JPH09120874A - Rotary connector - Google Patents
Rotary connectorInfo
- Publication number
- JPH09120874A JPH09120874A JP7280808A JP28080895A JPH09120874A JP H09120874 A JPH09120874 A JP H09120874A JP 7280808 A JP7280808 A JP 7280808A JP 28080895 A JP28080895 A JP 28080895A JP H09120874 A JPH09120874 A JP H09120874A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- flexible cable
- housing
- rotary connector
- holder
- width direction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【0001】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、自動車のステアリ
ング装置に組み込まれてエアーバッグシステム等の電気
的接続手段として使用される回転コネクタに関するもの
である。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rotary connector incorporated in a steering device of an automobile and used as an electrical connecting means such as an air bag system.
【0002】[0002]
【従来の技術】回転コネクタは、同軸的かつ相対的に回
転自在に連結された一対のハウジング間を帯状の可撓性
ケーブルにて連結したもので、可撓性ケーブルの巻回方
法によって2つのタイプに大別される。1つは両ハウジ
ングが成す環状の収納部内に可撓性ケーブルを渦巻き状
に巻回したもので、もう1つは可撓性ケーブルを収納部
内に逆向きに巻回したものであるが、後者の方が必要と
される可撓性ケーブルの長さを短くできるため、回転コ
ネクタのトータルコストを低減化する上で有利である。2. Description of the Related Art A rotary connector has a pair of housings, which are coaxially and relatively rotatably connected to each other, connected by a belt-shaped flexible cable. It is roughly divided into types. One is a flexible cable spirally wound in an annular storage portion formed by both housings, and the other is a flexible cable wound in the storage portion in the opposite direction. In this case, the required length of the flexible cable can be shortened, which is advantageous in reducing the total cost of the rotary connector.
【0003】図5は従来より知られている後者タイプの
回転コネクタの概略構成を示す平面図、図6は該回転コ
ネクタの断面図であり、米国特許4,540,223号
明細書等において開示されたものである。これらの図に
おいて、符号100はステータ側の第1ハウジングで、
この第1ハウジングは上面を開放した基体100aと、
基体100aの開放端を塞ぐ蓋体100bとから成り、
自動車のステアリング・コラム側に固定されるようにな
っている。符号101はロータ側の第2ハウジングで、
この第2ハウジング101はハンドル側に固定されるよ
うになっている。これら第1ハウジング100と第2ハ
ウジング101との間には平面視リング状の収納部10
2が画成され、この収納部102内には帯状の可撓性ケ
ーブル103と平面視C字状の移動体104とが収納さ
れている。この可撓性ケーブル103は第1ハウジング
100と第2ハウジング101とにそれぞれ固定された
状態で収納部102の外部に導出されており、収納部1
02内でU字状の反転部103aを介してその巻き方向
が転換されるようになっている。また、移動体104に
は内周面と外周面に通じる開口104aが形成されると
共に、この開口104aの近傍にローラ105が軸支さ
れており、前記可撓性ケーブル103の反転部103a
は開口104aを通ってローラ105にループされてい
る。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of a conventionally known latter type rotary connector, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the rotary connector, which is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,540,223 and the like. It was done. In these drawings, reference numeral 100 is the first housing on the stator side,
The first housing has a base body 100a whose upper surface is open,
And a lid 100b for closing the open end of the base body 100a,
It is fixed to the steering column side of the car. Reference numeral 101 is a second housing on the rotor side,
The second housing 101 is fixed to the handle side. Between the first housing 100 and the second housing 101, a storage portion 10 having a ring shape in plan view is provided.
2, a strip-shaped flexible cable 103 and a C-shaped moving body 104 in a plan view are stored in the storage section 102. The flexible cable 103 is fixed to the first housing 100 and the second housing 101, and is led out of the storage section 102.
In 02, the winding direction is changed through the U-shaped reversing portion 103a. Further, an opening 104a communicating with the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface is formed in the moving body 104, and a roller 105 is pivotally supported near the opening 104a, so that the reversing portion 103a of the flexible cable 103 is formed.
Is looped to roller 105 through aperture 104a.
【0004】このように構成された回転コネクタにおい
て、ハンドルに連動して第2ハウジング101が図5の
中立位置から時計方向に回転すると、可撓性ケーブル1
03の反転部103aは第2ハウジング101よりも少
ない回動量だけ収納部102内を時計方向に移動し、こ
の反転部103aに追従して移動体104も時計方向に
移動し、これらの移動量の約2倍の長さの可撓性ケーブ
ル103が第2ハウジング101の内筒部側から繰り出
されて第1ハウジング100の外筒部側に巻き戻され
る。これとは逆に、第2ハウジング101が図5の中立
位置から反時計方向に回転すると、可撓性ケーブル10
3の反転部103aと移動体104は第2ハウジング1
01よりも少ない回動量だけ同方向に移動し、これらの
移動量の約2倍の長さの可撓性ケーブル103が第1ハ
ウジング100の外筒部側から繰り出されて第2ハウジ
ング101の内筒部側に巻き締められる。In the rotary connector constructed as described above, when the second housing 101 is rotated clockwise from the neutral position in FIG.
The reversing unit 103a of 03 moves clockwise in the storage unit 102 by a rotation amount smaller than that of the second housing 101, and the moving body 104 also moves clockwise following the reversing unit 103a. The flexible cable 103 having a length of about twice is unwound from the inner tubular portion side of the second housing 101 and rewound to the outer tubular portion side of the first housing 100. On the contrary, when the second housing 101 rotates counterclockwise from the neutral position in FIG. 5, the flexible cable 10
The reversing part 103a and the moving body 104 of the third
In the second housing 101, the flexible cable 103, which is moved by a rotation amount smaller than 01 in the same direction and has a length about twice the movement amount, is fed out from the outer cylinder portion side of the first housing 100. It is tightened on the cylinder side.
【0005】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところで、前述した従
来の回転コネクタにあっては、巻き戻し時に可撓性ケー
ブル103の全てが第1ハウジング100の外筒部と移
動体104の外周面との間に巻回され、巻き締め時に可
撓性ケーブル103の全てが第2ハウジング101の内
筒部と移動体104の内周面との間に巻回されるため、
移動体104と内・外筒部との間に可撓性ケーブル10
3の全てを収納できる大きなクリアランスが必要とな
る。そのため、例えば、第2ハウジング101が回動中
立状態にある場合、可撓性ケーブル103は内筒部と移
動体104の内周面間、および外筒部と移動体104の
外周面間にそれぞれ約半分ずつ巻回されることになり、
可撓性ケーブル103は移動体104の内・外周のクリ
アランスに緩く巻回された状態で収納される。すなわ
ち、移動体104は収納部102内をクリアランス分だ
け径方向に移動可能な状態となるため、回転コネクタに
自動車から横方向の振動が作用すると、移動体104が
可撓性ケーブル103を介して内筒部や外筒部の壁面に
衝突し、耳障りな異音が発生するという問題があった。By the way, in the above-described conventional rotary connector, all the flexible cables 103 are formed between the outer cylindrical portion of the first housing 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the moving body 104 at the time of rewinding. Since the entire flexible cable 103 is wound between the inner cylindrical portion of the second housing 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the moving body 104 during tightening,
The flexible cable 10 is provided between the moving body 104 and the inner / outer tubular portion.
A large clearance is needed to accommodate all three. Therefore, for example, when the second housing 101 is in the rotation neutral state, the flexible cable 103 is provided between the inner tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the moving body 104, and between the outer tubular portion and the outer circumferential surface of the moving body 104, respectively. It will be wound about half each,
The flexible cable 103 is housed in a state in which it is loosely wound around the inner and outer clearances of the moving body 104. That is, since the moving body 104 is movable in the storage portion 102 in the radial direction by the amount of the clearance, when the rotating connector is laterally oscillated by the automobile, the moving body 104 passes through the flexible cable 103. There has been a problem that the noise collides with the wall surfaces of the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion and an unpleasant noise is generated.
【0006】また、移動体104は収納部102の内部
を回転するものであるから、収納部102の天面と移動
体104との間にクリアランスが必要となる。すなわ
ち、移動体104は収納部102内を第2ハウジング1
01の回転中心軸方向(図6の上下方向)にクリアラン
ス分だけ移動可能な状態になるため、回転コネクタに自
動車から縦(軸線)方向の振動が作用すると、移動体1
04が収納部102内を軸方向に動いて収納部102の
天面および底面に衝突し、異音が発生するという問題が
あった。Further, since the moving body 104 rotates inside the storage section 102, a clearance is required between the top surface of the storage section 102 and the moving body 104. That is, the moving body 104 moves the inside of the housing portion 102 into the second housing 1
01 is movable in the direction of the central axis of rotation (vertical direction in FIG. 6) by the amount of the clearance, and therefore when vibration in the vertical (axis) direction acts on the rotary connector from the automobile,
There is a problem that 04 moves in the storage unit 102 in the axial direction and collides with the top surface and the bottom surface of the storage unit 102 to generate abnormal noise.
【0007】さらに、可撓性ケーブル103が移動体1
04の内・外周のクリアランスに緩く巻回された状態
で、回転コネクタに自動車から上下方向の振動が作用す
ると、可撓性ケーブル103が収納部102内を上下動
し、その幅方向の両端が収納部102の天面に位置する
蓋体100bや底面に位置する基体100aに衝突し、
耳障りな異音が発生するという問題もあった。Further, the flexible cable 103 has a movable body 1.
In the state in which the rotary connector is loosely wound around the inner and outer peripheral clearances of 04, when a vertical vibration is applied from the automobile to the rotary connector, the flexible cable 103 moves up and down in the housing portion 102, and both ends in the width direction thereof. Collide with the lid 100b located on the top surface of the storage section 102 and the base body 100a located on the bottom surface,
There was also a problem that annoying noise was generated.
【0008】本発明は、このような従来技術の実情に鑑
みてなされたもので、その目的は、簡単な構成で騒音の
低減化を図ることができる回転コネクタを提供すること
にある。The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the prior art as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary connector capable of reducing noise with a simple structure.
【0009】[0009]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記した本発明の目的
は、同軸的かつ相対的に回転自在に連結された第1およ
び第2ハウジングと、これら両ハウジングのいずれか一
方に形成された内筒部といずれか他方に形成された外筒
部との間に画成された環状の収納部内に反転部を介して
逆向きに巻回され、その両端が前記両ハウジングに固定
された帯状の可撓性ケーブルと、前記収納部内に回動可
能に配置され、前記可撓性ケーブルの反転部が通過する
開口を有する移動体とを備え、前記移動体が前記内筒部
に軸支される内側延出部を有し、前記可撓性ケーブルの
幅方向の端部をこの内側延出部に対向させることによっ
て達成される。このように構成すると、移動体と内筒部
との間のクリアランスを必要最小限に設定できるため、
移動体が内筒部や外筒部にぶつかる衝突音は発生しな
い。また、内筒部に軸支された移動体は軸方向に動きに
くく、収納部の天面や底面にぶつかる衝突音も低減され
る。さらに、可撓性ケーブルに幅方向の振動が作用した
時、可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の端部はホルダの内側延出
部に当接し、収納部の天面や底面に直接衝突しないた
め、両ハウジングの外部に漏れる衝突音を低減できる。The above-mentioned object of the present invention is to provide a first and second housings coaxially and relatively rotatably connected to each other, and an inner cylinder formed in either one of these housings. Part and the outer cylindrical part formed on the other side, and is wound in the opposite direction through an inversion part inside an annular storage part defined by a strip-shaped flexible part fixed to both housings. An inner side in which the flexible cable and a movable body that is rotatably arranged in the storage portion and has an opening through which the inversion portion of the flexible cable passes, the movable body being axially supported by the inner tubular portion. This is achieved by having an extension and making the widthwise end of the flexible cable face the inner extension. With this configuration, the clearance between the moving body and the inner cylindrical portion can be set to the necessary minimum,
No collision noise is generated when the moving body hits the inner cylinder part or the outer cylinder part. Further, the moving body pivotally supported by the inner cylinder portion is hard to move in the axial direction, and the collision noise of hitting the top surface or the bottom surface of the storage portion is reduced. Furthermore, when vibration in the width direction acts on the flexible cable, the width direction end of the flexible cable abuts the inner extending portion of the holder and does not directly collide with the top surface or the bottom surface of the storage portion. The collision sound leaking to the outside of both housings can be reduced.
【0010】上記の構成において、前記ホルダに前記ロ
ーラよりも径方向外側へ突出する外側延出部を形成し、
可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の端部をこの外側延出部に対向
させると、可撓性ケーブルの内側巻回部分と外側巻回部
分の両方で衝突音を低減できる。また、前記内筒部に収
納部の内方へ突出する鍔部を設け、この鍔部と内側延出
部とを可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の両端部にそれぞれ対向
させると、可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の両端部が鍔部と内
側延出部とで挾持されるため、衝突音の低減効果は大と
なる。また、前記移動体が複数のローラとこれらローラ
を保持するホルダとを有し、このホルダに前記内筒部に
軸支される内側延出部を形成すると、軸支されたホルダ
およびローラは軸方向に動きにくくなり、収納部の天面
や底面にぶつかる衝突音の低減効果は大となる。さら
に、前記ホルダをローラを介して2個設け、これら両ホ
ルダのそれぞれの内側延出部を可撓性ケーブルの幅方向
の両端部に対向させると、可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の両
端部が両ホルダの内側延出部で挾持されるため、衝突音
の低減効果は大となる。In the above structure, the holder is formed with an outer extending portion projecting radially outward of the roller,
When the widthwise end of the flexible cable is opposed to the outer extending portion, collision noise can be reduced at both the inner winding portion and the outer winding portion of the flexible cable. Further, when the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a flange portion projecting inward of the storage portion, and the flange portion and the inner extending portion are respectively opposed to both ends in the width direction of the flexible cable, the flexible cable Since both end portions in the width direction of the are sandwiched between the flange portion and the inward extending portion, the effect of reducing the collision noise is great. Further, when the movable body has a plurality of rollers and a holder for holding the rollers, and an inner extending portion axially supported by the inner cylinder portion is formed in the holder, the axially supported holder and the roller are axially supported. It becomes difficult to move in the direction, and the effect of reducing the collision sound that hits the top or bottom of the storage part becomes great. Further, when the two holders are provided via rollers and the inner extending portions of both holders are opposed to the widthwise ends of the flexible cable, the widthwise ends of the flexible cable are removed. Since it is held between the inner extending portions of both holders, the effect of reducing the collision noise is great.
【0011】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面
に基づいて説明する。図1は回転コネクタの第1の実施
形態を示す断面図、図2は該回転コネクタの分解斜視図
であり、これらの図に示すように、回転コネクタは、第
1ハウジング1と、第1のハウジング1に対して回動自
在に装着された第2ハウジング2と、両ハウジング1,
2が成す環状の収納部3内に巻回された可撓性ケーブル
4と、収納部3内に回動自在に配置された移動体5とで
概略構成されている。Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a rotary connector, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector. As shown in these drawings, the rotary connector includes a first housing 1 and a first housing 1. A second housing 2 rotatably attached to the housing 1, both housings 1,
The flexible cable 4 is wound around an annular storage portion 3 formed by 2 and a movable body 5 is rotatably disposed inside the storage portion 3.
【0012】第1ハウジング1は、天板6の外周縁に外
筒部7を垂下した上ケース8と、外筒部7の下端に接合
・一体化された下カバー9とで構成されており、この上
ケース8の内壁における天板6と外筒部7とが連続する
部分にはアール形状の湾曲部8aが形成されている。前
記上ケース8の天板6と下カバー9のそれぞれの中央に
はセンタ孔10,11が開設されており、また、下カバ
ー9の下面にはリング状のガイド溝12が設けられてい
る。一方、第2ハウジング2は中央に軸挿入孔13を有
する筒状体からなり、その外周面は内筒部14となって
いる。この第2ハウジング2の上端外周縁と前記上ケー
ス8のセンタ孔10との間にはリング状の摺動キャップ
15が緊密に介設されており、両ハウジング1,2は摺
動キャップ15を回転摺動部として互いに回動自在に連
結されている。この摺動キャップ15は両ハウジング
1,2と異種の合成樹脂で成形されており、その下端外
周面には薄肉の鍔部15aが形成されている。そして、
第1ハウジング1側の天板6と外筒部7および下カバー
9と、第2ハウジング2側の内筒部14との間に前記収
納部3が画成され、この収納部3内で前記摺動キャップ
15の鍔部15aと前記天板6との間に所定の間隙Gが
形成されている。The first housing 1 is composed of an upper case 8 in which an outer cylinder portion 7 is suspended from the outer peripheral edge of a top plate 6, and a lower cover 9 joined and integrated with the lower end of the outer cylinder portion 7. A rounded curved portion 8a is formed in a portion of the inner wall of the upper case 8 where the top plate 6 and the outer cylindrical portion 7 are continuous with each other. Center holes 10 and 11 are formed at the centers of the top plate 6 and the lower cover 9 of the upper case 8, and a ring-shaped guide groove 12 is provided on the lower surface of the lower cover 9. On the other hand, the second housing 2 is formed of a tubular body having a shaft insertion hole 13 in the center, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is an inner tubular portion 14. A ring-shaped sliding cap 15 is tightly provided between the outer peripheral edge of the upper end of the second housing 2 and the center hole 10 of the upper case 8. The rotary sliding parts are rotatably connected to each other. The sliding cap 15 is made of a synthetic resin different from that of the housings 1 and 2, and has a thin flange 15a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end thereof. And
The storage part 3 is defined between the top plate 6 on the first housing 1 side, the outer cylinder part 7 and the lower cover 9, and the inner cylinder part 14 on the second housing 2 side. A predetermined gap G is formed between the flange portion 15 a of the sliding cap 15 and the top plate 6.
【0013】可撓性ケーブル4は、互いに平行な導線を
一対の絶縁フィルムでラミネートした帯状のフラットケ
ーブルと呼ばれるものからなり、この可撓性ケーブル4
の両端は前記外筒部7と前記内筒部14に固定された
後、それぞれ第1ハウジング1と第2ハウジング2の外
部に導出されている。また前記収納部3の内部で、可撓
性ケーブル4は外筒部7の内壁に沿って時計方向に巻回
され、そこからU字状に反転し(以下、これを反転部4
aという)、さらに内筒部14の外壁周りに反時計方向
に巻回されている。The flexible cable 4 is composed of a so-called strip-shaped flat cable in which conducting wires parallel to each other are laminated with a pair of insulating films.
Both ends of the are fixed to the outer cylinder portion 7 and the inner cylinder portion 14 and then led out of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, respectively. Inside the storage part 3, the flexible cable 4 is wound in a clockwise direction along the inner wall of the outer tubular part 7 and is inverted in a U shape from there (hereinafter, this is referred to as the inversion part 4).
a), and is further wound in a counterclockwise direction around the outer wall of the inner tubular portion 14.
【0014】移動体5は、所定間隔を保って対向するリ
ング状の上側および下側ホルダ16,17と、両ホルダ
16,17間に軸支された複数のローラ18群と、両ホ
ルダ16,17間に固定された1つの固定筒19とで構
成されており、下側ホルダ17の下面には複数の弾性腕
20が一体成形されている。この下側ホルダ17は上側
ホルダ16よりも径方向に幅広に形成されており、該下
側ホルダ17の両周縁に形成された内側延出部17aと
外側延出部17bは前記ローラ18群と固定筒19より
も突出している。また、外側延出部17bは外筒部7の
内面下方に設けられた窪み7aに入るようになってい
て、可撓性ケーブル4の外側巻回部を確実に受けてい
る。そして、このように構成された移動体5は、下側ホ
ルダ17の内側延出部17aを前記内筒部14の下部に
軸支した状態で収納部3内に回転自在に配置され、各弾
性腕20は下カバー9のガイド溝12上に載置されてい
る。その際、前述した可撓性ケーブル4の反転部4a
は、前記固定筒19とこれに対向する1つのローラ18
間の開口を通って該ローラ18にループされている。ま
た、この可撓性ケーブル4の内側巻回部分は前記摺動キ
ャップ15の鍔部15aと前記下側ホルダ17の内側延
出部17aとで挾持され、一方、可撓性ケーブル4の外
側巻回部分は前記上ケース8の湾曲部8aと前記下側ホ
ルダ17の外側延出部17bとで挾持されている。The movable body 5 includes ring-shaped upper and lower holders 16 and 17 facing each other with a predetermined space, a plurality of rollers 18 axially supported between both holders 16 and 17, and both holders 16 and 17. The lower holder 17 has a plurality of elastic arms 20 integrally formed on the lower surface thereof. The lower holder 17 is formed wider than the upper holder 16 in the radial direction, and the inner extending portions 17a and the outer extending portions 17b formed on both peripheral edges of the lower holder 17 are the same as those of the roller 18 group. It projects beyond the fixed barrel 19. Further, the outer extending portion 17b is adapted to enter the recess 7a provided on the lower side of the inner surface of the outer tubular portion 7, and reliably receives the outer winding portion of the flexible cable 4. The moving body 5 configured as described above is rotatably arranged in the storage unit 3 in a state where the inner extending portion 17a of the lower holder 17 is pivotally supported on the lower portion of the inner cylindrical portion 14, and each elastic member The arm 20 is placed on the guide groove 12 of the lower cover 9. At that time, the inversion portion 4a of the flexible cable 4 described above.
Is the fixed cylinder 19 and one roller 18 facing it.
It is looped to the roller 18 through an opening in between. The inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4 is sandwiched between the flange portion 15a of the sliding cap 15 and the inner extending portion 17a of the lower holder 17, while the outer winding portion of the flexible cable 4 is wound. The turning portion is held by the curved portion 8a of the upper case 8 and the outer extending portion 17b of the lower holder 17.
【0015】次に、前記第1ハウジング1を固定体とし
て用い、前記第2ハウジング2を可動体として用いた場
合を例にとって、上記回転コネクタの動作を説明する。
この場合、第1ハウジング1がステアリング装置のステ
アリングコラム側に固定され、第2ハウジング2がステ
アリングシャフトやハンドル等に連結される。Next, the operation of the rotary connector will be described by taking as an example the case where the first housing 1 is used as a fixed body and the second housing 2 is used as a movable body.
In this case, the first housing 1 is fixed to the steering column side of the steering device, and the second housing 2 is connected to the steering shaft, the steering wheel, or the like.
【0016】使用に際し、ハンドルを時計あるいは反時
計方向に回転すると、その回転力が第2ハウジング2に
伝達され、第2ハウジング2が時計あるいは反時計方向
に回転する。例えば、ハンドルの中立位置から第2ハウ
ジング2が時計方向に回転すると、可撓性ケーブル4の
反転部4aは第2ハウジング2よりも少ない回転量だけ
時計方向に移動し、ローラ18の1つが反転部4aに引
っ張られるため、反転部4aに追従して移動体5も時計
方向に移動し、これらの移動量の約2倍の長さの可撓性
ケーブル4が外筒部7側から繰り出されて内筒部14の
周面に巻き締められる。これとは逆に、ハンドルの中立
状態から第2ハウジング2が反時計方向に回転すると、
可撓性ケーブル4の反転部4aは第2ハウジング2より
も少ない回転量だけ反時計方向に移動し、この反転部4
aはローラ18から離れて固定筒19を押圧するため、
反転部4aに追従して移動体5も反時計方向に移動し、
これらの移動量の約2倍の長さの可撓性ケーブル4が内
筒部14から繰り出されて外筒部7に巻き戻される。In use, when the handle is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the rotational force is transmitted to the second housing 2 and the second housing 2 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, when the second housing 2 rotates clockwise from the neutral position of the handle, the reversing portion 4a of the flexible cable 4 moves clockwise by a smaller rotation amount than the second housing 2, and one of the rollers 18 reverses. Since it is pulled by the portion 4a, the moving body 5 also moves in the clockwise direction following the reversing portion 4a, and the flexible cable 4 having a length about twice the moving amount thereof is fed out from the outer tube portion 7 side. And is tightly wound around the inner cylindrical portion 14. On the contrary, when the second housing 2 rotates counterclockwise from the neutral state of the handle,
The reversing portion 4a of the flexible cable 4 moves counterclockwise by a smaller amount of rotation than the second housing 2, and the reversing portion 4a
Since a presses the fixed cylinder 19 away from the roller 18,
The moving body 5 also moves counterclockwise following the reversing unit 4a,
The flexible cable 4 having a length about twice the amount of movement is unwound from the inner cylindrical portion 14 and rewound to the outer cylindrical portion 7.
【0017】このような動作中、両ハウジング1,2の
回転摺動部に摺動キャップ15が緊密に介設されている
ため、第2ハウジング2を回転させた時の摺動ノイズを
大幅に低減させることができる。また、自動車からの振
動によって回転コネクタに横方向(ステアリングシャフ
トの軸線に直交する方向)の力が作用しても、下側ホル
ダ17の内側延出部17aは内筒部14に軸支されてお
り、下側ホルダ17と内筒部14間のクリアランスを必
要最小限に設定できるため、移動体5が内筒部14や外
筒部7にぶつかって衝突音を発生することはない。さら
に、自動車からの振動によって回転コネクタに上下方向
(ステアリングシャフトの軸線方向)の力が作用すると
移動体5も上下方向に動こうとするが、内筒部14に軸
支された移動体5は軸方向に動きにくく、収納部3内で
跳びはねて収納部3の天面や底面に衝突することが少な
くなるため、移動体5が収納部3の天面や底面にぶつか
る衝突音も低減される。また、移動体5の下側ホルダ1
7の下面に弾性腕20が設けられ、この弾性腕20が下
側ホルダ17を第2ハウジング2の小径部と大径部の段
差2bに押し付けて上下方向に突っ張らせているため、
移動体5は上下方向に弾性的に支持されることになり、
移動体5の跳びはねによる衝突音は一層低減される。同
時に、第2ハウジング2も下側ホルダ17に押されてい
るため、軸方向のクリアランスが少なくなり、がたつき
が防止される。また、可撓性ケーブル4も収納部3内を
上下方向に移動しようとするが、可撓性ケーブル4の内
側巻回部分についてはその幅方向の両端に摺動キャップ
15の鍔部15aと下側ホルダ17の内側延出部17a
とが対向しているため、仮りに可撓性ケーブル4の幅方
向の両端がこれら鍔部15aと内側延出部17aに衝突
して衝突音が発生したとしても、その衝突音は摺動キャ
ップ15や下側ホルダ17で吸収される。特に、摺動キ
ャップ15の鍔部15aと天板6との間に所定の間隙G
を形成した場合、この間隙Gを利用して鍔部15aが撓
むため、摺動キャップ15による衝突音の吸収効果が大
きく、両ハウジング1,2の外部に漏れる可撓性ケーブ
ル4の衝突音をほとんどなくすことができる。また、下
側ホルダ17はその下面に弾性腕20が設けられてお
り、下側ホルダ17に可撓性ケーブル4が衝突した場合
でも、下側ホルダ17は可撓性ケーブル4を弾性的に受
けるため、衝突音は特に小さくなる。一方、可撓性ケー
ブル4の外側巻回部分についはその幅方向の両端に上ケ
ース8の湾曲部8aと下側ホルダ17の外側延出部17
bとが対向しているため、可撓性ケーブル4の上端は湾
曲部8aによってぶつかる方向が徐々にそらされ、可撓
性ケーブル4の下端は外側延出部17bによって下カバ
ー9との衝突が回避される。したがって、可撓性ケーブ
ル4の外側巻回部分から発生する衝突音を低減できると
共に、その衝突音が両ハウジング1,2の外部に漏れる
ことを防止できる。During such an operation, since the sliding cap 15 is tightly provided on the rotary sliding portions of both housings 1 and 2, sliding noise when the second housing 2 is rotated is significantly increased. Can be reduced. In addition, even when a lateral force (a direction orthogonal to the axis of the steering shaft) acts on the rotary connector due to vibration from the automobile, the inner extending portion 17a of the lower holder 17 is axially supported by the inner cylindrical portion 14. Since the clearance between the lower holder 17 and the inner cylinder portion 14 can be set to the necessary minimum, the moving body 5 does not collide with the inner cylinder portion 14 or the outer cylinder portion 7 and generate a collision sound. Further, when a force in the vertical direction (axial direction of the steering shaft) acts on the rotary connector due to vibration from the automobile, the moving body 5 also tries to move in the vertical direction, but the moving body 5 axially supported by the inner tubular portion 14 does not move. It is difficult to move in the axial direction, and it is less likely to jump within the storage unit 3 and collide with the top or bottom surface of the storage unit 3. Therefore, the collision sound of the moving body 5 colliding with the top or bottom surface of the storage unit 3 is also reduced. To be done. In addition, the lower holder 1 of the moving body 5
Since an elastic arm 20 is provided on the lower surface of 7, and this elastic arm 20 presses the lower holder 17 against the step 2b between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion of the second housing 2, it is stretched in the vertical direction.
The moving body 5 is elastically supported in the vertical direction,
The collision noise due to the jump of the moving body 5 is further reduced. At the same time, since the second housing 2 is also pushed by the lower holder 17, the axial clearance is reduced and rattling is prevented. Further, the flexible cable 4 also tries to move in the up-down direction in the storage portion 3, but the inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4 and the flange portion 15a of the sliding cap 15 are provided at both ends in the width direction. Inner extension 17a of side holder 17
Since the and are opposed to each other, even if both ends in the width direction of the flexible cable 4 collide with the flange portion 15a and the inner extending portion 17a and a collision sound is generated, the collision sound is generated by the sliding cap. 15 and the lower holder 17 absorb. In particular, a predetermined gap G is provided between the flange 15a of the sliding cap 15 and the top plate 6.
When the gap G is formed, the collar portion 15a is bent by utilizing this gap G, so that the sliding cap 15 has a great effect of absorbing the collision sound, and the collision sound of the flexible cable 4 leaking to the outside of the housings 1 and 2. Can be almost eliminated. Further, the lower holder 17 is provided with the elastic arm 20 on the lower surface thereof, and even when the flexible cable 4 collides with the lower holder 17, the lower holder 17 elastically receives the flexible cable 4. Therefore, the collision noise is particularly low. On the other hand, the outer winding portion of the flexible cable 4 has the curved portion 8a of the upper case 8 and the outer extending portion 17 of the lower holder 17 at both ends in the width direction.
Since the upper end of the flexible cable 4 is opposed to the lower cover 9 by the curved portion 8a, the lower end of the flexible cable 4 collides with the lower cover 9 by the outer extending portion 17b. Avoided. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the collision noise generated from the outer wound portion of the flexible cable 4 and prevent the collision noise from leaking to the outside of the housings 1 and 2.
【0018】図3は本発明による回転コネクタの第2の
実施形態を示す半断面図であり、図1に対応する部分に
は同一符号を付してある。この実施形態が前述した第1
の実施形態と相違する点は、前記摺動キャップ15を用
いる代わりに第2ハウジング2に鍔部2aを形成し、こ
の鍔部2aを可撓性ケーブル4の内側巻回部分の上端に
対向させたことにあり、それ以外の構成は基本的に同じ
である。前記鍔部2aは内筒部14の上部に突出形成さ
れ、この鍔部2aと天板6との間には所定の間隙Gが確
保されている。したがって、可撓性ケーブル4の内側巻
回部分の両端が下側ホルダ17の内側延出部17aと鍔
部2aとで挾持されるため、回転コネクタに上下方向の
振動が作用しても、可撓性ケーブル4が天板6や下カバ
ー9に直接衝突せず、衝突音を低減することができる。FIG. 3 is a half sectional view showing a second embodiment of the rotary connector according to the present invention, and the portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. This embodiment is the first described above.
5 is different from that of the first embodiment in that instead of using the sliding cap 15, a flange portion 2a is formed on the second housing 2 and the flange portion 2a is opposed to the upper end of the inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4. The other configurations are basically the same. The collar portion 2a is formed so as to project above the inner cylindrical portion 14, and a predetermined gap G is secured between the collar portion 2a and the top plate 6. Therefore, since both ends of the inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4 are held between the inner extending portion 17a of the lower holder 17 and the collar portion 2a, even if vertical vibration acts on the rotary connector, it is possible. The flexible cable 4 does not directly collide with the top plate 6 and the lower cover 9, and the collision noise can be reduced.
【0019】図4は本発明による回転コネクタの第3の
実施形態を示す半断面図であり、図1に対応する部分に
は同一符号を付してある。この実施形態が前述した第1
の実施形態と相違する点は、前記摺動キャップ15を用
いる代わりに上側ホルダ16に内側延出部16aを形成
し、この内側延出部16aを可撓性ケーブル4の内側巻
回部分の上端に対向させたことにあり、それ以外の構成
は基本的に同じである。前記内側延出部16aは上側ホ
ルダ16の内周縁に一体形成されたもので、この内側延
出部16aは前記ローラ18群と固定筒19よりも内方
へ突出し、前記内筒部14の上部に遊嵌されている。こ
のように、可撓性ケーブル4の内側巻回部分の幅方向の
両端に上側ホルダ16と下側ホルダ17のそれぞれの内
側延出部16a,17aが対向しているため、回転コネ
クタに上下方向の振動が作用しても、可撓性ケーブル4
が天板6や下カバー9に直接衝突せず、衝突音を低減す
ることができる。FIG. 4 is a half sectional view showing a third embodiment of the rotary connector according to the present invention, and the portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. This embodiment is the first described above.
The difference from the embodiment of the present invention is that instead of using the sliding cap 15, an inner extending portion 16a is formed in the upper holder 16 and the inner extending portion 16a is formed at the upper end of the inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4. The other configurations are basically the same. The inner extending portion 16a is integrally formed on the inner peripheral edge of the upper holder 16, and the inner extending portion 16a projects inward from the group of rollers 18 and the fixed cylinder 19 and is located above the inner cylindrical portion 14. Is loosely fitted to. As described above, since the inner extension portions 16a and 17a of the upper holder 16 and the lower holder 17 face each other at both ends in the width direction of the inner winding portion of the flexible cable 4, the rotary connector is vertically aligned. Flexible cable 4
Does not directly collide with the top plate 6 and the lower cover 9, and the collision noise can be reduced.
【0020】なお、上記の各実施形態では、第1ハウジ
ング1を固定体とし、第2ハウジング2を可動体として
用いた場合について説明したが、これとは反対に、第1
ハウジング1を可動体とし、第2ハウジング2を固定体
として用いることも可能である。In each of the above embodiments, the case where the first housing 1 is used as the fixed body and the second housing 2 is used as the movable body has been described.
It is also possible to use the housing 1 as a movable body and the second housing 2 as a fixed body.
【0021】また、上記の各実施形態では、可撓性ケー
ブル4の内側巻回部分と外側巻回部分の上下両端に、上
・下側ホルダ16,17の延出部16a,17a,17
bや摺動キャップ15の鍔部15aあるいは第2ハウジ
ング2の鍔部2a等の騒音低減手段を施したものについ
て説明したが、本発明はこれら騒音低減手段を適宜組み
合わせることも可能である。例えば、内筒部14の上部
に上ケース8の湾曲部8aと同様の湾曲部を形成し、こ
の湾曲部と下側ホルダ17の内側延出部17aとを可撓
性ケーブル4の内側巻回部分の両端に対向させても良
い。Further, in each of the above embodiments, the extension portions 16a, 17a, 17 of the upper and lower holders 16, 17 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the inner winding portion and the outer winding portion of the flexible cable 4, respectively.
In the above description, the noise reducing means such as the flange portion 15a of the sliding cap 15 or the flange portion 2a of the second housing 2 is provided, but the present invention can also appropriately combine these noise reducing means. For example, a curved portion similar to the curved portion 8a of the upper case 8 is formed on the upper portion of the inner tubular portion 14, and this curved portion and the inner extending portion 17a of the lower holder 17 are wound inside the flexible cable 4. You may make it oppose the both ends of a part.
【0022】[0022]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明の回転コネ
クタによれば、移動体と内筒部との間のクリアランスを
必要最小限に設定でき、移動体が内筒部の軸方向に動き
にくくなるため、移動体が内筒部や外筒部あるいは収納
部の天面と底面にぶつかる衝突音を低減できるのみなら
ず、可撓性ケーブルに幅方向の振動が作用した時、可撓
性ケーブルの幅方向の端部はホルダの内側延出部に当接
し、収納部の天面や底面に直接衝突しないため、両ハウ
ジングの外部に漏れる衝突音を低減できる。As described above, according to the rotary connector of the present invention, the clearance between the movable body and the inner cylindrical portion can be set to the necessary minimum, and the movable body moves in the axial direction of the inner cylindrical portion. Since it becomes difficult, the collision noise that the moving body hits the top surface and the bottom surface of the inner cylinder part, the outer cylinder part or the storage part can be reduced, and when the flexible cable is vibrated in the width direction, it is flexible. Since the end portion of the cable in the width direction comes into contact with the inner extending portion of the holder and does not directly collide with the top surface or the bottom surface of the housing portion, the collision sound leaking to the outside of both housings can be reduced.
【図1】本発明による回転コネクタの第1の実施形態を
示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of a rotary connector according to the present invention.
【図2】該回転コネクタの分解斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary connector.
【図3】本発明による回転コネクタの第2の実施形態を
示す半断面図である。FIG. 3 is a half sectional view showing a second embodiment of the rotary connector according to the present invention.
【図4】本発明による回転コネクタの第3の実施形態を
示す半断面図である。FIG. 4 is a half sectional view showing a third embodiment of the rotary connector according to the present invention.
【図5】従来の回転コネクタの概略構成を示す平面図で
ある。FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional rotary connector.
【図6】該回転コネクタの断面図である。FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the rotary connector.
1 第1ハウジング 2 第2ハウジング 2a 鍔部 3 収納部 4 可撓性ケーブル 5 移動体 6 天板 7 外筒部 8 上ケース 8a 壁 9 下カバー 10,11 センタ孔 14 内筒部 15 摺動キャップ 15a 鍔部 16 上側ホルダ 16a 内側延出部 17 下側ホルダ 17a 内側延出部 17b 外側延出部 18 ローラ 19 固定筒 1 1st housing 2 2nd housing 2a Collar part 3 Storage part 4 Flexible cable 5 Moving body 6 Top plate 7 Outer cylinder part 8 Upper case 8a Wall 9 Lower cover 10,11 Center hole 14 Inner cylinder part 15 Sliding cap 15a Collar 16 Upper holder 16a Inner extension 17 Lower holder 17a Inner extension 17b Outer extension 18 Roller 19 Fixed tube
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 伊田 勇一 東京都大田区雪谷大塚町1番7号 アルプ ス電気株式会社内 (72)発明者 松本 満典 東京都大田区雪谷大塚町1番7号 アルプ ス電気株式会社内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yuichi Ida 1-7 Yukiya Otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alps Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Mitsunori Matsumoto 1-7 No. 7 Yukiya-Otsuka-cho, Ota-ku, Tokyo Alp Su Electric Co., Ltd.
Claims (6)
た第1および第2ハウジングと、これら両ハウジングの
いずれか一方に形成された内筒部といずれか他方に形成
された外筒部との間に画成された環状の収納部内に反転
部を介して逆向きに巻回され、その両端が前記両ハウジ
ングに固定された帯状の可撓性ケーブルと、前記収納部
内に回動可能に配置され、前記可撓性ケーブルの反転部
が通過する開口を有する移動体とを備え、 前記移動体が前記内筒部に軸支される内側延出部を有
し、前記可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の端部をこの内側延出
部に対向させたことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。1. A first and a second housing coaxially and relatively rotatably connected to each other, an inner tubular portion formed on either one of the two housings, and an outer tubular portion formed on the other. A loop-shaped flexible cable, which is wound in the opposite direction through an inversion part and has both ends fixed to the housings, and is rotatable inside the storage part defined between And a movable body having an opening through which the inversion portion of the flexible cable passes, the movable body having an inner extending portion axially supported by the inner tubular portion, the flexible cable A rotary connector in which an end portion in the width direction of the is opposed to the inner extending portion.
径方向外側へ突出する外側延出部を形成し、前記可撓性
ケーブルの幅方向の端部をこの外側延出部に対向させた
ことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。2. The outer extension portion protruding outward in the radial direction is formed on the movable body, and an end portion in the width direction of the flexible cable is opposed to the outer extension portion. Rotating connector characterized by
前記収納部の内方へ突出する鍔部を設け、この鍔部と前
記内側延出部とを前記可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の両端部
にそれぞれ対向させたことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。3. The flange according to claim 1, wherein the inner cylindrical portion is provided with a collar portion projecting inward of the storage portion, and the collar portion and the inner extending portion are provided in a width direction of the flexible cable. A rotary connector characterized in that it is opposed to both ends of the rotary connector.
複数のローラとこれらローラを保持するホルダとを有
し、このホルダに前記内側延出部を形成したことを特徴
とする回転コネクタ。4. The rotary connector according to claim 1, wherein the movable body has a plurality of rollers and a holder that holds the rollers, and the inner extending portion is formed in the holder.
前記ローラを介して2個設け、これら両ホルダのそれぞ
れの内側延出部を前記可撓性ケーブルの幅方向の両端部
に対向させたことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。5. The holder according to claim 4, wherein two holders are provided via the roller, and inner extending portions of both holders are opposed to both end portions in the width direction of the flexible cable. A rotating connector characterized in that
下部に弾性部を有し、前記内側延出部を前記内筒部の段
差に弾接させたことを特徴とする回転コネクタ。6. The rotary connector according to claim 4, wherein the holder has an elastic portion at a lower portion thereof, and the inner extending portion is elastically contacted with a step of the inner cylindrical portion.
Priority Applications (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP28080895A JP3234858B2 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1995-10-27 | Rotating connector |
DE69622340T DE69622340T2 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-24 | rotary connector |
EP96117097A EP0770521B1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-24 | Rotating connector |
EP00112785A EP1029744B1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-24 | Rotating connector |
DE69632158T DE69632158T2 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-24 | rotary connector |
DE0770521T DE770521T1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-24 | Rotary connector |
KR1019960048433A KR100309424B1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-25 | Swivel Connector |
MX9605224A MX9605224A (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1996-10-28 | Rotary connector. |
KR1020000010022A KR100309514B1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 2000-02-29 | Rotating connector |
US12/368,497 US20090203232A1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 2009-02-10 | Rotating connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP28080895A JP3234858B2 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1995-10-27 | Rotating connector |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
JPH09120874A true JPH09120874A (en) | 1997-05-06 |
JP3234858B2 JP3234858B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 |
Family
ID=17630272
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
JP28080895A Expired - Lifetime JP3234858B2 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1995-10-27 | Rotating connector |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
JP (1) | JP3234858B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109969103A (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2019-07-05 | 矢崎总业株式会社 | Ripple tube holder |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101647682B (en) * | 2008-08-13 | 2011-09-28 | 马永清 | Large-width carpet cleaning machine |
-
1995
- 1995-10-27 JP JP28080895A patent/JP3234858B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN109969103A (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2019-07-05 | 矢崎总业株式会社 | Ripple tube holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3234858B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 |
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