WO2019181049A1 - 回転コネクタ - Google Patents
回転コネクタ Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2019181049A1 WO2019181049A1 PCT/JP2018/039911 JP2018039911W WO2019181049A1 WO 2019181049 A1 WO2019181049 A1 WO 2019181049A1 JP 2018039911 W JP2018039911 W JP 2018039911W WO 2019181049 A1 WO2019181049 A1 WO 2019181049A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- rotary connector
- rotor
- circuit board
- cover
- flat plate
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
- B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
- B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R35/00—Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
- H01R35/02—Flexible line connectors without frictional contact members
- H01R35/025—Flexible line connectors without frictional contact members having a flexible conductor wound around a rotation axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/04—Hand wheels
- B62D1/046—Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R35/00—Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
- H01R35/04—Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a rotary connector.
- the rotary connector is fixed to the vehicle main body, is rotatable with respect to the case portion, is provided with a rotor on which a steering wheel is mounted, and is wound in a housing space of the case portion.
- a flexible cable for example, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits), flat cable, etc.
- the rotary connector rotates the rotor together with the steering wheel, and the flexible cable performs the tightening operation and the rewinding operation.
- the parts can be kept electrically connected to each other by a flexible cable.
- the flexible cable in order to give flexibility to the flexible cable, the flexible cable is not provided with a shield, so that an electrical signal (analog signal) output from the steering-side electrical component is not received.
- an electrical signal analog signal
- the steering-side electrical component When passing through the flexible cable, there is a possibility that noise from the outside is superimposed on the electric signal. Therefore, in a steering device using such a rotary connector, a control device that performs analog-digital conversion of an electrical signal output from the steering-side electrical component is provided in an empty space in the steering wheel so that the steering-side electrical component can Before the electric signal to be output passes through the flexible cable, the electric signal is digitized to increase noise resistance, so that noise is not superimposed on the electric signal.
- a switch and a heater are provided in the steering wheel for the purpose of suppressing an increase in the size of the steering accompanying an increase in the functions mounted on the steering, and between the steering wheel and the vehicle-mounted control unit.
- a technique is disclosed in which an integrated control unit that comprehensively controls switches and heaters is provided in a spiral cable in the combination module.
- Patent Document 1 there is no description on how to provide the integrated control unit for the spiral cable. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the steering wheel. However, on the other hand, there is a possibility that the combination module becomes large.
- a rotary connector is fixed to a vehicle body including a steering wheel on which a steering-side electric component is provided, and is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis with respect to the case portion having a housing space and the case portion.
- a second connecting portion a flexible cable provided in a wound state in the housing space of the case portion, and electrically connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion,
- a control unit that is interposed between the first connection unit and the flexible cable and that performs a predetermined process on an electrical signal passing between the first connection unit and the flexible cable; Wherein the control unit is provided so as to rotate the rotor and integrally.
- FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a rotary connector and a steering wheel shown in FIG. 26.
- FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector 10 (steering wheel 12 side) according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector 10 (vehicle body 14 side) according to the first embodiment.
- the rotary connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example of a “steering-side electrical component” that is incorporated in a steering device 20 (see FIG. 3) of a vehicle such as an automobile and provided on the steering wheel 12 (see FIG. 3).
- Various electrical components for example, paddle switches, various operation switches, airbags, various detection sensors, vibration generators, heaters, etc.
- the vehicle-side electrical components provided on the vehicle body 14 (see FIG. 3). It is for electrically connecting to various electric parts (for example, ECU etc.) which are examples.
- the rotary connector 10 has a generally thin cylindrical shape as a whole.
- the rotary connector 10 is formed with a cylindrical through-hole 10 ⁇ / b> A extending along the rotation center axis AX (an example of “rotation axis”) at the center thereof.
- the steering shaft 16 is inserted through the through hole 10A.
- connection surface 10B is a connection surface on the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing).
- the connection surface 10B forms the surface of the flat plate portion 112 and has a substantially circular shape, and the central portion thereof is opened in a circular shape by the through hole 10A.
- a connector 10D (an example of a “first connection portion”) and a connector 10E are provided on the surface of the connection surface 10B so as to protrude toward the steering wheel 12 (X axis positive side in the drawing). Connector 10D and connector 10E are connected to the steering-side electrical component.
- connection surface 10C is a connection surface on the vehicle body 14 side (X-axis negative side in the drawing), and is fixed to the vehicle body 14 by a fixing portion (not shown).
- the connecting surface 10C has a generally circular shape, and the central portion thereof is opened in a circular shape by the through hole 10A.
- a connector 10F is provided on the connection surface 10C so as to protrude downward (Z-axis negative direction in the figure). Connector 10F is connected to a vehicle-side electrical component.
- the connector 10D and the connector 10E provided on the connection surface 10B and the connector 10F provided on the connection surface 10C are obtained by an FPC (flexible printed circuit) unit 130 (see FIG. 4) provided inside the rotary connector 10. They are electrically connected to each other.
- FPC flexible printed circuit
- the steering device 20 includes a rotary connector 10, a steering wheel 12, a vehicle body 14, and a steering shaft 16.
- the steering shaft 16 is a round bar-like member extending from the vehicle body 14 along the rotation center axis AX toward the steering wheel 12 in the positive direction of the X axis in the drawing.
- the rotation connector 10 has the steering shaft 16 inserted through the through hole 10A in the direction of the rotation center axis AX.
- the rotary connector 10 is fixedly attached to the vehicle body 14 such that the connection surface 10C is joined to the connection surface 14A of the vehicle body 14.
- the connector 10 ⁇ / b> F provided on the connection surface 10 ⁇ / b> C is connected to the connector 14 ⁇ / b> B (see FIG. 5) provided on the vehicle main body 14.
- the rotation connector 10 will be electrically connected with respect to the vehicle side electrical component.
- connection surface 10B engages with the connection surface 12A of the steering wheel 12.
- the connectors 10D and 10E provided on the connection surface 10B are connected to the two connectors 12B and 12C (see FIG. 5) provided on the steering wheel 12, respectively.
- the rotation connector 10 will be electrically connected with respect to a steering side electrical component.
- the rotary connector 10 is configured such that the connection surface 10B is rotatable around the rotation center axis AX (in the direction of arrow A in the drawing) with respect to the connection surface 10C of the case portion 140. Thereby, when the rotation operation of the steering wheel 12 is performed in the state where the rotation connector 10 is incorporated in the steering device 20, the steering wheel 12 is attached while the connection surface 10C is fixed to the vehicle body 14.
- the connecting surface 10B can be rotated together with the steering wheel 12. Thereby, the rotation connector 10 can electrically connect the steering-side electrical component to the vehicle-side electrical component without hindering the rotation operation of the steering wheel 12.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector 10 according to one embodiment.
- the rotary connector 10 includes a rotor 110, a control unit 120, an FPC unit 130, and a case unit 140.
- the rotor 110 is a member to which the steering wheel 12 is attached and rotates integrally with the steering wheel 12.
- the rotor 110 includes a flat plate portion 112 and a shaft portion 114.
- the flat plate portion 112 is a disk-shaped portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX and whose surface becomes the connection surface 10 ⁇ / b> B of the rotary connector 10. That is, the flat plate portion 112 is provided with connectors 10D and 10E on the surface to be the connection surface 10B.
- the flat plate portion 112 has a circular opening 112A formed at the center thereof.
- the shaft portion 114 is a cylindrical portion provided on the back surface side of the flat plate portion 112 so as to protrude from the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 112 ⁇ / b> A in the direction of the vehicle body 14 (X-axis negative direction in the drawing).
- the steering shaft 16 is inserted through the inner cylinder portion of the shaft portion 114.
- the shaft portion 114 functions as a rotation shaft of the rotor 110.
- the shaft portion 114 is fitted to a rotor snap 146 that is rotatably provided in the case portion 140.
- the rotor 110 is rotatably attached to the case portion 140 while the opening on the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the drawing) of the case portion 140 (case main body 142) is closed by the flat plate portion 112. .
- the control unit 120 is an example of a “control unit”.
- the control unit 120 includes a control circuit 122 and a cover 124.
- the control circuit 122 is interposed between the connector 10D provided on the rotor 110 and the FPC 132 included in the FPC unit 130, and passes through between the connector 10D and the FPC 132 (that is, input to the steering-side electrical component).
- a predetermined process is performed on the output electric signal.
- the “predetermined processing” may be any processing, and examples thereof include analog-digital conversion processing, voltage conversion processing, filter processing, and the like.
- the cover 124 has a bottom surface that covers the control circuit 122 and an opening, and is a substantially box-shaped member that holds the control circuit 122 in an internal space.
- the cover 124 has a holding space 124 ⁇ / b> A that holds the control circuit 122.
- the cover 124 holds the control circuit 122 in the holding space 124A, and the back surface of the flat plate portion 112 of the rotor 110 (the surface on the side facing the housing space 142A of the case portion 140. Hereinafter, the back surface of the rotor 110). Attached).
- the control circuit 122 is attached to the back surface of the rotor 110 together with the cover 124 while being held by the cover 124.
- a specific configuration of the control unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
- the FPC unit 130 includes an FPC 132, a terminal part 134, and a terminal part 136.
- the FPC 132 is configured by covering both surfaces of a strip-shaped conductor wiring (for example, copper foil) with a flexible and insulating material (for example, polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.). This is a flexible strip-shaped wiring member.
- the FPC 132 is provided in a wound state in the accommodation space 142A of the case part 140, and is provided in the connector 10D (an example of “first connection part”) and the connector 10E provided in the rotor 110, and the case part 140.
- the connected connector 10F is electrically connected.
- the terminal part 134 is provided at one end of the FPC 132 and is connected to each of the connector 10D and the connector 10E. However, the terminal portion 134 is connected to the connector 10D via the control circuit 122 provided in the control unit 120. By connecting the terminal portion 134 to each of the connector 10D and the connector 10E, the FPC 132 is electrically connected to the steering-side electric component via the connector 10D and the connector 10E.
- the terminal portion 136 is provided at the other end of the FPC 132 and is connected to the connector 10F. When the terminal portion 136 is connected to the connector 10F, the FPC 132 is electrically connected to the vehicle-side electrical component via the terminal portion 136 and the connector 10F.
- a specific configuration of the FPC unit 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.
- the case part 140 has a case main body 142, a case cover 144, and a rotor snap 146.
- the case main body 142 is a member that is fixed to the vehicle main body and has a substantially cylindrical shape.
- the case main body 142 has an accommodation space 142A.
- the FPC unit 130 is accommodated in the accommodation space 142A.
- the opening on the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the figure) of the case main body 142 is closed by the flat plate portion 112 of the rotor 110 that is rotatably attached to the case portion 140.
- the case cover 144 is a substantially disk-shaped lid-like member that closes the opening of the case main body 142 on the vehicle main body 14 side (X-axis negative side in the drawing).
- the surface of the case cover 144 serves as a connection surface 10B of the rotary connector 10.
- a plurality of claw-shaped engaging portions 144 ⁇ / b> B are provided on the peripheral edge portion of the case cover 144.
- Each of the plurality of engaging portions 144B is fitted into each of the plurality of opening portions 142B provided in the peripheral wall portion of the case main body 142.
- the case cover 144 is fixedly coupled to the case main body 142.
- the case cover 144 has a circular opening 144A formed at the center thereof.
- the rotor snap 146 is rotatably provided to the opening 144A of the case cover 144.
- the steering shaft 16 is inserted through the inner cylinder portion of the rotor snap 146.
- the rotor snap 146 is coupled to the rotor 110 by fitting with the shaft portion 114 of the rotor 110. As a result, the rotor snap 146 becomes rotatable with the rotor 110 with respect to the case cover 144.
- a plurality of rollers for guiding a winding operation and a rewinding operation of the FPC 132 accompanying the rotation operation of the steering wheel 12, and a plurality of rollers A roller holder for rotatably holding is incorporated, but the illustration is omitted.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection configuration of the rotary connector 10 according to the first embodiment.
- the rotor 110 of the rotary connector 10 is provided with connectors 10D and 10E.
- the connectors 10D and 10E are examples of “a first connection portion that is electrically connected to the steering wheel”.
- the connector 10D is connected to a connector 12B provided on the steering wheel 12.
- the connector 10E is connected to a connector 12C provided on the steering wheel 12.
- the connectors 12B and 12C are electrically connected to the steering side electrical component.
- the case 10 of the rotary connector 10 is provided with a connector 10F.
- the connector 10 ⁇ / b> F is an example of “a second connection portion that is electrically connected to the vehicle body side”.
- Connector 10F is connected to a connector 14B provided on vehicle body 14.
- the connector 14B is electrically connected to the vehicle-side electrical component.
- the connectors 10 ⁇ / b> D and 10 ⁇ / b> E and the connector 10 ⁇ / b> F are electrically connected by the FPC 132 provided in the FPC unit 130.
- a control circuit 122 provided in the control unit 120 is interposed between the connector 10D and the FPC 132.
- the control circuit 122 performs predetermined processing (for example, analog-digital conversion processing, voltage conversion processing, filter processing, etc.) on the electrical signal passing between the connector 10D and the FPC 132.
- the control circuit 122 is provided closer to the steering wheel 12 than the FPC 132.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment for example, converts an electrical signal (analog signal) output from the steering-side electrical component via the connector 10D into an analog signal by the control circuit 122 provided in front of the FPC 132. Can be digitally converted. That is, the electric signal output from the steering-side electric component can be transmitted to the vehicle-side electric component via the FPC 132 in a state of being converted into a digital signal.
- the rotary connector 10 of 1st Embodiment can suppress the influence of the noise at the time of passing FPC132 with respect to the electrical signal output from the steering side electrical component.
- a signal that has already been digitally converted or an analog signal that does not require digital conversion is input via the connector 10E, it can be transmitted as it is to the vehicle-side electrical component without passing through the control circuit 122.
- FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the configuration (disassembled state) of the control unit 120 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing the configuration (assembled state) of the control unit 120 according to the first embodiment.
- control unit 120 includes a control circuit 122 and a cover 124.
- the control circuit 122 is interposed between the connector 10D provided in the rotor 110 and the FPC 132 included in the FPC unit 130, and performs predetermined processing (for example, analog processing) on an electrical signal passing between the connector 10D and the FPC 132.
- predetermined processing for example, analog processing
- the control circuit 122 has a circuit board 122A.
- the FPC is used as the circuit board 122A, so that the control circuit 122 can be thinned. Further, the FPC is used as the circuit board 122A in the same manner as the relay FPC 138, so that the control circuit 122 can be easily connected to the relay FPC 138.
- the circuit board 122A has a fan shape in plan view.
- the inner peripheral edge 122Aa of the circuit board 122A is curved along the inner peripheral edge of the back surface of the rotor 110 (that is, the peripheral edge of the opening 112A).
- the outer peripheral edge 122Ab of the circuit board 122A is curved along the outer peripheral edge of the back surface of the rotor 110.
- control circuit 122 can be attached to the predetermined installation area between the inner peripheral edge portion of the rear surface and the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear surface without protruding from the installation area on the rear surface of the rotor 110. It can be done.
- the circuit board 122A has a plurality of opening holes 122D along its outer peripheral edge.
- a connector 122B is provided at one end of the circuit board 122A.
- a relay FPC 138 extending from a terminal part 134 provided at one end of the FPC 132 is connected to the connector 122B. That is, one end of the FPC 132 is connected to the connector 122B via the terminal portion 134 and the relay FPC 138.
- connection terminal 122C is provided at the other end of the circuit board 122A.
- the connection terminal 122C has a plurality of pin terminals erected perpendicularly to the circuit board 122A.
- the plurality of pin terminals penetrates the rotor 110 and is connected to the connector 10D provided on the rotor 110. It will be arranged inside.
- the connection terminal 122C has a plurality of pin terminals integrated with the connector 10D and is electrically connected to the connector 12B provided on the steering wheel 12.
- the control circuit 122 performs predetermined processing on an electrical signal passing between the connector 122B and the connection terminal 122C (that is, an electrical signal passing between the connector 10D and the FPC 132) by a plurality of circuit components. For example, analog-digital conversion processing, voltage conversion processing, filter processing, etc.) can be performed.
- the cover 124 is a member that covers the back surface and the side surface of the control circuit 122 and allows the control circuit 122 to be attached to the rotor 110.
- the cover 124 has a holding space 124 ⁇ / b> A that holds the control circuit 122.
- the holding space 124A has a fan shape that is substantially the same shape as the control circuit 122 in plan view. As a result, the holding space 124A can accommodate the control circuit 122 without a gap as shown in FIG.
- the inner peripheral wall portion 124Aa of the holding space 124A is curved along the inner peripheral edge portion of the back surface of the rotor 110 (that is, the peripheral edge portion of the opening 112A).
- the outer peripheral wall portion 124Ab of the holding space 124A is curved along the outer peripheral edge portion of the back surface of the rotor 110.
- the cover 124 is in a predetermined installation region between the inner peripheral edge portion of the rear surface and the outer peripheral edge portion of the rear surface on the rear surface of the rotor 110 in a state where the control circuit 122 is accommodated in the holding space 124A.
- a plurality of protrusions 124C are formed on the bottom surface of the holding space 124A in the cover 124 along the outer peripheral edge thereof.
- a plurality of openings 124B are formed in the inner peripheral wall portion 124Aa and the outer peripheral wall portion 124Ab of the cover 124.
- FIG. 8 and 9 are external perspective views showing the configuration of the FPC unit 130 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a view showing the FPC unit 130 from the steering wheel 12 side.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the FPC unit 130 from the vehicle main body 14 side.
- the FPC unit 130 includes an FPC 132, a terminal portion 134, a terminal portion 136, and a relay FPC 138.
- the FPC 132 is provided in a wound state in the housing space 142A of the case part 140.
- the FPC 132 performs a tightening operation and a rewinding operation as the steering wheel 12 rotates in the accommodation space 142A.
- the terminal part 134 is provided at one end of the FPC 132 (end part on the steering wheel 12 side).
- the terminal part 134 has a connection terminal 134A and a holder 134B.
- connection terminal 134 ⁇ / b> A has a plurality of vertically arranged pin terminals, and the plurality of pin terminals penetrates the rotor 110 and is disposed inside a connector 10 ⁇ / b> E provided in the rotor 110. It will be. That is, the connection terminal 134A is electrically connected to the connector 10E provided on the rotor 110 by integrating a plurality of pin terminals with the connector 10E. Thereby, the connection terminal 134A is electrically connected to the steering-side electric component.
- the holder 134B is a member that supports one end of the FPC 132 and the connection terminal 134A.
- the holder 134B is fixedly attached to the back surface of the rotor 110 while supporting one end of the FPC 132 and the connection terminal 134A.
- the terminal portion 136 is provided at the other end of the FPC 132 (the end on the vehicle body 14 side).
- the terminal portion 136 includes a connection terminal 136A and a holder 136B.
- connection terminal 136 ⁇ / b> A has a plurality of vertically arranged pin terminals, and the plurality of pin terminals penetrates the case cover 144 and is disposed inside the connector 10 ⁇ / b> F provided on the case cover 144. Will be. That is, the connection terminal 136A is electrically connected to the connector 14B provided on the vehicle body 14 by integrating a plurality of pin terminals with the connector 10F. Thereby, the connection terminal 136A is electrically connected to the vehicle-side electrical component.
- the holder 136B is a member that supports the other end of the FPC 132 and the connection terminal 136A.
- the holder 134B is fixedly attached to the back surface (surface on the accommodation space 142A side) of the case cover 144 while supporting the other end of the FPC 132 and the connection terminal 136A.
- the relay FPC 138 has one end connected to one end of the FPC 132 and the other end connected to the connector 122B of the control circuit 122. As a result, the relay FPC 138 electrically connects the FPC 132 and the control circuit 122.
- the relay FPC 138 can be thinned. Further, by using the FPC as the relay FPC 138 in the same manner as the circuit board 122A of the FPC 132 and the control circuit 122, the relay FPC 138 can be easily connected to each of the FPC 132 and the control circuit 122.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a connection state of the FPC 132 and the control circuit 122 according to the first embodiment.
- the relay FPC 138 extending from the terminal portion 134 provided at one end of the FPC 132 is connected to the connector 122 ⁇ / b> B included in the control circuit 122.
- the FPC 132 is electrically connected to the control circuit 122 via the relay FPC 138.
- FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the rotor 110, the control unit 120, and the terminal portion 134 from the steering wheel 12 side.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the rotor 110, the control unit 120, and the terminal portion 134 from the vehicle main body 14 side.
- FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the control unit 120 and the terminal unit 134 are attached to the rotor 110.
- the control circuit 122 is accommodated in the holding space 124 ⁇ / b> A of the cover 124.
- the holding space 124A has a fan shape that is substantially the same shape as the control circuit 122 in a plan view from the direction of the rotation center axis AX.
- the holding space 124A can accommodate the control circuit 122 without a gap.
- the control circuit 122 is fixed in the holding space 124A by an arbitrary fixing means.
- each of the plurality of protrusions 124C provided to protrude from the bottom surface of the holding space 124A is fitted in each of the plurality of opening holes 122D provided in the circuit board 122A.
- a configuration is adopted in which the control circuit 122 is fixed in the holding space 124A by caulking each of the plurality of protrusions 124C.
- the relay FPC 138 provided in the terminal portion 134 is connected to the connector 122 ⁇ / b> B provided in the control circuit 122.
- the terminal portion 134 includes a holder 134B, and each component (relay FPC 138 and connection terminal 134A) is supported by the holder 134B.
- control unit 120 and the terminal part 134 are attached with respect to the back surface of the rotor 110.
- the cover 124 in a state in which the control circuit 122 is accommodated is formed in a notch space 112B (recessed portion) formed on the back surface of the rotor 110 and having substantially the same shape as the cover 124 (that is, a fan shape in plan view).
- the notch space 112B is provided with a plurality of claw-shaped engagement portions 112C, and each of the plurality of engagement portions 112C is connected to each of the plurality of openings 124B formed in the cover 124.
- the control unit 120 is fixed to the notch space 112 ⁇ / b> B of the rotor 110.
- connection terminal 122 ⁇ / b> C provided in the control circuit 122 penetrates the rotor 110 from the back side and is disposed inside the connector 10 ⁇ / b> D provided on the surface of the rotor 110. .
- the holder 134B provided in the terminal portion 134 is fitted into a notch space 112D formed on the back surface of the rotor 110 and having substantially the same shape as the holder 134B.
- a plurality of openings 112E are formed in the notch space 112D, and each of the plurality of openings 112E is engaged with each of a plurality of claw-like engaging portions 134D formed in the holder 134B.
- the terminal part 134 is fixed to the notch space 112 ⁇ / b> D of the rotor 110.
- connection terminal 134 ⁇ / b> A provided in the terminal portion 134 penetrates the rotor 110 from the back side and is disposed inside the connector 10 ⁇ / b> E provided on the surface of the rotor 110. .
- a smooth surface 112F is formed in a portion excluding the notch space 112B and the notch space 112D.
- the back surface of the cover 124 attached to the cutout space 112B is a substantially smooth flat surface.
- the back surface of the holder 134B attached to the cutout space 112D is a substantially smooth flat surface.
- the back surface of the cover 124 is at the same height as the smooth surface 112F.
- a continuous smooth surface is formed on the back side of the flat plate portion 112 of the rotor 110 by the smooth surface 112 ⁇ / b> F and the back surface of the cover 124.
- the cover 124 and the holder 134B are attached to the back surface of the rotor 110, so that a smooth surface is formed as a whole.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment is slidable on the back surface of the rotor 110 so that the FPC 132 is not caught on both the cover 124 and the holder 134B.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector 10 according to the first embodiment.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment is attached so that the control unit 120 (the control circuit 122 and the cover 124) does not protrude from the back surface of the rotor 110.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment allows the control unit 120 to be connected to the rotary connector 10 without affecting the outer shape and outer size of the rotary connector 10, that is, without increasing the size of the rotary connector 10. It can be installed in an empty space.
- the control unit 120 (the control circuit 122 and the cover 124) is relatively thin.
- the rotary connector 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with the notch space 112B on the back surface of the rotor 110 and the control unit 120 is provided in the notch space 112B.
- An increase in the thickness dimension can be suppressed.
- the surface of the cover 124 (opposing surface on the side of the accommodation space 142A) of the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment is smooth, the surface is not caught on the FPC 132 or the like.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment does not interfere with the FPC 132 in which the control unit 120 is accommodated in the accommodation space 142A, that is, the control unit 120 has an influence on the winding tightening operation and the rewinding operation of the FPC 132.
- the control unit 120 can be installed in the empty space of the rotary connector 10 without affecting.
- a small rotary connector 10 capable of suppressing the influence of noise on the steering-side electrical component can be realized.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment employs a configuration in which the control unit 120 is held by the flat plate portion 112 facing the accommodation space 142A in the rotor 110 and rotates integrally.
- the rotary connector 10 of 1st Embodiment can provide the control unit 120 in the empty space in the said rotary connector 10.
- FIG. Therefore, according to the rotary connector 10 of 1st Embodiment, the small rotary connector 10 which can suppress the influence of the noise with respect to the electric signal input / output to the steering wheel 12 is realizable.
- the control unit 120 has a shape having a fan shape along the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge on the surface of the rotor 110 on the accommodation space 142A side in a plan view.
- the rotation connector 10 of 1st Embodiment can make the size of the radial direction of the said control unit 120 small rather than making the control unit 120 into another shape (for example, general square shape).
- the control unit 120 can be provided in the surface at the side of the accommodation space 142A in the said rotor 110, without enlarging the rotor 110.
- a cover 124 that covers the control circuit 122 is provided in the control unit 120, and in particular, the surface of the cover 124 on the side of the accommodation space 142A is a smooth surface.
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment is prevented from being caught on the FPC 132 by the control unit 120. Therefore, according to the rotary connector 10 of 1st Embodiment, the interference to the winding operation
- the rotary connector 10 of the first embodiment uses FPC as the circuit board 122A of the control circuit 122.
- the rotary connector 10 of 1st Embodiment can make the control circuit 122 thin compared with the structure which used another board
- a rotary connector 30 will be described as a modification of the rotary connector 10 described in the first embodiment.
- changes from the rotary connector 10 will be mainly described.
- the same components as those of the rotary connector 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the rotary connector 10, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
- FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 18 is an external perspective view showing the configuration (disassembled state) of the control unit 220 according to the second embodiment.
- the rotary connector 30 includes the rotor 210 instead of the rotor 110 and the rotary connector 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a control unit 220 instead of the control unit 120. And different.
- the rotor 210 passes through the flat plate portion 112 facing the accommodation space 142A and serving as the connection surface 10B of the rotary connector 30 in the direction along the rotation center axis of the rotary connector 30 (X-axis direction in the drawing). This is different from the rotor 110 of the first embodiment in that an opening 212 is provided.
- the control unit 220 includes the control circuit 222 having the circuit board 222A instead of the control circuit 122 having the circuit board 122A and the cover 224 instead of the cover 124, and the control unit 120 of the first embodiment. And different.
- the circuit board 222A and the cover 224 opposed to the accommodation space 142A are arranged in a circumferential direction (of the rotor 210) with respect to the circuit board 122A and the cover 124 of the first embodiment as the number of electronic components mounted on the circuit board 222A increases.
- the size is enlarged in the direction along the rotation direction).
- the circuit board 222A is placed on the rotation center axis of the rotary connector 30 at a position overlapping the opening 212 of the rotor 210 in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the drawing). Is provided with an opening 222B penetrating in the direction along the X axis direction (X-axis direction in the figure).
- the cover 224 is placed along the rotation center axis of the rotary connector 30 at a position overlapping the opening 212 and the opening 222B in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing).
- An opening 224A that penetrates in the direction (X-axis direction in the figure) is provided.
- the openings 212, 222B, and 224A all guide the operation of the FPC 132 provided in the accommodation space 142A of the case body 142 in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing). It is provided at a position overlapping with the roller 139 for this purpose.
- Each of the openings 212, 222B, and 224A is an example of a “visible portion for making a predetermined visible object visible”, and from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing) of the rotary connector 30.
- the roller 139 (an example of a “predetermined visual object”) is provided for visual recognition.
- the opening 212 is closed with a transparent plate 214 from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing), thereby allowing the inside of the accommodation space 142A to be visible while allowing the inside of the accommodation space 142A to be seen. It is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering.
- a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 224B that protrudes to the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing) is provided at the peripheral edge portion of the opening 224A in the cover 224.
- the peripheral wall portion 224B can easily position the opening 222B by penetrating through the opening 222B of the circuit board 222A.
- FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view of the rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the peripheral portion of the opening 212 when the rotary connector 30 is viewed in plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing).
- an operator who attaches the steering wheel 12 receives the accommodation space 142A from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing) of the rotary connector 30 through the openings 212, 222B, and 224A.
- the state of the roller 139 provided inside is confirmed.
- the operator can confirm the center position of the rotary connector 30 corresponding to the center position of the steering wheel 12.
- the operator can attach the steering wheel 12 to the rotary connector 30 in a state where the center position of the steering wheel 12 and the center position of the rotary connector 30 are matched.
- openings 212, 222B, and 224A all have a fan shape in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the figure), but other shapes (for example, a square shape, a circle shape, and the like) (E.g., shape).
- the “predetermined visual recognition object” is not limited to the roller 139. That is, the “predetermined object to be visually recognized” may be anything as long as it is provided in the accommodation space 142A and the center position of the rotary connector 30 can be confirmed.
- the “predetermined visual recognition object” may be the FPC 132, and the center position of the rotary connector 30 may be confirmed by the position of the folded portion of the FPC 132.
- the “visible portion for making a predetermined visible object visible” is not limited to the openings 212, 222B, and 224A.
- a transparent material may be used in at least a portion overlapping with the roller 139 in any of the rotor 210, the circuit board 222A, and the cover 224.
- an FPC made of a transparent material for the circuit board 222A and setting a wiring pattern so that there is no conductor in a portion corresponding to the visible part the circuit board 222A is visible without using another component.
- the portions can be provided integrally.
- a portion that overlaps the roller 139 may be cut out from the edge of the circuit board 222A.
- a plurality of dotted or linear openings may be formed at least in a portion overlapping the roller 139.
- the rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment expands the circuit board 222A in the circumferential direction, and each of the flat plate portion 112 of the rotor 210, the circuit board 222A, and the cover 224 rotates the rotary connector 30.
- Each of the opening 212, the opening 222B, and the opening 224A is provided at a position overlapping the roller 139 in plan view from the axial direction.
- the rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment can increase the number of electronic components that can be mounted on the circuit board 222A without increasing the size of the rotor 210.
- the accommodation space 142A can be increased. The state of the inner roller 139 can be confirmed.
- a rotary connector 50 will be described as a modification of the rotary connector 30 described in the second embodiment.
- changes from the rotary connector 30 will be mainly described.
- the same components as those of the rotary connectors 10 and 30 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the rotary connectors 10 and 30, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
- FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of the rotary connector 50 according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector 50 according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 22 is an external perspective view showing the configuration (disassembled state) of the control unit 320 according to the third embodiment.
- the rotary connector 50 includes a rotor 310 instead of the rotor 210, and a rotary connector 30 according to the second embodiment in that it includes a control unit 320 instead of the control unit 220.
- the control unit 320 includes the control circuit 322 having the circuit board 322A instead of the control circuit 222 having the circuit board 222A, and the control unit 320 of the second embodiment in that the cover 324 is provided instead of the cover 224. Different from 220.
- the rotary connector 50 has an extended portion 50A that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge portion of the disc-shaped flat plate portion 112 facing the accommodating space 142A in the rotor 310.
- the extension 50A is configured by combining a flat plate extension 312 provided on the rotor 310, a circuit board extension 322B provided on the circuit board 322A, and a cover extension 324A provided on the cover 324. Has been.
- the circuit board 322A facing the accommodation space 142A has a radius from the outer peripheral edge of the circuit board 322A as the number of electronic components mounted on the circuit board 322A increases.
- a circuit board expansion part 322B that extends outward in the direction and extends the circuit board 322A is provided.
- the cover 324 facing the accommodation space 142A protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the cover 324, and is a circuit in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing).
- a cover extension portion 324A that extends the cover 324 and covers the surface of the circuit board extension portion 322B on the housing space 142A side (X-axis negative side in the drawing) is provided at a position overlapping the board extension portion 322B.
- the rotor 310 protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the disk-shaped flat plate portion 112, and in a plan view from the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing) At the overlapping position, there is provided a flat plate portion extension portion 312 that extends the flat plate portion 112 and covers the surface of the circuit board extension portion 322B on the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the drawing).
- the circuit board 322A has an offset part 322C perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board 322A between the outer peripheral edge part of the circuit board 322A and the circuit board extension part 322B.
- the circuit board extension 322B is offset in the direction approaching the steering wheel 12 (X-axis positive side in the figure). Accordingly, in the cover 324, the cover extension 324A is offset to the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing). Similarly, in the rotor 310, the flat plate portion expansion portion 312 is offset to the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the drawing).
- FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the rotor 310 and the control unit 320 (disassembled state) according to the third embodiment from the accommodation space 142A side.
- FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the rotor 310 and the control unit 320 (assembled state) according to the third embodiment from the accommodation space 142A side.
- the cover 324 and the circuit board 322A are integrated by attaching the circuit board 322A to the surface of the cover 324 on the steering wheel 12 side (X-axis positive side in the drawing).
- the circuit board extension 322B of the circuit board 322A is disposed in the cover extension 324A of the cover 324.
- the cover extension portion 324A has substantially the same shape as the circuit board extension portion 322B, and a peripheral wall portion perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion is provided. Thereby, the cover extension part 324A can easily and reliably position and install the circuit board extension part 322B with respect to the cover extension part 324A.
- the control unit 320 is attached to the surface of the rotor 310 on the accommodation space 142A side (X-axis negative side in the drawing).
- the cover 324 with the circuit board 322A attached is formed on the surface of the rotor 310 on the accommodation space 142A side (X-axis negative side in the drawing) and substantially the same shape as the cover 324 (that is, The fan-shaped notch space 112B is fitted in a fan shape in a plan view.
- the cover extension part 324A of the cover 324 is fitted into the flat plate part extension part 312 of the rotor 310 while holding the circuit board extension part 322B of the circuit board 322A, so that the circuit board extension part 322B is inserted therein.
- the container-like expansion part 50A is formed.
- the flat plate portion extension portion 312 has substantially the same shape as the cover extension portion 324A, and a peripheral wall portion perpendicular to the outer peripheral edge portion is provided. As a result, the flat plate portion extension portion 312 can easily and reliably position and fit the cover extension portion 324A with respect to the flat plate portion extension portion 312.
- control unit 320 Since the control unit 320 is attached to the rotor 310, the opening 212 of the rotor 310, the opening 222B of the circuit board 322A, and the opening 224A of the cover 324 overlap each other. As described, the state of the roller 139 in the accommodation space 142A from the steering wheel 12 side (X axis positive side in the figure) can be visually recognized.
- FIG. 25 is a view showing the rotary connector 50 and the steering wheel 12 (disassembled state) according to the third embodiment from the vehicle body 14 side.
- FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the rotary connector 50 and the steering wheel 12 (in an assembled state) according to the third embodiment from the vehicle main body 14 side.
- FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotary connector 50 and the steering wheel 12 shown in FIG.
- the steering wheel 12 has a rotary connector such that the connection surface 12A, which is the back surface of the hub provided at the center of the steering wheel 12, is in close contact with the connection surface 10B of the rotary connector 50. 50 is fixedly attached.
- connection surface 12A is provided with a recess 12D formed so that a part of the connection surface 12A is recessed.
- the recess 12D is provided at a position overlapping the expansion portion 50A of the rotary connector 50 and has a shape capable of accommodating the expansion portion 50A. is doing.
- the extended portion 50A is accommodated in the recess 12D without interfering with the connection surface 12A.
- the extension portion 50 ⁇ / b> A has a suppressed amount of protrusion from the connection surface 12 ⁇ / b> A of the steering wheel 12 toward the vehicle body 14 side (X-axis negative side in the drawing).
- the space around the rotary connector 50 on the back side of the steering wheel 12 can be effectively used.
- extension portion 50A fits within the projected area of the hub provided at the center of the steering wheel 12 when viewed from the driver's seat side (X axis positive side in the figure), the periphery of the steering wheel 12 Does not affect the design and visibility of the instrument when viewed from the driver's seat side.
- each of the flat plate portion 112, the circuit board 322A, and the cover 324 of the rotor 310 is a flat plate in plan view from the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary connector 50.
- Each of the flat plate portion extension portion 312, the circuit board extension portion 322 ⁇ / b> B, and the cover extension portion 324 ⁇ / b> A protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge portion of the portion 112.
- each of the flat plate portion extension portion 312, the circuit board extension portion 322B, and the cover extension portion 324A has a steering wheel in plan view from the direction of the rotation axis of the rotary connector 50. It fits within the projected area of the hub, which is a component of twelve.
- the rotary connector 50 according to the third embodiment is not designed to increase the size of the rotor 210, and the design and the visibility of the instruments when the periphery of the steering wheel 12 is viewed from the driver's seat side.
- the number of electronic components that can be mounted on the circuit board 322A can be increased without affecting the circuit board 322A.
- the rotary connector 50 according to the third embodiment may have a configuration that does not have an offset toward the steering wheel 12 side of the expansion portion 50A. In this case, it can be set as the structure which does not provide the recessed part 12D in the steering wheel 12.
- FIG. Further, the rotary connector 50 is not limited to the one having the one extended portion 50A, and a plurality of extended portions 50A may be provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edge portion.
- the extended portion 50A is not limited to the configuration that fits within the projected area of the hub of the steering wheel 12, but the extended portion 50A may be configured to fit within the projected area of the spokes of the steering wheel 12, for example.
- the extension portion 50A is provided so as to overlap the spoke in the direction along the spoke extending in the radial direction of the steering wheel 12 from the hub provided at the center of the steering wheel 12, the extension portion 50A Even if the amount of protrusion is increased, it cannot be seen from the driver's seat side, so that it does not affect the design and the visibility of the instruments.
- the expansion unit 50A is not limited to the purpose of simply increasing the mountable area and increasing the number of electronic components mounted on the circuit board 322A. For example, for the purpose of mounting a large electronic component on the circuit board 322A. Is also available. That is, since the circuit board extension 322B protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral edge of the circuit board 322A, it was restricted to be less than or equal to the radial dimension of the circuit board 322A and could not be mounted. Electronic components such as large ICs can also be mounted.
- the “expansion part” of the present invention is preferably provided on each of the “flat plate part”, “circuit board”, and “cover”, but it is sufficient that it is provided on at least the “circuit board”. Therefore, the “expansion part” of the present invention is also applicable to a rotary connector that does not have a “cover”.
- the “visible portion” of the present invention is preferably provided on each of the “flat plate portion”, “circuit board”, and “cover”, but at least the “flat plate portion” and “circuit board”. What is necessary is just to be provided. Therefore, the “visible part” of the present invention is also applicable to a rotating connector that does not have a “cover”.
- the FPC is used as an example of the “flexible cable”.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- the FPC is used as an example of the “relay board”.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- a rigid board such as PWB (Printed Wiring Board) may be used as the “relay board”. Good.
- the FPC is used for the circuit boards 122A, 222A, and 322A.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- control circuits 122, 222, and 322 are fan-shaped in plan view.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the control circuit 122 may have any shape as long as it can be installed on the rotor 110. Good.
- control units 120, 220, and 320 are provided on the back surface of the rotors 110, 210, and 310, that is, on the side that slides with the FPC 132 in the accommodation space 142 ⁇ / b> A.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- a configuration in which the control units 120, 220, and 320 are provided on the surface of the rotors 110, 210, and 310 on the steering wheel 12 side is employed. It's okay.
- the FPC 132 slides only on the back surface of the flat plate portion 112, and the covers 124, 224, and 324 do not require smooth surfaces.
- the relay FPC 138 and the circuit boards 122A, 222A, and 322A are separately provided.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in the following modification, the relay FPC 138 and the circuit board 122A , 222A, 322A may be integrated into the same FPC. That is, the control circuits 122, 222, and 322 may be provided on the relay FPC 138.
- FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the relay FPC 138 and the control circuit 122 according to the first embodiment.
- the control circuit 122 is integrally formed on the same substrate as the relay FPC 138. Thereby, for example, the effect that the number of parts can be suppressed can be produced.
- the relay FPC 138 separately from the FPC 132, only the connection portion with the control circuit 122 can be shaped differently from the FPC 132. That is, since the entire FPC 132 can be formed in a certain band shape, the ease of manufacturing the FPC 132 can be improved.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
- Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
Description
以下、図面を参照して、第1実施形態について説明する。
図1は、第1実施形態に係る回転コネクタ10(ステアリングホイール12側)の外観斜視図である。図2は、第1実施形態に係る回転コネクタ10(車両本体14側)の外観斜視図である。
図3Aおよび図3Bは、第1実施形態に係るステアリング装置20の組み立て方法を説明するための図である。図3Aおよび図3Bに示すように、ステアリング装置20は、回転コネクタ10、ステアリングホイール12、車両本体14、およびステアリングシャフト16を備えて構成されている。ステアリングシャフト16は、車両本体14から、回転中心軸AXに沿ってステアリングホイール12に向って図中X軸正方向に延在する、丸棒状の部材である。
図4は、一実施形態に係る回転コネクタ10の分解斜視図である。図4に示すように、回転コネクタ10は、ロータ110、制御ユニット120、FPCユニット130、およびケース部140を備えて構成されている。
図5は、第1実施形態に係る回転コネクタ10の電気的接続構成を示す図である。
図6は、第1実施形態に係る制御ユニット120の構成(分解された状態)を示す外観斜視図である。図7は、第1実施形態に係る制御ユニット120の構成(組み立てられた状態)を示す外観斜視図である。
図8および図9は、第1実施形態に係るFPCユニット130の構成を示す外観斜視図である。図8は、FPCユニット130を、ステアリングホイール12側から示す図である。図9は、FPCユニット130を、車両本体14側から示す図である。
図10は、第1実施形態に係るFPC132および制御回路122の接続状態を示す図である。図10に示すように、制御回路122が有するコネクタ122Bには、FPC132の一端に設けられた端子部134から延在する、中継FPC138が接続される。これにより、中継FPC138を介して、FPC132が制御回路122に電気的に接続されることとなる。
図11~図13は、第1実施形態に係る制御ユニット120および端子部134のロータ110への取り付け方法を説明するための図である。図11は、ロータ110、制御ユニット120、および端子部134を、ステアリングホイール12側から示す図である。図12は、ロータ110、制御ユニット120、および端子部134を、車両本体14側から示す図である。図13は、ロータ110に対して、制御ユニット120および端子部134が取り付けられた状態を示す図である。
図14は、第1実施形態に係る回転コネクタ10の断面図である。図14に示すように、第1実施形態の回転コネクタ10は、制御ユニット120(制御回路122およびカバー124)が、ロータ110の裏面に対し、当該裏面からはみ出さないように取り付けられる。これにより、第1実施形態の回転コネクタ10は、当該回転コネクタ10の外形状および外形サイズに影響を及ぼすことなく、すなわち、当該回転コネクタ10を大型化することなく、制御ユニット120を回転コネクタ10内の空きスペースに設置することができる。
次に、図16~図19を参照して、第2実施形態について説明する。第2実施形態では、第1実施形態で説明した回転コネクタ10の変形例として回転コネクタ30を説明する。以降の説明では、回転コネクタ30に関し、主に、回転コネクタ10からの変更点について説明する。なお、以降の説明において、回転コネクタ10と同様の構成部材については、回転コネクタ10と同様の符号を付し、詳細な説明は省略する。
次に、図20~図26を参照して、第3実施形態について説明する。第3実施形態では、第2実施形態で説明した回転コネクタ30の変形例として回転コネクタ50を説明する。以降の説明では、回転コネクタ50に関し、主に、回転コネクタ30からの変更点について説明する。なお、以降の説明において、回転コネクタ10,30と同様の構成部材については、回転コネクタ10,30と同様の符号を付し、詳細な説明は省略する。
図15は、第1実施形態に係る中継FPC138および制御回路122の変形例を示す図である。図15に示す例では、制御回路122は、中継FPC138と同一基板上に一体に成形されている。これにより、例えば、部品点数を抑制することができるといった効果を奏することができる。なお、FPC132とは別に、中継FPC138を設けたことにより、制御回路122との接続部分だけを、FPC132とは異なる形状とすることができる。すなわち、FPC132の全体を一定の帯状とすることができるため、FPC132の製造容易性を高めることができる。
10A 貫通孔
10B,10C 接続面
10D,10E コネクタ(第1の接続部)
10F コネクタ(第2の接続部)
12 ステアリングホイール
12A 接続面
12D 凹部
14 車両本体
14A 接続面
20 ステアリング装置
110,210,310 ロータ
112 平板部
114 軸部
120,220,320 制御ユニット(制御部)
122,222,322 制御回路
122A,222A,322A 回路基板
122B コネクタ
122C 接続端子
124,224,324 カバー
124A 保持空間
130 FPCユニット
132 FPC(フレキシブルケーブル)
134,136 端子部
138 中継FPC
139 ローラ(視認対象物)
140 ケース部
142 ケース本体
142A 収容空間
144 ケースカバー
146 ロータスナップ
212,222B,224A 開口部(可視部)
312 平板部拡張部
322B 回路基板拡張部
324A カバー拡張部
AX 回転中心軸(回転軸)
Claims (19)
- ステアリング側電気部品が設けられるステアリングホイールを備えた車両本体に固定され、収容空間を有するケース部と、
前記ケース部に対して回転軸の周りに回転自在に設けられたロータと、
前記ロータに設けられ、前記ステアリング側電気部品に電気的に接続される第1の接続部と、
前記ケース部に設けられ、前記車両本体の車両側電気部品に電気的に接続される第2の接続部と、
前記ケース部の前記収容空間内に巻回状態で設けられ、前記第1の接続部と、前記第2の接続部とを電気的に接続するフレキシブルケーブルと、
前記第1の接続部と前記フレキシブルケーブルとの間に介在し、前記第1の接続部と前記フレキシブルケーブルとの間を通る電気信号に対して、所定の処理を行う制御部と
を備え、
前記制御部は、
前記ロータと一体に回転するように設けられている
ことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。 - 前記ロータは、前記収容空間と対向して前記ロータを構成する円盤状の平板部を備え、
前記制御部は、前記収容空間と対向する回路基板を有し、
前記平板部および前記回路基板の各々は、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記収容空間内に設けられた所定の視認対象物と重なる位置に、前記所定の視認対象物を視認可能にするための可視部を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記回路基板の可視部は、
前記回路基板に形成された開口部である
ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記収容空間と対向し、前記回路基板を保持するように設けられたカバーをさらに備え、
前記カバーは、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記収容空間内に設けられた前記所定の視認対象物と重なる位置に、前記所定の視認対象物を視認可能にするための可視部を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項2または3に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記回路基板は、FPC(フレキシブルプリントサーキット)である
ことを特徴とする請求項2から4のいずれか一項に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記ロータは、前記収容空間と対向して前記ロータを構成する円盤状の平板部を備え、
前記制御部は、前記収容空間と対向する回路基板を有し、
前記回路基板は、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記平板部の外周縁部から半径方向における外側に突出する回路基板拡張部を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記収容空間と対向し、前記回路基板を保持するように設けられたカバーをさらに備え、
前記平板部および前記カバーの各々は、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記平板部の外周縁部から半径方向における外側に突出する平板部拡張部およびカバー拡張部を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項6に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記平板部拡張部、前記回路基板拡張部、および前記カバー拡張部は、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記ステアリングホイールの構成部の投影面積内に収まる
ことを特徴とする請求項7に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記平板部拡張部、前記回路基板拡張部、および前記カバー拡張部は、
前記平板部よりも前記ステアリングホイールに近づく方向にオフセットされている
ことを特徴とする請求項7または8に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記回路基板は、FPC(フレキシブルプリントサーキット)である
ことを特徴とする請求項6から9のいずれか一項に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記制御部は、
前記ロータにおける前記回転軸に垂直な方向に延在し、前記収容空間と対向する平板部によって保持されている
ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記ロータは、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、中央に開口部を有しており、
前記制御部は、
前記平板部において、前記開口部に沿った内周縁部と、外周縁部との間の領域内に保持されている
ことを特徴とする請求項11に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記制御部は、
前記回転軸の方向からの平面視において、前記内周縁部および前記外周縁部に沿った扇形状を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項12に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記ロータにおける前記平板部において、前記制御部を保持するように設けられたカバーをさらに備える
ことを特徴とする請求項12または13に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記カバーにおける前記フレキシブルケーブルと対向する表面は、前記フレキシブルケーブルと摺動可能である
ことを特徴とする請求項14に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記カバーは、
前記平板部の前記フレキシブルケーブルと対向する面に形成された前記カバーと略同形状を有する凹部に備えられており、
前記平板部の前記フレキシブルケーブルと対向する面と、前記カバーの前記フレキシブルケーブルと対向する面の両方が、前記フレキシブルケーブルと摺動可能である
ことを特徴とする請求項15に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記制御部は、
FPC(フレキシブルプリントサーキット)からなる回路基板に制御回路が設けられている
ことを特徴とする請求項11から16のいずれか一項に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記フレキシブルケーブルと前記制御部とを接続する中継用基板をさらに備える
ことを特徴とする請求項17に記載の回転コネクタ。 - 前記中継用基板は、FPC(フレキシブルプリントサーキット)からなり、
前記回路基板は、前記中継用基板と一体に成形されている
ことを特徴とする請求項18に記載の回転コネクタ。
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JP2020507330A JP6944589B2 (ja) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-10-26 | 回転コネクタ |
EP18910370.8A EP3771047B1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-10-26 | Rotary connector |
CN201880091594.8A CN111886757B (zh) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-10-26 | 旋转连接器 |
EP23156903.9A EP4209392B1 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2018-10-26 | Rotary connector |
US17/025,144 US11325546B2 (en) | 2018-03-22 | 2020-09-18 | Rotary connector |
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CN215732537U (zh) * | 2021-07-23 | 2022-02-01 | 东莞市承越电子科技有限公司 | 单向随意拉数据线 |
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CN111886757B (zh) | 2022-05-03 |
JP6944589B2 (ja) | 2021-10-06 |
EP3771047A4 (en) | 2021-12-22 |
EP3771047A1 (en) | 2021-01-27 |
EP4209392A1 (en) | 2023-07-12 |
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US11325546B2 (en) | 2022-05-10 |
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