WO2017104548A1

WO2017104548A1 - Rotary connector

Info

Publication number: WO2017104548A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/086621
Authority: WO
Inventors: 誠広橋; 坂内　拓之
Original assignee: アルプス電気株式会社
Priority date: 2015-12-18
Filing date: 2016-12-08
Publication date: 2017-06-22

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a stator 1 having an outer cylindrical part; a rotor 2 that is rotatably coupled to the stator 1; and a wiring cable 3 that has a first connecting terminal 4 fixed to the stator 1 and a second connecting terminal 5 fixed to the rotor 2, and that is disposed within an annular space S between the stator 1 and the rotor 2, wherein the wiring cable 3 is formed in a spiral configuration, and has a fold-back part 3F where the wiring cable is folded back such that portions of a front surface 3S thereof or portions of a rear surface 3R thereof face each other.

Description

Rotating connector

The present invention relates to a rotary connector that is installed in a steering device of an automobile or the like and is used as an electrical connection means for an airbag system or the like.

Conventional rotary connectors usually have a stator having an outer cylinder part, a rotor having an inner cylinder part and rotatably connected to the stator, and an annular space existing between the outer cylinder part and the inner cylinder part. And a flat cable that can be wound and unwound by reversing the winding direction in the middle, and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the flat cable are electrically and mechanically connected to the lead block. Has a structure.

Here, the lead block is a part in which the connection terminal is held on the insulating base using insert molding or the like, and such a lead block is incorporated in the outer cylinder portion of the stator and the inner cylinder portion of the rotor, respectively. . Further, the flat cable is a long flexible cable formed by covering a strip conductor with an insulating film, and one end portion of the flat cable in the longitudinal direction is led out from the outermost peripheral portion of the annular space, It is connected to a predetermined lead block incorporated in the outer cylinder part.

Further, the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the flat cable is led inward from the innermost peripheral portion of the annular space and then connected to another lead block incorporated in the inner cylinder portion. Each lead block is electrically connected to an external circuit.
Patent literature: JP2013-219007

In recent years, the outer diameter of the steering shaft has been increased for safety, and it has become necessary to secure a wide inner cylinder portion of the rotor. On the other hand, since the size of the steering is limited, the annular space existing between the outer cylinder part and the inner cylinder part is narrow. However, when the annular space is narrowed, the curvature of the folded portion (R portion) formed when reversing the winding direction of the flat cable is reduced, so that the load applied to the folded portion by winding and unwinding also increases. For this reason, there exists a possibility that the strip | belt-shaped conductor of a flat cable may be disconnected.

Also, since the insulation film of the conventional flat cable uses PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, the heat resistance is low. For this reason, when a car is transported or left in the sun for a long time, plastic deformation occurs, and the shape of the folded part is maintained as it is (so-called curling). There is a risk that sound will be generated by rubbing the part with the curl. The sound is usually of a magnitude that does not cause a problem, but in recent years, the quietness of vehicles (particularly luxury cars and electric cars) has been improved in various stages, so that the user is not aware of the sound. It can also be considered.

In recent years, in addition to airbags, various operations (for example, operations of air conditioners and radios) can be performed via switches provided on the steering wheel, increasing the number of signal lines required. ing. With flat cables used in conventional rotary connectors, it is difficult to make the strip conductor finer, so it is necessary to accommodate multiple flat cables in the annular space that exists between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. There is. Furthermore, in the case of a flat cable, since it is a linear shape, there exists a problem that a manufacturing process becomes long.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rotary connector capable of reducing a possibility that a wiring cable is disconnected even if an annular space existing between a stator and a rotor is narrowed. There is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art and achieve the above-described object, a rotary connector of the present invention includes a stator fixed at a predetermined position, a rotor rotatably supported by the stator, and the stator. And the rotor, and a wiring cable disposed in an annular space formed between the stator and the rotor, the wiring cable has a spiral shape, and the surfaces or There are folded portions so that the back surfaces are partially opposed to each other, and the opposed surfaces are arranged apart from each other in the connector thickness direction in which the first virtual rotation axis of the rotor extends.

According to this configuration, the wiring cable has a spiral shape, has a folded portion that is folded back so that the front surfaces or the back surfaces face each other, and the opposed surfaces are the first virtual rotation axis of the rotor. Are spaced apart from each other in the connector thickness direction. For this reason, even if the radial width of the annular space existing between the stator and the rotor is reduced, it is not necessary to reduce the curvature of the folded portion formed by the folded portion. As a result, even if the annular space existing between the stator and the rotor is narrowed, the load applied to the folded portion is not increased, and the possibility that the wiring cable is disconnected can be reduced. Moreover, there is no problem that the manufacturing process (mechanical length of the manufacturing apparatus) becomes long.

Preferably, the wiring cable is arranged in the annular space so that the front surface and the back surface are orthogonal to the connector thickness direction, and the thickness direction is parallel to the connector thickness direction.

According to this configuration, since the thickness direction of the wiring cable is arranged in the annular space so as to be parallel to the connector thickness direction in which the first virtual rotation axis of the rotor extends, the folded portion formed by folding. The front surfaces or the back surfaces can be opposed to each other on both sides.

Preferably, the wiring cable is a flexible printed board including a conductor layer that transmits a signal and an insulating layer made of polyimide that covers the conductor layer.

According to this configuration, since the conductor layer can be finely processed by etching, a large number of conductor layers serving as signal lines can be formed. For this reason, even if the number of necessary signal lines increases, the wiring cable can be arranged in the annular space existing between the stator and the rotor. In addition, since polyimide has high heat resistance, stable operation can be performed without plastic deformation even after being left at high temperature for a long time.

Preferably, the wiring cable is folded back on the first connection terminal side fixed to the rotor.

According to the above configuration, when the second connection terminal is first assembled on the rotor side, and the first connection terminal is later assembled on the stator side, the assembly is preferable.

Preferably, the wiring cable is folded back on the second connection terminal side fixed to the stator.

According to the above configuration, when the first connection terminal is first assembled on the stator side, and the second connection terminal is later assembled on the rotor side, the assembly is preferable.

Preferably, a guide roller for guiding the wiring cable is provided.

According to the above configuration, since the wiring cable is guided by the guide roller, the posture of the wiring cable in the annular space becomes stable.

Preferably, the first guide roller is located between the two opposing surfaces of the folded portion.

According to the above configuration, the spiral wiring cable can be stably positioned at a predetermined position in the connector thickness direction by guiding with the guide roller, and the wiring cable can be smoothly moved even when the rotor rotates. Can do.

Preferably, the first guide roller for guiding the folded portion is provided.

According to the above configuration, the folded portion of the wiring cable can be guided by the first guide roller so that the shape of the folded portion can be stably held, and the occurrence of twisting or the like that causes malfunctions is effectively suppressed. it can.

Preferably, the first guide roller is provided such that the width direction of the outer peripheral surface thereof is parallel to the width direction of the folded portion that hits the outer peripheral surface.

According to this configuration, it can be avoided that the folded portion comes into surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first guide roller, and a force is locally applied to the folded portion by the first guide roller. As a result, it is possible to suppress wear of the folded portion and to suppress the occurrence of jamming and abnormal noise.

Preferably, the second virtual rotation axis of the first guide roller is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction and is separated from the first virtual rotation axis.

According to this configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the first guide roller can be brought into surface contact with the folded portion.

Preferably, the second virtual rotation axis of the guide roller is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction.

According to the above configuration, the guide roller can be held in a posture suitable for the movement of the folded portion of the wiring cable.

Preferably, a holder is formed on which the guide roller is rotatably supported, and further includes a guide roller support member disposed in the annular space so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotor and the stator.

According to the above configuration, the posture of the first guide roller in the annular space can be stabilized by using the guide roller support member.

Preferably, the guide roller support member includes a first guide roller positioned between the two opposing surfaces of the folded portion and a portion other than between the two opposing surfaces in the annular space. The second guide roller located in the region is rotatably supported.

According to the above configuration, the spiral wiring cable can be stably positioned at a predetermined position in the thickness direction of the connector even at a portion other than the folded portion, and the wiring cable can be smoothly moved even if the rotor rotates. Can do.

Preferably, the guide roller support member is guided in the connector thickness direction from an annular first portion whose center passes through the first imaginary central axis and a circular outer edge of the first portion. A bending groove is formed along the outer edge between the first portion and the second portion, and the guide roller is rotatable in the second portion. The holder supported by is formed.

According to the above configuration, in the manufacturing process, the holder of the second portion can be formed so as to extend along the first virtual rotation axis before being bent along the bending groove. Therefore, a slide structure is not necessary for the mold of the guide roller support member, the mold can be configured simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Preferably, the guide roller support member includes a belt-shaped ring portion having a connecting portion and a holder led out from the ring portion toward the annular space, and the guide roller is rotatable on the holder. It is supported by.

According to the above configuration, in the manufacturing process, the holder can be molded in a posture extending in one direction before the band-shaped member is bent to form the ring portion. Therefore, a slide structure is not necessary for the mold of the guide roller support member, the mold can be configured simply and inexpensively, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Preferably, the ring portion is formed by connecting a plurality of ring constituent portions along the circumferential direction via the connecting portion.

According to this configuration, the mold used to form the guide roller support member can be reduced in size.

According to the rotary connector according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the wiring cable is disconnected even if the annular space existing between the stator and the rotor is narrowed.

It is an external appearance schematic diagram of the main components of the rotary connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the rotary connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3A is a plan view of the wiring cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3A. 4A is a diagram showing a state where the wiring cable is folded back on the first connection terminal side, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a state where the wiring cable is folded back on the second connection terminal side. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the cable for wiring in the stator of the rotary connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the cable for wiring in the stator of the rotary connector which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the wiring cable shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wiring cable according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. It is a disassembled perspective view of the main components of the rotary connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the cable for wiring in the rotation connector shown in FIG. 9, a 1st guide roller, and a 2nd guide roller. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector shown in FIG. 9 with the rotor removed. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the cable for wiring in the rotation connector which concerns on the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment, a 1st guide roller, a 2nd guide roller, and a guide roller support member. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which mounted | wore the guide roller support member shown in FIG. 12 with the 1st guide roller and the 2nd guide roller. It is an external appearance perspective view of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. It is a top view of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the attitude | position of the 1st guide roller of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the guide roller support member of the 3rd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the connection part of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the cable for wiring in the rotation connector which concerns on the 4th modification of 2nd Embodiment, a 1st guide roller, a 2nd guide roller, and a guide roller support member. FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. 19. It is a top view of the guide roller support member shown in FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of the 1st ring structure part which comprises the guide roller support member shown in FIG.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of main components of a rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3A is a plan view of the wiring cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3A. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the wiring cable according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the wiring cable in the stator of the rotary connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of the wiring cable 3 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a rotary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the rotary connector according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a stator 1, a rotor 2 rotatably connected to the stator 1, and an annular shape existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2. It is mainly configured by the wiring cable 3 housed in the space S.
The rotor 2 rotates around the first virtual rotation axis P1. In the present embodiment, the direction extending the first virtual rotation axis P1 is referred to as a connector thickness direction D.

Further, the wiring cable 3 has a first connection terminal 4 fixed to the stator 1 and a second connection terminal 5 fixed to the rotor 2. For example, the wiring cable 3 is formed by bending one end of the wiring cable 3a and integrally forming the wiring cable 3b therein.
The wiring cable 3 is accommodated in a closed annular space S formed by the stator 1 and the rotor 2 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The rotary connector of the present embodiment is used by being assembled in a steering device of an automobile, and is electrically connected between a stator 1 installed on a steering column (not shown) and a rotor 2 connected to a handle (not shown). Connection is performed by the wiring cable 3.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the stator 1 is roughly constituted by an outer cylindrical body 8 and a bottom plate member 9 made of synthetic resin, and the substantially cylindrical outer cylindrical body 8 is a substantially annular bottom plate member 9. It is integrated with the outer periphery.
A fixed-side connection portion 50 that incorporates the first connection terminal 4 is integrally formed at a predetermined location on the outer peripheral surface side of the outer cylindrical body 8. The first connection terminal 4 incorporated in the fixed side connection portion 50 is fixed to the land portion 3a provided at one end of the wiring cable 3 shown in FIG. Electrically connected.

The rotor 2 includes an upper rotor 13 and an intermediate rotor 14 made of synthetic resin, and the intermediate rotor 14 is integrated with the upper rotor 13. The upper rotor 13 has an annular top plate portion that faces the bottom plate member 9, and the intermediate rotor 14 has an inner cylinder portion that hangs down from the center of the top plate portion. The inner diameter is set to a dimension that allows a steering shaft (not shown) to be inserted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a movable side connection portion 13 c that incorporates the second connection terminal 5 is integrally formed on the top plate portion of the upper rotor 13. The second connection terminal 5 incorporated in the movable side connection portion 13c is fixed by soldering to a land portion 3b provided at the other end of the wiring cable 3 shown in FIG. 3A. And are electrically connected.

The intermediate rotor 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape through which the steering shaft can be inserted, and a lower rotor (not shown) is snap-coupled to an inner cylinder portion (not shown). The lower rotor is slidably engaged with the inner peripheral edge of the bottom plate member 9 so that the rotor 2 is rotatably connected to the stator 1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the wiring cable 3 is a spiral FPC (flexible printed circuit board) in a plan view, and a strip-shaped conductor layer 19 that is disposed between both ends in the longitudinal direction and that transmits signals is provided. It has the structure coat | covered from the both surfaces of the thickness direction with the insulating layer 18 which consists of a polyimide film.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, of the both ends in the longitudinal direction of the wiring cable 3, the side fixed to the stator (the first connection terminal 4 side) is a spiral outer peripheral side formed by the wiring cable 3. The side fixed to the rotor (the second connection terminal 5 side) has a shape protruding to the inner peripheral side of the spiral shape formed by the wiring cable 3.

In addition, a land portion 3a in which the conductor layer is exposed in a circular shape by a circular hole provided in the insulating film is provided at an end portion of the wiring cable 3 on the first connection terminal 4 side, and a second portion is provided. A land portion 3b having the same configuration is provided at the end of the connection terminal 5 side. Since the land portion 3a is soldered with the first connection terminal 4 and the land portion 3b is soldered with the second connection terminal 5, the first connection terminal 4 and the second connection terminal 5 are different from each other. They are electrically connected via the conductor layer 19.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wiring cable 3 is folded back on the first connection terminal 4 side. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wiring cable 3 is folded back on the second connection terminal 5 side.
When the wiring cable 3 is arranged in the annular space S existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2, the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S of the wiring cable 3 face each other as shown in FIG. 4A or 4B. Thus, the folded portion 3F (R portion) is folded.

In the folded portion 3F, the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S face each other, the facing surfaces are separated from each other in the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends, and the connector thickness direction D And are arranged orthogonally.
Further, the central axis 3C of the folded portion 3F may be disposed so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis P1 of the rotor 2.

(Operation of wiring cable 3)
5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the wiring cable 3 in the stator 1. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the handle is cut clockwise (CW) from the position of FIG. 5 toward the paper surface, and the folded portion 3F and the second connection terminal 5 rotate clockwise (CW) toward the paper surface. Has moved. Further, the first connection terminal 4 (not shown) of the wiring cable 3 is incorporated in the fixed-side connection portion 50 of the stator 1, and the position does not change even when the handle is cut.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wiring cable 3 has a folded portion 3 </ b> F that is folded back so that the surfaces 3 </ b> S are opposed to each other. They are separated from each other in the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends, and are arranged orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D. For this reason, the curvature of the R portion formed by the folding is not influenced by the radial width of the annular space S existing between the outer cylindrical portion and the inner cylindrical portion, and the folding is performed even if the width of the annular space S is narrowed. It is not necessary to reduce the curvature of the folded portion 3F formed by the above. As a result, even if the radial width of the annular space S existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2 is reduced, the load applied to the folded portion 3F is not increased, and the possibility that the wiring cable 3 is disconnected is reduced. Can do.

In this embodiment, the wiring cable 3 is used to transmit electrical signals from an air bag system and a horn circuit, electrical signals from various steering switches, and to energize the steering heater. Since the steering heater requires a relatively large current, the wiring cable 3 for energizing the steering heater and the wiring cable 3 for transmitting other electrical signals are divided into the stator 1 and the rotor. You may comprise so that it may arrange | position in the annular space S which exists between two.

As described above, the rotary connector according to this embodiment is fixed to the stator 1, the rotor 2 rotatably connected to the stator 1, the first connection terminal 4 fixed to the stator 1, and the rotor 2. And a wiring cable 3 disposed in an annular space S existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2. The wiring cable 3 has a spiral shape in plan view, and has a folded portion 3F that is folded back so that the front surfaces 3S or the back surfaces 3R face each other. Moreover, in the folding | turning part 3F, the surfaces 3S which oppose are spaced apart in the connector thickness direction D from which the 1st virtual rotating shaft P1 extends.

For this reason, even if the radial width of the annular space S existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2 is narrowed, it is not necessary to reduce the curvature of the folded portion 3F formed by the folding, and the stator 1 and the rotor 2 Even if the width in the radial direction of the annular space S existing between the two is reduced, the load applied to the folded portion 3F does not increase. As a result, the possibility that the wiring cable 3 is disconnected can be reduced. Moreover, since it is a spiral shape, there is no problem that the manufacturing process of the wiring cable 3 (mechanical length of the manufacturing apparatus) becomes long.

In addition, the wiring cable 3 of the rotary connector according to the present embodiment has a stripe shape, and the thickness direction is in the annular space S so as to be parallel to the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends. Is arranged. Therefore, the surfaces 3S of the folded portion 3F can be opposed to each other on both sides of the folded portion 3F formed by folding.

Also, the wiring cable 3 of the rotary connector according to the present embodiment is composed of a flexible printed board including a conductor layer for transmitting a signal and an insulating layer made of a polyimide film covering the conductor layer from both sides.

For this reason, the conductor layer can be finely processed by etching, and a large number of conductor layers serving as signal lines can be formed. For this reason, even if the necessary signal lines increase, it is not necessary to increase the width of the wiring cable 3, and the wiring cable 3 having the same width is interposed between the outer cylinder portion of the stator 1 and the inner cylinder portion of the rotor 2. It can be arranged in the existing annular space S.

Also, the wiring cable 3 of the rotary connector according to the present embodiment is folded back on the first connection terminal 4 side as shown in FIG. 4A, for example. In this case, when the second connection terminal is first assembled on the rotor side having the inner cylinder portion, and the first connection terminal is later incorporated on the stator side having the outer cylinder portion, the assembly is preferable. .

Also, the wiring cable 3 of the rotary connector according to the present embodiment is folded on the second connection terminal 5 side as shown in FIG. 4B, for example. In this case, when the first connection terminal is first assembled on the stator side having the outer cylinder portion, and the second connection terminal is later incorporated on the rotor side having the inner cylinder portion, the assembly is preferable. Become.

<Modification of First Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a wiring cable according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wiring cable according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The wiring cable 3 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 is an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) having a single spiral shape in plan view, and a strip conductor is formed by an insulating film made of polyimide. It had a coated configuration.

As shown in FIG. 7, the wiring cable 3 of this modification is an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) having a double spiral shape in plan view, and the strip-shaped conductor layers are double-sided by an insulating layer made of a polyimide film. It has the structure coated from.
As in the case of the wiring cable 3 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3A, the side fixed to the stator 1 (the first connection terminal 4 side) of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the wiring cable 3 is for wiring Projecting to the outer peripheral side of the spiral shape formed by the cable 3, the side fixed to the rotor 2 (second connection terminal 5 side) protrudes to the inner peripheral side of the spiral shape formed by the wiring cable 3. It has a shape.

And when arrange | positioning the cable 3 for wiring in the annular space S which exists between the stator 1 and the rotor 2, as shown in FIG. 8, the surface 3S of the cable 3 for wiring, or 3R of back surfaces oppose each other. The folded portion 3F (R portion) is folded back.

In the folded portion 3F, the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S face each other, the facing surfaces are separated from each other in the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends, and the connector thickness direction D And are arranged orthogonally. Further, the central axis 3C of the folded portion 3F may be arranged so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis 2C of the rotor 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wiring cable 3 is folded back on the first connection terminal 4 side.

As shown in FIG. 7, since the wiring length of the wiring cable 3 can be increased by forming the wiring cable 3 of this modification in a double spiral shape in plan view, the movable range of the movable housing 2 can be increased. (Movable angle) can be increased. In FIG. 7, the wiring cable 3 has a double spiral shape in plan view, but the spiral is not limited to double. 8 shows a form in which the wiring cable 3 is folded back on the first connection terminal 4 side. However, as shown in FIG. 4B, the wiring cable 3 is folded back on the second connection terminal 5 side. You may comprise.

In addition, although the width of the wiring cable 3 becomes narrow by making the wiring cable 3 into a double spiral shape in a plan view, the wiring cable 3 is formed from a flexible printed circuit board whose insulating layer is made of polyimide. Become. For this reason, the conductor layer can be finely processed by etching, and even if the width of the wiring cable 3 is reduced by forming the wiring cable 3 in a double spiral shape in a plan view, the necessary number of signals is ensured. can do. Other effects are the same as those of the rotary connector according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

Second Embodiment
The schematic external view of the main components of the rotary connector according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of main components of the rotary connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship among the wiring cable 3, the first guide roller 60, and the second guide roller 62 in the rotary connector shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector shown in FIG. 9 with the rotor 2 removed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the rotary connector of the present embodiment is similar to the rotary connector of the first embodiment, in which the stator 1, the rotor 2, the wiring cable 3, the first connection terminal 4, and the second connection terminal 5. And a first guide roller 60, a second guide roller 62, and a guide roller support member 68.

The rotary connector of the present embodiment has a folded portion 3F (R portion) that is folded back so that the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S of the wiring cable 3 face each other, as in the first embodiment. In the folded portion 3F, the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S face each other, the facing surfaces are separated from each other in the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends, and the connector thickness direction D And are arranged orthogonally. Further, the central axis 3C of the folded portion 3F may be disposed so as to be perpendicular to the rotation axis P1 of the rotor 2.

The rotary connector of the present embodiment has a first guide roller 60 between the two opposing surfaces in the vicinity of the folded portion 3F. For example, the first guide roller 60 guides the folded portion 3F when the rotor 2 rotates in a predetermined rotation direction.

The first guide roller 60 is supported (inserted) in a first holder 70 formed on the guide roller support member 68 so as to be rotatable about the second virtual rotation axis P2. The guide roller support member 68 is formed with a guide portion 77 that guides the folded portion 3F.
The guide roller support member 68 is positioned in the annular space S so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 1 and the rotor 2.

The second virtual rotation axis P2 coinciding with the central axis of the first holder 70 is substantially orthogonal to the direction (connector thickness direction D) in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends. In the present embodiment, the second virtual rotation axis P2 is orthogonal to the first virtual rotation axis P1.

A plurality of second holders 72 are formed on the guide roller support member 68 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. A second guide roller 62 is rotatably supported (inserted) on the second holder 72.
The second guide roller 62 is located in a region other than between the two opposed surfaces in the vicinity of the folded portion 3F of the wiring cable 3 in the annular space S.

According to the rotary connector of this embodiment, the spiral wiring cable 3 is guided by the first guide roller 60 and the second guide roller 62, so that the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends. The wiring cable 3 can be stably positioned at the predetermined position. Therefore, even if the rotor 2 rotates, the wiring cable 3 can be moved smoothly.

Further, according to the rotary connector of the present embodiment, the folded portion 3F can be stably held by guiding the folded portion 3F with the first guide roller 60, and the folded portion that causes a malfunction in the operation of the rotary connector. It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of 3F twist and the like.

Further, according to the rotary connector of the present embodiment, the second virtual rotation axis P2 of the first guide roller 60 is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D parallel to the first virtual rotation axis P1, The first guide roller 60 can be held in a posture suitable for the movement of the folded portion 3F of the wiring cable 3. Thereby, it can avoid that a malfunction arises in operation | movement of a rotation connector.

Further, according to the rotary connector of the present embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced and a stable operation can be realized by using the guide roller support member 68 on which the first holder 70 and the second holder 72 are formed. .

Further, according to the rotary connector of the present embodiment, the second guide roller 62 is provided in the annular space S in a region other than between the two opposing surfaces in the vicinity of the folded portion 3F of the wiring cable 3. It is rotatably supported by 68 second holders 72. Thus, the spiral wiring cable 3 can be stably positioned at a predetermined position in the connector thickness direction D even at a portion other than the folded portion 3F of the wiring cable 3, and even if the rotor 2 rotates, the wiring The cable 3 can be moved smoothly.

<Second Modification of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 12 illustrates the positional relationship among the wiring cable 3a, the first guide roller 60a, the second guide roller 62a, and the guide roller support member 68a in the rotary connector according to the second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a state in which the first guide roller 60a and the second guide roller 62a are mounted on the guide roller support member 68a shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the guide roller support member 68a shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the guide roller support member 68a shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a plan view for explaining the posture of the first guide roller 60a of the guide roller support member 68a shown in FIG.

The rotary connector according to this modification differs from the second embodiment in the attitude (inclination) of the first holder 70a of the guide roller support member 68a. The other configuration is basically the same as that of the second embodiment.

When the wiring cable 3 is disposed in the annular space S existing between the stator 1 and the rotor 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the wiring cable 3 is folded back so that the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S face each other. A folded portion 3F (R portion).

In the folded portion 3F, the back surfaces 3R or the front surfaces 3S face each other, the facing surfaces are separated from each other in the connector thickness direction D in which the first virtual rotation axis P1 extends, and the connector thickness direction D And are arranged orthogonally.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the first guide roller 60a is provided such that the width direction of the outer peripheral surface 60a1 and the width direction of the folded portion 3F that contacts the outer peripheral surface 60a1 are parallel to each other. That is, the first holder 70a of the guide roller support member 68a is formed so that the first guide roller 60a inserted into the first holder 70a has the above-described posture. The guide roller support member 68a is formed with a guide portion 77a for guiding the folded portion 3F, and the guide surface that guides the folded portion 3F so as to face the curved surface of the folded portion 3F has a predetermined gap. Are provided in parallel.

The second virtual rotation axis P2a1 of the first guide roller 60a and the first holder 70a is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D and is separated from the first virtual rotation axis P1.

The second virtual rotation axis P2a2 of the second guide roller 62a and the second holder 72a is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D and is orthogonal to the first virtual rotation axis P1.

In the present modification, as described above, the first holder 70a, the guide portion 77a, and the guide roller support member 68a are defined, so that the inner surface of the folded portion 3F faces the outer peripheral surface 60a1 of the first guide roller 60a. Since the outer surface of the folded portion 3F comes into surface contact with the guide surface of the guide portion 77a, it is stably guided from both sides by the first guide roller 60a and the guide surface of the guide portion 77a. Can be avoided. Thereby, consumption of the folding | returning part 3F can be suppressed, and the smooth movement of the folding | returning part 3F in the rotation direction is attained, and it can suppress that a jam and abnormal noise generate | occur | produce.

<Third Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, a slide structure is required for the mold for forming the guide roller support member 68, and the mold becomes complicated and expensive, and the manufacturing process becomes complicated.
In the present embodiment, the mold can be configured easily and inexpensively, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
FIG. 17 is a view for explaining a guide roller support member 268 of a third modification of the second embodiment. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion of the guide roller support member 268 shown in FIG.
In the guide roller support member 268, one first holder and a plurality of second holders are formed at predetermined intervals on a strip-like plate-like member 280 before the state shown in FIG. Yes.
In addition, a first coupling portion 210 is provided at one end of the plate-like member 280, and a second coupling portion 212 is provided at the other end.

The guide roller support member 268 bends the plate-like member 280 into a ring shape and connects the first coupling portion 210 and the second coupling portion 212 to obtain the shape of FIG.
In a state where the guide roller support member 268 is accommodated in the annular space S, the first holder and the second holder are supported by the first holder between the two opposing surfaces of the folded portion 3F in the annular space S. The first guide roller 60 is located. The second guide roller 62 supported by the second holder is located in a region other than between the two opposing surfaces of the folded portion 3F of the wiring cable 3 in the annular space S.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the first coupling portion 210 and the second coupling portion 212 are connected to each other between a concave portion 210 a of the first coupling portion 210 and a convex portion 212 a of the second coupling portion 212. Realized by integration.

According to the rotary connector of the present embodiment, in the manufacturing process, the first holder and the second holder extend in one direction before the ring-shaped plate member 280 is bent to form the ring portion. Because there is a holder opening on the same side as the annular opening of the guide roller support member 268, the mold does not require a slide structure, and the mold can be configured simply and inexpensively. The manufacturing process can be simplified.

<Fourth Modification of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the positional relationship among the wiring cable 3, the first guide roller 60 b, the second guide roller 62 b, and the guide roller support member 468 in the rotary connector according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the guide roller support member 468 shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a plan view of the guide roller support member 468 shown in FIG. 22 is an external perspective view of the first ring constituting portion 491 constituting the guide roller support member 468 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the rotary connector according to this modification is characterized by a guide roller support member 468.
The guide roller support member 468 has a ring shape in which one first ring constituent portion 491 and five second ring constituent portions 492 are arranged along the circumferential direction and connected to each other via a connecting portion 410. Is formed.

A first holder 70b is formed in the first ring component 491, and the first guide roller 60b is inserted into the first holder 70b. In addition, a guide portion 477 that guides the folded portion 3F is formed in the first ring constituting portion 491.
Each of the five second ring components 492 is formed with a second holder 72b, and the second guide roller 62b is inserted into the second holder 72b.

Similar to the rotary connector of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the first guide roller 60b has a width direction of the outer peripheral surface 60b1 and a width direction of the folded portion 3F that contacts the outer peripheral surface 60b1. Is provided. That is, the first holder 70b of the guide roller support member 468 is formed so that the first guide roller 60b inserted into the first holder 70b has the above-described posture.

The second virtual rotation axis P2b1 of the first guide roller 60b and the first holder 70b is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D and is separated from the first virtual rotation axis P1. Thereby, the effect similar to the rotary connector of the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment is acquired.

The second virtual rotation axis P2b2 of the second guide roller 62b and the second holder 72b is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D and is orthogonal to the first virtual rotation axis P1.

In the rotary connector of this modification, the guide roller support member 468 is formed in order to form the guide roller support member 468 by combining one first ring component 491 and five second ring components 492. Therefore, the mold used for the purpose can be reduced in size.

In addition, the number of the 1st ring structure part 491 and the 5 2nd ring structure part 492 is not limited. In addition, the guide roller support member 468 may be formed using only one of the first ring component 491 and the second ring component 492.

(Modification of the embodiment)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. That is, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof. For example, the rotary connector according to the above embodiment can be changed as follows.

In the rotary connector according to the modification of the present embodiment, a plurality of wiring cables 3 are provided on the rotation axis P1 of the rotor 2 in the annular space S existing between the outer cylinder portion of the stator 1 and the inner cylinder portion of the rotor 2. They are arranged so as to be parallel to each other. For this reason, it is possible to cope with an increase in the number of necessary signal lines. Further, a wiring cable 3 for energizing a steering heater that requires a relatively large current and a wiring cable 3 for transmitting other electrical signals are separated and exist between the stator 1 and the rotor 2. It can be arranged in the annular space S.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where one first guide roller 60 and five second guide rollers 62 are formed on the guide roller support member 68 is exemplified. The number of guide rollers 62 is arbitrary.
Further, only one of the first guide roller 60 and the second guide roller 62 may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the holder for supporting a plurality of guide rollers is provided on one guide roller support member 68 is exemplified. However, the plurality of guide rollers are supported on the plurality of guide roller support members. May be.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the second virtual rotation axis P2 of the first guide roller 60 and the second guide roller 62 is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction D is exemplified. You may comprise so that it may cross | interpose.

In the above-described embodiment and other embodiments, an example in which a rotary connector is incorporated into a steering apparatus of an automobile has been prepared, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where the rotary connector of the present invention is incorporated into another rotary mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stator 2 ... Rotor 3 ... Wiring cable 3F ... Folding part 3S ... Front surface 3R ... Back surface 4 ... 1st connection terminal 5 ... 2nd connection terminal 8 ... Outer cylinder 9 ... Bottom plate member 13 ... Upper rotor 13c ... Movable side connecting portion 14 ... intermediate rotor 18 ... insulating layer 19 ... conductor layer 50 ... fixed

side connecting portions

60, 60a, 60b ...

first guide rollers

62, 62a, 62b ...

second guide rollers

68, 68a, 168, 268, 368 ... guide

roller support members

70, 272 ...

first holders

72, 72a, 72b, 274 ...

second holders

68, 68a, 168, 268, 368, 468 ... guide roller support members 172 ... first part 174 ... second part 176 ... bending groove 178 ... holder 210 ... first coupling part 212 ... second coupling part 372 ... annular part 374 ... support part 390 ... rotating shaft 477 ... guide part P ... first virtual rotation axis P2, P2a1, P2a2 ... second virtual rotation axis D ... connector thickness direction S ... annular space

Claims

A stator fixed in place;
A rotor rotatably supported by the stator;
A wiring cable that connects the stator and the rotor, and is arranged in an annular space formed between the stator and the rotor;
Have
The wiring cable is
It has a spiral shape and has folded portions that are folded back so that the front surfaces or the back surfaces are partially opposed to each other, and the opposed surfaces are separated in the connector thickness direction in which the first virtual rotation axis of the rotor extends. Rotating connector arranged.
The wiring cable is
The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein a front surface and a back surface are disposed in the annular space so that a front surface and a rear surface are orthogonal to the connector thickness direction, and the thickness direction is parallel to the connector thickness direction.
The wiring cable is
The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the rotary connector includes a conductor layer that transmits a signal and an insulating layer made of polyimide that covers the conductor layer.
The wiring cable is
The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotary connector is folded back at a first connection terminal fixed to the rotor.
The wiring cable is
The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotary connector is folded back on a second connection terminal side fixed to the stator.
The rotary connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a guide roller for guiding the wiring cable.
The rotary connector according to claim 6, further comprising a first guide roller positioned between the two opposing surfaces of the folded portion.
The rotary connector according to claim 7, wherein the first guide roller is provided so that a width direction of an outer peripheral surface thereof is parallel to a width direction of the folded portion that contacts the outer peripheral surface.
The rotary connector according to claim 8, wherein the second virtual rotation axis of the first guide roller is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction and is separated from the first virtual rotation axis.
The rotary connector according to claim 7, further comprising a first guide roller that guides the folded portion.
The rotary connector according to claim 6, wherein a second virtual rotation axis of the guide roller is orthogonal to the connector thickness direction.
The rotation according to claim 6, further comprising a guide roller support member that is formed with a holder on which the guide roller is rotatably supported, and is disposed in the annular space so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotor and the stator. connector.
In the guide roller support member,
The first guide roller located between the two opposed surfaces of the folded portion, and the second guide roller located in a region other than between the two opposed surfaces in the annular space. The rotary connector according to claim 12, wherein the rotary connector is rotatably supported.
The guide roller support member is
A band-shaped ring portion having a connecting portion;
A holder led out from the ring part toward the annular space,
The rotary connector according to claim 12, wherein the guide roller is rotatably supported by the holder.
The rotary connector according to claim 14, wherein the ring portion is formed by connecting a plurality of ring constituent portions along the circumferential direction via the connecting portion.