Patent Description:
A rotary connector device used for vehicles is known (e.g., see <CIT>).

<CIT> discloses a rotary connector device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

To adapt the rotary connector device to various vehicles, it is preferable to enhance the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device.

An object of the technology disclosed in the present application is to enhance the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device, in which the positioning of first and second stator main bodies is facilitated.

The invention provides a rotary connector device according to claim <NUM>. According to a first aspect, the rotary connector device includes a stator and a rotation body. The stator includes a first stator main body and a second stator main body that is a separate member from the first stator main body and is coupled to the first stator main body. The rotation body is provided rotatably about a rotational axis with respect to the stator. The stator and the rotation body define a cable housing space between the stator and the rotation body, the cable housing space being provided to surround the rotational axis. The second stator main body includes a first wall extending along an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis and a second wall extending along the axial direction and spaced apart from the first wall in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. The first wall is disposed between the cable housing space and the second wall in the radial direction. The first stator main body includes an intermediate wall extending along the axial direction and disposed between the first wall and the second wall in the radial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the first aspect, since the intermediate wall of the first stator main body is disposed between the first wall and the second wall in the radial direction, the path from an outer side of the stator to the cable housing space is longer. Thus, foreign matter is less likely to enter the cable housing space from the outer side of the stator, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced.

The rotary connector device according to the second aspect is a rotary connector device according to the first aspect, wherein the intermediate wall extends along the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the second aspect, since the first wall at least partially defines the cable housing space, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced while an increase in size of the rotary connector device is suppressed.

The rotary connector device according to the third aspect is a rotary connector device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first wall and the second wall are disposed on an outer side of the cable housing space in the radial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the third aspect, since the first wall and the second wall are disposed on the outer side of the cable housing space, the environmental resistance of the outer peripheral portion of the rotary connector device that is easily exposed to the outside can be enhanced.

The rotary connector device according to the fourth aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the first wall has a first maximum thickness defined in the radial direction and a first maximum length defined in the axial direction. The first maximum length is greater than the first maximum thickness.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourth aspect, since the first maximum length is greater than the first maximum thickness, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be further longer.

The rotary connector device according to the fifth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second wall has a second maximum thickness defined in the radial direction and a second maximum length defined in the axial direction. The second maximum length is greater than the second maximum thickness.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifth aspect, since the second maximum length is greater than the second maximum thickness, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be further longer.

The rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect is the rotary connector device according to any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the intermediate wall has a third maximum thickness defined in the radial direction and a third maximum length defined in the axial direction. The third maximum length is greater than the third maximum thickness.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, since the third maximum length is greater than the third maximum thickness, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be further longer.

The rotary connector device according to the seventh aspect is the rotary connector device according to any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the second stator main body includes an intermediate groove provided between the first wall and the second wall in the radial direction. The intermediate wall is disposed in the intermediate groove.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventh aspect, since the intermediate wall is disposed in the intermediate groove, a labyrinth structure can be formed in the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space.

The rotary connector device according to the eight aspect is a rotary connector device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second stator main body includes a coupling portion that couples the first wall to the second wall. The intermediate groove is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the coupling portion.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, since the intermediate groove is defined by the first wall, the second wall, and the coupling portion, the labyrinth structure can be reliably formed in the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space.

The rotary connector device according to the ninth aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein at least one of the first wall and the second wall is contactable with the intermediate wall in the radial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the ninth aspect, at least one of the first wall and the second wall is contactable with the intermediate wall in the radial direction. Thus, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be narrowed, and the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be further enhanced.

The rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to ninth aspects, wherein at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends along a circumferential direction defined about the rotational axis.

In the rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, since at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends along the circumferential direction defined about the rotational axis, a range in which the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space is longer can be ensured widely in the circumferential direction. Thus, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be further enhanced.

The rotary connector device according to the eleventh aspect is a rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, wherein at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh aspect, since at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction, a range in which the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space is longer can be reliably ensured widely in the circumferential direction.

The rotary connector device according to the twelfth aspect is a rotary connector device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the twelfth aspect, since at least one of the first wall, the second wall, and the intermediate wall extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction, a range in which the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space is longer can be further reliably ensured widely in the circumferential direction.

The rotary connector device according to the thirteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the first stator main body includes a base plate that at least partially defines the cable housing space, and a coupling body that extends from the base plate along the axial direction and is spaced apart from the intermediate wall in the radial direction. The second wall is disposed between the intermediate wall and the coupling body in the radial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth aspect, since the second wall is disposed between the intermediate wall and the coupling body in the radial direction, the coupling strength of the coupling body can be enhanced while the path from the outer side of the second wall to the cable housing space can be longer.

The rotary connector device according to the fourteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the second stator main body includes a protrusion protruding radially outwardly from the second wall. The coupling body is contactable with the protrusion so as to couple the second stator main body to the first stator main body.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth aspect, since the coupling body is contactable with the protrusion so as to couple the second stator main body to the first stator main body, the coupling strength of the second stator main body and the first stator main body can be further enhanced.

The rotary connector device according to the fifteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, wherein the second wall includes an outer peripheral surface and an outer recess provided on the outer peripheral surface. The coupling body is disposed in the outer recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifteenth aspect, since the coupling body is disposed in the outer recess, the coupling strength of the first stator main body and the second stator main body can be enhanced while an increase in size of the stator can be suppressed.

The rotary connector device according to the sixteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the intermediate wall includes an intermediate outer peripheral surface and an intermediate recess provided on the intermediate outer peripheral surface. The intermediate recess is disposed radially inwardly of the outer recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixteenth aspect, since the intermediate recess is disposed radially inwardly of the outer recess, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be longer while an increase in size of the stator can be suppressed.

The rotary connector device according to the seventeenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to the <NUM> aspect, wherein the second wall includes a protruding portion disposed in the intermediate recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventeenth aspect, since the second wall includes the protruding portion disposed in the intermediate recess, the positioning of the first stator main body and the second stator main body in the circumferential direction is facilitated.

The rotary connector device according to the eighteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according any of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the intermediate wall includes an intermediate outer peripheral surface and an intermediate recess provided on the intermediate outer peripheral surface. The second wall includes a protruding portion disposed in the intermediate recess.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighteenth aspect, since the second wall includes the protruding portion disposed in the intermediate recess, the positioning of the first stator main body and the second stator main body in the circumferential direction is facilitated.

The rotary connector device according to the nineteenth aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the first stator main body includes a base plate that includes an outer peripheral portion and at least partially defines the cable housing space. The intermediate wall extends from the outer peripheral portion of the base plate along the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the nineteenth aspect, since the intermediate wall extends from the outer peripheral portion of the base plate along the axial direction, the path from the outer side of the stator to the cable housing space can be longer while a cable housing space is ensured to be wide.

The rotary connector device according to the twentieth aspect which is not covered by the present invention, is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein at least a part of the intermediate wall is disposed above the rotational axis when the stator is mounted on the vehicle body.

In the rotary connector device according to the twentieth aspect, even if, for example, the liquid is spilled into the rotary connector device in a state where the stator is mounted on the vehicle body, ingress of the liquid into the cable housing space can be reliably suppressed by the intermediate wall.

The rotary connector device according to the twenty-first aspect is a rotary connector device according to any of the first to twentieth aspects, wherein the first wall has a first maximum length defined in the axial direction. The second wall has a second maximum length defined in the axial direction. The intermediate wall has a third maximum length defined in the axial direction. At least one of the first maximum length and the second maximum length is longer than the third maximum length.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-first aspect, a length of a gap between the intermediate wall and at least one of the first wall and the second wall can be ensured to be even longer.

The rotary connector device according to the twenty-second aspect is the rotary connector device according to any of the first to twenty-first aspects, wherein the second stator main body includes an intermediate groove provided between the first wall and the second wall in the radial direction. The intermediate wall has a third maximum length defined in the axial direction. The intermediate groove has a fourth maximum length defined in the axial direction. The fourth maximum length is the same as or longer than the third maximum length.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-second aspect, a length of the intermediate groove can be ensured to be even longer.

According to the technology disclosed in the present application, the environmental resistance of the rotary connector device can be enhanced.

In the figures, the same reference signs denote corresponding or identical components.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a rotary connector device <NUM> according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> includes the stator <NUM> and the rotation body <NUM>. The rotation body <NUM> is provided rotatably about the rotational axis A1 with respect to the stator <NUM>. In the present embodiment, for example, the stator <NUM> is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body, and the rotation body <NUM> is configured to be fixed to the steering wheel.

The stator <NUM> includes the first stator main body <NUM> and the second stator main body <NUM>. The second stator main body <NUM> is a separate member from the first stator main body <NUM> and is coupled to the first stator main body <NUM>. The first stator main body <NUM> is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the rotation body <NUM> of the rotary connector device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation body <NUM> includes the rotation plate <NUM>, the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the connector housing section <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM>. The rotation plate <NUM> has a substantially annular shape. The cylindrical portion <NUM> extends from the inner peripheral portion of the rotation plate <NUM> along the rotational axis A1 and includes the through-hole 22A through which the steering shaft passes. The through hole 22A extends along the rotational axis A1. The sleeve <NUM> has an annular shape and is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

The connector housing section <NUM> is provided on the rotation plate <NUM>. For example, a plurality of electrical connectors connected to a plurality of electric devices (for example, a horn switch and an air bag unit) provided in a steering wheel is accommodated in the connector housing section <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the rotary connector device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> includes the stator electrical connector <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM>. The stator electrical connector <NUM> and the housing cover <NUM> are attached to the stator <NUM>. The stator electrical connector <NUM> is connected to an electrical connector of an electrical device (for example, a control device and a battery) provided on the vehicle body.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> in line IV-IV in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the stator <NUM> and the rotation body <NUM> define the cable housing space <NUM> between the stator <NUM> and the rotation body <NUM>, the cable housing space <NUM> being provided to surround the rotational axis A1. For example, the cable housing space <NUM> is annular. The rotary connector device <NUM> includes the electrical cable <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> is disposed in the cable housing space <NUM> and is electrically connected to the stator electrical connector <NUM> (<FIG>). The electrical cable <NUM> has flexibility and has a flat shape. The electrical cable <NUM> is also referred to as a flexible flat cable.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the stator <NUM> of the rotary connector device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first stator main body <NUM> includes the base plate <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> includes an aperture 12A and has an annular shape. The first stator main body <NUM> includes the connector housing section <NUM> and the plurality of fixing portions <NUM>. The connector housing section <NUM> extends from the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1 and accommodates, for example, an electrical connector for heat steering. The plurality of fixing portions <NUM> protrudes radially outwardly from the base plate <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body and includes the fixing hole 14A. The first stator main body <NUM> includes the intermediate wall <NUM>. The intermediate wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1. Specifically, the intermediate wall <NUM> extends from the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> in line VI-VI in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the base plate <NUM> at least partially defines the cable housing space <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> includes the outer peripheral portion 12B. The intermediate wall <NUM> extends from the outer peripheral portion 12B of the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1.

The second stator main body <NUM> includes the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1 parallel to the rotational axis A1 and at least partially defines the cable housing space <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1 and is spaced apart from the first wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2 perpendicular to the rotational axis A1. The first wall <NUM> is disposed between the cable housing space <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are disposed on the outer side of the cable housing space <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The second wall <NUM> is disposed radially outwardly of the first wall <NUM>. The intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2.

The second stator main body <NUM> includes the intermediate groove <NUM> provided between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed in the intermediate groove <NUM>. The second stator main body <NUM> includes the coupling portion <NUM> that couples the first wall <NUM> to the second wall <NUM>. The intermediate groove <NUM> is defined by the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the coupling portion <NUM>. At least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> is contactable with the intermediate wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. At least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> is contactable with the base plate <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are contactable with the intermediate wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are in contact with the base plate <NUM>. The positioning of the first stator main body <NUM> and the second stator main body <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is carried out by the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the base plate <NUM>. The intermediate wall <NUM> is separated from the coupling portion <NUM> in the axial direction D1. However, at least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> may be in contact with the intermediate wall <NUM>. At least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> may be separated from the base plate <NUM> in the axial direction D1. A bonding structure such as an adhesive layer may also be provided between the first wall <NUM> and the intermediate wall <NUM>, and between the second wall <NUM> and the intermediate wall <NUM>.

The first wall <NUM> has the first maximum thickness T11 defined in the radial direction D2 and the first maximum length L11 defined in the axial direction D1. The first maximum length L11 is greater than the first maximum thickness T11. The second wall <NUM> has the second maximum thickness T21 defined in the radial direction D2 and the second maximum length L21 defined in the axial direction D1. The second maximum length L21 is greater than the second maximum thickness T21. The intermediate wall <NUM> has the third maximum thickness T31 defined in the radial direction D2 and the third maximum length L31 defined in the axial direction D1. The third maximum length L31 is greater than the third maximum thickness T31. However, the first maximum length L11 may be equal to or less than the first maximum thickness T11. The second maximum length L21 may be equal to or less than the second maximum thickness T21. The third maximum length L31 may be equal to or less than the third maximum thickness T31.

At least one of the first maximum length L11 and the second maximum length L21 is longer than the third maximum length L31. The third maximum length L31 is longer than at least one of the first maximum thickness T11 and the second maximum thickness T21. In the present embodiment, the first maximum length L11 and the second maximum length L21 are longer than the third maximum length L31. The third maximum length L31 is longer than the first maximum thickness T11 and the second maximum thickness T21. However, these dimensional relationships are not limited to the dimensional relationships disclosed in <FIG>.

The intermediate groove <NUM> has the fourth maximum length L41 defined in the axial direction D1. The fourth maximum length L41 is equal to or longer than the third maximum length L31. In the present embodiment, the fourth maximum length L41 is longer than the third maximum length L31. However, the fourth maximum length L41 may be equal to the third maximum length L31.

The intermediate groove <NUM> has the groove width T41 defined in the radial direction D2. The groove width T41 is equal to or greater than the third maximum thickness T31 of the intermediate wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the groove width T41 is greater than the third maximum thickness T31 of the intermediate wall <NUM>. However, the groove width T41 may be equal to the third maximum thickness T31 of the intermediate wall <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the intermediate wall <NUM> is integrally provided with the base plate <NUM> as one single member. However, intermediate wall <NUM> may be a separate member from the base plate <NUM>. The first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the coupling portion <NUM> are integrally provided with each other as one single member. However, at least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the coupling portion <NUM> may be a separate member from the other portion.

As illustrated in <FIG>, at least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extends along the circumferential direction D3 defined about the rotational axis A1. At least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. At least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. In the present embodiment, the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extend over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. The first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extend over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. However, at least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> may extend within the range less than <NUM> degrees in the circumferential direction D3. At least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extends may extend within the range less than <NUM> degrees in the circumferential direction D3. In addition, each of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> extends continuously along the circumferential direction D3, but at least one of the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the intermediate wall <NUM> may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction D3.

The intermediate wall <NUM> includes the first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B. The intermediate wall <NUM> extends about the rotational axis A1 from the first end portion 15A to the second end portion 15B. The first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B define the circumferential region R1 centered on the rotational axis A1. The circumferential region R1 has a center angle of <NUM> degrees or greater. The circumferential region R1 has a center angle of <NUM> degrees or greater. However, the center angle of the circumferential region R1 is not limited to the present embodiment.

In the embodiment, the intermediate wall <NUM> includes the curved portion 15C, the first flat plate portion 15D, and the second flat plate portion 15E. The curved portion 15C extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 15D extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 15C and includes the first end portion 15A. The second flat plate portion 15E extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 15C and includes the second end portion 15B. When viewed from a direction along the rotational axis A1, the intermediate groove <NUM> has a shape complementary to the intermediate wall <NUM>.

The curved portion 15C defines the circumferential region R2 centered on the rotational axis A1. The curved portion 15C extends in an arc shape about the rotational axis A1 in the circumferential region R2. The circumferential region R2 has a center angle of <NUM> degrees or greater. The circumferential region R2 has a center angle of <NUM> degrees or greater. However, the center angle of the circumferential region R2 is not limited to the present embodiment.

The first wall <NUM> includes the first end portion 31A and the second end portion 31B. The first wall <NUM> extends about the rotational axis A1 from the first end portion 31A to the second end portion 31B. In the embodiment, the first wall <NUM> includes the curved portion 31C, the first flat plate portion 31D, and the second flat plate portion 31E. The curved portion 31C extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 31D extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 31C and includes the first end portion 31A. The second flat plate portion 31E extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 31C and includes the second end portion 31B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall <NUM>, the curved portion 31C extends in an arc shape about the rotational axis A1 in the circumferential direction R2.

The second wall <NUM> includes the first end portion 32A and the second end portion 32B. The second wall <NUM> extends about the rotational axis A1 from the first end portion 32A to the second end portion 32B. In the present embodiment, the second wall <NUM> includes the curved portion 32C, the first flat plate portion 32D, and the second flat plate portion 32E. The curved portion 32C extends over <NUM> degrees or greater in the circumferential direction D3. The first flat plate portion 32D extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 32C and includes the first end portion 32A. The second flat plate portion 32E extends linearly from the end portion of the curved portion 32C and includes the second end portion 32B. Similar to the curved portion 15C of the intermediate wall <NUM>, the curved portion 32C extends in an arc shape about the rotational axis A1 in the circumferential direction R2.

The second stator main body <NUM> includes the third wall <NUM>. The third wall <NUM> extends from the first wall <NUM> along the circumferential direction D3. More specifically, the third wall <NUM> extends from the first flat plate portion 31D toward the second flat plate portion 31E along the circumferential direction D3. The third wall <NUM> is spaced apart from the second flat plate portion 31E. The third wall <NUM> partially defines the cable housing space <NUM>.

The second stator main body <NUM> includes the cable passage <NUM>. The cable passage <NUM> is connected to the cable housing space <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> is drawn from the cable housing space <NUM> to the outer side of the cable housing space <NUM> through the cable passage <NUM>. The cable passage <NUM> includes the first passage 36A and the second passage 36B. The first passage 36A extends from the cable housing space <NUM> along the second flat plate portion 31E of the first wall <NUM>. The second passage 36B extends from the first passage 36A along the outer periphery of the cable housing space <NUM> toward the first flat plate portion 31D of the first wall <NUM>. The cable passage <NUM> is disposed between the first flat plate portion 15D and the second flat plate portion 15E of the intermediate wall <NUM>.

The up-down direction in <FIG> substantially coincides with the up-down direction of the stator <NUM> when the stator <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle body. At least a portion of the intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed above the rotational axis A1 when the stator <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle body. In the present embodiment, a portion of the intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed on the uppermost portion of the stator <NUM> when the stator <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle body. The intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed over the entire area above the rotational axis A1 when the stator <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle body.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second stator main body <NUM> includes the cover portion <NUM>. The cover portion <NUM> partially covers the connector housing section <NUM> in a state where the second stator main body <NUM> is coupled to the first stator main body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cover portion <NUM> extends from the first end portion 31A of the first wall <NUM> and the first end portion 32A of the second wall <NUM> to the second end portion 31B of the first wall <NUM> and the second end portion 32B of the second wall <NUM> along the circumferential direction D3. The cover portion <NUM> couples the first end portion 31A of the first wall <NUM> and the first end portion 32A of the second wall <NUM> to the second end portion 31B of the first wall <NUM> and the second end portion 32B of the second wall <NUM>. The cover portion <NUM> is connected to the third wall <NUM>. The cable passage <NUM> is defined between the first wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first stator main body <NUM> includes the coupling body 16A. The coupling body 16A extends from the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1. The coupling body 16A couples the second stator main body <NUM> to the first stator main body <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the first stator main body <NUM> includes a plurality of the coupling bodies 16A. Each of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A is disposed at intervals each other in the circumferential direction D3. Each of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A is disposed at substantially the same position in the axial direction D1. Each of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A is disposed radially outwardly of the intermediate wall <NUM>. However, the total number and arrangement of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A are not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A may be omitted from the first stator main body <NUM>.

The first stator main body <NUM> includes the additional coupling body 16B. The additional coupling body 16B is disposed at a position offset from the coupling body 16A in the axial direction D1. The additional coupling body 16B is disposed between the first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B of the intermediate wall <NUM> and offset from the first end portion 15A and the second end portion 15B in the axial direction D1. In the present embodiment, the first stator main body <NUM> includes a plurality of the additional coupling bodies 16B. However, the total number of the plurality of additional coupling bodies 16B is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of additional coupling bodies 16B may be omitted from the first stator main body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the rotary connector device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling body 16A includes the coupling groove 16C. The coupling groove 16C extends along the axial direction D1. However, the shape of the coupling body 16A is not limited to the present embodiment.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> in line VIII-VIII in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling body 16A is disposed separated from the intermediate wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The second wall <NUM> is disposed between the intermediate wall <NUM> and the coupling body 16A in the radial direction D2. The second stator main body <NUM> includes the protrusion 38A. The protrusion 38A protrudes radially outwardly from the second wall <NUM>. The coupling body 16A is contactable with the protrusion 38A so as to couple the second stator main body <NUM> to the first stator main body <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 38A is disposed in the coupling groove 16C in a state where the second stator main body <NUM> is coupled to the first stator main body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the second stator main body <NUM> includes a plurality of the protrusions 38A. The total number of the plurality of protrusions 38A is equal to the total number of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A. However, the total number of the plurality of protrusions 38A is not limited to the present embodiment.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the rotary connector device <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the additional coupling body 16B includes the additional coupling groove 16D. The additional coupling groove 16D extends along the axial direction D1. However, the shape of the additional coupling body 16B is not limited to the present embodiment.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> in line X-X in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second stator main body <NUM> includes the additional protrusion 38B. The additional protrusion 38B protrudes from the cover portion <NUM> to the outer side in the radial direction D2. The additional coupling body 16B is contactable with the additional protrusion 38B so as to couple the second stator main body <NUM> to the first stator main body <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the additional protrusion 38B is disposed in the additional coupling groove 16D in a state where the second stator main body <NUM> is coupled to the first stator main body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the second stator main body <NUM> includes a plurality of the additional protrusions 38B. However, the total number of the plurality of additional protrusions 38B is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of additional protrusions 38B may be omitted from the second stator main body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM>. <FIG> is a partial perspective view of the second stator main body <NUM> of the stator <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second wall <NUM> includes an outer peripheral surface 32F and an outer recess <NUM>. The outer recess <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface 32F. The coupling body 16A is disposed in the outer recess <NUM>. The protrusion 38A is disposed in the outer recess <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the outer recess <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the second wall <NUM> includes a plurality of the outer recesses <NUM>. Each of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A is disposed in each of the plurality of outer recesses <NUM>, respectively. However, the total number of the plurality of outer recesses <NUM> is not limited to the present embodiment. At least one of the plurality of outer recesses <NUM> may be omitted from the second wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view of the first stator main body <NUM> of the stator <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intermediate wall <NUM> includes the intermediate outer peripheral surface 15F and the intermediate recess <NUM>. The intermediate recess <NUM> is provided on the intermediate outer peripheral surface 15F. The intermediate recess <NUM> extends from the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second wall <NUM> includes the protruding portion <NUM> disposed in the intermediate recess <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> includes the inner peripheral surface <NUM>. The protruding portion <NUM> protrudes radially inwardly from the inner peripheral surface <NUM>. The inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the second wall <NUM> faces the intermediate outer peripheral surface 15F.

The intermediate recess <NUM> is disposed radially inwardly of the outer recess <NUM>. When viewed from the axial direction D1, the position of the intermediate recess <NUM> is substantially the same as the position of the outer recess <NUM> in the circumferential direction D3. The outer recess <NUM> has the first circumferential length CL1 defined in the circumferential direction D3. The intermediate recess <NUM> has the second circumferential length CL2 defined in the circumferential direction D3. The coupling body 16A has the third circumferential length CL3 defined in the circumferential direction D3. The protruding portion <NUM> has the fourth circumferential length CL4 defined in the circumferential direction D3. The second circumferential length CL2 is longer than the first circumferential length CL1, the third circumferential length CL3, and the fourth circumferential length CL4. The fourth circumferential length CL4 is longer than the first circumferential length CL1 and the third circumferential length CL3. The first circumferential length CL1 is longer than the third circumferential length CL3. The dimensional relationships between the first to fourth circumferential lengths CL1 to CL4 are not limited to the present embodiment. The positional relationship between the intermediate recess <NUM> and the outer recess <NUM> is not limited to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, the intermediate wall <NUM> includes a plurality of the intermediate recesses <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> includes a plurality of the protruding portions <NUM>. Each of the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> is disposed in each of the plurality of intermediate recesses <NUM>, respectively. The total number of the plurality of intermediate recesses <NUM> is equal to the total number of the plurality of coupling bodies 16A. However, the total number of the plurality of intermediate recesses <NUM> and the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> is not limited to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the intermediate wall <NUM> has the thickness T22 defined in the radial direction D2. The thickness T22 is defined within the range of the intermediate recess <NUM>. The thickness T22 is less than the second maximum thickness T21 (<FIG>). The second wall <NUM> has the thickness T32 defined in the radial direction D2. The thickness T32 is defined within the range of the outer recess <NUM>. The thickness T32 is less than the third maximum thickness T31 (<FIG>). The thickness T32 is less than the thickness T22. However, the dimensional relationships of the thicknesses T22 and T32 are not limited to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first stator main body <NUM> includes the intermediate wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the connector housing section <NUM> includes the intermediate wall <NUM>. The intermediate wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1. The second stator main body <NUM> includes the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the cover portion <NUM> includes the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1 and at least partially defines the connector housing space <NUM>. The connector housing space <NUM> is connected to the cable passage <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> extends along the axial direction D1 and is spaced apart from the first wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The second wall <NUM> is disposed radially outwardly of the first wall <NUM>. The intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2.

The second stator main body <NUM> includes the intermediate groove <NUM> provided between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. The intermediate wall <NUM> is disposed in the intermediate groove <NUM>. The second stator main body <NUM> includes the coupling portion <NUM> that couples the first wall <NUM> to the second wall <NUM>. The intermediate groove <NUM> is defined by the first wall <NUM>, the second wall <NUM>, and the coupling portion <NUM>. At least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> is contactable with the intermediate wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. In the present embodiment, the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are contactable with the intermediate wall <NUM> in the radial direction D2. A bonding structure such as an adhesive layer may also be provided between the first wall <NUM> and the intermediate wall <NUM>, and between the second wall <NUM> and the intermediate wall <NUM>. The additional coupling body 16B is coupled to the intermediate wall <NUM>. The additional protrusion 38B protrudes radially outwardly from the second wall <NUM>.

The intermediate wall <NUM>, the first wall <NUM>, and the second wall <NUM> have substantially the same structure as the intermediate wall <NUM>, the first wall <NUM>, and the second wall <NUM>. Thus, detailed descriptions of the intermediate wall <NUM>, the first wall <NUM>, and the second wall <NUM> are omitted.

The characteristics of the rotary connector device <NUM> are as follows.

Next, the rotary connector device <NUM> according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotary connector device <NUM> has the same structure as the rotary connector device <NUM> except for the first stator main body and the second stator main body. Thus, in this specification, for the sake of brevity, elements having substantially the same function as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> according to the second embodiment and corresponds to <FIG> of the first embodiment. <FIG> is another partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector device <NUM> and corresponds to <FIG> of the first embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> includes the stator <NUM> and the rotation body <NUM>. The stator <NUM> includes the first stator main body <NUM> and the second stator main body <NUM>. The second stator main body <NUM> is a separate member from the first stator main body <NUM> and is coupled to the first stator main body <NUM>. The stator <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the stator <NUM> of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the first stator main body <NUM> and the second stator main body <NUM> interchanges the positional relationship of the first stator main body <NUM> and the second stator main body <NUM> of the first embodiment.

Specifically, the first stator main body <NUM> includes the intermediate wall <NUM>. The second stator main body <NUM> includes the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. Unlike the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the second stator main body <NUM> includes the base plate <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> extend from the outer peripheral portion 12B of the base plate <NUM> along the axial direction D1.

In the present embodiment, the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> are integrally provided with the base plate <NUM> as one single member. However, at least one of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> may be a separate member from the base plate <NUM>.

In the rotary connector device <NUM>, the same effect as that of the rotary connector device <NUM> of the first embodiment can be obtained.

It should be noted that, in the present application, "comprise" and its derivatives are non-limiting terms describing the presence of a component and do not exclude the presence of other components not described. This also applies to "have", "include" and their derivatives.

In the present application, a number such as "first" or "second" is merely a term for identifying a configuration, and does not have any other meaning (e.g., a particular order, or the like). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply that a "second element" exists, and the presence of a "second element" does not imply that a "first element" exists.

"first element" does not imply that a "second element" exists, and the presence of a "second element" does not imply that a "first element" exists.

Expressions such as "parallel", "orthogonal", and "identical" in the present disclosure should not be interpreted strictly and include respectively the meanings of "substantially parallel", "substantially orthogonal", and "substantially identical". Further, representations of other arrangements are not to be strictly interpreted.

Furthermore, the expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure encompasses, for example, each of (<NUM>) only A, (<NUM>) only B, and (<NUM>) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B, and C" encompasses, for example, all of (<NUM>) only A, (<NUM>) only B, (<NUM>) only C, (<NUM>) A and B, (<NUM>) B and C, (<NUM>) A and C, and (<NUM>) A, B, and C. In the present disclosure, the expression "at least one of A and B" is not interpreted as "at least one of A and at least one of B.

Claim 1:
A rotary connector device (<NUM>) comprising:
a stator (<NUM>) including a first stator main body (<NUM>) and a second stator main body (<NUM>) that is a separate member from the first stator main body and is coupled to the first stator main body; and
a rotation body (<NUM>) provided rotatably about a rotational axis (A1) with respect to the stator;
wherein the stator (<NUM>) and the rotation body (<NUM>) define a cable housing space (<NUM>) between the stator and the rotation body, the cable housing space being provided to surround the rotational axis,
the second stator main body (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a first wall (<NUM>) extending along an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis and a second wall (<NUM>) extending along the axial direction and spaced apart from the first wall in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotational axis,
the first wall (<NUM>) is disposed between the cable housing space and the second wall in the radial direction, and
the first stator main body (<NUM>) includes an intermediate wall (<NUM>) extending along the axial direction and disposed between the first wall and the second wall in the radial direction,
characterized in that the intermediate wall (<NUM>) includes an intermediate outer peripheral surface (15F) and an intermediate recess (<NUM>) provided on the intermediate outer peripheral surface, and
the second wall (<NUM>) includes a protrusion (38A) disposed in the intermediate recess.