor member 16 is inserted. That is, the cylindrical portion 17 of the lower rotor member 16 is inserted into the hole 13 formed in the central portion of the movable body 10 after being inserted into the hole 13 of the lower cover 12, and then the hole 7 of the cable housing portion 6. It is connected to the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1 inside.
[0036]
The lower cover 12 is provided with an external cable connecting portion 15. Moreover, the 2nd holding wall 14 which has the cavity part 14a is provided in the outer peripheral surface of this lower cover 12 so that it may mention later.
[0037]
One end of the flexible cable 9 housed in the cable housing portion 6 is connected to the external cable connection portion 5 provided in the upper rotor member 1 forming the movable body housing. The other end of the flexible cable 9 is connected to an external cable connection portion 15 provided on the lower cover 12 that forms the fixed body housing.
[0038]
The external cable connection portion 5 of the upper rotor member 1 is connected to an electric device provided on, for example, a steering wheel via a lead wire. Further, the external cable connection portion 15 of the lower cover 12 is connected to an electric device provided on the vehicle body via a lead wire.
[0039]
[Temporary fixing by the lock member 21, release of this temporary fixing]
When the present embodiment is assembled to a steering device provided in an automobile, for example, before the assembly, as shown in FIG. 2, a lock that temporarily fixes the movable body housing and the fixed body housing to the rotation neutral position. The member 21 is attached.
[0040]
3 is an enlarged view of a main part viewed from the direction A in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
[0041]
The above-described lock member 21 is locked to the upper rotor member 1 so that the upper rotor member 1 can be temporarily fixed to the cable storage portion 6 and the lower cover 12, and is broken when the temporary fixing is released. Is formed. Further, when the temporary fixing is released, the broken remaining portion of the lock member 21 forms a connecting member between the cable housing portion 6 and the lower cover 12.
[0042]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lock member 21 has a hole 22 into which the convex portion 20 formed on the upper surface of the upper rotor member 1 is inserted, and the convex portion 20 is inserted into the hole 22. Thus, the lock member 21 is locked to the upper rotor member 1.
[0043]
Further, the lock member 21 has a finger hook portion 23 and an arm portion 24 that hangs down along the outer peripheral surface of the cable storage portion 6. The arm portion 24 is provided with a notch 26, and a portion of the arm portion 24 provided continuously to the notch 26 forms a thin portion 25.
[0044]
Further, the locking member 21 is inserted into the lower end of the arm portion 24 in the cavity portion 8 a of the first holding wall 8 and the cavity portion 14 a of the second holding wall 14 described above, and these first holding walls 8. , A snap piece 28 that is locked to the second holding wall 14 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the snap piece 28 is provided in the lower cover 12 and the step portion 27 that is locked to the locking portion 29 formed in the cavity portion 8 a of the first holding wall 8 provided in the cable housing portion 6. And a stepped portion 27a that is locked to the locking portion 30 formed in the hollow portion 14a of the second holding wall 14. The snap piece 28 is dimensioned so that the stepped portion 27 is pressed against the locking portion 29 and the stepped portion 27a is pressed against the locking portion 30, so that the cable housing portion constituting the fixed body housing is set. The connection between the cable 6 and the lower cover 12 can be further strengthened, and the fine movement that occurs between the cable housing portion 6 and the lower cover 12 can be reliably prevented.
[0045]
In addition, the notch 26 mentioned above is provided in the part of the arm part 24 located above the 1st holding wall 8, as shown in FIG.
[0046]
When the movable body housing and the fixed body housing temporarily fixed by the lock member 21 as described above are attached to the steering device, the finger is hooked on the finger hook portion 23 shown in FIG. Rotation is performed as shown. Thereby, the lock member 21 is broken at the notch 26, that is, at the thin portion 25. Accordingly, the temporary fixing is released, and the movable body housing is rotatable with respect to the fixed body housing. As described above, the movable body housing is fixed to the steering wheel and can rotate integrally with the steering wheel. The fixed body housing is fixed to the vehicle body.
[0047]
The portion 24a of the arm portion 24 left by the breakage of the lock member 21 described above is left as it is in the cavity portion 8a of the first holding wall 8 and the cavity portion 14a of the second holding wall 14 to become a breakage remaining portion. The portion 24 a of the arm portion 24 that is the remaining break portion forms a connecting member that connects the cable housing portion 6 and the lower cover 12.
[0048]
[Retaining mechanism 31 and pressure contact mechanism 36]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the present embodiment includes a retaining mechanism 31 that prevents the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 from being separated from each other, and press-contacts the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16. A pressure contact mechanism 36 is provided.
[0049]
When one retaining mechanism 31 and one press contact mechanism 36 adjacent to the retaining mechanism 31 are combined into one combined mechanism, a plurality of such combined mechanisms are provided in the circumferential direction of the upper rotor member 1, for example, There are three.
[0050]
Hereinafter, the retaining mechanism 31 and the pressure contact mechanism 36 will be described.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion C in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion D in FIG.
[0052]
  The retaining mechanism 31 for preventing the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 from being separated from each other is an inclined surface 32 of the first engaging portion 3 shown in FIG.(Corresponds to the first inclined surface)And the inclined surface 34 of the first upper wall 33 of the first opening 18.(Corresponds to the second inclined surface)It consists of.
[0053]
That is, the retaining mechanism 31 forms the upper surface of the first engaging portion 3 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1, and has a tip from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 2. It includes an inclined surface 32 that extends so as to gradually rise toward the direction and forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion 2. The retaining mechanism 31 forms a lower surface of the first upper wall 33 formed in the first opening 18 formed in the cylindrical portion 17 of the lower rotor member 16 and is located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 17. It includes an inclined surface 34 that extends so as to gradually descend from the root toward the outer peripheral surface and forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the cylindrical portion 17.
[0054]
By providing these inclined surfaces 32 and 34, the operation of the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 to move in directions away from each other is restricted. That is, it is possible to prevent the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 from coming off.
[0055]
  Note that the lower surface of the first engaging portion 3 provided in the upper rotor member 1 is a cylindrical portion rather than the inclined surface 32 that forms the upper surface.2The inclined surface 35 is set to have a large acute angle with respect to the direction orthogonal to the axis.
[0056]
  Further, the press-contact mechanism 36 that press-contacts the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 is provided in the second engaging portion 4 shown in FIG.Flat surface 39And the second upper wall 38 of the second opening 19Inclined surface 37 (corresponding to the third inclined surface)It consists of.
[0057]
  That is, the pressure contact mechanism 36 forms the upper surface of the second engaging portion 4 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 2 of the upper rotor member 1, and starts from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 2.Outer peripheral surfaceTowardsFormationAndBefore the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 are connected, a flat surface 39 that is maintained in a state extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion 2.Is included. Further, the pressure contact mechanism 36 forms a lower surface of the second upper wall 38 formed in the second opening 19 formed in the cylindrical portion 17 of the lower rotor member 16, and is a root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the cylindrical portion 17. FromOuter peripheral surfaceTowardsExtend to gradually riseIs, Of the lower rotor member 16An acute angle is formed with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion 17.Inclined surface 37Including.
[0058]
  As described above, before the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 are connected, the cylindrical portion2Is a flat surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis ofTsuTheUpper surface of the second engaging portion 4However, the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 are deformed when connected. That is,Second cylindrical partOn the inclined surface 37 ofOn the outer surfaceGradually towardRiseAn inclined surface 37 formed toButThe pressure contact mechanism 36 is formed as a result of deformation as required.
[0059]
The lower surface of the second engagement portion 4 provided in the upper rotor member 1 is set to an inclined surface 40 having a large angle equivalent to the lower surface of the first engagement portion 3 described above, for example.
[0060]
In this embodiment configured as described above, as described above, in the state in which the movable body housing is fixed to the steering wheel and the fixed body housing is fixed to the vehicle body, the flexible cable is accompanied with the rotation of the steering wheel. 9 is tightened or unwound. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily transmit the electric signal between the electric device provided on the steering wheel side and the electric device provided on the vehicle body side via the flexible cable 9.
[0061]
Further, before the present embodiment is attached to the steering device, the movable body housing and the fixed body housing are temporarily fixed to the rotation neutral position by the lock member 21. When the embodiment is attached to the steering device, the lock member 21 is broken and temporarily fixed. Is released. As a result, the movable body housing can be set to be rotatable by approximately the same amount in both the forward and reverse directions with reference to the rotational neutral position of the steering wheel, and electrical signals can be transmitted between the steering wheel and the vehicle body. Can be made.
[0062]
Further, in the present embodiment, after the temporary fixing by the lock member 21 is released, the breakage remaining portion of the lock member 21 forms a connecting member between the cable storage portion 6 and the lower cover 12, so that these cable storage portions 6 And the lower cover 12 form an integral structure via the connecting member. That is, the portion 24 a below the notch 26 of the arm portion 24, which is the breakage remaining portion of the lock member 21, is in the cavity portion 8 a of the first holding wall 8 of the cable housing portion 6 and the second holding wall of the lower cover 12. 14 is housed in the cavity portion 14a, and a connecting member for integrally connecting the cable housing portion 6 and the lower cover 12 is formed. The snap piece 28 is dimensioned so that the stepped portion 27 is pressed against the locking portion 29 and the stepped portion 27a is pressed against the locking portion 30, so that the cable housing portion constituting the fixed body housing is set. 6 and the lower cover 12 can be further strengthened, and fine movement generated between the cable housing portion 6 and the lower cover 12 due to vibration generated in the vehicle body can be reliably prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise due to the fine movement between the cable storage unit 6 and the lower cover 12, and to give an unpleasant feeling due to the noise to a person in the vicinity of the present embodiment, for example, a driver of a car. There is nothing.
[0063]
In the present embodiment, the lock member 21 has a thin portion 25 that facilitates breaking when the temporary fixation is released. That is, a notch 26 is provided in the arm portion 24 of the lock member 21, and the portion of the arm portion 24 that is connected to the notch 26 is formed in the thin portion 25. As a result, when the temporary fixing by the lock member 21 is released, the thin portion 25 is broken, the temporary fixing can be easily released, and the temporary fixing releasing operation can be performed efficiently. Moreover, the fracture | rupture remainder of the lock member 21, ie, the part 24a of the arm part 24 which forms a connection member, can be formed easily.
[0064]
In the present embodiment, the lock member 21 is provided with a hole 22 into which the convex portion 20 provided on the upper surface of the upper rotor member 1 is inserted. By inserting the convex portion 20 of the upper rotor member 1 into the hole 22 of the lock member 21, the lock member 21 can be easily locked to the upper rotor member 1. Furthermore, when releasing the temporary fixing, the hole 22 of the lock member 21 can be easily detached from the convex portion 20, and the temporary fixing releasing operation can be performed efficiently.
[0065]
  Further, in the present embodiment, the upper rotor member 1 is connected to the upper rotor member 1 by the retaining mechanism, that is, the inclined surface 32 provided in the first engaging portion 3 and the inclined surface 34 provided in the first upper wall 33 of the first opening 18. It is possible to prevent the movement of the lower rotor member 16 in the separating direction, that is, the retaining. Further, it is provided by the pressure contact mechanism 36, that is, in the second engagement portion 4.Flat surface 39And provided on the second upper wall 38 of the second opening 19.Inclined surface 37As a result, the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 are pressed against each other, so that no gap is generated in the portion between the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 where the pressing mechanism 36 is located. Therefore, rattling between the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 due to vibration or the like can be reliably prevented, and generation of abnormal noise due to fine movement between the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 can be prevented. The person in the vicinity of the present embodiment, for example, the driver of a car or the like, does not feel uncomfortable due to abnormal noise.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of, for example, three, each of the retaining mechanisms 31 and the pressure contact mechanisms 36 are provided. Therefore, the three retaining mechanisms 31 can more reliably prevent the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 from being detached. Further, the three pressure contact mechanisms 36 can more reliably prevent backlash between the upper rotor member 31 and the lower rotor member 36. In other words, it is possible to achieve more accurate prevention of slipping out and prevention of abnormal noise due to rattling.
[0067]
Further, in the present embodiment, when one pressing mechanism 36 is provided adjacent to one retaining mechanism 31 and the combination thereof is one composite mechanism, the cylindrical portion 2 and the lower portion of the upper rotor member 1 as described above. In the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 17 of the rotor member 16, a plurality of, for example, three composite mechanisms are provided. Accordingly, a stable retaining structure between the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 can be realized, and a fine movement preventing structure between the upper rotor member 1 and the lower rotor member 16 can be realized, thereby improving the reliability of the apparatus. it can.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention includes a retaining mechanism that prevents the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member from being separated from each other, and a pressure contact mechanism that presses the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member together. is there.
[0069]
  Therefore, the retaining mechanismBy engaging the first inclined surface of the first engaging portion on the upper rotor member side and the second inclined surface of the first upper wall provided in the first opening on the lower rotor member side,Movement in the direction of separation between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member, i.e.It is possible to prevent the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member from coming off. Furthermore, the flat surface of the second engaging portion that forms the pressure contact mechanism and the third inclined surface of the second upper wall provided in the second opening are pressed against each other, so that the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member Can be surely preventedIn addition, it is possible to prevent the generation of noise due to the fine movement between the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member, and it does not give discomfort due to the noise that has been apt to occur in the past to the person in the vicinity of the rotary connector of the present invention. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a rotary connector of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which an upper rotor member and a lower rotor member forming a movable body housing are incorporated into a cable housing portion and a lower cover that form a fixed body housing.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part when viewed from the direction A in FIG. 2;
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion C in FIG. 2;
6 is an enlarged side sectional view of a portion D in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Upper rotor member
2 Cylindrical part(First cylindrical part)
3 First engaging portion
4 Second engaging part
5 External cable connection
6 Cable storage
7 holes
8 First retaining wall
8a Cavity
9 Flexible cable
10 Mobile
11 Laura
12 Lower cover
13 holes
14 Second retaining wall
14a Cavity
15 External cable connection
16 Lower rotor member
17 Cylindrical part(Second cylindrical part)
18 First opening
19 Second opening
20 Convex
21 Locking member
22 holes
23 Finger hook
24 arms
24a part (connecting member)
25 Thin section
26 Notch
27 steps
28 Snap pieces
29 Locking part
30 Locking part
31 Retaining mechanism
32 Inclined surface(First inclined surface)
33 First upper wall
34 Inclined surface(Second inclined surface)
35 Inclined surface
36 Pressure welding mechanism
37 Inclined surface(Third inclined surface)
38 Second upper wall
39 flat surface

Claims

Forming a movable body housing comprises an upper rotor member and the lower rotor member are coupled to each other, provided with a retaining mechanism to prevent separation between each other the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member, and the upper rotor member comprising a pressing mechanism for pressing the said lower rotor members together,
The upper rotor member includes a first cylindrical portion, and includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion toward the axis of the first cylindrical portion,
The lower rotor member includes a second cylindrical portion inserted into the first cylindrical portion, the second cylindrical portion having a first opening having a first upper wall engaged with the first engaging portion; and A second opening having a second upper wall engaged with the second engaging portion;
The retaining mechanism is
Forming an upper surface of the first engaging portion, and extending from a root located on an inner peripheral surface side of the first cylindrical portion toward a tip of the first engaging portion; A first inclined surface that forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to the axis of one cylindrical portion;
The lower surface of the first upper wall is formed, and is extended so as to descend from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the second cylindrical portion toward the outer peripheral surface. A second inclined surface forming an acute angle with respect to the orthogonal direction,
The pressure contact mechanism is
Forming a top surface of the second engagement portion, and a flat surface extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first cylindrical portion from a root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the first cylindrical portion;
Forming a lower surface of the second upper wall and extending so as to rise from the root located on the inner peripheral surface side of the second cylindrical portion toward the outer peripheral surface; A rotary connector having a third inclined surface that forms an acute angle with respect to a direction orthogonal to each other .

In the invention of 請 Motomeko 1,
And adjacent to the combination of the first opening and the first engagement portion formed in the first cylindrical portion, provided with a combination of the second opening and the second engaging portion,
A rotary connector characterized in that when the combination is a composite mechanism, a plurality of the composite mechanisms are provided in the circumferential direction of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

In the invention of 請 Motomeko 1,
A rotary connector comprising a plurality of the retaining mechanisms and the press contact mechanisms.

In the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the upper rotor member and the lower rotor member are connected, the second engagement portion and the second opening are formed by an upper surface of the second engagement portion and a lower surface of the second upper wall of the second opening. A rotary connector provided so as to be pressed .