JP7222752B2 - Rotating connector device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in the present application relates to a rotary connector device.

A rotary connector device used in a vehicle is known (see Patent Document 1, for example).

International Publication No. 2018/047581

In order to adapt the rotary connector device to various vehicles, it is preferable to enhance the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device.

An object of the technology disclosed in the present application is to improve the environmental resistance of a rotary connector device.

A rotary connector device according to a first aspect comprises a stator and a rotating body. The rotating body is provided rotatably around the rotation axis with respect to the stator. The stator and the rotor define a cable accommodation space between the stator and the rotor surrounding the axis of rotation. The rotating body includes a rotating body main body and a connector accommodating portion having a connector accommodating space for accommodating an electrical connector. The connector housing includes a first connector holder, a second connector holder, a housing outer surface, and a first seam. The first connector holder extends from the body of rotation along the axis of rotation to the side opposite to the cable housing space. The second connector holder is a separate member from the first connector holder and attached to the first connector holder. The housing outer surface is arranged to surround the connector housing space when viewed along the rotation axis. The first seam is provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder and extends from the outer surface of the receiving portion toward the connector receiving space. The housing outer surface includes a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a third outer surface, and a fourth outer surface. The first outer surface faces the axis of rotation. The second outer surface is arranged on the side opposite to the first outer surface with respect to the connector accommodating space so as to face radially outward. The third outer surface is arranged between the first outer surface and the second outer surface so as to face in a direction different from the direction in which the first outer surface faces. The fourth outer surface is arranged on the side opposite to the third outer surface with respect to the connector accommodating space. The first seam extends from one of the third outer surface and the fourth outer surface toward the connector receiving space.

In the rotary connector device according to the first feature, since the first seam extends from one of the third outer surface and the fourth outer surface toward the connector accommodating space, for example, liquid may spill onto the first surface or the second surface. In this case, it becomes easier to prevent liquid from entering the connector housing space. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced.

A rotary connector device according to a second aspect is the rotary connector device according to the first aspect, wherein the first seam extends along the rotation axis.

In the rotary connector device according to the second feature, it is possible to increase the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a third aspect is the rotary connector device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second outer surface is provided only on the first connector holder out of the first connector holder and the second connector holder. there is

In the rotary connector device according to the third feature, since the seam between the first connector holder and the second connector holder does not exist on the second outer surface, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be further enhanced.

A rotary connector device according to a fourth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the third outer surface is provided on the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourth aspect, the first seam provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder can be provided on the third outer surface.

A rotary connector device according to a fifth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first seam extends from the third outer surface toward the connector accommodating space. The fourth outer surface is provided only on the first connector holder out of the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifth feature, since the joint between the first connector holder and the second connector holder does not exist on the fourth outer surface, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be further enhanced.

A rotating connector device according to a sixth aspect is the rotating connector device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a first concave portion. there is The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a first protrusion provided within the first recess.

In the rotating connector device according to the sixth feature, the first concave portion and the first convex portion are provided to increase the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a seventh aspect is the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the first seam is at least partially provided between the first concave portion and the first convex portion.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventh feature, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to an eighth aspect is the rotary connector device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the first concave portion and the first convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the accommodating portion and the connector accommodating space.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighth characteristic, the first concave portion and the first convex portion can be provided inside the connector accommodating portion, and the rotary connector can be rotated while enhancing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. The environmental resistance of the device can be enhanced.

A rotating connector device according to a ninth feature is the rotating connector device according to any one of the first to eighth features, wherein the connector accommodating portion is provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder to accommodate. It includes a second seam extending from the exterior surface toward the connector receiving space.

In the rotary connector device according to the ninth feature, the provision of the second seam can increase the degree of freedom in designing the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotating connector device according to a tenth aspect is the rotating connector device according to the ninth aspect, wherein one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a second recess. The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a second protrusion provided within the second recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the tenth feature, the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder can be increased by providing the second concave portion and the second convex portion.

A rotary connector device according to an eleventh aspect is the rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the second seam is at least partially provided between the second concave portion and the second convex portion.

In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh feature, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a twelfth feature is the rotary connector device according to the tenth or eleventh feature, wherein the second concave portion and the second convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the accommodating portion and the connector accommodating space.

In the rotary connector device according to the twelfth feature, the second concave portion and the second convex portion can be provided inside the connector accommodating portion, and the rotary connector can be rotated while enhancing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. The environmental resistance of the device can be enhanced.

A rotating connector device according to a thirteenth feature is the rotating connector device according to any one of the first to twelfth features, wherein the connector accommodating portion is provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. Includes 3 seams.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, providing the third joint can increase the degree of freedom in designing the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a fourteenth feature is the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth feature, wherein one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a third recess. The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a third protrusion provided within the third recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth feature, the connecting strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder can be increased by providing the third concave portion and the third convex portion.

A rotary connector device according to a fifteenth aspect is the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the third seam is at least partially provided between the third concave portion and the third convex portion.

In the rotating connector device according to the fifteenth feature, the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a sixteenth aspect is the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, wherein the third concave portion and the third convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the accommodating portion and the connector accommodating space.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixteenth feature, the third concave portion and the third convex portion can be provided inside the connector accommodating portion, and the rotary connector can be The environmental resistance of the device can be enhanced.

A rotary connector device according to a seventeenth feature is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to sixteenth features, wherein one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a fourth recess. there is The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a fourth protrusion provided within the fourth recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventeenth feature, the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder can be increased by providing the fourth concave portion and the fourth convex portion.

A rotary connector device according to an eighteenth feature is the rotary connector device according to the seventeenth feature, wherein the first seam is at least partially provided between the fourth concave portion and the fourth convex portion.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighteenth feature, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder.

A rotary connector device according to a nineteenth feature is the rotary connector device according to the seventeenth or eighteenth feature, wherein the fourth concave portion and the fourth convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the accommodating portion and the connector accommodating space.

In the rotary connector device according to the nineteenth feature, the fourth concave portion and the fourth convex portion can be provided inside the connector accommodating portion, and the rotary connector can be rotated while enhancing the connection strength between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. The environmental resistance of the device can be enhanced.

A rotary connector device according to a twentieth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the length of the third outer surface is the length of the second outer surface when viewed along the rotation axis. shorter than the length of

In the rotary connector device according to the twentieth feature, when liquid is spilled onto the connector accommodating portion, it is possible to shorten the time that the liquid stays on the third outer surface. As a result, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced.

The technology disclosed in the present application can improve the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device.

1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotating body of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the rotating connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line IV--IV of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line VV of FIG. 7; 6 is a partial top view of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device on line VII-VII of FIG. 5; 8 is a partial perspective view of the rotating connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical connector and a second connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line XX of FIG. 16; 11 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector holder and the second connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 10; 13 is a perspective view of a second connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the second connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line XV--XV of FIG. 7; FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly at line XVI--XVI of FIG. 10; 17 is a perspective view of a first connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the first connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device at line XIX-XIX of FIG. 16; FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 16; 21 is a perspective view of a first connector holder and a second connector holder of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram explaining the effect of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1 (neutral state). FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the rotary connector device shown in FIG. 1 (first rotation state). FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the rotating connector device shown in FIG. 1 (second rotating state). FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the rotating connector device shown in FIG. 1 (second rotating state). FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the effects of the rotating connector device shown in FIG. 1 (third rotating state).

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals in the figures indicate corresponding or identical configurations.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary connector device 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary connector device 1 comprises a stator 10, a rotating body 20 and an electrical connector 30. As shown in FIG. The rotating body 20 is provided rotatably around the rotation axis A1 with respect to the stator 10 . In this embodiment, for example, the stator 10 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body, and the rotating body 20 is configured to be fixed to the steering wheel. An electrical connector 30 is attached to the rotor 20 . The electrical connector 30 is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, a steering-side connector. The steering-side connector is electrically connected to electric circuits such as switches of the steering wheel and an airbag device. The electrical connector 30 may also be referred to as a rotor-side electrical connector.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary body 20 of the rotary connector device 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the rotating body 20 includes a rotating body main body 21 . The rotating body main body 21 includes a rotating plate 21A, a tubular portion 21B, and a sleeve 21C. The rotating plate 21A has a generally annular shape. The cylindrical portion 21B extends from the inner peripheral portion of the rotary plate 21A along the rotation axis A1 and includes a through hole 21D through which the steering shaft passes. The through hole 21D extends along the rotation axis A1. The sleeve 21C has an annular shape and is attached to the tubular portion 21B.

Rotating body 20 includes a connector accommodating portion 22 . The connector accommodating portion 22 has a connector accommodating space 22A for accommodating an electrical connector 30 (FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the connector accommodation space 22A includes a plurality of accommodation spaces 22A1 to 22A3. The connector accommodating portion 22 may also be referred to as a rotor-side connector accommodating portion 22 .

The connector housing portion 22 includes a first connector holder 24 and a second connector holder 25 . The second connector holder 25 is a separate member from the first connector holder 24 and attached to the first connector holder 24 . The first connector holder 24 extends from the rotor main body 21 along an axial direction D1 parallel to the rotation axis A1.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the rotary connector device 1 has a stator-side connector housing portion 40 and a housing cover 45 . The stator-side connector accommodating portion 40 and the housing cover 45 are attached to the stator 10 . The stator-side connector accommodating portion 40 accommodates a stator-side electrical connector connected to electrical equipment (eg, a control device and a battery) provided in the vehicle body.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device 1 taken along line IV--IV of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the stator 10 and the rotor 20 define a cable accommodation space 50 between the stator 10 and the rotor 20 so as to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable housing space 50 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction D2 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device 1 is provided with an electric cable 60 . The electric cable 60 is arranged in the cable housing space 50 and electrically connected to the stator-side connector housing portion 40 (FIG. 2). The electric cable 60 is flexible and has a flat shape. The electric cable 60 is also called a flexible flat cable.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connector holder 24 extends from the rotary body 21 along the rotation axis A1 to the opposite side of the cable housing space 50. As shown in FIG. The first connector holder 24 extends from the rotor body 21 along an axial direction D1 parallel to the rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, the first connector holder 24 is formed integrally with the rotating plate 21A and the tubular portion 21B of the rotating body main body 21 as one single member. However, the first connector holder 24 may be a separate member from the rotating plate 21A and the cylindrical portion 21B.

6 is a top view of the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the connector housing 22 includes a housing outer surface 22B. The housing outer surface 22B is arranged so as to surround the connector housing space 22A when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The housing outer surface 22B includes a first outer surface 22C, a second outer surface 22D, a third outer surface 22E, and a fourth outer surface 22F. The first outer surface 22C faces the rotation axis A1. The second outer surface 22D is arranged on the side opposite to the first outer surface 22C with respect to the connector accommodating space 22A so as to face radially outward. The third outer surface 22E is arranged between the first outer surface 22C and the second outer surface 22D so as to face in a direction different from the direction in which the first outer surface 22C faces. The fourth outer surface 22F is arranged on the opposite side of the connector accommodating space 22A from the third outer surface 22E.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, when viewed along the rotation axis A1, the length L3 of the third outer surface 22E is shorter than the length L2 of the second outer surface 22D. When viewed along the rotation axis A1, the length L3 of the third outer surface 22E is shorter than the length L1 of the first outer surface 22C. The length of the fourth outer surface 22F is shorter than the length of the second outer surface 22D when viewed along the rotation axis A1. The length of the fourth outer surface 22F is shorter than the length of the first outer surface 22C when viewed along the rotation axis A1. However, the relationship between the lengths L1 to L4 is not limited to this embodiment.

The connector accommodating portion 22 has a longitudinal direction D3. When viewed along the axial direction D1, the connector accommodating portion 22 has an elongated cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction D3. Lengths L1 and L2 are defined along longitudinal direction D3. Lengths L3 and L4 are defined in direction D4 orthogonal to axial direction D1 and longitudinal direction D3. Direction D4 may also be referred to as first direction D4. The longitudinal direction D3 may also be referred to as the second direction D3.

In this embodiment, the second outer surface 22</b>D is provided only on the first connector holder 24 of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 . The third outer surface 22E is provided on the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25. As shown in FIG. The fourth outer surface 22</b>F is provided only on the first connector holder 24 of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 . However, the fourth outer surface 22</b>F may be provided on the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 .

The connector accommodating portion 22 includes a first seam S1. The first seam S1 is provided between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 and extends from the housing outer surface 22B toward the connector housing space 22A. The first seam S1 is exposed from the housing portion outer surface 22B. The first seam S1 extends from one of the third outer surface 22E and the fourth outer surface 22F toward the connector accommodating space 22A. In this embodiment, the first seam S1 extends from the third outer surface 22E toward the connector receiving space 22A. The first seam S1 is exposed from the third outer surface 22E. However, the first seam S1 may be exposed from the fourth outer surface 22F or may extend from the fourth outer surface 22F toward the connector receiving space 22A.

One of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a first concave portion C1. The other of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a first protrusion V1 provided within the first recess C1. In this embodiment, the first connector holder 24 includes the first concave portion C1, and the second connector holder 25 includes the first convex portion V1. However, the second connector holder 25 may include the first concave portion C1, and the first connector holder 24 may include the first convex portion V1. Also, the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1 may be omitted from the connector accommodating portion 22 .

The first seam S1 is at least partially provided between the first recess C1 and the first protrusion V1. The first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1 are arranged between the housing outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. In this embodiment, the first seam S1 is partially provided between the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1. However, the first seam S1 may be provided entirely between the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1.

The first connector holder 24 includes a first holder body 24A. The first holder body 24A includes a first recess C1, a connector accommodation space 22A, and a holder accommodation space 24B. The first concave portion C1 is connected to the holder accommodation space 24B. The second connector holder 25 is at least partially arranged within the holder receiving space 24B.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connector receiving portion 22 includes a second seam S2. The second seam S2 is provided between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 and extends from the housing outer surface 22B toward the connector housing space 22A. The second seam S2 is exposed from the housing outer surface 22B. In this embodiment, the second seam S2 extends from the first outer surface 22C toward the connector receiving space 22A. The second seam S2 is exposed from the first outer surface 22C. However, the second seam S2 may be exposed from one of the second outer surface 22D, the third outer surface 22E and the fourth outer surface 22F, or the second outer surface 22D, the third outer surface 22E and the fourth outer surface 22F. It may extend from one to the connector receiving space 22A. Also, the second seam S2 may be omitted from the connector accommodating portion 22 .

One of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes the second recess C2. The other of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a second protrusion V2 provided within the second recess C2. In this embodiment, the first connector holder 24 includes the second concave portion C2, and the second connector holder 25 includes the second convex portion V2. However, the second connector holder 25 may include the second concave portion C2, and the first connector holder 24 may include the second convex portion V2. Also, the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2 may be omitted from the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG.

A second seam S2 is provided at least partially between the second recess C2 and the second protrusion V2. The second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2 are arranged between the housing portion outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. In this embodiment, the second seam S2 is provided entirely between the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2. However, the second seam S2 may be partially provided between the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2.

The first holder body 24A includes a second recess C2. The second recess C2 is arranged on the first outer surface 22C. The second protrusion V2 protrudes from the fourth wall 25F toward the first wall 25B.

The connector accommodation portion 22 includes a third seam S3. A third seam S3 is provided between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 . In this embodiment, the third seam S3 is not exposed from the housing portion outer surface 22B, and is provided inside the housing portion outer surface 22B. However, the third seam S3 may be exposed from the housing outer surface 22B or may extend from the housing outer surface 22B to the connector housing space 22A.

One of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a third recess C3. The other of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a third convex portion V3 provided inside the third concave portion C3. In this embodiment, the first connector holder 24 includes the third concave portion C3, and the second connector holder 25 includes the third convex portion V3. The first wall 25B of the second connector holder 25 includes a third protrusion V3. However, the second connector holder 25 may include the third concave portion C3, and the first connector holder 24 may include the third convex portion V3. Further, the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3 may be omitted from the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG.

A third seam S3 is provided at least partially between the third recess C3 and the third protrusion V3. The third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3 are arranged between the housing outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. In this embodiment, the third seam S3 is provided entirely between the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3. However, the third seam S3 may be partially provided between the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3.

The first holder body 24A includes a third recess C3. The third recess C3 is connected to the holder accommodation space 24B. In this embodiment, the third recess C3 is arranged between the second recess C2 and the connector accommodating space 22A. The third protrusion V3 is arranged between the second protrusion V2 and the connector accommodating space 22A. However, the arrangement of the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3 is not limited to this embodiment.

One of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a fourth recess C4. The other of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 includes a fourth convex portion V4 provided inside the fourth concave portion C4. In this embodiment, the first connector holder 24 includes the fourth concave portion C4, and the second connector holder 25 includes the fourth convex portion V4. The first wall 25B of the second connector holder 25 includes a fourth protrusion V4. However, the second connector holder 25 may include the fourth concave portion C4, and the first connector holder 24 may include the fourth convex portion V4. Further, the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4 may be omitted from the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG.

The first seam S1 is at least partially provided between the fourth recess C4 and the fourth protrusion V4. The fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4 are arranged between the housing outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. In this embodiment, the first seam S1 is partially provided between the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4. However, the first seam S1 may be provided entirely between the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4.

The fourth recess C4 is arranged between the first recess C1 and the connector accommodating space 22A. The fourth protrusion V4 is arranged between the first protrusion V1 and the connector accommodating space 22A. However, the arrangement of the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4 is not limited to this embodiment.

8 is a perspective view of the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the first seam S1 extends along the rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, the first seam S1 extends along the axial direction D1 on the third outer surface 22E. The second seam S2 extends along the rotation axis A1. In this embodiment, the second seam S2 extends along the rotation axis A1 (along the axial direction D1) on the first outer surface 22C.

9 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector holder 25 and the electrical connector 30. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, electrical connector 30 includes first connector 31 and second connector 32 . The first connector 31 includes a plurality of busbars 31A and busbar cases 31B. For example, the busbars 31A are made of metal, and the busbar case 31B is made of resin. A plurality of busbars 31A protrude from the busbar case 31B along the axial direction D1. The busbar case 31B holds a plurality of busbars 31A. The second connector 32 includes a plurality of busbars 32A and busbar cases 32B. For example, the busbars 32A are made of metal, and the busbar case 32B is made of resin. A plurality of busbars 32A protrude from the busbar case 32B along the axial direction D1. The busbar case 32B holds a plurality of busbars 32A. A plurality of bus bars 31A and 31B are electrically connected to an electric cable 60 (see FIG. 4).

The second connector holder 25 includes a second holder body 25A, a first wall 25B and a second wall 25C. The second holder main body 25A includes a connector supporting portion 25D that supports the electrical connector 30. As shown in FIG. The electrical connector 30 is arranged on the connector support portion 25D. The first wall 25B extends from the second holder main body 25A along the axial direction D1 parallel to the rotation axis A1. The second wall 25C extends from the second holder main body 25A along the axial direction D1 and is connected to the first wall 25B. The first wall 25B extends in a first direction D4 orthogonal to the axial direction D1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the first wall 25B is arranged between the connector receiving space 22A and the first seam S1. The second wall 25C is arranged on the side opposite to the first seam S1 with respect to the first wall 25B. The second wall 25C extends from the first wall 25B in a second direction D3 orthogonal to the axial direction D1 and different from the first direction D4. The second wall 25C extends from the first wall 25B to the side opposite to the first seam S1 and is arranged within the connector accommodating space 22A.

The first wall 25B includes a first wall surface 25B1 facing the electrical connector 30. As shown in FIG. The first wall 25B includes a third wall surface 25B2 provided behind the first wall surface 25B1. The first wall surface 25B1 and the third wall surface 25B2 face the second direction D3. The second wall 25C extends from the first wall surface 25B1 in the second direction D3. The second wall 25C includes a second wall surface 25C1 and a fourth wall surface 25C2. The second wall surface 25C1 faces the electrical connector 30. As shown in FIG. The fourth wall surface 25C2 is provided behind the second wall surface 25C1. The second wall surface 25C1 and the fourth wall surface 25C2 face the first direction D4. In this embodiment, the second direction D3 is orthogonal to the first direction D4. However, the second direction D3 may or may not be substantially orthogonal to the first direction D4.

The first wall 25B has a first length AL11 defined in the first direction D4. The second wall 25C has a second length AL21 defined in the second direction D3. In this embodiment, the second length AL21 is longer than the first length AL11. However, the second length AL21 may be less than or equal to the first length AL11.

The second connector holder 25 includes first ribs 25R1 and second ribs 25R2. The first rib 25R1 extends from the second wall 25C to the opposite side of the electrical connector 30. As shown in FIG. The second rib 25R2 extends from the second wall 25C to the side opposite to the electrical connector 30 and is spaced apart from the first rib 25R1 in the second direction D3. In this embodiment, the first rib 25R1 and the second rib 25R2 protrude in the first direction D4 from the fourth wall surface 25C2 of the second wall 25C. However, at least one of the first rib 25R1 and the second rib 25R2 may be omitted from the second connector holder 25.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first connector holder 24 includes a holder connecting portion 24K that connects the first connector holder 24 to the second wall 25C. The holder connecting portion 24K protrudes from the first holder main body 24A toward the second holder main body 25A along the axial direction D1. The holder connecting portion 24K includes a connecting groove 24K1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second connector holder 25 includes a connecting projection 25K provided on the second wall 25C. The holder connecting portion 24K is hooked on the connecting projection 25K so as to connect the first connector holder 24 to the second connector holder 25. As shown in FIG. The connecting protrusion 25K is arranged between the first rib 25R1 and the second rib 25R2 in the second direction D3. In this embodiment, the connecting projection 25K is provided on the fourth wall surface 25C2. The connecting protrusion 25K protrudes in the first direction D4 from the fourth wall surface 25C2. The connecting protrusion 25K is arranged in the connecting groove 24K1 of the holder connecting portion 24K.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the first wall 25B has a first axial length AL12 defined from the second holder body 25A in the axial direction D1. The second wall 25C has a second axial length AL22 defined from the second holder body 25A in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the second axial length AL22 is shorter than the first axial length AL12. The second length AL21 is longer than the second axial length AL22. However, the second axial length AL22 may be the same as or longer than the first axial length AL12. The second length AL21 may be equal to or shorter than the second axial length AL22.

13 is a perspective view of the second connector holder 25. FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the second connector holder 25 includes a third wall 25E and a fourth wall 25F. The fourth wall 25F is spaced from the first wall 25B in the second direction D3. The third wall 25E extends in the second direction D3 from the fourth wall 25F to the first wall 25B and connects the fourth wall 25F to the first wall 25B. The third wall 25E extends from the first wall 25B to the opposite side of the second wall 25C in the second direction D3. The first protrusion V1 protrudes from the third wall 25E.

The first convex portion V1 includes a first base portion V1A and a first extension portion V1B. The first base portion V1A protrudes from the third wall 25E along the first direction D4. The first extension V1B is spaced apart from the third wall 25E in the first direction D4. The first extension V1B extends from the tip of the first base portion V1A along the third wall 25E (along the longitudinal direction D3). The first extended portion V1B extends from the tip of the first base portion V1A toward the fourth convex portion V4. The first protrusion V1 extends along the axial direction D1. The fourth convex portion V4 extends along the axial direction D1. As shown in FIG. 7, the first extension V1B extends from the first base V1A toward the connector receiving space 22A.

14 is a perspective view of the second connector holder 25. FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the first wall 25B, the third wall 25E, and the fourth wall 25F define an interior space 25S. The second connector holder 25 includes a first holder connecting portion 25G, a second holder connecting portion 25H, and a third holder connecting portion 25J. The first holder connecting portion 25G is arranged inside the internal space 25S. The second holder connecting portion 25H extends from the second holder main body 25A along the axial direction D1. The third holder connecting portion 25J extends from the second holder main body 25A along the axial direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 11, when assembling the second connector holder 25 to the first connector holder 24, the second connector holder 25 is inserted into the connector accommodating space 22A of the first connector holder 24 in the axial direction D1. The first connector holder 24 includes a first connecting protrusion 24D and a second connecting protrusion 24E. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connecting protrusion 24D protrudes from the first holder main body 24A. The first holder connecting portion 25G is hooked on the first connecting projection 24D.

15 and 16 are sectional views of the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the second connecting protrusion 24E protrudes from the first holder main body 24A. The second holder connecting portion 25H is hooked on the second connecting projection 24E. As shown in FIG. 16, the third holder connecting portion 25J is hooked on the cylindrical portion 21B of the rotating body main body 21. As shown in FIG. The second connector holder 25 is thus attached to the first connector holder 24 .

17 and 18 are perspective views of the first connector holder 24. FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the first recess C1, the second recess C2, and the fourth recess C4 extend along the axial direction D1. As shown in FIG. 18, the third recess C3 extends along the axial direction D1.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the connector accommodation space 22A includes an accommodation space 22A4. The accommodation space 22A4 communicates with the accommodation spaces 22A1 to 22A3 (FIG. 7). The electrical connector 30 and the connector support portion 25D of the second connector holder 25 are arranged in the housing space 22A4. The first seam S1 extends from the third outer surface 22E to the accommodation space 22A4. The third joint S3 extends from the holder accommodation space 24B (internal space 25S) to the accommodation space 22A4.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector accommodating portion 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20, the connector receiving portion 22 includes a fourth seam S4. A fourth seam S<b>4 is provided between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 . More specifically, first connector holder 24 includes curved wall 24C. A fourth seam S4 is provided between the curved wall 24C and the connector support portion 25D. A fourth seam S4 extends along the curved wall 24C. As shown in FIG. 13, the curved wall 24C extends from the first holder body 24A along the axial direction D1.

21 is a perspective view of the connector accommodating portion 22. FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the fourth seam S4 is connected to the first seam S1. Note that the fourth seam S4 may be omitted.

The features of the rotary connector device 1 are as follows.
(A1) As shown in FIG. 7, in the rotary connector device 1, the first seam S1 extends from one of the third outer surface 22E and the fourth outer surface 22F toward the connector accommodating space 22A. When liquid is spilled on the outer surface 22D, it is possible to prevent the liquid from reaching the connector accommodation space 22A through the first seam S1. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22, in the neutral state where the rotating body 20 is in the neutral position, the second outer surface 22D faces upward, and the third outer surface 22E and the fourth outer surface 22F face laterally. Therefore, even if the liquid L spills from the upper side of the rotating connector device 1 in the neutral state, it is possible to prevent the liquid L from reaching the connector accommodating space 22A through the first seam S1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 23, in the first rotation state in which the rotating body 20 is rotated 90 degrees to the right from the neutral position, the second outer surface 22D faces the lateral direction, and the third outer surface 22E faces downward. there is Therefore, even if the liquid L spills from the upper side of the rotating connector device 1 in the first rotating state, it is possible to prevent the liquid L from reaching the connector accommodating space 22A through the first seam S1.
(A2) As shown in FIG. 8, since the first seam S1 extends along the rotation axis A1, the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased.
(A3) As shown in FIG. 7, the second outer surface 22D is provided only on the first connector holder 24 out of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25. As shown in FIG. That is, since the joint between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 does not exist on the second outer surface 22D, the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be further enhanced.
(A4) Since the third outer surface 22E is provided on the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 as shown in FIG. A first seam S1 may be provided on the third outer surface 22E.
(A5) As shown in FIG. 7, the first seam S1 extends from the third outer surface 22E toward the connector accommodating space 22A. The fourth outer surface 22</b>F is provided only on the first connector holder 24 of the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 . That is, since the joint between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 does not exist on the fourth outer surface 22F, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be further enhanced.
(A6) As shown in FIG. 7, the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased by providing the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1.
(A7) As shown in FIG. 7, since the first seam S1 is at least partially provided between the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1, the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 are The environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength of the .
(A8) As shown in FIG. 7, the first concave portion C1 and the first convex portion V1 are arranged between the housing portion outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. C1 and the first projection V1 can be provided, and the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be improved while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 .
(A9) As shown in FIG. 7, by providing the second seam S2, the degree of freedom in designing the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased.
(A10) As shown in FIG. 7, the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased by providing the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2.
(A11) As shown in FIG. 7, the second seam S2 is at least partially provided between the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2, so that the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 are separated from each other. The environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength of the .
(A12) As shown in FIG. 7, the second concave portion C2 and the second convex portion V2 are arranged between the housing portion outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. C2 and the second convex portion V2 can be provided, and the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be improved while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 .
(A13) As shown in FIG. 7, by providing the third joint S3, the degree of freedom in designing the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased.
(A14) As shown in FIG. 7, the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased by providing the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3.
(15) As shown in FIG. 7, the third seam S3 is at least partially provided between the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3, so that the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 are The environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength of the .
(A16) As shown in FIG. 7, the third concave portion C3 and the third convex portion V3 are arranged between the housing portion outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. C3 and the third convex portion V3 can be provided, and the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be improved while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 .
(A17) As shown in FIG. 7, the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased by providing the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4.
(A18) As shown in FIG. 7, since the first seam S1 is at least partially provided between the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4, the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 are The environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced while increasing the connection strength of the .
(A19) As shown in FIG. 7, the fourth concave portion C4 and the fourth convex portion V4 are arranged between the housing portion outer surface 22B and the connector housing space 22A. C4 and the fourth convex portion V4 can be provided, and the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be improved while increasing the connection strength between the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 .
(A20) As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed along the rotation axis A1, the length L3 of the third outer surface 22E is shorter than the length L2 of the second outer surface 22D. When the liquid is spilled on the outer surface 22B, the time that the liquid stays on the third outer surface 22E can be shortened. As a result, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device 1 can be enhanced.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the second rotation state in which the rotating body 20 is rotated 90 degrees to the left from the neutral position, the second outer surface 22D faces the lateral direction, and the third outer surface 22E faces upward. there is However, since the length L3 of the third outer surface 22E is shorter than the length L2 of the second outer surface 22D, even if liquid spills from the upper side of the rotating connector device 1 in the second rotating state, the liquid will flow through the first seam S1 and the connector will It is possible to suppress the liquid from reaching the accommodation space 22A.
(B1) As shown in FIG. 10, since the second wall 25C is arranged on the side opposite to the first joint S1 with respect to the first wall 25B, liquid entering the connector accommodating space 22A reaches the electrical connector 30. can be suppressed by the first wall 25B and the second wall 25C. Therefore, the environmental resistance of the rotating connector device 1 can be enhanced.

For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the first wall 25B and the second wall 25C prevent the liquid that enters the connector housing space 22A through the first joint S1 from reaching the electrical connector 30 in the second rotation state. (see also FIG. 13).

Further, as shown in FIG. 26, in the third rotating state in which the rotating body 20 rotates 45 degrees to the left from the neutral position, the liquid that enters the connector housing space 22A through the first seam S1 in the second rotating state is electrically charged. Reaching the connector 30 can be suppressed by the first wall 25B and the second wall 25C (see also FIG. 13).
(B2) As shown in FIG. 10, the second direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D4. It can be suppressed by the second wall 25C.
(B3) As shown in FIG. 10, the second length AL21 is longer than the first length AL11. 25B and second wall 25C.
(B4) As shown in FIG. 12, since the second axial length AL22 is shorter than the first axial length AL12, the liquid entering the connector accommodating space 22A is prevented from reaching the electrical connector 30. , the connector housing space 22A can be effectively utilized.
(B5) As shown in FIG. 10, since the first connector holder 24 includes the holder connecting portion 24K that connects the first connector holder 24 to the second wall 25C, the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 A second wall 25C can be used to connect the .
(B6) As shown in FIG. 10, the second connector holder 25 includes a connecting projection 25K provided on the second wall 25C. The holder connecting portion 24K is hooked on the connecting projection 25K so as to connect the first connector holder 24 to the second connector holder 25. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the strength of connecting the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 can be increased using the second wall 25C.
(B7) As shown in FIG. 10, the second wall 25C extends from the surface of the first wall 25B in the second direction D3. can be suppressed by the first wall 25B and the second wall 25C.
(B8) As shown in FIG. 10, since the connecting protrusion 25K is provided on the fourth wall surface 25C2, the second wall 25C is used to connect the first connector holder 24 and the second connector holder 25 together. can increase
(B9) As shown in FIG. 10, since the connecting projection 25K is arranged between the first rib 25R1 and the second rib 25R2 in the second direction D3, the second wall 25C is used to connect the first connector holder 24 to the connecting projection 25K. and the second connector holder 25 can be effectively enhanced in connection strength.

It should be noted that, in the present application, "comprising" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms describing the presence of components and do not exclude the presence of other components not described. This also applies to the words "having", "including" and their derivatives.

In the present application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms for identifying configurations and do not have any other meaning (eg, specific order, etc.). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the existence of a "first element." It is not implied that the "element" is present.

Also, the expressions “parallel”, “perpendicular” and “coincidence” in this disclosure should not be interpreted strictly, meaning “substantially parallel”, “substantially orthogonal” and “substantial coincidence”. Including each. In addition, expressions regarding other arrangements are not to be interpreted strictly.

Also, the expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure includes, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, and (3) both A and B. . The expression "at least one of A, B and C" means, for example, (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) A and B, (5) B and C, (6) A and C; (7) all of A, B and C. In this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is not interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B."

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in view of the above disclosure. Accordingly, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1: Rotating connector device 10: Stator 20: Rotating body 21: Rotating body main body 22: Connector housing part 22A: Connector housing space 22B: Housing part outer surface 22C: First outer surface 22D: Second outer surface 22E: Third outer surface 22F: Third outer surface 22F 4 Outer surface 24: First connector holder 24K: Holder connection part 25: Second connector holder 25A: Second holder body 25B: First wall 25B1: First wall surface 25B2: Third wall surface 25C: Second wall 25C1: Second wall surface 25C2: fourth wall surface 25K: connecting protrusion 30: electrical connector 50: cable housing space 60: electrical cable A1: rotation axis S1: first joint S2: second joint S3: third joint S4: fourth joint C1: first Concave portion C2: Second concave portion C3: Third concave portion C4: Fourth concave portion V1: First convex portion V2: Second convex portion V3: Third convex portion V4: Fourth convex portion

Claims (20)

a stator;
a rotating body provided rotatably about the rotation axis with respect to the stator,
the stator and the rotating body define a cable housing space between the stator and the rotating body so as to surround the rotation axis;
The rotating body includes a rotating body main body and a connector accommodating portion having a connector accommodating space for accommodating an electrical connector,
The connector accommodating portion includes a first connector holder extending from the rotating body main body along the rotation axis to the opposite side of the cable accommodating space, and a member separate from the first connector holder. an outer surface of a housing portion arranged so as to surround the connector housing space when viewed along the rotation axis; and between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. a first seam provided and extending from the housing outer surface toward the connector housing space;
The housing portion outer surface includes a first outer surface facing toward the rotation axis, a second outer surface facing radially outward and arranged on the opposite side of the connector housing space from the first outer surface, and the second outer surface facing radially outward. a third outer surface arranged between the first outer surface and the second outer surface so as to face in a direction different from the direction in which the first outer surface faces; a fourth outer surface;
the first seam extends from one of the third outer surface and the fourth outer surface toward the connector receiving space;
The second outer surface is provided only on the first connector holder out of the first connector holder and the second connector holder,
Rotating connector device. the first seam extends from the third outer surface toward the connector receiving space;
The fourth outer surface is provided only on the first connector holder out of the first connector holder and the second connector holder,
2. The rotary connector device of claim 1. a stator;
a rotating body provided rotatably about the rotation axis with respect to the stator,
the stator and the rotating body define a cable housing space between the stator and the rotating body so as to surround the rotation axis;
The rotating body includes a rotating body main body and a connector accommodating portion having a connector accommodating space for accommodating an electrical connector,
The connector accommodating portion includes a first connector holder extending from the rotating body main body along the rotation axis to the opposite side of the cable accommodating space, and a member separate from the first connector holder. an outer surface of a housing portion arranged so as to surround the connector housing space when viewed along the rotation axis; and between the first connector holder and the second connector holder. a first seam provided and extending from the housing outer surface toward the connector housing space;
The housing portion outer surface includes a first outer surface facing toward the rotation axis, a second outer surface facing radially outward and arranged on the opposite side of the connector housing space from the first outer surface, and the second outer surface facing radially outward. a third outer surface arranged between the first outer surface and the second outer surface so as to face in a direction different from the direction in which the first outer surface faces; a fourth outer surface;
the first seam extends from one of the third outer surface and the fourth outer surface toward the connector receiving space;
the first seam extends from the third outer surface toward the connector receiving space;
The fourth outer surface is provided only on the first connector holder out of the first connector holder and the second connector holder,
Rotating connector device. the first seam extends along the axis of rotation;
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-3 . the third outer surface is provided on the first connector holder and the second connector holder;
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-4 . one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a first recess;
The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a first protrusion provided within the first recess,
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-5. the first seam is provided at least partially between the first recess and the first protrusion;
7. A rotary connector device according to claim 6. The first concave portion and the first convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the accommodating portion and the connector accommodating space,
A rotary connector device according to claim 6 or 7. the connector accommodating portion includes a second joint provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder and extending from the outer surface of the accommodating portion toward the connector accommodating space,
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-8. one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a second recess;
The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a second protrusion provided within the second recess,
10. The rotary connector device of claim 9. the second seam is provided at least partially between the second recess and the second protrusion;
11. The rotary connector device of claim 10. The second concave portion and the second convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the housing portion and the connector housing space,
12. A rotary connector device according to claim 10 or 11. wherein the connector accommodating portion includes a third seam provided between the first connector holder and the second connector holder;
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-12. one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a third recess;
The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a third protrusion provided within the third recess,
14. The rotary connector device of claim 13. said third seam is provided at least partially between said third recess and said third protrusion;
15. The rotary connector device of claim 14. The third concave portion and the third convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the housing portion and the connector housing space,
16. A rotary connector device according to claim 14 or 15. one of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a fourth recess;
The other of the first connector holder and the second connector holder includes a fourth protrusion provided within the fourth recess,
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-16. the first seam is provided at least partially between the fourth recess and the fourth protrusion;
18. The rotary connector device of claim 17. The fourth concave portion and the fourth convex portion are arranged between the outer surface of the housing portion and the connector housing space,
19. A rotary connector device according to claim 17 or 18. the length of the third outer surface is less than the length of the second outer surface when viewed along the axis of rotation;
A rotary connector device according to any one of claims 1-19.

Images