Rotatable connector device

A fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section is provided at an outer circumferential edge of a fixed-side ring plate, and an outer cylinder rotation regulation section is provided at an outer circumferential edge of an outer cylinder at a position corresponding to the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section. The fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder formed of different members from each other are fit to each other such that the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section are in contact with each other so as not to rotate about a rotation axis thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a rotatable connector device for electrically connecting elements on the side of a vehicle body of an automobile and elements on the side of a steering wheel to each other.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, various types of rotatable connector devices for electrically connecting a fixed side and a rotatable side rotatable with respect to the fixed side to each other are known. For example, one type of rotatable connector device electrically connects elements on the side of a vehicle body of an automobile and elements on the side of a steering wheel to each other.

In general, a steering wheel of an automobile includes an airbag or the like which is required to operate without fail in emergency. Therefore, a slidable electrode or the like having low dependability of connection is not used, and a rotatable connector device having built-in flat cables or the like for connecting elements on the side of the vehicle body and elements on the side of the steering wheel to each other is used.

The above-described rotatable connector device mounted on an automobile includes a cylindrical fixed case fixed to the vehicle body and a cylindrical rotatable case attached to the steering wheel. The fixed case and the rotatable case are engaged to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. In a ring-shaped accommodation space defined by the fixed case and the rotatable case, flat cables are accommodated as being wound a plurality of times.

The flat cables are connected to fixed case-side connectors provided on the fixed case, and rotatable case-side connectors provided on the rotatable case. In the ring-shaped internal accommodation space, the flat cables are wound in one direction, then is turned around in a U shape to have the winding direction thereof reversed, and is wound in the opposite direction. Owing to such a structure, the rotatable connector device can rotate the rotatable case clockwise and counterclockwise in correspondence with the number of winds of the flat cables.

The fixed case of the above-described rotatable connector device is formed of a plastic material, and as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, is easy to mold. Therefore, the fixed case includes two members, namely, a ring-shaped flat fixed-side ring plate and an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape and extending perpendicularly from an outer circumferential edge of the fixed-side ring plate. The fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder are fit to each other.

The fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder are coupled to each other as follows, for example. A plurality of engaging hole sections projecting from the outer circumferential edge of the fixed-side ring plate perpendicularly to the fixed-side ring plate and each having an engaging hole, and a plurality of engaging convexed sections located on an outer circumferential edge of the outer cylinder at positions corresponding to the engaging hole sections and projecting radially outward, are engaged with each other. Thus, the fixed case is formed.

In this case, since the engaging hole sections located at the plurality of positions along the outer circumferential edge, and the engaging convexed sections located at the plurality of positions along the outer circumferential edge, are engaged with each other, the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder are fixed to each other strongly in a direction of a rotation axis. However, in order to facilitate a work of coupling the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder, play is provided in the circumferential direction at engaging positions of the engaging hole sections and the engaging convexed sections.

Because of this, in the state where the fixed case of the rotatable connector device is assembled to the vehicle body, the outer cylinder becomes rickety easily in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate, which is fixed strongly to the vehicle body by a crush rib and a snap-fit. Thus, squeaky noise is likely to be generated. Especially in the case where the rotatable connector device is attached to the vehicle body in an eccentric state, the outer cylinder becomes rickety easily in the circumferential direction, which causes a problem that the squeaky noise is likely to be generated.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The present invention has an object of providing a rotatable connector device capable of suppressing generation of squeaky noise due to ricketiness of an outer cylinder in a circumferential direction with respect to a fixed-side ring plate.

Solution to Problem

The present invention is directed to a rotatable connector device including a fixed case including a ring-shaped fixed-side ring plate and an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape and extending from an outer circumferential edge of the fixed-side ring plate perpendicularly to a planar surface of the fixed-side ring plate; and a rotatable case including a ring-shaped rotatable-side ring plate and an inner cylinder having a cylindrical shape and extending from an inner circumferential edge of the rotatable-side ring plate perpendicularly to a planar surface of the rotatable-side ring plate toward the fixed case. The fixed case and the rotatable case are fit to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; an accommodation section is defined by the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder of the fixed case and the rotatable-side ring plate and the inner cylinder of the rotatable case; in the accommodation section, flat cables for electrically connecting the fixed case and the rotatable case to each other are accommodated in a wound state; the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder are formed of different members; a fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section is provided at the outer circumferential edge of the fixed-side ring plate; an outer cylinder rotation regulation section is provided at an outer circumferential edge of the outer cylinder, at a position corresponding to the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section; and the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder are aligned so as to have the same rotation axis and are fit to each other in a direction of the rotation axis, and the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section is put into contact with the outer cylinder rotation regulation section so as not to rotate in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis.

According to the present invention, the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section are in contact with each other so as not to rotate in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, the outer cylinder does not easily move in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate. Thus, generation of squeaky noise, which would be caused by ricketiness of the outer cylinder in the circumferential direction, can be suppressed.

In the present invention, one of the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section may be a fitting convexed portion, and the other of the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section may be a fitting concaved portion. The fitting convexed portion may be put into contact with, and fit to, the fitting concaved portion in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, both of the fitting convexed portion and the fitting concaved portion may be provided as the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section, and the fitting concaved portion and the fitting convexed portion may be provided as the outer cylinder rotation regulation section in correspondence with the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section.

Still alternatively, both of the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section may be fitting convexed portions projecting respectively from an outer side surface of the fixed-side ring plate and an outer side surface of the outer cylinder.

In this case, for example, the fitting convexed portion of the fixed-side ring plate is put into contact with the fitting convexed portion of the outer cylinder at one position on the outer side surface so as not to rotate in the clockwise direction, and the second fitting convexed portion of the fixed-side ring plate is put into contact with the second fitting convexed portion of the outer cylinder at another position on the outer side surface so as not to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the rotation of the outer cylinder can be regulated in both of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the fixed-side ring plate may include a plurality of engaging hole sections each having an engaging hole, the plurality of engaging hole sections projecting perpendicularly from the outer circumferential edge toward the outer cylinder and located at a prescribed interval in a circumferential direction; the outer cylinder may include a plurality of engaging convexed sections on an outer surface thereof at positions corresponding to the engaging hole sections, the plurality of engaging convexed sections projecting radially outward and located at a prescribed interval; and the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder may be engaged with each other by insertion of the engaging convexed sections into the engaging hole sections in the direction of the rotation axis.

According to the present invention, since the engaging hole sections and the engaging convexed sections are engaged with each other in the direction of the rotation axis, the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder can be coupled to each other strongly in the direction of the rotation axis. In addition, by fitting the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section to each other also in the direction of the rotation axis, these sections can be put into contact with each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the rotation of the outer cylinder with respect to the fixed-side ring plate in the circumferential direction can be regulated.

Namely, by fitting the fixed-side ring plate and the outer cylinder to each other merely in one direction, the movement of the outer cylinder with respect to the fixed-side ring plate can be regulated in both of the direction of the rotation axis and the circumferential direction.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, either one of the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section may be a fitting convexed portion, and the other of the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section and the outer cylinder rotation regulation section may be a fitting concaved portion; and the fitting convexed portion may be in contact with, and thus fit to, the fitting concaved portion at both of two ends thereof in the circumferential direction.

According to the present invention, the fitting convexed portion and the fitting concaved portion are in contact with each other at both of two ends thereof in the circumferential direction. Therefore, merely one pair of the fitting convexed portion and the fitting concaved portion can suppress the ricketiness of the outer cylinder in both of the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, a contact surface along which the fitting convexed portion and the fitting concaved portion contact each other may be in a radial direction.

According to the present invention, when a force is applied to the contact surface in the circumferential direction, the direction of the force is perpendicular to the contact surface. Therefore, the movement of the outer cylinder in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate can be regulated most effectively.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, a rotatable connector device capable of suppressing generation of squeaky noise due to ricketiness of an outer cylinder in a circumferential direction with respect to a fixed-side ring plate can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is an isometric view showing an external appearance of a steering roll connector10in this embodiment.FIG. 2is an exploded isometric view of the steering roll connector10shown inFIG. 1, showing a fixed case12, a rotatable case13and a rotation clock structure51.

FIG. 3is a plan view of the steering roll connector10in the state where the rotatable case13has been detached.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 1.FIG. 5is an exploded view of the fixed case12, showing a fixed-side ring plate14and an outer cylinder15.

FIG. 6Ais an enlarged view of an engaging convexed section19included in the outer cylinder15, andFIG. 6Bis an enlarged view of an engaging hole section18included in the fixed-side ring plate14.FIG. 7Ashows a fitting convexed portion2included in the outer cylinder15, andFIG. 7Bshows a fitting concaved portion1formed in the fixed-side ring plate14.

FIG. 8Ais a side view of a state where the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2are fit to each other, andFIG. 8Bis a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to a side surface including the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2.

In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the steering roll connector10mainly includes a cable housing11, a retainer41, and the rotation lock structure51.

The cable housing11is generally cylindrical and has an insertion hole H running through the cable housing11in a direction of a rotation axis X of a steering wheel (up-down direction inFIG. 4). The insertion hole H is formed at a central part of the cable housing11as seen in a plan view. The insertion hole H is formed to have a diameter which allows a steering shaft (not shown) to be inserted thereto. The steering shaft projects from a steering column (not shown), and at a top end of the steering shaft, a steering wheel (not shown) for making a rotation operation is fixed.

The cable housing11is a generally cylindrical case including the fixed case12and the rotatable case13which are rotatable with respect to each other. As shown inFIG. 2throughFIG. 4, an accommodation space S for accommodating flat cables C in an appropriately wound state is formed inside the cable housing11.

As shown inFIG. 5, the fixed case12includes the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15.

The fixed-side ring plate14includes a ring plate section14P which is flat and ring-shaped, and a ring-plate cylindrical section14Q which is cylindrical and projects perpendicularly from an outer circumferential edge of the ring plate section14P toward the rotatable case13. The outer cylinder15is a separate member from the fixed-side ring plate14. The outer cylinder15is cylindrical and extends perpendicularly from the outer circumferential edge of the fixed-side ring plate14toward the rotatable case13. An inner side surface14Qs of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q has a diameter which is the same as the diameter of an outer side surface15aof the outer cylinder15.

As shown inFIG. 5andFIGS. 6B, the fixed-side ring plate14includes a plurality of engaging hole sections18with a prescribed distance kept therebetween. The engaging hole sections18project perpendicularly from a top end14Qt of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q toward the outer cylinder15, and each have an engaging hole which is rectangular as seen from a side view.

The outer cylinder15includes engaging convexed sections19on the outer side surface15athereof, at positions corresponding to the engaging hole sections18. The engaging convexed sections19project in a radial direction and each have a rectangular shape as seen in a side view which is generally the same as the shape of the engaging hole.

FIG. 6Ashows height h2from a bottom end15bof the outer cylinder15to a top surface19cof the engaging convexed section19.FIG. 6Bshows height h1from a bottom surface14bof the fixed-side ring plate14to a top surface18cof the engaging hole. Height h2is equal to, or slightly larger than, height h1.

FIG. 6Ashows width w2from a left side surface19ato a right side surface19bof the engaging convexed section19.FIG. 6Bshows width w1from a left side surface18ato a right side surface18bof the engaging hole. Width w2is slightly smaller than width w1in order to facilitate engagement of the engaging convexed section19and the engaging hole section18.

As shown inFIG. 5,FIG. 7A,FIG. 7B,FIG. 8AandFIG. 8B, the fixed-side ring plate14has the fitting concaved portion1at one prescribed position at the top end14Qt of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q. The outer cylinder15includes the fitting convexed portion2at the position of the outer side surface15acorresponding to the fitting concaved portion1. The fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2have the same shape.

This will be described in more detail. As shown inFIG. 7B,FIG. 8AandFIG. 8B, the fitting concaved portion1is recessed from the top end14Qt of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q in a rectangular shape as seen in a side view. The fitting concaved portion1runs through the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q in the radial direction and is generally rectangular as seen in a plan view. As shown inFIG. 7A,FIG. 8AandFIG. 8B, the fitting convexed portion2is a convexed portion having the same generally rectangular shape as that of the fitting concaved portion1as seen in a plan view and the same rectangular shape as that of the fitting concaved portion1as seen in a side view.

Circumferential length11and depth d1of the fitting concaved portion1are respectively equal to circumferential length12and height w3of the fitting convexed portion2. Thickness t1of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q in the radial direction, thickness t2of the fitting concaved portion1in the radial direction, and thickness t3of the fitting convexed portion2in the radial direction are equal to one another.

Height h3from the bottom surface14bof the fixed-side ring plate14to a bottom surface1cof the fitting concaved portion1is equal to height h4from the bottom end15bof the outer cylinder15to a bottom surface2cof the fitting convexed portion2.

The fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15thus structured are located so as to have the same central axis. The engaging hole sections18of the fixed-side ring plate14and the corresponding engaging convexed sections19of the outer cylinder15are engaged with each other so as to be fixed to each other in the direction of the rotation axis X. In addition, the fitting convexed portion2of the outer cylinder15is fit into the fitting concaved portion1of the fixed-side ring plate14, so that the inner side surface14Qs of the fixed-side ring plate14contacts the outer side surface15aof the outer cylinder15, and also the bottom surface14bof the fixed-side ring plate14contacts the bottom end15bof the outer cylinder15. Thus, the fixed case12is integrally structured.

The fixed case12is fixed to an appropriate member on the side of a vehicle body, for example, a combination bracket switch (not shown) of the steering column so as to be rotatable with respect to the steering wheel.

The fixed case12is provided with fixed case-side connectors17.

The fixed case-side connectors17include a first fixed case-side connector17A and a second fixed case-side connector17B. The first fixed case-side connector17A and the second fixed case-side connector17B are located with a prescribed distance kept therebetween and outer to the outer cylinder15, and connection openings thereof are directed in the same direction.

The rotatable case13includes a rotatable-side ring plate21formed to be ring-shaped and acting as a top plate, and an inner cylinder22having a cylindrical shape and extending perpendicularly from an inner circumferential edge of the rotatable-side ring plate21.

The rotatable case13is rotatable integrally with the steering wheel. In more detail, the rotatable case13is rotatable with respect to the fixed case12about the same axis as that of the rotation axis X of the steering wheel.

The rotatable-side ring plate21is located so as to face the fixed-side ring plate14in the direction of the rotation axis X of the rotatable case13. The direction of the rotation axis X of the rotatable case13is the same as the direction of the rotation axis of the steering wheel (up-down direction inFIG. 4).

The inner cylinder22is located so as to face the outer cylinder15in the radial direction (left-right direction inFIG. 4).

The rotatable case13is provided with a first rotatable case-side connector23A and a second rotatable case-side connector23B, which are rotatable integrally with the rotatable case13.

The first rotatable case-side connector23A and the first fixed case-side connector17A, and the second rotatable case-side connector23B and the second fixed case-side connector17B, are electrically connected to each other by the flat cables C located in the accommodation space S.

The fixed case-side connectors17are each connected to a cable (not shown) drawn from an electrical circuit or the like on the side of the vehicle body in a lower column cover (not shown).

The rotatable case-side connectors23are each connected to a cable drawn from an electrical circuit of, for example, a horn switch, an airbag unit or the like.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the retainer41includes a plurality of rotatable rollers43and a base ring42. The retainer41is located so as to be rotatable in the accommodation space S, with the rotation axis X of the rotatable case13being the rotation center.

The rotatable rollers43are provided by the same number as that of roller supporting projection sections45, and are axially supported by the roller supporting projection sections45respectively. The rotatable rollers43are each provided to be rotatable, with an axis parallel to the rotation axis X of the rotatable case13being the rotation center.

The base ring42includes a plate-like base ring main body44having a ring shape as seen in a plan view, the roller supporting projection sections45, and outer-to-roller projection sections46.

The base ring main body44is located on the fixed-side ring plate14so as to be slidable against the fixed-side ring plate14in a rotation direction thereof, and is rotatable with respect to the fixed case12. The roller supporting projection sections45are provided at an equal interval in a circumferential direction of the base ring main body44, and project upward so as to be capable of axially supporting the rotatable rollers43. The outer-to roller projection sections46are provided outer to the roller supporting projection sections45in a radial direction thereof, and project upward with respect to the base ring main body44. One of the outer-to roller projection sections46guides a turned-around part (reversed part Cr described later) of the flat cables C, which is turned around and wound along the corresponding rotatable roller43as described later, from a radially outer side.

Two flat cables C are accommodated in the accommodation space S, and are wound around therein in a layered state. One end, in a length direction, of one of the two layered flat cables C is connected to the first fixed case-side connector17A, and one end, in the length direction, of the other flat cable C is connected to the second fixed case-side connector17B.

The other end, in the length direction, of the one of the two layered flat cables C is connected to the first rotatable case-side connector23A, and the other end, in the length direction, of the other flat cable C is connected to the second rotatable case-side connector23B.

Such flat cables C are supported by the retainer41located to be rotatable with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14and is accommodated in a wound state in the accommodation space S in the cable housing11.

This will be described in more detail. The flat cables C are drawn into the accommodation space S from the first fixed case-side connector17A and the second fixed case-side connector17B respectively. Thus, as shown inFIG. 3, an outside wound part Co is formed which is wound along an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder15of the fixed case15at a position outer to the retainer41. Accordingly, base ends of the outside wound part Co are fixed at the positions of the fixed case-side connectors17.

The two flat cables C are wound around in the accommodated space S in a layered state as described above, but inFIG. 3, such a structure is simplified and only one wound flat cable C is shown.

As represented by the two-dot chain line inFIG. 3, the flat cables C have the reversed part Cr in the middle thereof in the length direction. The reversed part Cr is turned around in a U shape and wound along one of the plurality of rotatable rollers43.

After this part, the other ends of the flat cables C in the length direction are formed to be an inside wound part Ci which is wound along an outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder22of the rotatable case13at a position inner to the retainer41.

The flat cables C are finally drawn out of the accommodation space S and connected to the first rotatable case-side connector23A and the second rotatable case-side connector23B, respectively. Accordingly, the base ends of the inside wound part Ci are fixed at the positions of the rotatable case-side connectors23.

As described above, by the rotation of the rotatable case13with respect to the fixed case12, the outside wound part Co and the inside wound part Ci of the flat cables C are respectively wound and unwound, or vice versa, in the accommodation space S.

In this state, the reversed part Cr of the flat cables C is appropriately rotated together with the retainer41so as to follow the change of balance in the wound state between the outside wound part Co and the inside wound part Ci.

Owing to this, the steering roll connector10can always hold the flat cables C in an aligned wound state in the accommodation space S and can rotate the steering wheel smoothly.

The steering roll connector10having the above-described structure provides various functions and effects as described below.

Owing to the above-described structure of the engaging hole sections18and the engaging convexed sections19, the top surface18cof each engaging hole and the top surface19cof the corresponding engaging convexed section19contact each other with no gap therebetween. Thus, the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15are strongly fixed to each other in the direction of the rotation axis X.

By contrast, there is slight play at least between the left side surface18aof each engaging hole and the left side surface19aof the corresponding engaging convexed section19, or between the right side surface18bof each engaging hole and the right side surface19bof the corresponding engaging convexed section19.

Nonetheless, owing to the above-described structure of the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2, as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, a fitting concaved portion left side surface1aof the fitting concaved portion1and a fitting convexed portion left side surface2aof the fitting convexed portion2contact each other, and a fitting concaved portion right side surface1bof the fitting concaved portion1and a fitting convexed portion right side surface2bof the fitting convexed portion2contact each other. Thus, the outer cylinder15is prevented from moving in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14.

Therefore, in the steering roll connector10, owing to the engagement of the engaging hole sections18and the engaging convexed sections19, the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15can be strongly fit to each other in the direction of the rotation axis X (seeFIG. 4), and the fitting concaved portion1of the fixed-side ring plate14and the fitting convexed portion2of the outer cylinder19can contact each other in both of a clockwise circumferential direction and a counterclockwise circumferential direction. Therefore, the outer cylinder15is not easily moved in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14. Thus, generation of squeaky noise, which would be caused by circumferential-direction ricketiness of the outer cylinder15, can be suppressed.

Moreover, the work of fitting the engaging hole sections18and the engaging convexed sections19and fitting the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2, in one direction (direction of the rotation axis X), can regulate the movement of the outer cylinder15with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14in the direction of the rotation axis X and also in the circumferential direction.

The fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2are in contact with each other at both of two ends thereof in the circumferential direction. Therefore, merely one pair of the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2can suppress the ricketiness of the outer cylinder15in both of the clockwise circumferential direction and the counterclockwise circumferential direction.

The fitting concaved portion left side surface1aof the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion left side surface2aof the fitting convexed portion2, and the fitting concaved portion right side surface1bof the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion right side surface2bof the fitting convexed portion2, match each other in the radial direction. In other words, the radial direction of these surfaces is an in-plane direction. Therefore, when a force is applied in the circumferential direction, the direction of the force matches the direction perpendicular to the contact surface along which the fitting concaved portion left side surface1aand the fitting convexed portion left side surface2acontact each other, and the contact surface along which the fitting concaved portion right side surface1band the fitting convexed portion right side surface2bcontact each other. Thus, the movement of the outer cylinder15in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14can be regulated more effectively than in the case where the side surfaces contact at another angle.

The fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2are provided over the entire thickness in the radial direction of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q of the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15. Therefore, the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2can contact each other in a large area size in the circumferential direction. Thus, the force of restricting the rotation in the circumferential direction can be made strong.

The fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2are provided in the radial direction, and are respectively exposed to an outer side surface14Qd of the ring-plate cylindrical section14Q of the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer side surface15aof the outer cylinder15. Therefore, the fitting concaved portion1of the fixed-side ring plate14and the fitting convexed portion2of the outer cylinder15can be fit to each other visually. Thus, the fixed-side ring plate14and the outer cylinder15can be fit to each other easily.

Width w1of the fitting concaved portion1in the circumferential direction and width w2of the fitting convexed portion2in the circumferential direction are long as shown in this embodiment. Owing to this, when a force is applied to the fitting convexed portion2in the circumferential direction, deformation of the fitting convexed portion2in the circumferential direction can be suppressed small. Therefore, the generation of squeaky noise can be suppressed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be implemented in various other embodiments.

The rotatable connector device according to the present invention corresponds to the steering roll connector10in the embodiment; and in the same manner, the fixed-side ring plate rotation regulation section corresponds to the fitting concaved portion1or the fitting convexed portion2;

the outer cylinder rotation regulation section corresponds to the fitting convexed portion2or the fitting concaved portion1; and

the contact surface corresponds to the fitting concaved portion left side surface1a, the fitting convexed portion left side surface2a, the fitting concaved portion right side surface1b, or the fitting convexed portion right side surface2b.

However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in many other embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the fitting concaved portion1is provided at the top end14Qt of the fixed-side ring plate14at a position between the first fixed case-side connector17A and the second fixed case-side connector17B, and the fitting convexed portion2is provided on the outer side surface15aof the outer cylinder15. Alternatively, the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2may be respectively provided at positions shifted by 180 degrees from the positions in the above embodiment at the top end14Qt of the fixed-side ring plate14and on the outer side surface15aof the outer cylinder15.

Namely, the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2may be located at appropriate positions at which the position of the outer cylinder15with respect to the fixed-side ring plate14is considered to be changed at a largest degree in the circumferential direction, based on the structure of the steering roll connector10.

Alternatively, for example, the circumferential length11of the fitting concaved portion1and the circumferential length12of the fitting convexed portion2may be longer than those in the above embodiment. Owing to this, the deformation of the fitting convexed portion2in the circumferential direction caused by a force applied thereto in the circumferential direction can be reduced, and thus the generation of squeaky noise can be more suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2are fit to each other so as to contact each other in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, for example, a fitting convexed portion projecting from an outer side surface of the fixed-side ring plate and a fitting convexed portion projecting from the outer side surface of the outer cylinder may contact each other.

In this case, the fitting convexed portion of the fixed-side ring plate is put into contact with the fitting convexed portion of the outer cylinder at one position on the outer side surface so as not to rotate in the clockwise direction, and another fitting convexed portion of the fixed-side ring plate is put into contact with another fitting convexed portion of the outer cylinder at another position on the outer side surface so as not to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the rotation of the outer cylinder15in both of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions can be regulated.

The fitting concaved portion1and the fitting convexed portion2may be formed to be tapered. Alternatively, a concaved portion may be formed at each of the fitting concaved portion left side surface1aand the fitting concaved portion right side surface1bof the fitting concaved portion1, and a convexed portion may be formed at each of the fitting convexed portion left side surface2aand the fitting convexed portion right side surface2bof the fitting convexed portion2, at positions corresponding to the concaved portions at the fitting concaved portion1.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention is usable for various types of rotatable connector devices for electrically connecting elements on the fixed side and elements on the rotatable side to each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST