JP4956406B2 - Rotating connector device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary connector device, and more particularly, to a rotary connector device used for simultaneously transmitting a signal such as an electric signal or an optical signal, or these signals and power between a rotating body and a fixed body.

  The rotary connector device is disposed between a rotary body and a fixed body that supports the rotary body, and is used when, for example, the rotary body and the fixed body are electrically connected. When the rotary connector device is used in, for example, an automobile, the rotary connector device transmits an electrical signal from the vehicle body side of the automobile to an airbag system or the like equipped on the steering. In this case, the rotating body is a steering, and the fixed body is a member on the vehicle body side.

  As described above, the rotary connector device used in an automobile usually has, for example, an outer case as a fixed part and an inner case as a movable part. The inner case is rotatably installed relative to the outer case inside the outer case. An annular cable housing portion is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer case and the outer peripheral surface of the inner case. In the cable storage portion between the inner case and the outer case, a flat cable folded back in a substantially U shape is stored.

  By the way, when the rotary connector device is used, dust such as dust may be mixed inside the outer case and the inner case. When the inner case is rotated relative to the outer case in a state where dust is mixed in the rotary connector device, and the flat cable is repeatedly swung in the cable housing portion, it is almost the same as the spacer in the cable housing portion. Dust enters between the flat cable folded back into a U-shape. For this reason, wear of the flat cable is promoted due to the presence of dust, and the flat cable is likely to be disconnected, and the rotary connector device may not be able to transmit signals or transmit power.

Related techniques for preventing dust from entering the inside of the rotary connector device are disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.
Patent Document 1 discloses that dust that has entered the cable housing space from the outside enters the recess immediately after entering, and is prevented from entering between the relative rotating parts without reducing the gap. ing.
In Patent Document 2, by providing two concentric annular ribs, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the flat cable housing chamber from the sliding gap between the movable body and the fixed body, thereby reducing the number of parts and the work. It is disclosed that dust-proof measures are taken without increasing the number of man-hours.
(For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-142345 A JP 2003-59610 A

  However, in the dust-proof technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rotary connector device has to incorporate a guide ring that forms a recess, and the structure of the rotary connector device becomes complicated and an increase in size is inevitable. . Moreover, in the dust-proof technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, since it is necessary to provide two concentric annular ribs over the entire circumference, the structure of the rotary connector device becomes complicated and an increase in size cannot be avoided.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is configured such that the inner case rotates relative to the outer case in a state where dust such as sand is mixed in the rotary connector device, so that the flat cable is placed in the cable housing portion. An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary connector device that can prevent the flat cable from being worn by dust even if it is swung, and can prevent the flat cable from being disconnected, and can simplify the structure while avoiding an increase in size. And

In order to solve the above problems, the rotary connector device of the present invention includes an outer case,
An inner case disposed inside the outer case and rotatable relative to the outer case;
A flat cable having a folded portion disposed in a cable housing portion formed between the outer case and the inner case and folded back in a U shape;
A spacer disposed in the cable housing;
A pushing member provided on the spacer so that the folded portion of the flat cable pushes the spacer inside the cable housing portion when the outer case and the inner case rotate relatively; ,
The pushing member has a dust collecting part that collects dust that has entered between the pushing member and the folded portion of the flat cable,
The contact portion of the dust collecting portion that contacts the folded portion of the flat cable has a curved surface that smoothly contacts the curved surface of the folded portion of the flat cable,
The contact portion of the dust collecting portion is formed with a concave shape portion for taking in the dust attached to the flat cable.

  The rotary connector device according to the present invention is preferably characterized in that a plurality of the concave-shaped portions are formed in the contact portion of the dust collecting portion.

  In the rotary connector device according to the present invention, preferably, the concave shape portion is formed with a hole portion for taking out the taken-in dust from the cable housing portion to the outside of the cable housing portion.

  In the rotary connector device according to the present invention, preferably, the annular spacer is disposed in the cable housing portion, and the dust passes from the inside of the cable housing portion to the outside of the spacer through the hole portion of the concave shape portion. It is characterized by being discharged.

  According to the rotary connector device of the present invention, the flat cable swings in the cable housing portion by rotating the inner case relative to the outer case in a state where dust such as sand is mixed in the rotary connector device. Even so, the flat cable can be prevented from being worn by dust and the flat cable can be prevented from being disconnected, and the structure can be simplified while avoiding an increase in size.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a preferred embodiment of the rotary connector device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rotary connector device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1 from another angle.

  The rotary connector device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is incorporated, for example, in a steering device of an automobile and used to electrically connect the steering side (rotating body side) and the vehicle body side (fixed body side). Can do. More specifically, the rotary connector device 10 electrically connects, for example, a steering side airbag and a vehicle body side control unit, and supplies an operation control signal to the airbag.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 10 includes an outer case 11, an inner case 12, an annular spacer 13, five guide rollers 45, one reversing roller 45R, and one flat cable 15. And a plurality of guide members 46 and a pushing member 90.

  An outer case 11 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes an annular outer cylindrical body, and is fixed to, for example, a vehicle body side of an automobile, which is a stator (fixed part) side. The outer case 11 is formed in an annular shape around the central axis C, and has an outer holding wall portion 21, an inner holding wall portion 24, and an annular bottom plate 23, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 21 and 24 are connected and fixed. The inner holding wall portion 24 has a hollow portion 22.

  The outer holding wall portion 21 has an inner peripheral wall 21a for pressing the first portion 15B of the flat cable 15. The outer holding wall portion 21 and the inner holding wall portion 24 are continuously formed over the entire circumference concentrically around the central axis C. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the formation height H1 in the direction of the central axis C of the outer holding wall portions 21 and 23 is larger than the formation height H2 of the inner holding wall portion 24 in the direction of the central axis C. Is set.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inner case 12 forms an inner cylinder, and the inner case 12 is connected to the outer case 11 so as to be relatively rotatable about a central axis C. The inner case 12 is fixed to a steering side of an automobile, for example, which is a rotator (rotating part) side. The inner case 12 has a cylindrical portion 31 and a top plate (not shown). The cylindrical portion 31 is fitted in a state in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner holding wall portion 24, and the cylindrical portion 31 and the inner holding wall portion 24 are continuously formed concentrically around the center position C. Yes.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the formation height H3 of the cylindrical portion 31 in the central axis C direction is the same as the formation height H1 of the outer holding wall portion 21 in the central axis C direction. It is set larger than the formation height H2 of 24 in the direction of the central axis C.
Thereby, by turning the steering wheel, the inner case 12 is in the R1 direction (clockwise) and the opposite R2 direction (counterclockwise) with respect to the outer case 11 around the central axis C following the inner holding wall portion 24. Direction).

As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12 and the outer holding wall portion 21 of the outer case 11 are arranged concentrically around the central axis C, and face the entire periphery.
An annular cable storage portion 40 is formed between the outer holding wall portion 21 and the cylindrical portion 31. The outer holding wall portion 21 is a wall portion for winding the first portion (outer portion) 15 </ b> B of the flat cable 15. The cylindrical portion 31 is a wall portion for winding the second portion (inner portion) 15 </ b> C of the flat cable 15. The thickness of the cylindrical portion 31 is slightly larger than the thickness of the outer holding wall portion 21 in order to ensure strength.

  Next, the spacer 13, the five guide rollers 45, the one reversing roller 45R, and the pushing member 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the spacer 13, the five guide rollers 45, the reverse roller 45 </ b> R, and the pushing member 90.

  The spacer 13 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is an annular flat plate member, and the spacer 13 is arranged so as to be able to rotate and move in the R1 direction and the R2 direction in the cable housing portion 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the spacer 13 has a second surface portion 13B opposite to the first surface portion 13A. On the first surface portion 13A side, a plurality of guide rollers 45 and one reverse roller 45R are arranged at predetermined angles. As shown in FIG. 1, each guide roller 45 and reversing roller 45 </ b> R can rotate around the rotation center M on the first surface portion 13 </ b> A of the spacer 13.

  In the example of FIG. 4, five guide rollers 45 and one reversing roller 45R having the same size are arranged every 60 degrees, but the spacer 13 is located between the adjacent guide rollers 45 and 45. A substantially U-shaped guide member 46 is fixed. In addition, another guide member 46T is fixed to the spacer 13 between the guide roller 45 and the reverse roller 45R.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each guide member 46 and the guide member 46 </ b> T has a facing portion 47 that faces the second portion 15 </ b> C of the flat cable 15, and each facing portion 47 is a cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12. And is opposed to the cylindrical portion 31 with an interval D. That is, each facing portion 47 is curved outward in the radial direction corresponding to the curvature of the cylindrical portion 31, and the second portion 15 </ b> C of the flat cable 15 is guided between each facing portion 47 and the cylindrical portion 31. .

  Each guide roller 45 and reversing roller 45R shown in FIG. 1 allows the first portion 15B of the flat cable 15 to be connected to the outer holding wall portion of the outer case 11 when the inner case 12 rotates relative to the outer case 11. The second portion 15C of the flat cable 15 is pressed against the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12 and held. In addition, the reversing roller 45R folds the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 and reverses it.

The flat cable 15 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is obtained by covering a plurality of electrical wirings with an electrical insulating member, has flexibility, and is elastically deformed so that the inner case 12 and the outer case 11 are relative to each other. It is made of a material that can follow even when it is rotated. The flat cable 15 can also be called a flexible flat cable or a flexible wiring member.
One end portion 15D of the first portion 15B of the flat cable 15 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the outer holding wall portion 21 of the outer case 11, and is electrically connected to the outside, for example, the airbag from the outer holding wall portion 21. Can connect. The first portion 15 </ b> B of the flat cable 15 is wound around the outer holding wall portion 21 of the outer case 11.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the other end 15E of the second portion 15C of the flat cable 15 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12, and can be electrically connected from the cylindrical portion 31 to an external control unit, for example. It is like that. The second portion 15C of the flat cable 15 is wound around the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12.

  The flat cable 15 is folded back by being elastically deformed into a U shape in the middle of the first portion 15B and the second portion 15C so that the inner case 12 and the outer case 11 can relatively follow the rotation. The folded portion 60 is provided. The position of the folded portion 60 in the flat cable 15 moves along the R direction or the R2 direction by the relative rotation of the outer case 11 and the inner case 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, one guide member 46 </ b> T is disposed near the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15. One guide member 46T is different in shape from the other guide members 46, and has a pushing member 90 as shown by a portion B in FIG. That is, the pushing member 90 is provided on one guide member 46 </ b> T of the spacer 13.
When the inner case 12 rotates relative to the outer case 11 in the R1 direction, the folded portion 60 pushes the pushing member 90 in the R1 direction, so that the spacer 13 is moved in the R1 direction in the cable housing portion 40. Can be pushed around.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the pushing member 90 and the dust collecting part 100 in the part R of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the pushing member 90 collects dust such as dust that has entered between the pushing member 90 and the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 and removes it from the flat cable 15. 100.

  The dust collecting unit 100 has a plurality of contact portions 70 to 73 that contact the folded portion 60. These contact portions 70 to 73 are U-shaped, which can connect each of the contact portions 70 to 73 with a smooth curve and have a radius of curvature substantially equivalent to that of the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15, as indicated by broken lines. The smooth curved surface 80 is formed. That is, the flat cable 15 smoothly contacts the outer surface of the U-shaped folded portion. Between these contact parts 70-73, the concave shaped part 85 for removing and adhering the dust adhering to the flat cable 15 is formed. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, the pushing member 90 and the dust collecting unit 100 are arranged so as to always face the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 in the cable storage unit 40. .

  The dust collection unit 100 includes contact portions 70 to 73 that contact the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15. These contact portions 70 to 73 have a U-shaped smooth curved surface 80 that is substantially equivalent to the folded portion 60. In addition, the contact portions 70 to 73 that form the smooth curved surface 80 are formed with a concave portion 85 for taking in dust such as dust attached to the flat cable 15. In the illustrated example, a plurality of concave shaped portions 85 are arranged in parallel along a smooth curved surface 80.

As shown in FIG. 5, each concave shape portion 85 has a hole 88 in a portion that abuts on each concave shape portion 85 of the spacer 13. These hole portions 88 allow the dust DS taken into each concave shaped portion 85 to move from the first surface portion 13A side of the spacer 13 in the cable housing portion 40 to the second surface portion 13B side on the back surface side as indicated by the arrow G. In other words, in order to drop to the outside of the spacer 13 (the lower side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1), it is formed in each concave shaped portion 85.
The outer case 11, the inner case 12, the spacer 13, the plurality of rollers 45, the reverse roller 45R, and the pushing member 90 are made of, for example, an electrically insulating metal or an electrically insulating plastic. Yes.

Next, an operation example of the rotary connector device 10 described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first holding portion 15 </ b> B of the flat cable 15 is wound around the outer holding wall portion 21 of the outer case 11, and the second portion of the flat cable 15 is wound around the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12. 15C is wrapped around.

  When the inner case 12 is rotated relative to the outer case 11 about the central axis C in the R1 direction or the R2 direction, each guide roller 45 and the reverse roller 45R are connected to the first portion 15B of the flat cable 15. The second portion 15C of the flat cable 15 is pressed against and held by the cylindrical portion 31 of the inner case 12 while being pressed against the outer holding wall portion 21 of the outer case 11. The reversing roller 45R folds the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 from the outer holding wall portion 21 toward the cylindrical portion 31 so as to be reversed.

Each facing portion 47 of the guide member 46 is curved corresponding to the curvature of the cylindrical portion 31, and the second portion 15 </ b> C of the flat cable 15 is guided between each facing portion 47 and the cylindrical portion 31.
When the inner case 12 is rotated relative to the outer case 11 in the R1 direction around the central axis C, the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 moves in the entire length direction of the flat cable 15, The portion 60 contacts the contact portions 70 to 73 of the dust collecting unit 100 of the pushing member 90, and the spacer 13 can be pushed and rotated in the R1 direction in the cable housing portion 40 through the pushing member 90.

  In this way, when the folded portion 60 contacts the pushing member 90 and pushes the spacer 13 through the pushing member 90, the contact portions 70 to 73 contacting the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 are folded. Since the U-shaped smooth curved surface 80 substantially equivalent to the portion 60 is formed, it is possible to prevent the contact portions 70 to 73 of the pushing member 90 from being damaged to the flat cable 15.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the dust collection unit 100 of the push-around member 90 has a concave shaped portion 85 for taking in dust such as dust attached to the flat cable 15, so Even when dust such as dust adheres, it should be removed from the hole 88 along the direction of arrow G to the outside of the spacer 13 (downward in the vertical direction in FIG. 1) through the plurality of concave-shaped portions 85. Can do.
When the inner case 12 shown in FIG. 1 rotates in the R2 direction opposite to the R1 direction with respect to the outer case 11, the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15 pushes the reverse roller 45R in the R2 direction. The spacer 13 can be pushed and rotated in the R2 direction in the cable housing portion 40.

As a result, the flat cable is moved in the R1 direction and R2 in the cable housing portion 40 by rotating the inner case 12 relative to the outer case 11 in a state where dust such as sand is mixed in the rotary connector device 10. Even if it swings in the direction, it is possible to prevent the flat cable 15 from being worn by dust and to prevent the flat cable 15 from being disconnected.
In addition, since it is only necessary to provide the dust collecting unit 100 with respect to the pushing member 90, it is possible to simplify the structure of the rotary connector device while avoiding an increase in size of the rotary connector device.
In addition, the dust collection part 100 provided in the pushing member 90 can also be said to be a sand escape structure part for discharging | emitting sand dust to the exterior from the inside of a rotation connector apparatus, for example.

  A rotary connector device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outer case 11, an inner case 12 that is disposed inside the outer case 11 and is rotatable relative to the outer case 11, and the outer case 11 and the inner case. 12, the flat cable 15 having a folded portion 60 which is disposed in the cable storage portion 40 formed between the two and folded back in a U shape, the spacer 13 disposed in the cable storage portion 40, and the outer case 11. When the inner case 12 rotates relatively, the folded portion 60 includes a pushing member 90 provided on the spacer 13 so as to push the spacer 13 in the cable housing portion 40.

  The pushing member 90 includes a dust collecting unit 100 that collects dust that has entered between the pushing member 90 and the folded portion 60 of the flat cable 15, and the dust collecting unit 100 that is in contact with the folded portion 60. The contact portions 70 to 73 have a U-shaped smooth curved surface 80 that is substantially equivalent to the curved surface of the folded portion 60 of the flat cable. The contact portions 70 to 73 of the dust collection unit 100 are formed with a concave shaped portion 85 for taking in the dust attached to the flat cable 15.

  As a result, the contact portions 70 to 73 have a U-shaped smooth curved surface 80 that is substantially the same as the curved surface of the folded portion 60 of the flat cable, so that the pushing member 90 is damaged to the flat cable 15. Can be prevented from giving. In addition, even if dust such as dust adheres to the flat cable 15, the dust can be removed from the hole 88 to the outside of the spacer 13 through the plurality of concave-shaped portions 85, thereby preventing wear of the flat cable 15. Can prevent the flat cable from being disconnected.

  Further, in the rotary connector device 10, a plurality of concave shaped portions 85 are formed in the contact portions 70 to 73 of the dust collection unit 100. Thereby, even if dust, such as dust, adheres to the flat cable 15, the plurality of concave-shaped portions 85 can reliably collect the dust, so that the flat cable 15 can be prevented from being worn and the flat cable can be disconnected. it can.

  In the rotary connector device 10, the recessed portion 85 is formed with a hole 88 for taking out the dust that has been taken in from the cable housing portion 40 to the outside of the cable housing portion 40. Thus, even if dust such as sand dust adheres to the flat cable 15, the plurality of concave-shaped portions 85 can surely discharge this dust to the outside of the spacer 13 through the hole 88, thereby preventing wear of the flat cable 15. Can prevent the flat cable from being disconnected.

  In the rotary connector device 10, an annular spacer 13 is disposed in the cable housing portion 40, and dust is discharged from the cable housing portion 40 to the outside of the spacer 13 through the hole 88 of the concave shaped portion 85. Thereby, abrasion of the flat cable 15 can be prevented and disconnection of the flat cable can be prevented.

By the way, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various modified example is employable.
For example, in the illustrated example, one flat cable is disposed in an annular cable housing portion, and a dust collecting portion is disposed with respect to the one flat cable. However, the some flat cable may be arrange | positioned in the cyclic | annular cable storage part. In this case, corresponding to each flat cable, each spacer is provided with a dust collecting portion, so that the flat cable can be prevented from being worn and disconnected by dust.

Further, the number of guide rollers and the number of guide members are not limited to the illustrated example, and can be arbitrarily selected.
A flat cable is configured by covering an electric wiring material with an electric insulating material when transmitting an electric signal or electric power. Further, when the flat cable transmits an optical signal, the flat cable is configured by covering an optical fiber with a covering material.
The flat cable in the rotary connector device prevents wear of the flat cable even when dust such as dust is mixed when the outer case and the inner case are relatively rotated, and transmits electric signals or optical signals. It is possible to transmit both signals and optical signals, transmit power, or transmit these signals and power simultaneously.
The dust collecting unit can also be called a dust discharging unit. Although the dust collecting unit 100 has three concave-shaped portions 85 in the illustrated example, the dust collecting unit 100 is not limited thereto, and the dust collecting unit 100 has one, two, or four or more concave-shaped portions. Anyway.

It is a perspective view which shows preferable embodiment of the rotation connector apparatus of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation connector apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the rotation connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from another angle. It is a perspective view which shows a spacer, a some guide roller, a reverse roller, and a pushing member. It is a figure which expands and shows the part B of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Rotation connector apparatus 11 Outer case 12 Inner case 15 Flat cable 40 Cable accommodating part 45 Roller 45R Reverse roller 60 Folding part of flat cable 80 Smooth curved surface 85 Concave-shaped part 88 Hole part 90 Pushing member 100 Dust collection part

Claims (4)

An outer case,
An inner case disposed inside the outer case and rotatable relative to the outer case;
A flat cable having a folded portion disposed in a cable housing portion formed between the outer case and the inner case and folded back in a U shape;
A spacer disposed in the cable housing;
A pushing member provided on the spacer so that the folded portion of the flat cable pushes the spacer inside the cable housing portion when the outer case and the inner case rotate relatively; ,
The pushing member has a dust collecting part that collects dust that has entered between the pushing member and the folded portion of the flat cable,
The contact portion of the dust collecting portion that contacts the folded portion of the flat cable has a curved surface that smoothly contacts the curved surface of the folded portion of the flat cable,
A rotating connector device, wherein the contact portion of the dust collecting portion is formed with a concave portion for taking in the dust attached to the flat cable.   The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the dust collecting portion is formed with a plurality of concave-shaped portions.   The rotary connector device according to claim 2, wherein the concave shape portion is formed with a hole portion through which the dust is taken out from the cable housing portion to the outside of the cable housing portion.   The annular spacer is disposed in the cable housing portion, and the dust is discharged from the inside of the cable housing portion to the outside through the hole portion of the concave shape portion. The rotary connector device according to 3.

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