JP5460029B2 - Rotating connector device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a configuration of a rotary connector device used for transmitting various signals between a rotary operation tool and a fixed body or supplying electric power or the like.

Patent Document 1 discloses this type of rotary connector device. The rotary connector device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a stator that is a fixed member, a rotor that is a rotary member, and a temporary fixing mechanism that temporarily fixes the rotor to a neutral position with respect to the stator. . The temporary fixing mechanism includes a neutral fixing member for temporarily fixing (locking) the rotor at a neutral position of the stator. The neutral fixing member is driven by a protrusion as a neutral release member provided below the neutral position of the steering wheel. The temporary fixing mechanism is disposed on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the rotor.
JP 2007-273236 A

The rotary connector disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes two housings made of a synthetic resin material. A lock member forming a part of the lock mechanism is integrally formed in the first housing in a cantilever manner. In addition, a release protrusion is integrally formed on the lock member, and the protrusion protrudes from the top surface of the first housing. A plurality of engagement grooves are formed in the second housing, and the free end of the lock member is engaged with the engagement grooves, so that the first housing is maintained in a locked state. On the other hand, when the steering wheel is mounted, the release protrusion is pressed by the lower surface of the steering wheel, so that the free end of the lock member is retracted from the engagement groove, and the rotation restriction of the first housing is automatically released. Is done.
JP-A-8-138818

The rotary connection device disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes a fixed side member and a rotary side member. A coil spring is provided in the central cylindrical portion of the rotation side member, and two stoppers made of L-shaped wires are attached to the upper part of the coil spring. A stopper groove is formed on the lower surface of the fixed side member, and a locking claw is formed on the inner surface of the central cylindrical portion of the rotation side member. Each stopper is supported by a locking claw and engages with the stopper groove. By this engagement, the rotation-side member is held and held at the neutral position. On the other hand, when the steering wheel is assembled, the spring is pressed by the hub of the steering wheel, so that the lower portion of the stopper is released from the stopper groove of the fixed side member, and the rotation stopper is released.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-187557

  However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 requires components such as protrusions to drive the neutral release member, which increases the number of components and complicates the configuration. In addition, since the temporary fixing mechanism is disposed at the peripheral edge of the rotor, if the steering wheel is tilted during the operation of mounting the steering wheel, the protrusion and the neutral release member may be caught or the contact may be slanted. Sometimes failed to cancel neutrality. Furthermore, since the temporary fixing mechanism is disposed on the upper surface of the rotor, a hand or the like may come into contact with the neutral release member during assembly work or the like, and the lock may be released unexpectedly and the rotor may be displaced. there were.

  Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to ensure durability because the lock member is integrally formed with the first housing. For example, when the release protrusion is pressed while the steering wheel is tilted, There was a risk that the locking member or the like was damaged due to excessive force. In addition, since the release protrusion protrudes from the top surface, similarly to Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the rotation restriction is canceled unintentionally and the second housing is displaced.

  Furthermore, in the rotary connecting device of Patent Document 3, each of the plurality of stoppers is composed of fine parts (wires), so that the stopper is held by the locking claw when the rotary connecting device is assembled, or the stopper is provided in the stopper groove. In some cases, the work of engaging with the cover becomes complicated. In addition, for example, when the spring is pressed while the steering wheel is tilted, the movement of some stoppers becomes small, and the engagement with the stopper groove is insufficiently released, which may cause the steering wheel to be caught. There was also.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary connector device having a simple configuration capable of smoothly locking and unlocking rotation.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

According to the viewpoint of this invention, the rotation connector apparatus for rotation operation tools of the following structures is provided. That is, the rotary connector device includes a fixed member, a rotation operation member, a cable, a lock body, a receiving member, and an urging member. The fixed side member has a first tube portion. The rotation operation side member has a second cylinder portion disposed inside the first cylinder portion, and is rotatably attached to the fixed side member. The cable is housed in an annular housing space formed between the first tube portion and the second tube portion, and electrically connects the connector of the fixed side member and the connector of the rotation operation side member. . The lock body is movable between a lock position that locks relative rotation between the rotation operation side member and the fixed side member and a lock release position that unlocks the relative rotation. The receiving member is fixed to the rotation operation side member. The urging member is disposed between the lock body and the receiving member, and urges the lock body to the lock position. The lock body includes a ring-shaped main body and a hook portion. The hook portion protrudes radially outward from the main body and can be hooked on the fixed side member. The lock body is attached so as not to rotate relative to the receiving member. The receiving member includes a protrusion. The projecting portion projects more to the opposite side than the direction in which the lock body is urged than the stationary member. A central hole is formed in the main body of the lock body , and a pressed surface that can be pressed by a boss portion of the rotary operation tool is provided so as to substantially surround the central hole. In the main body, an action surface is formed on the side opposite to the pressed surface. The urging member is configured as a coil spring disposed between a receiving surface disposed on the protruding portion of the receiving member and the working surface of the lock body. The urging member is disposed so as to coincide with the center hole of the lock body. The receiving member includes a spring housing wall that guides the main body of the lock body, and the biasing member is disposed inside the spring housing wall. The fixed side member has a surface that slides with the receiving member on a surface facing a direction opposite to a direction in which the lock body is urged. While the lock body is received by the receiving surface of the receiving member, the one end of the urging member that is accommodated inside the spring accommodating wall is brought into contact with the action surface of the main body, Projecting radially outward from the spring housing wall.

As a result, the pressed surface formed around the center hole of the lock body can easily come into contact with the boss portion of the rotary operation tool evenly. The lock can be released. Moreover, since it becomes the structure which performs lock release by the boss | hub part of a rotation operation tool, the structure for lock release can be simplified and it can contribute to size reduction and cost reduction. Further, when the pressed surface of the lock body is pressed by the boss portion of the rotary operation tool, the lock body moves to the unlock position while receiving the force acting on the action surface from the urging member with a good balance. Accordingly, the lock of the relative rotation can be easily released by the smooth movement of the lock body. Furthermore, since the lock body and the receiving member rotate integrally, it is possible to prevent friction between the lock body and the receiving member, and to prevent the occurrence of rotational resistance and abnormal noise. Further, the lock body and the receiving member can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the rotary operation tool, and the lock body can be reliably urged toward the lock position by the coil spring. Furthermore, since the receiving surface which receives a coil spring can be arrange | positioned in a protrusion part, while installing space of a coil spring can be ensured easily, the movement stroke of a lock body can be ensured large.

  The rotary connector device for a rotary operation tool preferably has the following configuration. That is, an insertion hole into which the boss portion can be inserted is formed in a cable housing constituted by the fixed side member and the rotation operation side member. The pressed surface of the lock body when in the lock position is located inside the insertion hole.

  Thereby, since the pressed surface of the lock body is located inside the insertion hole, for example, the operator suddenly touches the pressed surface to release the lock, and the rotation operation side member is displaced. Can be prevented.

The rotary connector device for a rotary operation tool preferably has the following configuration. That is, the lock body is attached so as to rotate integrally with the rotation operation side member. When the lock body is in the lock position, the hook portion of the lock body is hooked on the fixed side member, thereby preventing relative rotation of the rotation operation side member.

  Accordingly, when the lock body is moved to the unlock position by the boss portion of the rotation operation tool, the lock body rotates integrally with the rotation operation tool. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent friction between the boss portion of the rotary operation tool and the pressed surface, and it is possible to prevent the rotation resistance and abnormal noise of the rotary operation tool.

The rotary connector device preferably has the following configuration. In other words, the fixed-side member includes a fixed-side ring plate that is disposed so as to connect the first tube portion and the second tube portion. Around the center hole of the fixed-side ring plate, the fixed-side ring plate is provided with a stopper on the surface opposite to the direction in which the lock body is urged. The hook portion of the lock body is configured to be hooked on the stopper portion.

  Thereby, the locking function of the rotation operation side member can be realized with a compact configuration that does not interfere with the housing space of the cable.

In the rotation connector device for a rotation operation tool, the hooking portion of the lock body may be hooked on the fixed side member so as to correspond to a plurality of positions including neutral positions of the rotation operation side member. It is preferable that a plurality of possible stop portions are formed.

  Thereby, the rotation operation side member can be locked at a position other than the neutral position. Therefore, the lock function can be used for various purposes such as temporary fixing during repair and maintenance.

  In the rotary connector device for a rotary operation tool, it is preferable that the receiving member is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion.

  Thereby, it is possible to fix the receiving member to the rotary operation side member with a compact configuration and receive the coil spring without interfering with the receiving space of the cable.

The rotary connector device for a rotary operation tool of above, it is preferable that the engaging portion within said projecting portion of the front Symbol receiving member is disposed.

  As a result, the hooking portion of the lock body, whose strength is likely to be weak, can be protected by the protruding portion, so that damage to the components can be prevented.

  Next, embodiments of the invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a steering roll connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the steering roll connector 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a locked state in which relative rotation of the rotator 12 is prevented, and FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the locked state.

  A steering roll connector 1 as a rotary connector device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a cable housing 13 including a stator (fixed side member) 11 and a rotator (rotation operation side member) 12 that can rotate relative to each other.

  The stator 11 is fixed to an appropriate member on the vehicle body side, for example, a combination bracket switch (not shown) of a steering column. A through hole 19 is formed in the center of the cable housing 13, and a steering shaft supported by the steering column is inserted into the hole 19. The stator 11 is mounted to be rotatable relative to the steering shaft, while the rotator 12 is configured to rotate integrally with the steering shaft. A steering wheel (rotating operation tool) is fixed to the steering shaft.

  The stator 11 includes a fixed ring plate (bottom plate) 21 and a cylindrical outer tube portion (first tube portion) 31 that extends perpendicularly from the outer edge of the fixed ring plate 21. The rotator 12 includes a ring-shaped rotation-side ring plate (top plate) 22, and a cylindrical inner tube portion (second tube portion) 32 extending vertically from the inner edge of the rotation-side ring plate 22. It is equipped with. The rotator 12 can rotate with respect to the stator 11 about the same axis as the rotation axis of the steering shaft.

  A first connector 41 is attached to the stator 11, and a second connector 42 is attached to the rotator 12. The second connector 42 rotates integrally with the rotation of the rotator 12. These connectors 41 and 42 are configured to be connectable to cables (not shown) drawn from external electric circuits (for example, horn switches, airbag modules, power supplies, etc.).

  The first connector 41 is disposed outside the outer cylindrical portion 31, and the second connector 42 is disposed on the rotation side ring plate 22. The first connector 41 and the second connector 42 are electrically connected to each other by a flexible flat cable (cable) 14 disposed inside the cable housing 13 (inside the accommodating space 15 described later).

  The fixed ring plate 21 and the rotary ring plate 22 face each other in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotator 12 and are arranged so as to connect the outer cylinder portion 31 and the inner cylinder portion 32 respectively. Moreover, the said inner side cylinder part 32 is arrange | positioned inside the outer side cylinder part 31, and the said outer side cylinder part 31 and the inner side cylinder part 32 are arrange | positioned so that it may mutually face in a radial direction. The flexible flat cable 14 is housed in an accommodation space 15 that is an annular space surrounded by the two ring plates 21 and 22 and the two cylindrical portions 31 and 32 in an appropriately wound state.

  The steering roll connector 1 includes a spring receiving sleeve (receiving member) 16 fixed to the rotator 12. The spring receiving sleeve 16 includes a receiving plate 36, a spring accommodating wall 38, and a protective wall 39. Most of the spring receiving sleeve 16 (specifically, the base of the spring accommodating wall 38, the protective wall 39 and the receiving plate 36) constitutes a double cylindrical protruding portion 44 protruding from the stator 11. The protruding portion 44 is configured to protrude toward the vehicle body side with respect to the fixed-side ring plate 21. The “vehicle body side” means a side opposite to a direction in which a lock body 17 described later is urged by the return spring 18 and away from the inner cylindrical portion 32.

  The receiving plate 36 is formed in a ring shape and includes a circular center hole 37 into which the steering shaft can be inserted. The receiving plate 36 is formed with a cylindrical spring accommodating wall 38 extending along the rotational axis direction of the rotator 12.

  The spring housing wall 38 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the lock body 17 capable of preventing relative rotation of the rotator 12 with respect to the stator 11 is supported on the spring housing wall 38. Further, a return spring (biasing member, coil spring) 18 in the form of a compression coil spring that applies a spring force to the lock body 17 is accommodated in the spring accommodating wall 38. A receiving surface 45 capable of receiving one end of the return spring 18 is formed on the surface of the receiving plate 36 facing the stator 11 side.

  The protective wall 39 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed outside the spring accommodating wall 38. The protective wall 39 is disposed so as to surround a lock recess 66 described later.

  The lock body 17 includes a ring-shaped main body 46 and a pair of lock protrusions (hooking portions) 47 that protrude radially outward from the main body 46. On the other hand, the spring accommodating wall 38 is formed with a pair of guide grooves 48 at positions corresponding to the lock protrusions 47. Each guide groove 48 is formed in an elongated shape parallel to the rotation axis direction of the rotator 12.

  With this configuration, when the lock protrusion 47 is inserted into the guide groove 48, the rotation of the lock body 17 with respect to the spring receiving sleeve 16 is prevented. Further, the lock body 17 can move with a predetermined stroke in the rotation axis direction of the rotator 12 by the lock protrusion 47 being guided by the guide groove 48. Further, the inner surface of the cylindrical spring accommodating wall 38 is formed so as to be close to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 46 of the lock body 17. Therefore, the spring accommodating wall 38 functions as a guide wall and smoothly guides the movement of the lock body 17 while preventing the lock body 17 from being inclined obliquely. In a state where the lock body 17 is supported by the spring receiving sleeve 16, the lock protrusion 47 is positioned inside the protrusion 44 provided in the spring receiving sleeve 16 (inside the protective wall 39).

  A central hole 55 is formed in the main body 46 of the lock body 17. The center hole 55, together with the center hole 37 of the spring receiving sleeve 16 and the return spring 18, is arranged so that the center coincides with the insertion hole 19 of the cable housing 13. Therefore, the steering shaft is inserted into the insertion hole 19 so as to pass through the center hole 37 of the spring receiving sleeve 16, the return spring 18, and the center hole 55 of the lock body 17.

  Around the center hole 55, a flat pressed surface 56 is formed on the main body 46 of the lock body 17. The pressed surface 56 of the main body 46 is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the center hole 55, and other members (specifically, a boss portion of a core metal disposed at the rotation center of the steering wheel) ) And can be pushed.

  In the main body 46, a spring action surface (action surface) 57 is formed on the opposite side of the pressed surface 56. One end of the return spring 18 disposed between the lock body 17 and the spring receiving sleeve 16 is in contact with the spring acting surface 57 in a compressed state. The spring acting surface 57 is located on the vehicle body side with respect to the pressed surface 56.

  A plurality of protrusions 58 are formed at the end of the spring accommodating wall 38. On the other hand, a claw 59 is formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion 58 on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 32 of the rotator 12. With this configuration, the spring receiving sleeve 16 is attached to the rotator 12 in a relatively non-rotatable manner by hooking the protrusion 58 on the claw 59. Since the lock body 17 cannot rotate relative to the spring receiving sleeve 16 as described above, when the rotator 12 rotates relative to the stator 11, the lock body 17 rotates together with the rotator 12 together with the spring receiving sleeve 16. It will be.

  A center hole 65 is formed in the stationary ring plate 21 of the stator 11. The center hole 65 of the fixed side ring plate 21 forms the insertion hole 19 of the cable housing 13 together with the space on the inner peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 32 provided in the rotator 12. The lock body 17, the return spring 18, and the spring accommodating wall 38 of the spring receiving sleeve 16 are disposed so as to pass through the center hole 65. The lock body 17 is arranged such that the lock protrusion 47 is positioned on the vehicle body side with respect to the stationary ring plate 21, while the main body 46 is arranged to enter the insertion hole 19 from the center hole 65.

  Around the center hole 65 of the stationary ring plate 21, a plurality of locking recesses (stopping portions) 66 are formed in the circumferential direction on the surface of the stationary ring plate 21 facing the vehicle body. Each of the lock recesses 66 is formed as a groove that opens the vehicle body side, and when the lock body 17 is pushed by the return spring 18, the lock protrusion 47 is fitted into any of the lock recesses 66 from the vehicle body side. It is configured to be possible.

  3 and 4 show a state in which the lock protrusion 47 is fitted in the lock recess 66 with this configuration. In the following description, the position of the lock body at this time may be referred to as a “lock position”. In this locked position, the lock body 17 is coupled to the stator 11 so as not to rotate relative to the stator 11, so that the spring receiving sleeve 16 and the rotator 12 cannot rotate relative to the stator 11.

  On the other hand, the state in which the lock body 17 is pushed in a direction against the spring force of the return spring 18 and the lock projection 47 is removed from the lock recess 66 (hereinafter, this position is referred to as “unlock position”) is illustrated. 5 and FIG. In this position, the lock body 17 can freely rotate relative to the stator 11, so that the spring receiving sleeve 16 and the rotator 12 are allowed to rotate.

  Next, a configuration for accommodating the flexible flat cable 14 in the cable housing 13 will be described. A retainer 25 that is rotatable about the rotation axis of the rotator 12 is disposed in the inside (accommodating space 15) of the outer cylindrical portion 31 of the stator 11. The retainer 25 includes a base ring 26 and a plurality of rotating rollers 27. The base ring 26 is configured as a plate-like member, and is disposed in the vicinity of the fixed-side ring plate 21. The base ring 26 is configured to be rotatable relative to the stator 11.

  A plurality of rotating rollers 27 are supported on the base ring 26. The rotating rollers 27 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and each of the rotating rollers 27 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the rotator 12.

  With the above configuration, the flexible flat cable 14 having one end connected to the first connector 41 side and pulled out to the housing space 15 is partially outside the retainer 25 and the inner periphery of the outer cylindrical portion 31 of the stator 11. It is wound along the surface. Then, the flexible flat cable 14 reverses its direction so as to be wound around one of the plurality of rotating rollers 27. Thereafter, the flexible flat cable 14 is wound inside the retainer 25 so as to follow the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 32 of the rotator 12, and finally pulled out from the accommodation space 15 and connected to the second connector 42 side. .

  Thus, the flexible flat cable 14 is wound inside the housing space 15 so as to have an appropriate length of slack, and the length of the slack is determined by the rotation of the rotator 12 relative to the stator 11. Change. In the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the retainer 25 is appropriately rotated so as to follow the change in the slack length, so that the flexible flat cable 14 can be held in an always aligned state in the accommodation space 15. it can.

  Here, the steering wheel of the passenger vehicle to which the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment is attached is configured to be able to rotate about 2 to 2 and a half rotations at the maximum in the left and right directions. And the position which divides this rotation range into two equal parts is set to the neutral position, and the vehicle is configured to go straight when the steering wheel is set to the neutral position.

  Correspondingly, the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the rotator 12 can be rotated about three rotations left and right with respect to the stator 11 with a predetermined margin in the rotation range of the steering wheel. Yes. The position that divides this rotation range into two is set to the neutral position, and the steering roll connector 1 is shipped with the rotator 12 set to the neutral position.

  In the steering roll connector 1 in this state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lock member 17 has a lock projection 47 inserted into the lock recess 66 (lock position). As a result, the rotator 12 is connected to the stator 11 so as not to rotate relative to the stator 11. Therefore, the rotator 12 can be prevented from rotating against the neutral position. Further, in this locked position, the pressed surface 56 of the lock body 17 is located inside the insertion hole 19 of the cable housing 13, so that the pressed surface 56 is pressed during some work and the lock is unexpectedly performed. It has a structure that is unlikely to be released.

  Next, after attaching the steering roll connector 1 to the steering column, the steering wheel is mounted on the steering column. At this time, the neutral position of the steering roll connector 1 is made to coincide with the neutral position of the steering wheel.

  As the steering wheel is attached, as shown in FIG. 5, the boss portion 100 of the mandrel of the steering wheel is inserted into the insertion hole 19 of the cable housing 13, and the front end surface in the insertion direction is the lock body 17. The pressed surface 56 of the main body 46 is pushed. As a result, the lock body 17 moves to the unlocking position, and the lock protrusion 47 comes out of the lock recess 66 as shown in FIGS. Can be rotated. Since the steering wheel is fixed in this state, after that, the lock body 17 is always held at the unlocked position.

  Since the pressed surface 56 of the main body 46 of the lock body 17 is formed in an annular shape around the center hole 55, the pressed surface 56 is attached to the boss portion 100 over the entire circumference when the steering wheel is attached. It comes in contact and pressed. Further, due to the function of the spring accommodating wall 38 as the guide wall described above, the lock body 17 is pushed straight and smoothly into the unlock position by the boss portion 100 without being inclined. Therefore, the lock body 17 can be pressed straight and evenly without tilting, and the lock can be released smoothly.

  As described above, the steering roll connector 1 of this embodiment includes the stator 11, the rotator 12, the flexible flat cable 14, the lock body 17, and the return spring 18. The stator 11 has an outer cylindrical portion 31. The rotator 12 has an inner cylinder part 32 disposed inside the outer cylinder part 31 and is rotatably attached to the stator 11. The flexible flat cable 14 is accommodated in an annular accommodating space 15 formed between the outer cylinder part 31 and the inner cylinder part 32, and electrically connects the connector 41 on the stator 11 side and the connector 42 on the rotator 12 side. . The lock body 17 is movable between a lock position for locking the relative rotation between the rotator 12 and the stator 11 and a lock release position for releasing the lock of the relative rotation. The return spring 18 biases the lock body 17 to the lock position. A central hole 55 is formed in the lock body 17, and an annular pressed surface 56 that can be pressed by the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel is provided around the central hole 55.

  This makes it easy to bring the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel into contact with the pressed surface 56 of the lock body 17 over the entire circumference and press the pressed surface 56 straight and evenly. Therefore, the lock body 17 can be reliably moved to the unlock position to release the lock. Moreover, since it is the structure which performs lock release by the boss | hub part 100 of a steering wheel, the structure for lock release can be simplified and it can contribute to size reduction and cost reduction.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the lock body 17 includes a spring action surface 57 that receives a force from the return spring 18. The spring acting surface 57 is located on the opposite side (vehicle body side) to the pressed surface 56 in the direction in which the lock body 17 is urged.

  Thus, when the pressed surface 56 of the lock body 17 is pushed by the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel, the lock body 17 moves to the unlock position while receiving the spring force acting on the spring action surface 57 from the return spring 18 in a well-balanced manner. Will move. Therefore, the relative rotation can be easily unlocked by the smooth movement of the lock body 17.

  In the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the cable housing 13 including the stator 11 and the rotator 12 is formed with an insertion hole 19 into which the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel can be inserted. The pressed surface 56 of the lock body 17 when in the lock position is located inside the insertion hole 19.

  Thereby, since the pressed surface 56 of the lock body 17 is located in the back in the insertion hole 19, for example, an operator touches the pressed surface 56 unexpectedly, the lock is released, and the rotator 12 is positioned. It is possible to prevent the displacement.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the lock body 17 is attached so as to rotate integrally with the rotator 12. When the lock body 17 is in the locked position, the lock protrusion 47 (a part of the lock body 17) is caught on the stator 11, thereby preventing the relative rotation of the rotator 12.

  Accordingly, when the lock body 17 is moved to the unlock position by the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel, the lock body 17 rotates integrally with the steering wheel. Therefore, it is possible to prevent friction between the boss portion 100 of the steering wheel and the pressed surface 56, and it is possible to prevent the rotation resistance and abnormal noise of the steering wheel. At this time, the spring receiving sleeve 16 rotates integrally with the lock body 17 (and the steering wheel), but the top of the protective wall 39 slides with respect to the surface of the stationary ring plate 21, so The sleeve 16 can be smoothly rotated.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the stator 11 includes a fixed-side ring plate 21 that is disposed so as to connect the outer cylinder part 31 and the inner cylinder part 32. Around the center hole of the fixed side ring plate 21, the fixed side ring plate 21 is provided with a lock recess 66 on the surface opposite to the direction in which the lock body 17 is urged (vehicle body side). The lock protrusion 47 (a part of the lock body 17) is configured to be able to be caught in the lock recess 66.

  Thereby, the function which locks the rotator 12 is realizable with the compact structure which does not interfere with the accommodation space 15 etc. for the flexible flat cable 14. FIG.

  In the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the lock protrusion 47 (a part of the lock body 17) can be hooked on the stator 11 so as to correspond to a plurality of positions including the neutral position of the rotator 12. A plurality of lock recesses 66 are formed.

  Thereby, the rotator 12 can be locked at a position other than the neutral position. Therefore, the lock function can be used in various situations such as temporary fixing during repair and maintenance.

  Further, the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment includes a spring receiving sleeve 16 that is fixed to the rotator 12. The lock body 17 is attached so as not to rotate relative to the spring receiving sleeve 16. The return spring 18 is configured as a coil spring disposed between one side surface (receiving surface) of the receiving plate 36 of the spring receiving sleeve 16 and the lock body 17.

  As a result, the lock body 17 and the spring receiving sleeve 16 rotate integrally, so that it is possible to prevent friction between the lock body 17 and the spring receiving sleeve 16 and to generate rotational resistance and noise. Can be prevented. Further, the lock body 17 and the spring receiving sleeve 16 can be rotated with the rotation of the steering wheel, and the lock body 17 can be positively biased toward the lock position by the return spring 18. Further, the movement of the lock body 17 is guided by the spring receiving sleeve 16 (spring accommodating wall 38), so that the lock can be released smoothly.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the spring receiving sleeve 16 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 32.

  Accordingly, the spring receiving sleeve 16 can be fixed to the rotator 12 with a compact configuration and can receive the return spring 18 without interfering with the accommodating space 15 of the flexible flat cable 14.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the stator 11 includes a fixed-side ring plate 21 disposed so as to connect the outer cylinder part 31 and the inner cylinder part 32. The spring receiving sleeve 16 includes a protrusion 44. The protruding portion 44 includes a protruding portion 44 that protrudes to the opposite side (vehicle body side) to the direction in which the lock body 17 is biased than the fixed-side ring plate 21. The receiving surface 45 is disposed on the protruding portion 44.

  As a result, the receiving surface 45 that receives the return spring 18 can be disposed on the vehicle body side relative to the stationary ring plate 21, so that the installation space for the return spring 18 can be easily secured and the movement stroke of the lock body 17 can be secured large. Can do.

  Further, in the steering roll connector 1 of the present embodiment, the lock body 17 includes a lock protrusion (hook portion) 47 that can be hooked on the stator 11. A lock protrusion 47 is disposed inside the protrusion 44 of the spring receiving sleeve 16.

  Thereby, since it can protect by the protrusion part 44 so that the lock | rock protrusion 47 of the lock body 17 which an intensity | strength tends to become weak can be covered, damage to components can be prevented.

  Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be changed as follows, for example.

  The center hole 55 of the lock body 17 is not limited to a circular shape, and can be changed to, for example, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. Similarly, the pressed surface 56 around the center hole 55 is not limited to an annular shape, and can be changed to a polygonal shape, for example. Furthermore, instead of being configured to surround the central hole 55 of the lock body 17 by 360 °, the pressed surface 56 can be changed to, for example, a C-shaped pressed surface with a part missing.

  The lock projections 47 of the lock body 17 can be changed to a configuration in which one or three or more lock projections are provided instead of a configuration in which a pair (two) is provided.

  The lock recess 66 can be changed to a configuration that is formed only at a position corresponding to the neutral position of the rotator 12 instead of a configuration in which a large number of the lock recesses 66 are arranged in the circumferential direction around the center hole 65 of the ring plate 21.

  In the above embodiment, the retainer 25 is disposed on the steering roll connector 1, but it can be changed to a rotary connector device in which the retainer is omitted.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the steering roll connector which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The exploded perspective view of a steering roll connector. Sectional drawing which shows the locked state in which relative rotation of the rotator was prevented. The partial cross section perspective view which shows a locked state. Sectional drawing which shows the unlocking state in which the relative rotation of the rotator was permitted. The partial cross section perspective view which shows a lock release state.

Explanation of symbols

1 Steering roll connector (rotary connector device)
11 Stator (fixed side member)
12 Rotator (Rotation operation side member)
13 Cable housing 14 Flexible flat cable (cable)
15 Storage space 16 Spring receiving sleeve (receiving member)
17 Locking body 18 Return spring (biasing member, coil spring)
19 Insertion hole 21 Fixed ring plate (ring plate)
31 Outer cylinder part (first cylinder part)
32 Inner cylinder (second cylinder)
41, 42 Connector 44 Projection 45 Receiving surface 47 Lock projection (Hook, part of the lock body)
55 Center hole 56 Pressed surface 57 Spring action surface (action surface)
66 Lock recess (stop)
100 Boss

Claims (7)

A fixed-side member having a first tube portion;
A rotation operation side member having a second cylinder portion disposed inside the first cylinder portion and rotatably attached to the fixed side member;
A cable that is housed in an annular housing space formed between the first tube portion and the second tube portion, and electrically connects the connector of the fixed side member and the connector of the rotation operation side member;
A lock body movable between a lock position for locking the relative rotation between the rotation operation side member and the fixed side member, and a lock release position for unlocking the relative rotation;
A receiving member fixed to the rotation operation side member;
An urging member disposed between the lock body and the receiving member and urging the lock body to the lock position;
With
The lock body is
A ring-shaped body,
A hook part that protrudes radially outward from the main body and can be hooked on the fixed-side member;
With
The lock body is attached so as not to rotate relative to the receiving member;
The receiving member includes a protrusion,
The protruding portion protrudes to the opposite side to the direction in which the lock body is urged, rather than the fixed side member,
A central hole is formed in the main body of the lock body , and a pressed surface that can be pressed by the boss portion of the rotary operation tool is provided so as to substantially surround the central hole.
In the main body, a working surface is formed on the side opposite to the pressed surface,
The biasing member is configured as a coil spring disposed between a receiving surface disposed on the projecting portion of the receiving member and the working surface of the lock body,
The biasing member is disposed so as to coincide with the center hole of the lock body,
The receiving member includes a spring housing wall that guides the main body of the lock body, and the biasing member is disposed inside the spring housing wall,
The stationary member has a surface facing the side opposite to the direction in which the lock member is energized, possess the receiving member and the sliding surfaces,
While the lock body is received by the receiving surface of the receiving member, the one end of the urging member that is accommodated inside the spring accommodating wall is brought into contact with the action surface of the main body, A rotary connector device that protrudes radially outward from the spring housing wall . The rotary connector device according to claim 1 ,
The cable housing composed of the fixed side member and the rotation operation side member is formed with an insertion hole into which the boss portion can be inserted,
The rotary connector device, wherein the pressed surface of the lock body when in the locked position is located inside the insertion hole. The rotary connector device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The lock body is attached to rotate integrally with the rotation operation side member,
When the lock body is in the locked position, the hook portion of the lock body is hooked on the fixed side member, thereby preventing relative rotation of the rotation operation side member. The rotary connector device according to claim 3 ,
The fixed side member includes a fixed side ring plate arranged to connect the first tube portion and the second tube portion,
Around the center hole of the fixed side ring plate, the fixed side ring plate is provided with a stopper on the surface opposite to the direction in which the lock body is urged,
The rotary connector device according to claim 1, wherein the hook portion of the lock body is configured to be hooked on the stopper portion. The rotary connector device according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The fixed side member is formed with a plurality of stop portions capable of hooking the hook portion of the lock body so as to correspond to a plurality of positions including a neutral position of the rotation operation side member. A rotating connector device. The rotary connector device according to claim 5 ,
The rotary connector device, wherein the receiving member is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion. The rotary connector device according to claim 1 ,
Rotary connector, wherein the engaging portion within said projecting portion of the front Symbol receiving member is disposed.

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