JP6081279B2 - Conductive structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a conductive structure that electrically connects two members that move relatively.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for electrically connecting two members that move relatively are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 relates to a grounding means for a spindle motor by filling a conductive magnetic fluid in an annular gap between a stationary shaft member and a pole piece provided on a rotor hub that rotates with respect to the stationary shaft member. A technique for ensuring electrical continuity between both members is disclosed.

JP 2002-191152 A JP-A-11-86247

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, the conductive magnetic fluid is filled in the gap between the stationary shaft member and the pole piece and magnetically held. However, if shaft runout occurs during rotation of the rotor hub, the gap between the stationary shaft member and the pole piece increases, and there is a possibility that the magnetic fluid does not contact the stationary shaft member or the pole piece. As a result, the electrical continuity between the two members may be impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to stably connect an electric connection between both members in a conductive structure that electrically connects two members that move relatively. An object is to provide a conductive structure that can be secured.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
That is, the conductive structure of the present invention is
A conductive structure that electrically connects the first member and the second member that move relatively,
A magnetic field forming member for forming a magnetic field provided in the first member;
A flexible holding member provided on the second member, capable of sucking and holding magnetic fluid; and
A magnetic fluid held by the holding member;
With
The holding member holding the magnetic fluid is attracted to the magnetic field forming member, whereby the first member and the second member are electrically connected.

A magnetic force from the magnetic field formed by the magnetic field forming member acts on the magnetic fluid sucked and held by the holding member. Therefore, the holding member that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid is attracted to the magnetic field forming member together with the magnetic fluid by the magnetic force. According to the present invention, the holding member provided on the second member is attracted to the magnetic field forming member provided on the first member in this manner, so that the first member and the second member are electrically connected. Is done. Here, since the holding member has flexibility, it can be deformed when it is attracted to the magnetic field forming member. Therefore, during the relative movement of the first member and the second member, even if the distance between the two members and the relative positional relationship change, the holding member that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid is spaced from the two members. Further, by being deformed according to a change in relative positional relationship, the state of being attracted to the magnetic field forming member is maintained. As a result, the state where the first member and the second member are electrically connected is maintained. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to stably ensure electrical connection between two members that move relatively.

  Here, the magnetic field forming member has conductivity, and the holding member includes a holding portion that holds the magnetic fluid, and a conductive portion that is electrically connected to the second member, and is held by the magnetic field forming member. The first member and the second member may be electrically connected by contacting the conductive portion of the first magnetic member with the magnetic field forming member. Thereby, the first member and the second member are electrically connected to the magnetic field forming member via the conductive portion. The contact portion of the conductive portion is pressed against the magnetic field forming member by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid held by the holding member. As a result, since the contact between the magnetic field forming member and the conductive portion is stably maintained, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the two members that move relatively.

  In addition, the magnetic field forming member and the magnetic fluid have conductivity, and the first member and the second member are electrically connected when the holding member drawn to the magnetic field forming member comes into contact with the magnetic field forming member. It may be. Thus, the first member and the second member are electrically connected via the magnetic fluid held by the magnetic field forming member and the holding member. The contact portion of the holding member is pressed against the magnetic field forming member by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid held by the holding member. As a result, since the contact between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member is stably maintained, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the two members that move relatively.

  The first member includes a conductive member disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member. The holding member includes a holding unit that holds the magnetic fluid, and a conductive unit that is electrically connected to the second member. The first member and the second member may be electrically connected by contacting the conductive member of the conductive member of the holding member drawn to the magnetic field forming member. Thereby, the first member and the second member are electrically connected via the conductive member and the conductive portion. In addition, the contact portion of the conductive portion is pressed against the conductive member by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid held by the holding member. As a result, since the contact between the conductive member and the conductive portion is stably maintained, it is possible to stably ensure an electrical connection between the two members that move relatively.

  The first member includes a conductive member disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member, the magnetic fluid has conductivity, and the holding member attracted to the magnetic field forming member contacts the conductive member. Thus, the first member and the second member may be electrically connected. Thereby, the first member and the second member are electrically connected via the magnetic fluid held by the conductive member and the holding member. Further, the contact portion of the holding member is pressed against the conductive member by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid held by the holding member. As a result, since the contact between the conductive member and the holding member is stably maintained, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the two members that move relatively.

  According to the present invention, in a conductive structure that electrically connects two members that move relatively, it is possible to stably ensure electrical connection between the two members.

It is a typical sectional view of the conductive structure concerning Example 1 of the present invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 6 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 7 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 8 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 9 of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 10 of this invention. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the holding member according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to the fifth embodiment. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Embodiment 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Embodiment 7. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Example 8. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the holding member according to Example 9. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 1 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 2 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 3 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 4 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 5 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 6 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification when the holding member according to Example 7 holds a conductive magnetic fluid. It is a typical sectional view showing a modification when a holding member concerning Example 8 is holding conductive magnetic fluid. It is a typical sectional view showing a modification when a holding member concerning Example 9 is holding a conductive magnetic fluid. 1 is a front view of a magnet according to Example 1. FIG. 6 is a front view of another magnet according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a front view of another magnet according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Example 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Example 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Example 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Example 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view when a conductive member is further provided in the conductive structure according to Example 6.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. . In the embodiments described below, the member (including the shaft and the housing) provided with the magnetic field forming member corresponds to the first member according to the present invention, and the member (including the shaft and the housing) provided with the holding member. Corresponds to the second member according to the present invention.

[Example 1]
With reference to FIG. 1, a conductive structure according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described. The conductive structure 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied to electrically connect two relatively rotating members in a rotating structure portion of various devices such as general industrial equipment, railways, and automobiles. It is. Thereby, it can utilize as an earth | ground for removing the static electricity which generate | occur | produces by rotation, or can be used in order to flow an electric current between two members rotating relatively.

<Configuration of conductive structure>
With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the electrically conductive structure which concerns on Example 1 of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The housing 10 as two members that relatively rotate (including the case where the other rotates while the other rotates while one of them is fixed) and the shaft 10 of the housing 10 are disposed. Each of the shafts 20 is made of a metal such as iron or a conductive material such as carbon. The conductive structure 100 includes a magnet 110 as a magnetic field forming member provided on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10, a holding member 120 provided on the shaft 20, and a magnetic material sucked and held by the holding member 120. The fluid 130 and the conductive portion 140 provided on the surface of the holding member 120 on the magnet 110 side while being electrically connected to the shaft 20 are configured.

  The magnet 110 is an annular permanent magnet having conductivity, and the outer peripheral surface as the other end is the housing 10 so that the inner peripheral surface as one end becomes a free end (non-fixed end) positioned on the shaft 20 side. The shaft hole is fixed while being electrically connected to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole. A magnetic field is formed around the magnet 110 by the magnet 110.

  The annular holding member 120 has an inner peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 so that the outer peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the housing 10 side. The holding member 120 is made of a flexible material that can suck and hold the magnetic fluid 130. Examples of the material having such properties include cloth such as felt, paper, and porous silicon. The holding member 120 has sufficient flexibility even when the magnetic fluid 130 is sucked and held. In the present embodiment, the entire holding member 120 sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130. Even if the magnetic fluid 130 cannot be sucked and held due to the properties of the material itself such as rubber or resin, the magnetic fluid 130 is sucked and held by capillary action by using a foaming structure. Is possible.

  Here, the position where the holding member 120 is fixed is a position where the holding member 120 that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130 is attracted to the magnet 110 in the magnetic field formed by the magnet 110. More specifically, this position is a position where the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 120. By being fixed in such a position, the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 while deforming the free end side by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130.

The conductive portion 140 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 120 on the magnet 110 side while being electrically connected to the shaft 20. The conductive portion 140 is a conductive film and is made of a metal thin film, a carbon material, or the like. By providing the conductive portion 140 in this manner, the holding member 120 and the conductive portion 140 are configured to have flexibility as a unit. Here, in the present embodiment, the holding member 120 and the conductive portion 140 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole. The holding member 120 and the conductive portion 140 correspond to the holding portion and the conductive portion according to the present invention, respectively.

  In the conductive structure 100 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 120. As a result, the holding member 120 is deformed and the free end side of the conductive portion 140 comes into contact with the magnet 110. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 110 and the conductive portion 140. That is, a path through which a current flows is formed between the housing 10 and the shaft 20.

  Here, since the holding member 120 sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130 in its entirety, the magnetic force acting from the magnetic field formed by the magnet 110 acts on the entire holding member 120. Moreover, since the holding member 120 is comprised from the material which has a softness | flexibility, it can deform | transform so that the surface shape of the magnet 110 may be met. Therefore, the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is increased. Thereby, the conductive part 140 is in surface contact with the magnet 110. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 that is in surface contact in this way is magnetized by the magnetic force in the rotation axis direction (hereinafter referred to as “axial direction”) acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 120. 110 is pressed in the axial direction.

<Use state and effect of conductive structure>
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the state at the time of use of the conductive structure 100 which concerns on a present Example is demonstrated.
When the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are rotated relative to each other, the contact portion between the magnet 110 and the conductive portion 140 rotates and slides. Here, the conductive portion 140 is in surface contact with the magnet 110. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 is pressed against the magnet 110. Therefore, even when the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 is rotating and sliding with respect to the magnet 110, the contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is stably maintained. As a result, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  Here, when the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are rotating relatively, irregular movement such as eccentricity and relative reciprocation in the axial direction may occur in both members.

  When eccentricity occurs, both members move relatively in the radial direction of the shaft 20. As a result, the gap (interval) between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 changes. Here, since the holding member 120 has flexibility, it can be deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 in accordance with the change in the gap between the two members. That is, when the gap between the two members is reduced, the holding member 120 is deformed to bend, and when the gap is increased, the holding member 120 is deformed to be flat. Since the holding member 120 is deformed in this way, the state in which the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 is maintained, so that the contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is maintained. As a result, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

At the time of occurrence of eccentricity, depending on the pressing state of the conductive portion 140 against the magnet 110, the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 has a diameter with respect to the magnet 110 according to the change in the gap between the housing 10 and the shaft 20. Can slide in the direction. Even in this case, the contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is stably maintained by the pressing force acting from the holding member 120 attracted to the magnet 110. Therefore, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be secured stably.

  On the other hand, when a relative reciprocating motion in the axial direction occurs between the housing 10 and the shaft 20, the positional relationship between the magnet 110 and the holding member 120 in the axial direction changes. Here, since the holding member 120 has flexibility, it can be deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 according to the change in the positional relationship between the two members. That is, the holding member 120 is deformed so as to swing following the relatively moving magnet 110 while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110. Since the holding member 120 is deformed in this way, the state in which the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 is maintained, so that the contact between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is maintained. As a result, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  When the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are relatively rotated, even when the eccentricity and the relative reciprocating motion in the axial direction occur at the same time, the conductive member 140 is deformed by the deformation of the holding member 120. And the magnet 110 are stably maintained. As a result, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  In the present embodiment, since the holding member 120 sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130, the magnetic fluid 130 can be held more reliably. Thereby, since it is suppressed that the magnetic fluid 130 is scattered, it is suppressed that the magnetic force which acts on the holding member 120 by the magnetic fluid 130 reducing is reduced. As a result, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably ensured over a long period of time. Therefore, the lifetime of the conductive structure 100 can be extended. Further, since the magnetic fluid 130 is held in the holding member 120, the magnetic fluid 130 is prevented from flowing out when the conductive structure 100 is divided into the magnet 110 and the holding member 120. Therefore, the mounting and replacement work of the conductive structure 100 is facilitated.

  In this embodiment, the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 is pressed against the magnet 110 by the holding member 120 attracted to the magnet 110. Therefore, the pressing force acting on the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 can be adjusted by changing the magnetic properties of the magnet 110 and the magnetism of the magnetic fluid 130. By adjusting the pressing force in this manner, for example, sliding friction between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 can be reduced, and wear of the conductive portion 140 can be reduced.

  Further, in this embodiment, the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 140 and the magnet 110 is widened, so that the conductive portion 140 faces the magnet 110. In contact. Thereby, since the area of the contact part of the electroconductive part 140 becomes large, the current density of the electric current which flows through the said contact part falls. As a result, since heat generation due to the current flowing between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is reduced, a large current can be stably supplied.

  In the present embodiment, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the conductive portion 140. This eliminates the need for the holding member 120 and the magnetic fluid 130 to be conductive, so that the choice of these materials can be increased. In addition, by changing the conductivity of the conductive portion 140, the characteristics of the current flowing between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be changed.

[Example 2]
Next, the conductive structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the magnetic field forming member is provided on the shaft side, and the holding member is provided on the housing side. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as Example 1, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 101 according to this example.

  In the present embodiment, a magnet 111 as a magnetic field forming member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20. The magnet 111 is an annular permanent magnet having conductivity. The inner peripheral surface as the other end is electrically connected to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 so that the outer peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the housing 10 side. Fixed in a connected state. A flexible annular holding member 121 that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10. The holding member 121 has an outer peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10 such that the inner peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the shaft 20 side. In addition, a conductive portion 141 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 121 on the magnet 111 side so as to be electrically connected to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10. Note that the positions, materials, properties, and the like of the magnet 111, the holding member 121, and the conductive portion 141 in the present embodiment are the same as those of the magnet 110, the holding member 120, and the conductive portion 140 in the conductive structure 100, respectively. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 121 and the conductive portion 141 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 121 and the conductive portion 141 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 101 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 121 is attracted to the magnet 111 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 121. As a result, the holding member 121 is deformed and the free end side of the conductive portion 141 comes into contact with the magnet 111. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 111 and the conductive portion 141.

  Further, since the holding member 121 having flexibility is attracted to the magnet 111 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 141 and the magnet 111 is increased, the conductive portion 141 is in surface contact with the magnet 111. In addition, the contact portion of the conductive portion 141 is pressed in the axial direction against the magnet 111 by the axial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 121.

  According to the conductive structure 101 having the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the conductive structure 100 according to the first embodiment described above are exhibited during relative rotation of the housing 10 and the shaft 20. That is, even when the contact portion of the conductive portion 141 is rotationally slid with respect to the magnet 111, the contact between the conductive portion 141 and the magnet 111 is stably maintained. Further, even if eccentricity occurs in both members, the flexible holding member 121 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 141 and the magnet 111 in accordance with the change in the gap between the two members. Contact between the portion 141 and the magnet 111 is maintained. Furthermore, even if relative reciprocation in the axial direction occurs between the two members, the holding member 121 maintains the surface contact between the conductive portion 141 and the magnet 111 in accordance with the change in the positional relationship between the two members. Due to the deformation, the contact between the conductive portion 141 and the magnet 111 is maintained. As described above, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of each component described in the first embodiment are exhibited.

[Example 3]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike the above-described embodiment, the conductive structure according to this embodiment is applied to two members that relatively move in parallel with each other. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 102 according to this example.

  The first member 11 and the second member 21 as two members that relatively translate (including the case where the other translates in addition to the case where the other translates while one of them is fixed) Each of them is made of a metal such as iron or a conductive material such as carbon. The conductive structure 102 includes a magnet 112 as a magnetic field forming member provided in the first member 11, a flexible holding member 122 provided in the second member 21, and a magnetic material sucked and held in the holding member 122. The fluid 130 and a conductive portion 142 provided on the magnet 112 side of the holding member 122 in a state of being electrically connected to the second member 21.

  The magnet 112 is a plate-like permanent magnet having conductivity, and the other end is electrically connected to the side surface of the first member 11 so that one end thereof is a free end located on the second member 21 side. Fixed in state. Similarly, the other end of the plate-like holding member 122 is fixed to the side surface of the second member 21 so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member 11 side. In addition, the conductive portion 142 is provided in a state of being electrically connected to the second member 21 on the entire surface of the holding member 122 on the magnet 112 side. The positions, materials, properties, and the like of the magnet 112, the holding member 122, and the conductive portion 142 in this embodiment are the same as those of the magnet, the holding member, and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 122 and the conductive portion 142 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 122 and the conductive portion 142 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 102 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the holding member 122 is attracted to the magnet 112 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 122. As a result, the holding member 122 is deformed and the free end side of the conductive portion 142 contacts the magnet 112. As a result, the first member 11 and the second member 21 are electrically connected via the magnet 112 and the conductive portion 142.

  In addition, since the flexible holding member 122 is attracted to the magnet 112 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 is widened, the conductive portion 142 is in surface contact with the magnet 112. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 142 is pressed against the magnet 112 in the Y-axis direction by the magnetic force in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3 acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 122. This direction is a direction perpendicular to the facing direction (X-axis direction) of the first member 11 and the second member 21.

  According to the conductive structure 102 having the above-described configuration, the contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 is stably maintained during the relative translation of the first member 11 and the second member 21. When both members move in parallel in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3, the positional relationship between both members in the Y-axis direction changes. Here, since the holding member 122 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 in accordance with the change in the positional relationship, the contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 is maintained. Further, when both members move in parallel in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3, the contact portion of the conductive portion 142 slides with respect to the magnet 112, but the contact portion of the conductive portion 142 is pressed against the magnet 112. Therefore, the contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 is stably maintained. From the above, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the first member 11 and the second member 21 that move relatively in parallel. When both members move in the X-axis direction in FIG. 3, the gap between both members changes. Here, since the flexible holding member 122 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 according to the change in the gap between the two members, the contact between the conductive portion 142 and the magnet 112 is maintained. Is done.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 4]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike the above-described embodiment, the conductive structure according to this embodiment is configured such that the conductive portion provided in the holding member is pressed in the radial direction against the magnetic field forming member. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 200 according to this example.

  The conductive structure 200 is sucked and held by the magnet 210 as a magnetic field forming member provided embedded in the housing 10, the flexible holding member 220 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20, and the holding member 220. The magnetic fluid 130 and a conductive portion 240 provided on the holding member 220 in a state of being electrically connected to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20.

  The magnet 210 is a cylindrical permanent magnet having conductivity, and is fixed to the housing 10 while being electrically connected to the housing 10. The magnet 210 is fixed so that the inner peripheral surface of the magnet 210 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 are substantially flat. A magnet 210 forms a magnetic field around the magnet 210.

  The annular holding member 220 has an inner peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 so that the outer peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the housing 10 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 220 is curved in the axial direction. The properties and materials of the holding member 220 are the same as those of the holding member in the above-described embodiment. The holding member 220 is fixed at a position in the magnetic field formed by the magnet 210 such that the holding member 220 that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130 is attracted to the magnet 210. By being fixed in such a position, the free end side of the holding member 220 is attracted to the magnet 210 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130.

  The conductive portion 240 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 220 on the magnet 210 side while being electrically connected to the shaft 20. Here, the “magnet 210 side” is the outer peripheral side of the curved portion of the holding member 220, as shown in FIG. Note that the properties, materials, and the like of the conductive portion 240 are the same as those of the conductive portion in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 220 and the conductive portion 240 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 220 and the conductive portion 240 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 200 having the above-described configuration, the holding member 220 is attracted to the magnet 210 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 220. As a result, the free end side of the holding member 220 is deformed, and the surface on the free end side of the conductive portion 240 contacts the magnet 210. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 210 and the conductive portion 240.

  Further, the holding member 220 having flexibility is attracted to the magnet 210 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 240 and the magnet 210 is widened. Therefore, the conductive portion 240 is in surface contact with the magnet 210. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 240 is pressed in the radial direction against the magnet 210 by the radial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 220.

According to the conductive structure 200 having the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the conductive structure 100 according to the first embodiment described above are exhibited during relative rotation of the housing 10 and the shaft 20. That is, even when the contact portion of the conductive portion 240 is rotationally slid with respect to the magnet 210,
The contact between the conductive portion 240 and the magnet 210 is stably maintained. Even if eccentricity occurs in both members, the flexible holding member 220 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 240 and the magnet 210 in accordance with the change in the gap between the two members. Contact between the portion 240 and the magnet 210 is maintained. Furthermore, even if relative reciprocation in the axial direction occurs between the two members, the holding member 220 maintains the surface contact between the conductive portion 240 and the magnet 210 in accordance with the change in the positional relationship between the two members. Due to the deformation, the contact between the conductive portion 240 and the magnet 210 is maintained. As described above, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 5]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike Example 4 described above, in this example, a magnetic field forming member is provided on the shaft side, and a holding member is provided on the housing side. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 201 according to this example.

  In the present embodiment, a cylindrical magnet 211 as a magnetic field forming member is embedded in the outer peripheral side of the shaft 20. The outer peripheral surface of the magnet 211 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 are configured to be substantially flat. An annular holding member 221 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10. The holding member 221 has an outer peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 such that an inner peripheral surface as one end thereof is a free end located on the shaft 20 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 221 is curved in the axial direction. In addition, the conductive portion 241 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 221 on the magnet 211 side in a state of being electrically connected to the housing 10. Here, the “magnet 211 side” is the inner peripheral side of the curved portion of the holding member 221 as shown in FIG. 5. Note that the materials, properties, and the like of the magnet 211, the holding member 221, and the conductive portion 241 in the present embodiment are the same as those of the magnet, the holding member, and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 221 and the conductive portion 241 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 221 and the conductive portion 241 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 201 having the above configuration, the holding member 221 is attracted to the magnet 211 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 221. As a result, the free end side of the holding member 221 is deformed, and the free end side of the conductive portion 241 contacts the magnet 211. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 211 and the conductive portion 241.

  The flexible holding member 221 is attracted to the magnet 211 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 241 and the magnet 211 is increased. Therefore, the conductive portion 241 is in surface contact with the magnet 211. The contact portion of the conductive portion 241 is pressed in the radial direction against the magnet 211 by the radial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 221.

Here, the relationship between the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment is that the configuration provided in the housing 10 and the configuration provided in the shaft 20 are interchanged with each other in the above-described second embodiment and the second embodiment. It is the same as the relationship with 1. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, when the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are rotated relative to each other, the flexible holding member 221 is deformed so that the conductive portion 241 and the magnet 211 are in contact with each other. Is maintained stably. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 6]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 6 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The conductive structure according to the present embodiment is applied to two members that relatively move in parallel with each other in the same manner as in the third embodiment described above. However, in this embodiment, unlike Embodiment 3, the conductive portion provided in the holding member is configured to be pressed in a direction parallel to the facing direction of the two members facing the magnetic field forming member. Is done. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 202 according to this example.

  The conductive structure 202 includes a magnet 212 as a magnetic field forming member embedded in the side surface of the first member 11, a flexible holding member 222 provided in the second member 21, and a holding member 222. The magnetic fluid 130 is sucked and held, and a conductive portion 242 provided on the magnet 212 side of the holding member 222 while being electrically connected to the second member 21.

  The magnet 212 is a plate-like permanent magnet having conductivity, and is fixed to the side surface side of the first member while being electrically connected to the first member 11. The magnet 212 is fixed so that the side surface of the magnet 212 and the side surface of the first member 11 are substantially flat. Further, the other end of the plate-like holding member 222 is fixed to the side surface of the second member 21 so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member 11 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 222 is curved in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the first member 11 and the second member 21. Further, the conductive portion 242 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 222 on the magnet 212 side in a state of being electrically connected to the second member 21. Here, the “magnet 212 side” is the magnet 212 side in the curved portion of the holding member 222, as shown in FIG. The positions, materials, properties, and the like of the magnet 212, the holding member 222, and the conductive portion 242 in the present embodiment are the same as those of the magnet, the holding member, and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 222 and the conductive portion 242 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 222 and the conductive portion 242 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 202 having the above-described configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the magnet 212 side of the holding member 222 together with the magnetic fluid 130 causes the magnet 212 side to move by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 222. Be drawn to. As a result, the free end side of the holding member 222 is deformed, and the free end side of the conductive portion 242 contacts the magnet 112. As a result, the first member 11 and the second member 21 are electrically connected via the magnet 212 and the conductive portion 242.

  Further, the flexible holding member 222 is attracted to the magnet 212 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 is increased. Therefore, the conductive portion 242 is in surface contact with the magnet 212. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 242 is pressed against the magnet 212 in the X-axis direction by the magnetic force in the X-axis direction in FIG. 6 acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 222. This direction is a direction parallel to the facing direction (X-axis direction) of the first member 11 and the second member 21.

According to the conductive structure 202 having the above-described configuration, the contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 is stably maintained during the relative translation of the first member 11 and the second member 21.
When both members move in parallel in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6, the positional relationship in the Y-axis direction between both members changes. Here, since the holding member 222 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 according to the change in the positional relationship, the contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 is maintained. Further, when both members move in parallel in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 6, the contact portion of the conductive portion 242 slides with respect to the magnet 212, but the contact portion of the conductive portion 242 is pressed against the magnet 212. Therefore, the contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 is stably maintained. From the above, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the first member 11 and the second member 21 that move relatively in parallel. In addition, when both members move in the X-axis direction in FIG. 6, the gap between both members changes. Here, since the flexible holding member 222 is deformed while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 according to the change in the gap between the two members, the contact between the conductive portion 242 and the magnet 212 is maintained. Is done.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 7]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 7 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike the above-described fourth embodiment, the conductive structure according to the present embodiment is configured such that the end surface on the free end side of the conductive portion provided in the holding member is pressed against the magnetic field forming member. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 300 according to this example.

  The conductive structure 300 includes a magnet 210, a flexible holding member 320 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20, a magnetic fluid 130 sucked and held by the holding member 320, and a conductive material provided to the holding member 320. Part 340.

  The annular holding member 320 has an inner peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 so that the outer peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the housing 10 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 320 is formed thicker than the fixed end side. The conductive portion 340 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 320 (excluding the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole fixed to the shaft 20) while being electrically connected to the shaft 20. Note that the properties and materials of the holding member 320 and the conductive portion 340 are the same as those of the holding member and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 320 and the conductive portion 340 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 320 and the conductive portion 340 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 300 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the holding member 320 is attracted to the magnet 210 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 320. Thereby, the end surface on the free end side of the holding member 320 is deformed, and the end surface on the free end side of the conductive portion 340 comes into surface contact with the magnet 210. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 210 and the conductive portion 340.

  Further, the flexible holding member 320 is attracted to the magnet 210 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 340 and the magnet 210 is widened. Therefore, the conductive portion 340 is in surface contact with the magnet 210. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 340 is pressed in the radial direction against the magnet 210 by the radial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 320.

According to the conductive structure 300 having the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the conductive structure 200 according to the fourth embodiment described above are exhibited during relative rotation of the housing 10 and the shaft 20. That is, even when the contact portion of the conductive portion 340 is rotationally slid with respect to the magnet 210, the contact between the conductive portion 340 and the magnet 210 is stably maintained. Even if eccentricity occurs in both members, the flexible holding member 320 deforms while maintaining the surface contact between the conductive portion 340 and the magnet 210 in accordance with the change in the gap between the two members. Contact between the part 340 and the magnet 210 is maintained. In this case, since the gap between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is an annular gap, even if the gap increases in a part of the annular gap, the gap decreases in other parts. Therefore, the conductive portion 340 can maintain contact with the magnet 210 at least in a portion where the annular gap is small. If the outer diameter of the holding member 320 is sufficiently larger than the inner diameter of the shaft hole of the housing 10, the conductive member is deformed by the deformation of the holding member 320 even if the gap between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 changes. Contact between 340 and magnet 210 is maintained.

  Further, even if relative reciprocal movement in the axial direction occurs between the housing 10 and the shaft 20, the holding member 320 maintains the surface contact between the conductive portion 340 and the magnet 210 in accordance with the change in the positional relationship between the two members. However, since it deform | transforms, the contact of the electroconductive part 340 and the magnet 210 is maintained. As described above, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 8]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Unlike Example 7 described above, in this example, a magnetic field forming member is provided on the shaft side, and a holding member is provided on the housing side. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 301 according to this example.

  The annular holding member 321 has an outer peripheral surface as the other end fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10 so that the inner peripheral surface as one end is a free end located on the shaft 20 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 321 is formed thicker than the fixed end side. The conductive portion 341 is provided on the entire surface of the holding member 321 (excluding the outer peripheral surface fixed to the housing 10) while being electrically connected to the housing 10. The properties and materials of the holding member 321 and the conductive portion 341 are the same as those of the holding member and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 321 and the conductive portion 341 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 321 and the conductive portion 341 are respectively related to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 301 having the above configuration, the holding member 321 is attracted to the magnet 211 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 321 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the end surface on the free end side of the holding member 321 is deformed, and the end surface on the free end side of the conductive portion 341 contacts the magnet 211. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 211 and the conductive portion 341. The contact portion of the conductive portion 341 is pressed against the magnet 211 in the radial direction by the radial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 321.

Here, the relationship between the present embodiment and the seventh embodiment is that the configuration provided in the housing 10 and the configuration provided in the shaft 20 are interchanged with each other in the above-described second and second embodiments. 1 and the relationship between the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the contact between the conductive portion 341 and the magnet 211 is stably maintained during relative rotation of the housing 10 and the shaft 20 as in the above-described embodiment. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the electrical connection between the relatively rotating housing 10 and the shaft 20 can be stably secured.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 9]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 9 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The conductive structure according to the present embodiment is applied to two members that relatively move in parallel with each other in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment. However, in this example, unlike Example 6, the end surface on the free end side of the conductive portion provided in the holding member is in a direction parallel to the opposing direction of the two members facing the magnetic field forming member. Configured to be pressed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 302 according to this example.

  The conductive structure 302 is electrically connected to the magnet 212, the plate-like holding member 322 fixed to the second member 21, the magnetic fluid 130 sucked and held by the holding member 322, and the second member 21. And a conductive portion 342 provided on the entire surface of the holding member 322 (excluding the end surface fixed to the second member 21). Note that the other end of the holding member 322 is fixed to the side surface of the second member 21 so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member 11 side. Here, the free end side of the holding member 322 is formed thicker than the fixed end side. The positions, materials, properties, and the like of the holding member 322 and the conductive portion 342 are the same as those of the holding member and the conductive portion in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, also in this embodiment, the holding member 322 and the conductive portion 342 constitute the holding member according to the present invention as a whole, and the holding member 322 and the conductive portion 342 respectively relate to the present invention. It corresponds to a holding part and a conductive part.

  In the conductive structure 302 having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, the holding member 322 is attracted to the magnet 212 together with the magnetic fluid 130 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 322. Thereby, the end surface on the free end side of the holding member 322 is deformed, and the end surface on the free end side of the conductive portion 342 is in surface contact with the magnet 212. As a result, the first member 11 and the second member 21 are electrically connected via the magnet 212 and the conductive portion 342.

  Further, the flexible holding member 322 is attracted to the magnet 212 while being deformed so that the contact area between the conductive portion 342 and the magnet 212 is widened. Therefore, the conductive portion 342 is in surface contact with the magnet 212. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 342 is pressed against the magnet 212 in the X-axis direction by the magnetic force in the X-axis direction in FIG. 9 acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 322. This direction is a direction parallel to the facing direction (X-axis direction) of the first member 11 and the second member 21.

  According to the conductive structure 302 having the above configuration, when the first member 11 and the second member 21 are relatively translated in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the conductive structure 302 is the same as the conductive structure 202 described above. The contact between the portion 342 and the magnet 212 is stably maintained. Thereby, the electrical connection of the 1st member 11 and the 2nd member 21 which translate relatively can be ensured stably.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the same effects as the other functions and effects derived from the materials and properties of the respective components described in the above-described embodiments are exhibited.

[Example 10]
Next, a conductive structure according to Example 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The conductive structure according to the present embodiment includes two conductive structures described in the above-described embodiments, and a conductive liquid or powder is sealed in a space between the two conductive structures. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conductive structure 500 according to this example. Note that the arrow G in FIG. 10 indicates the vertical direction.

  In addition to the components of the conductive structure 101 according to the second embodiment, the conductive structure 500 includes a magnet 115, a holding member 125 that sucks and holds the magnetic fluid 130, a conductive portion 145 provided in the holding member 125, and a conductive fluid. 510. The magnet 115, the holding member 125, and the conductive portion 145 are the same as the magnet 111, the holding member 121, and the conductive portion 141, but are arranged upside down in FIG. The magnet 115, the holding member 125 holding the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 145 constitute the conductive structure 105.

  The conductive fluid 510 is filled in a space between the conductive structure 101 and the conductive structure 105 in the conductive structure 500. That is, the conductive fluid 510 is filled above the magnet 115 and the holding member 125 in the vertical direction. Here, the conductive fluid 510 is composed of a low melting point alloy or a metal. The conductive fluid 510 may be another material (including powder) having conductivity and fluidity, such as conductive grease or carbon powder. Here, in the conductive structure 105, the conductive portion 145 is pressed against the magnet 115 by the holding member 125 attracted to the magnet 115. Therefore, the sealing performance is exhibited at the contact portion between the conductive portion 145 and the magnet 115, so that the conductive fluid 510 can be sealed. Further, this sealing performance is sufficiently exhibited even when the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are rotated relative to each other.

  According to the present embodiment, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the conductive structures 101 and 105 and further electrically connected via the conductive fluid 510. The current density of the flowing current is reduced. As a result, since heat generation due to the current flowing between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is reduced, a large current can be stably supplied.

[Other examples of holding members]
Next, another example of the holding member applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the holding member shown by FIGS. 11-19 is comprised only by the part which was formed in the edge part by the side of a free end by the material which has a softness | flexibility which can inhale and hold | maintain a magnetic fluid. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The conductive structure shown in FIG. 11 is obtained by replacing the holding member 120 of the conductive structure 100 according to Example 1 described above with a holding member 120a. The holding member 120a is the same as the holding member 120 in overall shape, fixed position, and the like. The holding member 120a is made of a flexible material that allows only the holding portion 120c formed at the end on the free end side to suck and hold the magnetic fluid. This material is the same as the material of the holding member 120. And the fixing | fixed part 120b of the fixed end side of the holding member 120a is comprised from a hard material.

  Even in such a configuration, the holding portion 120c is attracted to the magnet 110 by the magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding portion 120c. Thereby, the holding | maintenance part 120c which has flexibility deform | transforms, and the free end side of the electroconductive part 140 contacts the magnet 110. FIG. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the magnet 110 and the conductive portion 140. Further, the contact portion of the conductive portion 140 is pressed in the axial direction against the magnet 110 by the axial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held in the holding portion 120c.

  As described above, even when the holding member 120 a is used, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is stably ensured similarly to the conductive structure 100.

Similarly, in the conductive structure shown in FIG. 12, the holding member 121 in the conductive structure 101 according to the second embodiment is formed at the fixed portion 121b provided on the fixed end side and the end portion on the free end side. The holding member 121a provided with the holding portion 121c is replaced. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 13, the holding member 122 in the conductive structure 102 according to Example 3 described above includes a fixed portion 122 b provided on the fixed end side and a holding portion 122 c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 122a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 14, the holding member 220 in the conductive structure 200 according to Example 4 described above includes a fixed portion 220 b provided on the fixed end side and a holding portion 220 c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 220a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 15, the holding member 221 in the conductive structure 201 according to Example 5 described above includes a fixed portion 221 b provided on the fixed end side, and a holding portion 221 c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 221a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 16, the holding member 222 in the conductive structure 202 according to Example 6 described above includes a fixing portion 222 b provided on the fixed end side and a holding portion 222 c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Is replaced with a holding member 222a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 17, the holding member 320 in the conductive structure 300 according to Example 7 described above includes a fixed portion 320b provided on the fixed end side, and a holding portion 320c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 320a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 18, the holding member 321 in the conductive structure 301 according to Example 8 described above includes a fixing portion 321 b provided on the fixed end side and a holding portion 321 c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 321a. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 19, the holding member 322 in the conductive structure 302 according to Example 9 described above includes a fixed portion 322b provided on the fixed end side and a holding portion 322c formed on the end portion on the free end side. Are replaced with a holding member 322a.

  In each of the conductive structures shown in FIGS. 12 to 19, a flexible holding portion provided on the free end side of the holding member and capable of sucking and holding the magnetic fluid holds the magnetic fluid. Thereby, according to each conductive structure shown by FIGS. 12-19, the electrical connection between the two relatively moving members is stably ensured similarly to the original conductive structure.

[Other examples of magnetic fluid]
Next, as another example of a magnetic fluid applicable to the present invention, a configuration when a conductive magnetic fluid is employed will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the holding member shown in FIGS. 20 to 28 sucks and holds the conductive magnetic fluid in its entirety. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The conductive structure shown in FIG. 20 is obtained by replacing the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 120 of the conductive structure 100 according to Example 1 described above with the conductive magnetic fluid 131. In this conductive structure, since the entire holding member 120 sucks and holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131, the holding member 120 has conductivity. For this reason, the holding member 120 is not provided with the conductive portion 140.

  Also in this configuration, the holding member 121 is attracted to the magnet 110 by the magnetic force acting on the conductive magnetic fluid 131 held by the holding member 120. Thereby, the holding member 120 is deformed, and the holding member 120 directly contacts the magnet 110. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the holding member 120 that holds the magnet 110 and the conductive magnetic fluid 131. The contact portion of the holding member 120 with the magnet 110 is pressed in the axial direction against the magnet 110 by the axial magnetic force acting on the conductive magnetic fluid 131.

As described above, even when the holding member 120 holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is stably ensured similarly to the conductive structure 100. In this case, the conductive magnetic fluid 131 sucked into the contact surface of the holding member 120 with the magnet 110 functions as a lubricant on the contact surface. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the holding member 120 and the magnet 110 on the contact surface is reduced.

  Similarly, in the conductive structure shown in FIG. 21, the holding member 121 in the conductive structure 101 according to the second embodiment described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 141 is not provided. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 22, the holding member 122 in the conductive structure 102 according to Example 3 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 142 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 23, the holding member 220 in the conductive structure 200 according to Example 4 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 240 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 24, the holding member 221 in the conductive structure 201 according to Example 5 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 241 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 25, the holding member 222 in the conductive structure 202 according to Example 6 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 242 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 26, the holding member 320 in the conductive structure 300 according to Example 7 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 340 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 27, the holding member 321 in the conductive structure 301 according to Example 8 described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 341 is provided. It is not. In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 28, the holding member 322 in the conductive structure 302 according to the ninth embodiment described above holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131 instead of the magnetic fluid 130, and the conductive portion 342 is provided. It is not.

  In each conductive structure shown in FIGS. 21 to 28, the entire holding member sucks and holds the conductive magnetic fluid 131, and the holding member is not provided with a conductive portion. Therefore, when the holding member directly contacts the magnet, the electrical connection between the two relatively moving members is stably secured as in the original conductive structure.

[Other examples of magnetic field forming members]
Next, another example of the magnetic field forming member applicable to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIGS. 29 to 31 are front views showing the configuration of the magnet 110 as the magnetic field forming member used in the first embodiment. A magnet 110 shown in FIG. 29 is a concentric annular permanent magnet composed of one surface with N poles and the other surface with S poles, and N poles and S poles are alternately arranged on one surface side. In this way, a plurality (three in FIG. 29) are combined. With such a configuration, the magnet 110 can form a magnetic field such that the holding member 120 is in surface contact with the magnet 100 when applied to the conductive structure 100.

  In addition to the magnet 110, the magnet shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 may be adopted. A magnet 110a shown in FIG. 30 includes a plurality of elongated permanent magnets each having one surface having N poles and the other surface having S poles so that N poles and S poles are alternately arranged on one surface side. (6 in FIG. 30) are combined, and as a whole have a ring shape. In addition, the magnet 110b shown in FIG. 31 is a fan-shaped permanent magnet in which one surface is composed of N poles and the other surface is composed of S poles, so that N poles and S poles are alternately arranged on one surface side. , A plurality (8 in FIG. 31) are combined. Any magnet can form a magnetic field such that the holding member 120 is in surface contact when applied to the conductive structure 100.

  The magnet 111 and the magnet 115 used in the above-described second and tenth embodiments can also have the same configuration as that shown in FIGS.

[Modification]
The modification described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37 shows a configuration in which the first member further includes a conductive member disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member in the above embodiment. 32 to 37 are schematic cross-sectional views showing such a configuration. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component same as the above-mentioned Example, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  In the conductive structure shown in FIG. 32, the housing 10 in the conductive structure 100 according to the first embodiment described above further includes a conductive member 110 d disposed between the magnet 110 and the holding member 120. The cylindrical conductive member 110 d is made of a conductive material such as metal or carbon material, and is fixed in a state of being electrically connected to the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole of the housing 10. In this conductive structure, when the holding member 120 is attracted to the magnet 110, the conductive portion 140 provided on the holding member 120 contacts the conductive member 110d. As a result, the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected via the conductive member 110d and the conductive portion 140. The contact portion of the conductive portion 140 with the conductive member 110d is pressed in the axial direction against the conductive member 110d by the axial magnetic force acting on the magnetic fluid 130 held by the holding member 120.

  As described above, even when the housing 10 includes the conductive member 110 d disposed between the magnet 110 and the holding member 120, the electrical connection between the housing 10 and the shaft 20 is stable as in the conductive structure 100. Secured. In this case, since the housing 10 and the shaft 20 are electrically connected without passing through the magnet 110, the magnet 110 does not need to be conductive. Therefore, the choice of the material of the magnet 110 can be increased.

  Similarly, the conductive structure shown in FIG. 33 includes a cylindrical conductive member 111d in which the shaft 20 is disposed between the magnet 111 and the holding member 121 in the conductive structure 101 according to the second embodiment described above. Is. The conductive structure shown in FIG. 34 is a structure in which the first member 11 includes a plate-shaped conductive member 112d disposed between the magnet 112 and the holding member 122 in the conductive structure 102 according to Example 3 described above. is there. The conductive structure shown in FIG. 35 is the same as the conductive structure 200 according to Example 4 described above, but the housing 10 includes a cylindrical conductive member 210d disposed between the magnet 210 and the holding member 220. The conductive member 210d can be similarly applied to the conductive structure 300 according to the seventh embodiment. The conductive structure shown in FIG. 36 is the conductive structure 201 according to the fifth embodiment described above, in which the shaft 20 includes a cylindrical conductive member 211d disposed between the magnet 211 and the holding member 221. The conductive member 211d can be similarly applied to the conductive structure 301 according to the eighth embodiment. The conductive structure shown in FIG. 37 is a structure in which the first member 11 includes a plate-like conductive member 212d disposed between the magnet 212 and the holding member 222 in the conductive structure 202 according to Example 6 described above. is there. The conductive member 212d can be similarly applied to the conductive structure 302 according to the ninth embodiment.

  In each of the conductive structures shown in FIGS. 33 to 37, the conductive portion of the holding member contacts the conductive member, so that the electrical connection between the two relatively moving members is similar to the original conductive structure. Secured stably. In addition, since the magnetic field forming member does not need to be conductive, options for the material of the magnetic field forming member can be increased.

In addition, it respond | corresponds also to each of the structure which replaced the magnetic fluid 130 with the conductive magnetic fluid 131 in the electrically-conductive structure which concerns on Examples 1-9 demonstrated using FIGS. 20-28, and omitted the electroconductive part. Conductive members can be applied as well. In the conductive structure configured as described above, the first member and the second member are electrically connected when the holding member attracted to the magnet comes into contact with the conductive member.

  In each of the conductive structures shown in FIGS. 32 to 37, the conductive member is in contact with the magnet, but the installation mode of the conductive member is not limited to this. For example, a gap is provided between the conductive member and the magnetic field forming member. May be installed. That is, the conductive member can be installed in an arbitrary manner as long as it is provided on the first member and disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned Example, although the magnet is employ | adopted as a magnetic field formation member, you may use other magnetic field formation members, such as an electromagnet, for example. In the conductive structures according to Examples 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 described above, both the magnet and the holding member are formed in an annular shape (including a cylindrical shape). As long as is an annular shape, the other may have another shape such as a rectangular shape. Even with such a configuration, the electrical connection between the two relatively rotating members is maintained.

10 Housing 11 First member 20 Axis 21 Second member 100, 101, 102, 200, 201, 202, 300, 301, 302 Conductive structure 110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212 Magnet 120, 121, 122, 220 , 221, 222, 320, 321, 322 Holding member 130 Magnetic fluid 131 Conductive magnetic fluid 140, 141, 142, 240, 241, 242, 340, 341, 342 Conductive part 110d, 111d, 112d, 210d, 211d, 212d Conductive member

Claims (18)

A conductive structure that electrically connects the first member and the second member that move relatively,
A magnetic field forming member for forming a magnetic field provided in the first member;
A flexible holding member provided on the second member, capable of sucking and holding magnetic fluid; and
A magnetic fluid held by the holding member;
With
The conductive structure is characterized in that the first member and the second member are electrically connected by the holding member holding the magnetic fluid being attracted to the magnetic field forming member. The magnetic field forming member has conductivity,
The holding member includes a holding portion that holds the magnetic fluid, and a conductive portion that is electrically connected to the second member,
2. The first member and the second member are electrically connected to each other when the conductive portion of the holding member that is attracted to the magnetic field forming member comes into contact with the magnetic field forming member. The conductive structure described in 1. The magnetic field forming member and the magnetic fluid have conductivity,
2. The conductive member according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are electrically connected when the holding member attracted to the magnetic field forming member comes into contact with the magnetic field forming member. Construction. The first member includes a conductive member disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member,
The holding member includes a holding portion that holds the magnetic fluid, and a conductive portion that is electrically connected to the second member,
The first member and the second member are electrically connected to each other when the conductive portion of the holding member attracted to the magnetic field forming member comes into contact with the conductive member. The conductive structure described. The first member includes a conductive member disposed between the magnetic field forming member and the holding member,
The magnetic fluid has conductivity,
2. The conductive structure according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are electrically connected by bringing the holding member attracted to the magnetic field forming member into contact with the conductive member. . The magnetic field forming member is provided with the other end fixed to the first member so that one end thereof is a free end located on the second member side,
6. The holding member according to claim 2, wherein the other end of the holding member is fixed to the second member so that one end of the holding member is a free end located on the first member side. 2. The conductive structure according to item 1. The magnetic field forming member is embedded in the first member;
6. The holding member according to claim 2, wherein the other end of the holding member is fixed to the second member so that one end of the holding member is a free end located on the first member side. 2. The conductive structure according to item 1. The first member and the second member are two members that rotate relative to each other in a state in which the other is disposed in the shaft hole of either one,
6. The magnetic force according to claim 2, wherein a magnetic force in a rotation axis direction acts on the magnetic fluid at a contact portion when the first member and the second member are electrically connected. The conductive structure described. The first member and the second member are two members that rotate relative to each other in a state in which the other is disposed in the shaft hole of either one,
6. The magnetic force according to claim 2, wherein a radial magnetic force acts on the magnetic fluid at a contact portion when the first member and the second member are electrically connected. Conductive structure. The first member and the second member are two members that relatively move in parallel with each other,
A magnetic force in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the first member and the second member acts on the magnetic fluid at the contact portion when the first member and the second member are electrically connected. The conductive structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The first member and the second member are two members that relatively move in parallel with each other,
A magnetic force in a direction parallel to the opposing direction of the first member and the second member acts on the magnetic fluid at the contact portion when the first member and the second member are electrically connected. The conductive structure according to any one of claims 2 to 5.   The holding member is provided with the other end fixed to the second member so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member side, and the free end side of the holding member is curved in the rotation axis direction. The conductive structure according to claim 9, wherein the conductive structure is formed.   The holding member is provided with the other end fixed to the second member so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member side, and the free end side of the holding member is perpendicular to the facing direction. The conductive structure according to claim 11, wherein the conductive structure is curved in a direction.   The holding member is provided with the other end fixed to the second member so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member side, and the free end side of the holding member is compared to the fixed end side. The conductive structure according to claim 9 or 11, wherein the conductive structure is formed thicker.   The conductive structure according to claim 1, wherein either the magnetic field forming member or the holding member is formed in an annular shape.   The conductive structure according to claim 1, wherein both the magnetic field forming member and the holding member are formed in an annular shape.   The conductive structure according to claim 16, wherein a conductive fluid is filled vertically above the magnetic field forming member and the holding member.   The holding member is provided with the other end fixed to the second member so that one end thereof is a free end located on the first member side, and the holding portion is provided on the free end side of the holding member. The conductive structure according to claim 2, wherein the conductive structure is formed at an end portion.

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