JP6640022B2 - Rotary connector device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary connector device mounted on a vehicle body such as an automobile.

  For example, a rotary connector device mounted on a vehicle body such as an automobile has a configuration in which a rotating body and a fixed body are assembled so as to be relatively rotatable, and an annular housing formed between the rotating body and the fixed body. A flexible flat cable spirally wound in the space (hereinafter, referred to as a flat cable) is accommodated.

  Since the rotator follows the steering of the steering wheel whose maximum number of rotations in both rotation directions is limited, the maximum number of rotations of the rotator relative to the fixed body in both rotation directions is also limited. In accordance with this, the length of the flat cable housed in the housing space is adjusted so that the flat cable can be rotated substantially equally by the maximum number of rotations in both rotation directions with respect to the fixed body at the neutral position. .

  If the rotating connector device in a state where the rotating body is deviated from the neutral position with respect to the fixed body is assembled to a vehicle body, even if the steering wheel is steered by a maximum rotation in one direction in both rotation directions, the flatness is reduced. Although there is room in the cable, if the steering is performed by the maximum rotation in the other direction in both rotation directions, the rotary connector device will rotate beyond the rotatable range, and will be accommodated in the rotary connector device for the maximum rotation of the steering. There is a possibility that the flat cable that has been broken cannot be followed and breaks.

  To solve such a problem, for example, a rotation provided with a fixing member having a cover for covering a connector provided on the rotating body at a neutral position, and a fitting hole for fitting with a protrusion provided on the fixed body. A connector device is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The rotary connector device described in Patent Literature 1 covers and covers the connector provided on the rotating body at a neutral position, and fits the protrusion into the fitting hole provided on the fixed body. By doing so, the rotating body and the fixed body can be regulated at the neutral position via the fixed member.

  However, the rotary connector device described in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration in which the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body is regulated at the neutral position using the cover, which is another member, and thus the number of parts increases. was there.

JP-A-7-249468

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a rotary connector device that can reliably restrict the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body with a small number of components.

The present invention includes an annular fixed body, an annular rotator assembled to be relatively rotatable with respect to the fixed body, and rotation regulating means for regulating relative rotation. An engaging portion provided on one of the fixed body and the rotating body, fixed in the rotational direction, and an engaged portion provided on the other side and engaged with the engaging portion at a facing position, the engaging portion and the engaged state in which the engaged portion is engaged, and the switching means comprises al is to switch between the disengagement state where the engagement is released, along with the relative rotation, said engaging Moving means for moving at least one of the portion and the engaged portion from an opposing position, wherein the switching portion engages the engaging portion and the engaged portion at a neutral position of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body. Switch between engaged and disengaged states Wherein the engaged portion is provided on an engaged body that is rotatable at a predetermined position, and the moving means transmits the rotational force of the relative rotation to rotate the engaged body by rotation. It is a rotary connector device constituted by means .

The rotator includes an annular rotating-side ring plate, a rotator formed of a cylindrical rotating-side inner cylindrical portion formed on an inner peripheral edge of the rotating-side ring plate, and a sleeve integrated with the rotator. And those constituted only by the rotator.
The facing position refers to a position where the engaging portion and the engaged portion face each other.

The above-mentioned "fixed" means that the engaging portion is directly or indirectly fixed to one of the rotating body or the fixed body and relatively rotatable with respect to the other such that the engaging portion cannot relatively move in the two rotation directions. Point out.
The engaging portion and the engaged portion are, for example, when the engaging portion is configured by a protruding convex portion and the engaged portion is configured by a concave portion that is fitted with the convex portion, or the engaging portion is depressed. In the case where the engaging portion is constituted by a concave portion and the engaged portion is constituted by a convex portion which fits into the concave portion, the tip portion of the rod-shaped pin is a fitting concave portion which allows insertion of the tip portion, or the hook-shaped engagement This includes the case where the locking portion locks the portion and the locking portion.

  The switching means refers to switching means that can switch between the engaged state and the released state by moving at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion. That is, it refers to a configuration in which the relative rotation of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body can be restricted and the restriction can be released at the neutral position. For example, by attaching / detaching a steering wheel, the engagement portion is moved in a direction away from the engaged portion to set or release the engagement state, or a pressing portion provided at a predetermined position is manually operated. A configuration in which at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion is moved by pressing to set or release the engaged state.

The moving unit includes a moving unit that moves only one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion, and a moving unit that moves both.
Also, the moving means may be a mechanism for rotating the engaging portion or the engaged portion, a mechanism for performing parallel movement along a radially inward or outward direction of the rotating body or along a rotation axis, an inner peripheral cylindrical portion of the rotating body or A mechanism for moving the outer cylindrical portion of the fixed body along the circumferential direction, a mechanism for rotating the outer cylindrical portion while moving along the circumferential direction, and the like are included.

The rotation includes a rotation whose rotation axis is an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the rotator, and a rotation whose rotation axis is a perpendicular axis orthogonal to or crosses the rotation axis of the rotator. The rotation may be in the same direction as the body rotation direction or in the opposite direction.

The rotation transmitting means may be configured to mesh with a gear provided on the rotating body or the fixed body and a gear provided on the engaged body to transmit the rotational force of the relative rotation to the engaged body, A configuration in which the rotational force of the relative rotation is transmitted to the engaged body by a transmission gear or a planetary gear combining different numbers of gears, and the relative rotation is performed by connecting the rotating body or the fixed body to the engaged body. And a configuration in which the rotational force of the relative rotation is transmitted to the engaged body by a belt that transmits the rotational force to the engaged body.

According to the present invention, relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body can be reliably restricted with a small number of parts.
More specifically, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are provided on the rotating body and the fixed body, and are disposed at opposing positions. Therefore, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are part of the rotary connector device. The state of engagement with the engagement portion and the state of disengagement can be switched. Thereby, the relative rotation of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body can be reliably controlled at the neutral position without providing another article.

Further , the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body can be reliably restricted at the neutral position.
More specifically, the rotary connector device described in Patent Document 1 covers and covers the connector provided on the rotating body at the neutral position, and the protrusion is formed in the fitting hole provided in the fixed body. It is described that by fitting the parts, the rotating body and the fixed body can be regulated at the neutral position via the fixed member.

However, once the rotary connector device described in Patent Document 1 is detached and rotated relatively, the neutral position cannot be confirmed, and the neutral position may not be able to be grasped. The flat cable may be broken by assembling and steering the steering wheel to the vehicle body reassembled.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, in the neutral position, since the engaging portion and the engaged portion are disposed at opposing positions, the engagement state between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is determined. The state can be switched between the release state. Thereby, the relative rotation of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body at the neutral position can be reliably restricted.

On the other hand, in the position other than the neutral position, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are not arranged at the opposing position, that is, the engaging portion and the engaged portion do not oppose at the opposing position. The mating portion and the engaged portion cannot be engaged. Therefore, except for the neutral position, the relative rotation of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body cannot be restricted.

As described above, except for the neutral position, the engaging portion and the engaged portion cannot be engaged, and the rotary connector device can relatively rotate. However, in the neutral position, the engaging portion and the engaged portion face each other, and the regulation of the relative rotation can be switched. The relative rotation can be reliably restricted at the neutral position by engaging the portion and the engaged portion. In other words, since the rotating connector device whose relative rotation is restricted is always at the neutral position, even when the steering wheel is mounted, the flat cable that is mounted in the housing space with the rotating connector device deviated from the neutral position is mounted. Will not be damaged.

Furthermore , since the engaged body can be rotated and the engaged part can be moved from the opposing position, the engagement between the engaging part and the engaged part in a position other than the neutral position is reliably prevented. it can.
Further, it is not necessary to secure a moving space for moving the engaged body, so that the size of the rotary connector device can be reduced, and the space for the vehicle body to which the rotary connector device is mounted can be reduced.

As an aspect of the present invention, the engagement portion may be configured to move in a radial direction.
For example, in a rotary connector device as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-129187, an inner cylindrical portion formed downward from an inner peripheral edge of a donut-shaped rotating annular plate constituting a rotating body is provided. It is possible to regulate the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body by fitting the lock projection of the lock body provided on the inner peripheral cylindrical portion with the guide groove provided on the fixed body. it can.

  More specifically, in the rotary connector device, a coil spring is provided between the lock body and the fixed body, and the lock body is pushed in by inserting a steering wheel inside the inner peripheral cylindrical portion. It is stated that the lock between the lock projection and the guide groove can be released. Further, by removing the steering wheel, the lock body is pushed up by the urging force of the coil spring, so that the lock protrusion and the guide groove are fitted, and the relative rotation between the fixed body and the rotating body can be regulated. .

  However, in the rotary connector device, when an angle sensor fixing portion or a cancel cam for fixing an angle sensor to the fixed body is provided, the lock body or the fixed body may interfere with a cancel cam or the like. Therefore, it was necessary to change the configuration depending on the presence or absence of a cancel cam or the like.

  On the other hand, according to the present invention, since the engaging portion is configured to be movable in the radial direction, that is, the engaging portion moves in the vertical direction due to, for example, attachment / detachment of a steering wheel, and the fitting or fitting is performed. Even if the fixed body is provided with an angle sensor fixing portion, a cancel cam, or the like, the engaging portion and the engaged portion may interfere with the cancel cam, etc. And can be engaged at opposing positions. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various specifications regardless of the presence or absence of the angle sensor fixing portion and the cancel cam.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the rotation transmitting means may be constituted by a speed reduction mechanism that rotates the engaged body by a self-rotation at a reduction ratio equal to or higher than a maximum rotation speed capable of relatively rotating in any direction from the neutral position. .
The maximum rotation speed refers to a maximum rotation speed at which the rotating body can rotate in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise rotating direction with respect to the fixed body in the neutral position. The maximum number of rotations when the motor can be rotated in the rotation direction by 2.5 rotations is 2.5. The maximum number of revolutions varies depending on the design of the vehicle body and the like.

According to the present invention, the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion at positions other than the neutral position can be more reliably prevented.
For example, when the engaging portion is fixed to the rotating body and the engaged body is provided on the fixed body, even if the relative rotation is performed by the maximum number of rotations, the engaged body of the engaged body along with the relative rotation is rotated. The rotation is less than one rotation. That is, during the relative rotation, the engaging portion and the engaged portion face each other at a position other than the neutral position, that is, the engaging portion does not face the engaging portion and the engaging portion at a position other than the neutral position. Engagement of the mating portion and the engaged portion can be reliably prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the rotation from being restricted except at the neutral position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotation transmitting means, in the range of the maximum rotational speed rotational speed of the relative rotation can be rotated on both the rotational direction from the neutral position, the rotation of the integer number of revolutions of the relative rotation, non It is possible to employ a speed change mechanism that rotates the engaged body by rotation as an integer number of rotations.

  The non-integer rotation speed may be a number larger than 1 or a number smaller than 1 if the rotation speed is not an integer. That is, the case where the relative rotation has made one rotation includes the case where the number of rotations of the engaged body is more than one rotation or less than one rotation.

According to the present invention, the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion at positions other than the neutral position can be reliably prevented.
For example, when the rotating body to which the engaging portion is fixed is rotated an integer number of times from a neutral position in both rotation directions, the engaged body rotates a non-integer number, so that the engaging portion and the engaged portion face each other. Can be avoided. Therefore, except in the neutral position, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are not disposed at opposing positions, and the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be reliably prevented.

  Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the rotation transmitting means is provided on the engaged body, and meshes at a predetermined gear ratio with an engagement gear provided on the one of the fixed body and the rotating body. It can be constituted by an engagement side gear.

  The above-mentioned meshing means that the engaging portion side gear having a different number of teeth and the engaged portion side gear are directly engaged with each other, or the engaging portion side gear and the engaged portion side gear are A configuration in which the rotational speed of the engaging portion side gear and the engaged portion side gear is changed by indirect meshing via another transmission gear.

  According to the present invention, the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be more reliably moved from the opposing position except at the neutral position, and the rotational force of the relative rotation is applied to the engaged member with a simple configuration. The engaged body can be reliably rotated by the transmission.

In addition, since the engaged portion side gear and the engaging portion side gear are securely engaged without any gap, rotation of the engaged member caused by the relative rotation is prevented, and rotation of the engaged member is ensured. Transmission can be performed, and the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be more reliably opposed to each other at the neutral position. Therefore, reliable engagement can be ensured, and the accuracy of the neutral position in the rotary connector device can be improved.
Further, since the engaged portion side gear and the engaging portion side gear can be configured to surely mesh with each other, it is possible to prevent generation of abnormal noise due to the relative rotation.

  Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion is constituted by a fitting convex portion having a protruding tip, and the engaged portion is constituted by a fitting concave portion in which the fitting convex portion is fitted. The switching means may be characterized in that at least one of the fitting projection and the fitting recess is movable in a fitting direction in which the fitting is performed.

  According to this invention, by moving at least one of the engaging portion or the engaged portion in the fitting direction, the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body can be reliably restricted, and In the neutral position, the regulation of the relative rotation can be easily released.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, a guide means for guiding the engagement portion so as to be in the engagement state can be provided.
According to the present invention, since the engaging portion is guided by the guiding means so as to be in the engaged state with the engaged portion, the engaging portion and the engaged portion can be reliably engaged. Can be.

Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the switching means can be configured to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state in accordance with attachment and detachment of a steering device.
The steering device refers to a steering device that can be relatively rotated with respect to the fixed body when assembled to a vehicle body or the like, and includes, for example, a steering wheel that operates the vehicle body in an automobile.

  According to the present invention, the engagement state can be released by the operation of attaching the steering device that is rotatable relative to the fixed body to the rotary connector device whose relative rotation is regulated at the neutral position, so that the engagement state can be released easily and reliably. The rotary connector device can be relatively rotatable at the neutral position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotary connector device that can reliably restrict the relative rotation between the rotating body and the fixed body at the neutral position.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting body of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting object of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the rotary connector device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an end view showing a state of connection between the fitted body and the fitted body according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting release method of a fitting body and a to-be-fitted body of 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting method of a fitting body and a to-be-fitted body in a fitting release state. The schematic plan view of the rotary connector device of a 2nd embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting release method of a fitting body and a to-be-fitted body of 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the fitting method of a fitting body and a to-be-fitted body in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a rotary connector device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a rotary connector device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 14 is an end view showing a state where the fitted body and the fitted body according to the third embodiment are joined to each other. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a transmission gear for transmitting rotation of a rotator to a body to be fitted in a fourth embodiment. Explanatory drawing of another fitting object.

(1st Embodiment)
FIGS. 1 to 8 show the rotary connector device 1 that can regulate the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 at the neutral position by fitting the fitted body 50 provided on the fitting body 40 and the stator 20. It will be described based on the following.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the rotary connector device 1 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the fitting body 40 provided on the rotator 10 as viewed from above, and FIG. 3A is a schematic view from the moving part 41 side, and FIG. 3B is a schematic view from the fitting pin 42 side. Each shows a perspective view.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion α of FIG. 2 showing a place where the fitting target 50 is disposed in the stator 20. More specifically, in FIG. 4A, the fitting target 50 is represented by a dotted line. FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of the outer peripheral cylindrical portion 22 on the stator side in order to clearly display the fitted body 50.
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the rotary connector device 1 in which a section β in the figure is shown in cross section, FIG. 6 is an AA end view cut along the line AA shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. It shows the fitting state between the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 in the form.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion β in FIG. 5 for explaining a method of releasing the fitted state between the fitted body 40 and the fitted body 50. FIG. 7 (a) shows the rotator 10 and the stator 20 in detail. FIG. 7B is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which relative rotation of the fitting pin 42 is restricted, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view illustrating movement of the fitting pin 42.

  8 is an explanatory diagram of a method of fitting the fitting body 40 and the fitting target body 50. More specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates the movement of the fitting pin 42 in a state where the rotary connector device 1 is removed from the vehicle body. FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion β in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the portion β in FIG. 5 showing relative rotation of the rotator 10 and the stator 20 at positions other than the neutral position. 5) is an enlarged view of a portion β in FIG. 5 showing a fitting state of the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 at the neutral position.

  In FIGS. 5 to 8, the rotation gear 53 provided on the fitted body 50 and the rotator-side gear 131 provided on the rotator-side outer cylinder 13 are shown in a simplified manner. Are not shown.

  In the present embodiment, the rotator 10 side is set to the upper side with respect to the stator 20, and the sleeve 30 side is set to the lower side. When the rotator 10 is viewed from above (in plan view), a clockwise direction is defined as a clockwise direction, and a counterclockwise direction is defined as a counterclockwise direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotary connector device 1 includes a rotator 10, a stator 20 located below the rotator 10, and a sleeve 30 for assembling the rotator 10 and the stator 20 so as to be relatively rotatable. The flat cable FFC is accommodated in the accommodation space S formed and constituted by the rotator 10 and the stator 20 in the assembled state.

  The rotator 10 includes a substantially annular rotating side ring plate 11 having a substantially circular through hole at a central portion in a plan view, an inner peripheral cylindrical portion 12 formed downward from an inner peripheral edge of the rotating side ring plate 11, A rotator-side connector housing that is integrally formed with a rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13 that extends downward from the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the side ring plate 11, and that protrudes upward and functions as a connector on the upper surface of the rotation-side ring plate 11. The part 14 and the fitting body 40 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a groove-shaped moving part rail 111 having a predetermined width along the radial direction is provided on the upper surface of the rotating side ring plate 11, and a clockwise direction side of the moving part rail 111. Adjacently formed groove-shaped engaging portion rails 112 having a predetermined width are formed.

  The rotator-side connector accommodating portion 14 is an accommodating portion for accommodating a connector attached to one end of the flat cable FFC accommodated in the accommodating space S, and is used for an electric circuit such as a horn switch and an airbag unit arranged on the steering wheel. A connector of the connected cable (not shown) is externally connected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner peripheral cylinder portion 12 is a cylindrical body that extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the rotating side ring plate 11, and has a slightly lower end toward the inner diameter direction at the lower end of the inner peripheral cylinder portion 12. A protruding flange-shaped inner peripheral cylinder edge flange portion 121 is formed.
The inner diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 12 configured as described above is formed so that a steering wheel (not shown) can be inserted from above.

The rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13 is a substantially circular cylindrical member extending in a slightly smaller diameter and lower than the outer peripheral edge of the rotating-side ring plate 11 in a plan view. It is formed in about 1/5.
A rotator-side gear 131 in which 110 teeth are arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction is provided on the outer surface of the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13.

The stator 20 includes a substantially annular fixed-side ring plate 21 having a substantially circular through hole at a central portion in a plan view, and a substantially cylindrical stator-side outer peripheral cylinder portion extending upward from an outer peripheral edge of the fixed-side ring plate 21. In the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22, a through-hole 23 is provided in a radial direction through a portion facing a rotating body 50 described later.
A stator-side connector accommodating portion 24 that protrudes laterally and accommodates the connection connector is provided radially outside the fixed-side ring plate 21.

  A radially inner edge portion of the fixed side ring plate 21 has a width approximately equal to that of the inner peripheral cylinder edge flange 121, and when the rotator 10 and the stator 20 are assembled, the inner peripheral cylinder edge flange 121 A fixed-side inner peripheral portion 211 disposed below is formed.

The stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending upward from the outer peripheral edge of the fixed-side ring plate 21, and has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rotating-side ring plate 11 of the rotator 10. Have been. That is, in the assembled state where the rotator 10 and the stator 20 are assembled, the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 is arranged radially outward of the outer peripheral edge of the rotating-side ring plate 11.
The stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 is configured such that an upper end thereof is located above the rotation-side ring plate 11 in an assembled state where the rotator 10 and the stator 20 are assembled.

In the neutral position, the through-hole 23 facing the later-described fitting protrusion 43 is a through-hole provided in the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22, and a locking hole 231 through which the fitting protrusion 43 can be inserted and removed, and A part of a rotation gear 53 to be described later is constituted by a rotation hole 232 that can protrude in the inner diameter direction.
The locking hole 231 is formed in a tapered shape that tapers outward in the radial direction.

  The stator-side connector accommodating portion 24 is an accommodating portion for accommodating a connector provided at the other end of the flat cable FFC accommodated in the accommodating space S, and the inside thereof is connected to the accommodating space S formed by the rotator 10 and the stator 20. are doing. Further, inside the stator-side connector accommodating portion 24, a fitted body 50 that fits with the fitting body 40 and regulates the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sleeve 30 for assembling the rotator 10 and the stator 20 so as to be rotatable relative to each other is a cylindrical body having a through-hole vertically formed in a central portion in a plan view. The inner diameter is formed in the same shape as the inner peripheral cylinder edge flange 121.

Next, the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 that regulate the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
The fitting body 40 is fixed so as not to be able to move in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions on the rotating side ring plate 11 of the rotator 10, and as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), , A fitting pin 42 disposed parallel to the moving part 41 and extending radially outward, a connecting gear 44 via the moving part 41 and the fitting pin 42, and a radially outer end of the moving part 41. And a reaction wall 46 to which the other end of the spring 45 is fixed, and a fitting projection 43 is formed at a radially outer end of the fitting pin 42.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the moving section 41 is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped having a height higher than the width and a radial length longer than the height. In this embodiment, the length in the radial direction is formed to be about two-thirds of the radial width of the rotating side ring plate 11, and the height is set to the rotating side ring plate 11 and the stator side in the fitted state. It is formed lower than the vertical difference from the outer peripheral cylindrical portion 22. A moving operation portion 411 is formed at the radial inner end, and a moving portion side gear 412 that meshes with the coupling gear 44 is formed on a side surface formed on the clockwise side.

The moving operation section 411 formed inside the moving section 41 is formed in a tapered shape having the same width as the moving section 41 and having a height tapered toward the inside. In other words, the side surface shape of the moving operation unit 411 is a substantially trapezoidal shape with a right angle at the two corners and a short inner side, and the leg forming the hypotenuse extends toward the lower inner side. A radially inner end portion protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 12.
The lower end of the moving unit 41 is fitted to the moving unit rail 111, and the moving unit 41 is fitted so as to be movable in the radial direction along the moving unit rail 111.

  The fitting pin 42 is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped having the same height as the moving portion 41, and the radial length corresponding to the fitting direction is about half the radial length of the rotating ring plate 11. On the clockwise surface, a fitting portion side gear 421 that meshes with a connecting gear 44 described later is formed. Further, the lower end surface of the fitting pin 42 is fitted to a rail 112 for an engaging portion formed on the rotating side ring plate 11, and the fitting pin 42 extends radially along the rail 112 for the engaging portion. It is fitted movably.

  The fitting projection 43 provided at the radially outer end of the fitting pin 42 is a convex projecting radially outward, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with a rounded end. The length of the fitting projection 43 in the radial direction is substantially equal to the depth of a fitting recess 54 described later.

The connection gear 44 is a columnar gear formed between the moving part 41 and the fitting pin 42, and has a configuration in which the moving part-side gear 412 and the fitting part-side gear 421 mesh with each other on the peripheral surface. .
The spring 45 is a coil spring extending in the radial direction. One end of the spring 45 is connected to the radially outer end of the moving portion 41, and the other end is fixed to a reaction wall 46 provided near the outer peripheral edge of the rotating ring plate 11. I have. As a result, when the moving portion 41 moves radially outward, the spring 45 fixed to the reaction wall 46 contracts, and urges the moving portion 41 radially inward.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fitted body 50 fitted with the fitting body 40 described above is fixed inside the stator-side connector housing portion 24, specifically, inside the clockwise end of the stator-side connector housing portion 24. A substantially cylindrical body, and a cylindrical rotating column 51 erected in the vertical direction, a rotation fixed shaft 52 penetrating the center of the rotating column 51 in the vertical direction, and provided below the rotating column 51. It comprises a rotation gear 53 and a fitting recess 54 formed above the rotation column 51.

The rotation column 51 is a column disposed above the inside of the stator-side connector housing section 24.
The rotation fixed shaft 52 is a vertically standing rod-shaped body having an upper end and a lower end fixed by the stator-side connector accommodating portion 24, penetrates the center of the rotation column 51 in a plan view, and enables the rotation column 51 to rotate. It is pivoted.

  The rotation gear 53 is a cylindrical body formed along the outer peripheral surface on the lower side of the rotation column 51 and having a diameter larger than that of the rotation column 51, and has a peripheral surface on which a rotator-side gear 131 can mesh. There are teeth.

  The fitting concave portion 54 is a concave portion that is recessed by a depth of about a half of a radius of a cylinder forming the rotation column 51 in the inner diameter direction of the rotation column 51 above the rotation column 51. The shape of the depression is the same as that of the fitting projection 43, and the entrance is formed in a tapered shape that expands toward the outer peripheral side of the rotation column 51.

  In the rotary connector device 1 configured by assembling the components having the above-described configuration, specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the stator 20 is arranged so that the fixed-side ring plate 21 forms the lower surface. The stator 20 is sandwiched and fixed from above and below by the rotator 10 and the sleeve 30 fixed to the rotator 10 so that the rotation side ring plate 11 forms the upper surface.

  Since the stator 20 sandwiched between the rotator 10 and the sleeve 30 is not fixed to the rotator 10 and the sleeve 30, the rotator 10 and the stator 20 can rotate relative to each other.

  In the rotary connector device 1, an annular housing formed by the lower surface of the rotating side ring plate 11, the upper surface of the fixed side ring plate 21, the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 12, and the inner peripheral surface of the stator outer peripheral cylindrical portion 22. In the space S, a flat cable FFC in which four sheets are overlapped and wound and overlapped is accommodated.

  In the flat cable FFC, four flat cables are overlapped from the radial outside to the radial inside in the winding state in the accommodation space S, and one end of the flat cable FFC is connected to the rotator-side connector accommodation part 14. The connector and the other end are connected to a connection connector housed in the stator-side connector housing portion 24, respectively. For this reason, the flat cable FFC is wound or unwound in the accommodation space S by the relative rotation of the rotator 10, but the flat cable FFC is steered so that the rotator 10 can be steered at the maximum number of rotations in both rotation directions. Is adjusted, the rotator 10 can rotate with respect to the stator 20 by 2.5 rotations in both rotation directions from the neutral position.

  In the neutral position where the rotator 10 can rotate by 2.5 rotations in both rotation directions with respect to the stator 20, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are opposed to each other as shown in FIGS. The fitting body 40 and the body 50 to be fitted are arranged as described above, and the fitting protrusion 43 penetrating through the locking hole 231 is fitted into the fitting recess 54 to control the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20. Regulating.

  Here, the rotation gear 53 constituting the fitted body 50 has a larger diameter than the rotation column 51, and as shown in FIG. 6, the rotation gear 53 and the rotator-side gear 131 projecting radially inward from the rotation hole 232 and facing each other. Due to the engagement, the rotational force of the relative rotation of the rotator 10 can be transmitted to the rotational force of the rotation of the fitted body 50.

In addition, a steering shaft (not shown) can be attached to a predetermined position of the vehicle body so that a steering shaft (not shown) can be inserted downward into a central portion of the rotary connector device 1 including the rotator 10 and the stator 20. An insertion hole H (not shown) which can be inserted from above is formed.
By attaching and detaching a steering wheel (not shown) to and from the insertion hole H, the fitting between the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 and the release of the fitting can be switched.

  More specifically, when the steering wheel is not inserted, the rotator 10 cannot rotate relative to the stator 20 because the fitting protrusion 43 is fitted into the fitting recess 54 (see FIG. 7 ( a)). In this state, by inserting the steering wheel into the insertion hole H from above, the steering wheel presses the moving operation unit 411 provided at the radially inner end of the moving unit 41, and the moving unit 41 moves the rail 111 for the moving unit. (See FIG. 7B).

  Since the connecting gear 44 meshing with the moving unit side gear 412 rotates with the movement of the moving unit 41 in the radial direction, the fitting pin 42 meshing with the connecting gear 44 is reversed along the engaging unit rail 112. It moves in the inner diameter direction (see FIG. 7B). Accordingly, the fitting projection 43 provided at the tip of the fitting pin 42 can be released from the fitting recess 54 to release the fitting state, and the rotator 10 and the stator 20 can be relatively rotated.

  Next, in the neutral position, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are fitted again to regulate the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 in which the fitted state is released. It will be described based on the following.

  For example, when the steering wheel is removed at a position other than the neutral position, the moving operation unit 411 is no longer pressed, so that the moving unit 41 is moved in the radial direction along the moving unit rail 111 by the urging force of the spring 45. Accordingly, the coupling gear 44 meshing with the moving unit side gear 412 rotates, and the fitting pin 42 moves in the outer diameter direction along the engaging unit rail 112 (see FIG. 8A).

  Here, the rotating gear 53 having 15 teeth provided on the fitted body 50 meshes with the rotator-side gear 131 having 110 teeth provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13. Therefore, when the rotator 10 rotates an integer number of times (one or two rotations) from the neutral position, the fitted body 50 rotates a non-integer number of times (22/3 rotations or 44/3 rotations). The mating convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are not disposed at opposing positions.

  Therefore, while the rotator 10 is being rotated with respect to the stator 20, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are not arranged facing each other except at the neutral position. That is, the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 do not fit, and the rotator 10 can rotate relative to the stator 20 as shown in FIG. 8B.

  On the other hand, when the rotator 10 and the stator 20 are at the neutral position, as shown in FIG. 8C, the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 are arranged at opposing positions, that is, the fitting projections. 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are arranged to face each other, so that the fitting convex portion 43 passes through the locking hole 231 and moves into the fitting concave portion 54 as the fitting pin 42 moves in the radially inner direction. Can be inserted. Therefore, relative rotation between rotator 10 and stator 20 can be restricted.

  As described above, the rotary connector device 1 includes the annular rotator 10, the annular stator 20 assembled to be relatively rotatable with respect to the rotator 10, the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 that regulate the relative rotation. A fitting projection 43 provided on the rotator 10 and fixed in the rotation direction, a fitting recess 54 provided on the stator 20 and fitted with the fitting projection 43 at the opposing position, Thus, at the neutral position of the stator 20 with respect to the rotator 10 and the rotation gear 53 for moving the fitting protrusion 43, the fitting state where the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 are fitted and the fitting are released. The provision of the movement operation section 411 and the spring 45 for switching between the disengaged state allows the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 to be reliably restricted at the neutral position.

  More specifically, at the neutral position, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 provided on the fitting pin 42 are arranged at opposing positions, that is, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 Since they face each other in the direction, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 can switch the engagement. Thereby, the relative rotation of the rotator 10 with respect to the stator 20 at the neutral position can be reliably fixed.

  On the other hand, at positions other than the neutral position, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are not arranged at opposing positions, that is, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 do not face each other in the radial direction. The mating projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 cannot be fitted, and the relative rotation of the rotator 10 with respect to the stator 20 cannot be restricted.

  As described above, at positions other than the neutral position, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 cannot be fitted, and the rotary connector device 1 can relatively rotate. However, in the neutral position, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 face each other, and the regulation of the relative rotation of the rotator 10 with respect to the stator 20 can be switched. By doing so, the relative rotation can be reliably regulated at the neutral position. In other words, since the rotary connector device 1 whose relative rotation is restricted is always at the neutral position, even when the steering wheel is mounted, the rotary connector device 1 deviating from the neutral position is mounted and housed in the housing space S. The flat cable FFC is not damaged.

  Further, the fitting concave portion 54 is provided in the fitted body 50 that is capable of rotating and rotating at a predetermined position, and the fitted body 50 meshes with the rotator-side gear 131 to rotate relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20. By providing the rotation gear 53 for transmitting the force and rotating the fitted body 50 by rotation, the fitted body 50 can be rotated at a predetermined position using the relative rotation of the rotator 10.

  Accordingly, there is no need to secure a moving space for moving the fitted body 50 provided with the fitting concave portion 54 to another place, and the rotary connector device 1 can be downsized. Therefore, space saving of the vehicle body to which the rotary connector device 1 is attached can be achieved.

  Further, when the relative rotation speed of the rotary connector device 1 is within the range of 2.5 rotations, which is the maximum rotation speed capable of rotating in both rotation directions from the neutral position, the relative rotation of the rotator 10 at the integer rotation speed is a non-integer rotation speed. By using the rotation gear 53 that transmits the number of rotations to the body 50 to be fitted, the fitting between the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 can be reliably prevented.

  Specifically, the rotator-side gear 131 having 110 teeth and the rotation gear 53 having 15 teeth are meshed with the peripheral surface of the fitted body 50 along the outer periphery of the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13. Therefore, when the rotator 10 makes one rotation with respect to the stator 20, the fitted body 50 makes 22/3 rotations. Even when the rotator 10 makes two rotations with respect to the stator 20, the fitted body 50 makes 44/3 rotations.

  As described above, when the rotator 10 to which the fitting body 40 is fixed is rotated from the neutral position by an integer in both rotation directions, the fitting body 50 rotates by a non-integer number, so that the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 face each other. Can be avoided. Therefore, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 are not arranged facing each other except in the neutral position, and the engagement between the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 can be reliably prevented.

Furthermore, since the non-integer rotation speed of the fitted body 50 when the rotator 10 rotates an integer number is a value larger than 1, that is, by rotating the fitted body 50 at an increased speed, the fitting body 50 is reduced. Can be achieved.
More specifically, in order for the fitted body 50 to rotate less than one rotation while the relative rotation makes one rotation, it is necessary to reduce the rotation speed of the fitted body 50. Here, in order to reduce the rotation speed of the fitted body 50, the number of teeth of the rotation gear 53 needs to be larger than 110, which is the number of teeth of the rotator-side gear 131. In order to increase the number of teeth in this way, the size of the fitted body 50 provided with the rotation gear 53 necessarily increases.

  However, for example, when the number of rotations of the fitted body 50 is greater than 1 when the rotator 10 rotates an integer number, that is, when the fitted body 50 is configured to rotate at an increased speed, the rotator 10 is provided on the fitted body 50. The number of teeth of the rotation gear 53 can be made smaller than the number of teeth of the rotator-side gear 131 as in the present embodiment. Accordingly, the size of the fitted body 50 provided with the rotation gear 53 can be reduced, so that the space for accommodating the fitted body 50 can be reduced and the size of the rotary connector device 1 can be reduced.

  The rotation gear 53 provided on the fitted body 50 is configured to mesh with the rotator-side gear 131 provided on the rotator 10 at a predetermined speed ratio, so that the rotation gear 53 fits with the fitting convex portion 43 at a position other than the neutral position. The engagement concave portion 54 can be more reliably moved from the opposing position, and the rotational force of the relative rotation can be reliably transmitted to the engaged body 50 with a simple configuration, whereby the engaged body 50 can be rotated on its own axis. .

Further, since the rotation gear 53 and the rotator-side gear 131 are securely engaged without any gap, the rotation of the fitted body 50 caused by the relative rotation can be prevented from idling. Thus, the rotation can be transmitted reliably, and the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 can be more reliably opposed to each other at the neutral position to ensure the secure engagement, and the rotary connector device 1 can be secured. Accuracy of the neutral position can be improved
Furthermore, the rotation gear 53 and the rotator-side gear 131 can be configured to surely mesh with each other, and generation of abnormal noise due to relative rotation can be prevented.

  In addition, since the movement operation unit 411 is provided on the inner peripheral cylinder 12 side, the possibility of interference with other articles can be reduced as compared with the case where the movement operation unit 411 is provided outside the rotary connector device 1. When the rotary connector device 1 is conveyed, the engagement state can be prevented from being released.

  In addition, the fitting protrusion 43 having a protruding tip is configured to be movable in the radial direction to be fitted to the fitting recess 54 in which the fitting protrusion 43 is fitted. 20 can be reliably restricted, and the restriction of the relative rotation can be easily released at the neutral position.

  In addition, since the engagement protrusion rail 43 is provided to guide the fitting protrusion 43 to be in a fitted state, the fitting protrusion 43 is guided in the radial direction, and The fitting recess 54 can be securely fitted.

  In addition, the moving operation section 411 and the spring 45 are configured to switch between a fitted state and a disengaged state in accordance with the attachment / detachment of the steering wheel. The fitting state between the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 can be released by a series of operations for assembling the steering wheel to the rotary connector device 1 assembled to the vehicle main body in a state where is fitted. Therefore, the steering wheel can be easily and reliably assembled to the rotary connector device 1 at the neutral position.

(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a rotary connector device 1a as another embodiment of the rotary connector device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Note that among the configurations of the rotary connector device 1a described below, the same components as those of the rotary connector device 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the rotary connector device 1a showing a fitting state of the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54, and clearly shows a fitting state of the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54. The section β ′ is shown in a sectional view to make
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion β ′ for explaining a method of releasing a fitted state between the fitted body 40a and the fitted body 50. More specifically, FIG. 10 (a) shows a relative relationship between the rotator 10a and the stator 20. FIG. 10B is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which rotation is restricted, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged view illustrating movement of the fitting pin 42a.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion β ′ for explaining a fitting method for fitting the fitting body 40a and the fitting target body 50 in a state where the fitting is released, and FIG. 11B is an enlarged view illustrating the movement of the fitting pin 42 with the shaft removed, FIG. 11B is an enlarged view illustrating the relative rotation between the rotator 10a and the stator 20, and FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a fitting state between the mating convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54.

  9 to 11, similarly to FIGS. 5 to 8, the rotation gear 53 provided on the fitted body 50 and the rotator-side gear 131 provided on the rotator-side outer cylinder 13 are shown in a simplified manner. I have.

The rotary connector device 1a includes a rotator 10a, a stator 20 located below the rotator 10a, and a sleeve 30 for assembling the rotator 10a and the stator 20 so as to be relatively rotatable.
As shown in FIG. 9, on the upper surface of the rotating side ring plate 11 constituting the rotator 10a, a moving unit wall 115a, which is a wall formed along the radial direction, and a counterclockwise direction of the moving unit wall 115a. Are provided with guide walls 116a for engaging portions which are arranged at a predetermined interval.

  The moving portion wall 115a and the engaging portion guide wall 116a have a length in the radial direction equal to the radial length of the rotating ring plate 11, and the height of the rotating side ring plate 11 and the stator in the fitted state. It is a thin plate formed to have the same length as the vertical difference from the side outer peripheral cylindrical portion 22.

  A fitting body 40a that fits with the body to be fitted 50 and regulates the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 is provided on the upper surface of the rotating side ring plate 11 so as not to rotate in both rotation directions. As shown, a moving portion 41a whose radial inner end protrudes in the radial direction from the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 12, a fitting pin 42a whose radial outer end penetrates the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13, a moving portion 41a, A connecting portion 44a for connecting the fitting pin 42a; a leaf spring 45a which is an elastic body provided at the connecting portion of the moving portion 41a and the connecting portion 44a; and a movement restricting wall for restricting the moving portion 41a from moving radially outward. 46a, and a fitting projection 43 is provided at a radially outer end of the fitting pin 42a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the moving part 41a is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped provided in the counterclockwise direction and extending in the radial direction, and protrudes from one end of the coupling part 44a at the center in the vertical direction on the radial outside of the moving part 41a. An insertion portion for inserting a first connection portion (not shown) is provided. A first connecting pin 413a that penetrates the first connecting portion and connects the moving portion 41a and the connecting portion 44a so as to be relatively movable is inserted vertically through a central portion of the radially outer end in a plan view.

  The fitting pin 42a is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped provided in the clockwise direction and extending in the radial direction. There is provided an insertion part for inserting the not shown). A second connecting pin 422a that penetrates the second connecting portion and connects the fitting pin 42a and the connecting portion 44a so as to be relatively movable is inserted vertically through the center portion of the radially inner end in a plan view. .

  The connecting portion 44a connected to the moving portion 41a and the fitting pin 42a is an elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion protruding in the longitudinal direction are provided at central portions of both ends in the vertical direction. Have been. A through-hole through which the first connection pin 413a and the second connection pin 422a penetrate is provided at a central portion of the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a plan view, respectively. Further, a rotation center pin 442a whose lower end is fixed to the rotation side ring plate 11 penetrates vertically in a central portion in the longitudinal direction.

  In the connecting portion 40a having such a configuration, a connecting portion 44a for connecting the moving portion 41a and the fitting pin 42a is rotatably mounted along the rotating side ring plate 11 about the rotation center pin 442a as a rotation axis. By moving the moving portion 41a in the outer diameter direction, the connecting portion 44a rotates about the rotation center 442a as a rotation axis, and can move the fitting pin 42a in the inner diameter direction.

  The leaf spring 45a provided straddling the radial inside of the connecting portion between the moving part 41a and the connecting part 44a is a leaf spring that generates an urging force due to a change in the angle formed by the moving part 41a and the connecting part 44a. That is, when the moving portion 41a moves in the radial direction, the angle formed by the moving portion 41a and the connecting portion 44a becomes acute, and the leaf spring 45a is also bent. Will be energized.

  When the rotator 10a and the stator 20 are assembled, the movement restricting wall 46a has a substantially rectangular shape provided on the rotator-side outer cylinder 13 between the inner peripheral cylinder 12 and the rotator-side outer cylinder 13. It is a plate. One end in the width direction is in contact with the moving portion wall 115a, and the other end is disposed on a straight line connecting the center of the rotator 10a and the rotation center pin 442a, and the end protrudes slightly inward of the diameter. (Not shown).

  The rotating connector device 1a having such a configuration is provided with a fitting projection 43 and a fitting recess 54 by attaching and detaching a steering wheel (not shown) to the insertion hole H of the rotating connector device 1 mounted at a predetermined position. It is possible to switch between fitting and releasing of fitting.

More specifically, when the steering wheel is not inserted, the rotator 10a cannot be relatively rotated with respect to the stator 20 because the fitting protrusion 43 is fitted into the fitting recess 54 (see FIG. a)). In this state, by inserting the steering wheel into the insertion hole H from above, the steering wheel presses the moving operation unit 411 provided at the radially inner end of the moving unit 41a, and the moving unit 41a moves radially outward. (See FIG. 10B).
At this time, since the outer side of the moving portion 41a is in contact with the movement restricting wall 46a and is restricted from moving outward, the moving portion 41a does not move excessively outward.

  With the movement of the moving portion 41a, the connecting portion 44a rotates about the fixed shaft 442a, and moves the fitting pin 42 arranged along the guide wall 116a for the engaging portion in the inner diameter direction. As a result, the fitting projection 43 provided at the tip of the fitting pin 42 comes out of the fitting recess 54, and the fitting is released. As a result, the rotator 10a and the stator 20 can rotate relative to each other (see FIG. 10B).

Next, a method of fitting the rotator 10a and the stator 20 in the fitted state again at the neutral position will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, when the rotary connector device 1a is detached from the vehicle body at a position other than the neutral position, the moving portion 41a moves in the radial direction along the moving portion wall 115a by the urging force of the leaf spring 45 (FIG. 11 (a)). Accordingly, the connecting portion 44a rotates about the fixed shaft 442a, and the fitting pin 42a can be moved in the outer radial direction along the engaging portion guide wall 116a.

  However, since the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 are not located at positions facing each other, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 are not fitted as shown in FIG. The rotator 10a can be relatively rotated with respect to.

  Further, similarly to the rotary connector 1, 110 rotator-side gears 131 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13, and 15 rotation gears 53 are provided on the peripheral surface of the rotation column 51, The fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 do not face each other except at the neutral position. Therefore, the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 do not fit except in the neutral position, and the rotator 10a can be relatively rotated with respect to the stator 20 (see FIG. 11B).

On the other hand, when the rotator 10a is at the neutral position with respect to the stator 20, as shown in FIG. 11C, the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are arranged at positions facing each other. As the mating pin 42a moves in the radially inner direction, the fitting projection 43 penetrates the locking hole 231 and is inserted into the fitting recess 54. As a result, the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 are fitted, and the relative rotation between the rotator 10a and the stator 20 is regulated.
Since the movement restricting wall 46a restricts excessive movement of the moving portion 41a to the radial outside, the moving operation portion 411 can surely return to the original position.

  As described above, the rotary connector device 1a that regulates the relative rotation by switching the fitting between the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 has a different switching method of the rotation connector device 1 and the regulation of the relative rotation. This has the same effect as the rotary connector device 1 such that the relative rotation can be restricted only at the neutral position.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 is restricted at the neutral position. However, the rotary connector device 1b having the configuration capable of restricting the relative rotation even at positions other than the neutral position will be described below. Will be described with reference to FIGS.
Note that among the configurations of the rotary connector device 1b described below, the same components as those of the rotary connector device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the rotary connector device 1b, FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of the rotary connector device 1b showing a section indicated by β ″ in the figure, and FIG. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by β ″ in FIG. 4 for explaining the method of releasing the fitting state and the method of fitting, and FIG. 14A shows that the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20 is restricted. FIG. 14B is an enlarged view for explaining the movement of the fitting pin 42. FIG.

  The rotary connector device 1b has substantially the same configuration as the rotary connector device 1 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, but is different from the rotary connector device 1 in that the fitted body 50 is provided inside the stator-side connector accommodating portion 24. Not provided. Further, since the fitted body 50 is not provided, the stator 20b is not provided with the rotator-side outer cylinder portion 13 having the rotator-side gear 131 that is fitted with the rotation gear 53 and transmits the relative rotation of the rotator 10. Only the locking hole 231b is formed on the wall surface of the stator-side outer peripheral cylindrical portion 22 that is formed, and the rotation hole 232 through which a part of the rotation gear 53 can project in the inner diameter direction is not formed.

  The rotary connector device 1b having such a configuration is configured so that a steering shaft (not shown) is inserted downward through a central portion of the rotary connector device 1b including the rotator 10 and the stator 20b. An insertion hole H which can be mounted at a position and through which a steering wheel (not shown) can be inserted from above is formed. (See FIG. 13)

By attaching / detaching a steering wheel (not shown) to / from the insertion hole H, the fitting between the fitting body 40 and the through hole 23 and the release of the fitting can be switched.
More specifically, when the steering wheel is not inserted, the rotator 10 can be relatively rotated with respect to the stator 20b because the fitting protrusion 43 is fitted into the locking hole 231b as described above. No (see FIG. 14A). In this state, by inserting the steering wheel into the insertion hole H from above, the steering wheel presses the moving operation unit 411 provided at the radially inner end of the moving unit 41, and the moving unit 41 moves the rail 111 for the moving unit. (See FIG. 14B).

  Since the connecting gear 44 meshing with the moving unit side gear 412 rotates as the moving unit 41 moves radially outward, the fitting pin 42 meshing with the connecting gear 44 is reversed along the engaging unit rail 112. It moves in the inner diameter direction (see FIG. 14B). Accordingly, the fitting projection 43 provided at the tip of the fitting pin 42 can be released from the locking hole 231b to release the fitting state, and the rotator 10 and the stator 20b can be relatively rotated.

  Conversely, when the steering wheel is removed from the insertion hole H, there is no pressing of the moving operation part 411, so that the moving part 41 moves in the radial direction along the moving part rail 111 by the urging force of the spring 45. Accordingly, the coupling gear 44 meshing with the moving unit side gear 412 rotates, and the fitting pin 42 moves in the outer diameter direction along the engaging unit rail 112.

In this state, when the rotator 10 is relatively rotated with respect to the stator 20 and the fitting protrusion 43 is positioned to oppose the locking hole 231b, the distal end side of the fitting pin 42 is connected to the locking hole 231b. The fitting allows the relative rotation between the rotator 10 and the stator 20b to be restricted.
Since the locking hole 231b has a tapered shape that tapers in the outer diameter direction, the fitting protrusion 43 is guided by the through hole 23, and the leading end side of the fitting pin 42 and the through hole 23 are connected. The fitting can be surely performed.

  As described above, the annular stator 20 b, the annular rotator 10 that is assembled so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the stator 20 b, the rotation hole 231 b that regulates the relative rotation, and the rotation constituted by the fitting body 40. The connector device 1b includes a fitting pin 42 provided on the rotator 10 and fixed in the rotation direction, and a locking hole 231b provided on the stator 20b and engaged with a distal end side of the fitting pin 42 at an opposing position. And a moving operation portion 411 for switching between an engagement state in which the locking hole 231b and the fitting pin 42 are engaged, and a disengaged state in which the engagement is released. The relative rotation with respect to 20b can be reliably regulated with a small number of parts.

  More specifically, since the locking holes 231b and the fitting pins 42 are provided in the stator 20b and the rotator 10 and are arranged at opposing positions, the locking pins 231b and the fitting pins 42 are locked by operating the moving operation unit 411. The state of engagement with the hole 231b and the state of disengagement can be switched, and the relative rotation of the rotator 10 with respect to the stator 20b can be reliably restricted without providing other articles.

Further, the fitting pin 42 is configured to move in the radial direction, so that an angle sensor fixing portion for fixing the angle sensor to the sleeve 30 that relatively rotates integrally with the rotator 10 or a cancel cam is provided. Even in the case where the locking cam 231b and the fitting pin 42 are provided, the locking hole 231b and the fitting pin 42 can be engaged at the opposed position without interfering with the cancel cam or the like. Regardless, a highly versatile rotary connector device that can be used for rotary connector devices (sleeve 30) of various specifications can be provided.
Further, since there are few portions related to the shaft diameter, it is advantageous to cope with an increase in the shaft diameter. Even if the shaft diameter is changed, it can be coped with by adjusting the movable parts.

  Note that the locking hole 231b may be a fitting hole into which the fitting projection 43 can be fitted, such as the fitting recess 54, but the same shape as the locking hole 231 ensures that the rotator 10 Relative rotation between the motor and the stator 20b.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the through holes provided in the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 are only the locking holes 231b, but the through holes 23 described in the first embodiment may be provided. Thereby, it is not necessary to change the stator 20 according to the presence or absence of the fitting target 50, and the versatility can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the rotator-side gear 131 and the rotation gear 53 are meshed to transmit the rotation of the rotator 10 to the fitting target body 50. As shown in (1), the rotation of the rotator 10 (rotator-side gear 131) may be transmitted to the rotation gear 53 via the transmission gear 60.

Hereinafter, the rotary connector device 1c including the transmission gear 60 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
Note that among the configurations of the rotary connector device 1c described below, the same components as those of the rotary connector device 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view of a transmission gear 60 that meshes with the rotator-side gear 131 and the rotation gear 53. More specifically, FIG. 15A corresponds to a β portion in FIG. FIG. 15B is an end view of the rotary connector device 1c in the direction of the arrow BB in FIG. 15A.
As in FIGS. 5 to 8, the rotation gear 53 provided on the fitted body 50 and the rotator-side gear 131 provided on the rotator-side outer cylinder 13 are also simplified in FIG. 15.

The transmission gear 60 is a cylindrical body whose bottom surface is smaller than the bottom surface of the rotation column 51 and whose height is slightly smaller than the height of the rotation gear 53, and has a gear ( (Not shown).
The number of gear teeth provided on the transmission gear 60 is adjusted so that the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 do not face each other except at the neutral position.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 at a position facing the transmission gear 60 penetrates in the radial direction, and has a size such that a part of the transmission gear 60 can project radially inward. The transmission gear 60 is fitted with the rotator-side gear 131 through the rotation hole 232b, and the rotation gear 53 is provided radially outside the stator-side outer cylindrical portion 22 through the rotation hole 232b. (See FIGS. 15A and 15B).

The rotary connector device 1c having such a configuration can transmit the rotation of the rotator 10 to the fitting target 50.
More specifically, the rotation of the rotator 10 with respect to the stator 20 causes the transmission gear 60 including the gear meshing with the rotator-side gear 131 to rotate, and the rotation of the transmission gear 60 meshes with the gear of the transmission gear 60. The to-be-fitted body 50 provided with the rotating gear 53 is rotated. In this manner, by engaging the transmission gear 60 with the rotator-side gear 131 and the rotation gear 53, the rotation of the rotator 10 can be transmitted to the fitting target 50, similarly to the rotary connector device 1.

  Further, since the number of teeth of the transmission gear 60 is adjusted so that the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 do not face each other except in the neutral position, the fitting with the fitting protrusion 43 is performed only in the neutral position. The mating recess 54 can be fitted with the facing concave portion 54.

  The rotary connector device 1c provided with such a transmission gear 60 has a configuration in which the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 can be fitted only at the neutral position. In addition to playing, since the rotation ratio between the rotator 10 and the fitted body 50 can be adjusted without adjusting the number of teeth of the rotator-side gear 131 and the rotation gear 53, for example, the integer rotation of the rotator 10 is fitted. It can be transmitted as a non-integer rotation of the combination 50.

That is, by selecting the transmission gear 60 having an appropriate number of teeth, the rotator-side outer cylindrical portion 13 and the fitted body 50 which are integrally formed with the rotary connector device 1 can be replaced within the range of the maximum number of rotations without replacement. Since the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 can be prevented from opposing each other except at the neutral position, the versatility is excellent.
Although the number of the transmission gears 60 is one in the rotary connector device 1c, the number of the transmission gears 60 is not limited to one and may be configured to be connected via a plurality.

  Further, by providing one (odd number) of the transmission gear 60 between the rotator-side gear 131 and the rotation gear 53, the rotation directions of the rotator 10 and the fitted body 50 coincide. Accordingly, when a force for rotating the rotator 10 is applied in the fitted state in which the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are fitted, the fitting convex portion 43 has a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the rotator 10. Is applied, the force can be released, and the fitting projection 43 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Further, the transmission gear 60 can be a two-stage gear combining gears having different numbers of teeth in the vertical direction. Specifically, by meshing the upper gear with the rotation gear 53 and meshing the lower gear with the rotator-side gear 131, the rotation ratio between the rotator 10 and the fitted body 50 can be easily changed. The fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 can be prevented from fitting at a position other than the neutral position, and the number of teeth of the rotation gear 53 can be reduced.

In correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above embodiment,
The rotating bodies correspond to the rotators 10, 10a,
The fixed body corresponds to the stator 20, and the rotation restricting means corresponds to the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50,
The engaging portion corresponds to the fitting pin 42 or the fitting projection 43,
The engaged portions correspond to the fitting concave portions 54 and the locking holes 231b,
The moving means, the rotation transmitting means, the reduction mechanism, and the transmission mechanism correspond to the rotation gear 53 and the transmission gear 60,
The switching means corresponds to the movement operation unit 411, the spring 45, and the leaf spring 45a,
The engagement portion side gear corresponds to the rotator side gear 131,
The engaged portion side gear corresponds to the rotation gear 53,
The guide means corresponds to the engagement portion rail 112 and the engagement portion guide wall 116a.
The present invention is not limited to only the configuration of the above-described embodiment, but can obtain many embodiments.

  For example, in the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the number of teeth of the rotator-side gear 131 is set to 110 and the number of teeth of the rotation gear 53 is set to 15. However, the number of teeth is not limited to this. When the number of rotations is within the range of 2.5 rotations, which is the maximum number of rotations that can be performed in both rotation directions from the neutral position, rotation of an integer number of relative rotations is performed with a non-integer number of rotations of the engaged body. The number of teeth may be any number as long as the number of teeth can be transmitted.

  Alternatively, the rotation gear 53 may be configured to rotate the engaged body 50 at a reduction ratio of 2.5 rotations or more, which is the maximum rotation speed at which the rotation gear 53 can relatively rotate in any direction from the neutral position. Thereby, the fitting between the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 at a position other than the neutral position can be reliably prevented.

  Specifically, even if the rotator 10 is relatively rotated by 2.5 rotations, the rotation of the fitted body 50 due to the relative rotation is set to less than 1 rotation, so that the rotator 10 can be fitted at a position other than the neutral position during the relative rotation. It is possible to prevent the mating convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 from being arranged at opposing positions. Therefore, the fitting between the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 at a position other than the neutral position can be reliably prevented.

  Further, in the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the convex fitting projection 43 and the concave fitting recess 54 are fitted to restrict relative rotation. It is not necessary to form a convex fitting portion on the side and a concave fitting portion on the fitting target 50, for example, providing a concave fitting portion on the tip side of the fitting pin 42, and A configuration in which a convex fitting portion is provided, and the relative rotation of the rotary connector device 1 may be locked by fitting the fitting pin 42 and the fitting body.

  In the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the fitting body 40 and the fitted body 50 are configured to fit along the radial direction. However, for example, the fitting is performed in the direction along the rotation axis, that is, in the vertical direction. A configuration in which the united body 40 and the fitted body 50 are fitted may be adopted.

  In the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the fitting body 40 is provided on the upper surface of the rotary ring plate 11, but it is not always necessary to provide the fitting body 40 at this position. Alternatively, a configuration may be provided at the lower end side of the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 12.

  Furthermore, the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a can be configured to cover the fitting body 40 with a cover. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the rotary connector device 1, particularly from the through hole 23.

  Furthermore, in the rotary connector device 1 and the rotary connector device 1a, the fitting concave portion 54 is moved from the neutral position by rotating the body 50 to be fitted, for example, in the radial direction or the vertical direction of the rotator 10. The configuration may be such that the fitting target 50 or the fitting pin 42 is moved along. That is, if the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 face each other only in the neutral position, the fitting protrusion 43 and the fitting recess 54 may be moved in any way from the neutral position.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16A, the shape of the fitting concave portion 54 into which the fitting convex portion 43 is fitted is the same as the shape of the fitting convex portion 43. For example, as shown in FIG. As described above, the opening of the fitting concave portion 54 in the plan view is formed wider than the lateral width of the fitting convex portion 43 in plan view, and the fitting concave portion 54 is formed in a tapered shape tapering toward the inner diameter side of the rotation column 51. May be.

  By forming the fitting concave portion 54 in such a shape, when the fitting convex portion 43 and the fitting concave portion 54 are arranged in the vicinity of the neutral position, the fitting convex portion 43 becomes the opening portion of the fitting concave portion 54. Is guided by the tapered surface provided in the fitting recess 54 (see FIG. 16C). That is, since the fitting projection 43 and the fitting recess 54 are more easily fitted at the neutral position, the rotary connector device can be more easily brought into the neutral state.

In the first embodiment, the moving portion 41 and the fitting pin 42 are configured to fit in the groove-shaped moving portion rail 111 and the engaging portion rail 112 to guide the movement in the radial direction. The moving part 41 and the engaging pin 42 are formed as regulating walls that are erected along the radial direction so that the moving part rail 111 and the engaging part rail 112 face the side surfaces of the moving part 41 and the fitting pin 42. It may be configured to guide.
It is to be noted that both the regulating wall and the groove may be combined, and one of the moving part rail 111 side and the engaging part rail 112 side is fitted to the groove-shaped rail, and the other is formed by the regulating wall. It may be configured to be guided in the direction.

  Further, the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments are not necessarily the configurations shown in the drawings, and these configurations may be combined. For example, the fitting body 40a described in the second embodiment may be replaced by a third embodiment. It may be used in the form or the fourth embodiment.

1, 1a Rotary connector device 10, 10a Rotator 11 Rotating ring plate 131 Rotator-side gear 20 Stator 21 Fixed side ring plate 231b Locking holes 40, 40a Fitting body 411 Moving operation unit 42 Fitting pin 43 Fitting convex portion 45 Spring 45a Leaf spring 50 Fitted body 53 Rotating gear 54 Fitting recess 60 Transmission gear 60

Claims (8)

An annular fixed body,
An annular rotator assembled relative to the fixed member so as to be rotatable;
A rotation restricting means for restricting the relative rotation,
In the rotation regulating means,
An engagement portion fixed to a rotation direction, provided on one of the fixed body and the rotating body,
An engaged portion provided on the other side and engaged with the engaging portion at a facing position;
Wherein said engaging portion and the engaged state in which the engaged portion are engaged, engagement and a switching means for switching between the disengaged state of being released with al will,
With the relative rotation, a moving means for moving at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion from an opposing position,
The switching means,
In a neutral position of the rotating body with respect to the fixed body, an engagement state in which the engagement portion and the engaged portion are engaged with each other, and a configuration in which the engagement is released and the engagement is released,
The engaged portion is provided on an engaged body that is capable of rotating at a predetermined position.
The moving means,
A rotary connector device comprising rotation transmitting means for transmitting the rotational force of the relative rotation to rotate the engaged body by self-rotation . The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is configured to be movable in a radial direction. The rotation transmitting means,
A speed reduction mechanism configured to rotate the engaged body in a self-rotating manner at a reduction ratio equal to or higher than a maximum rotation speed capable of relative rotation in any direction from the neutral position.
The rotary connector device according to claim 1 . The rotation transmitting means,
The rotational speed of the relative rotation is within the range of the maximum rotational speed in each of the two rotational directions from the neutral position. It consists of a speed change mechanism that rotates
The rotary connector device according to claim 1 . The rotation transmitting means,
Provided in the engaged body,
An engagement side gear meshed at a predetermined speed ratio with an engagement side gear provided on the one of the fixed body and the rotating body.
The rotary connector device according to claim 1 . The engaging portion is configured by a fitting convex portion having a protruding tip,
The engaged portion is configured by a fitting concave portion into which the fitting convex portion is fitted,
The switching means,
The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the fitting protrusion and the fitting recess is configured to be movable in a fitting direction of fitting. Guide means for guiding the engaging portion so as to be in the engaged state was provided.
The rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The switching means,
It is configured to switch between the engaged state and the disengaged state with the attachment and detachment of a steering device.
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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