Patent Description:
For example, a rotary connector device includes a stationary member, a rotary member, and an electrical cable. When the rotary connector device is attached to a vehicle body, the stationary member is secured to the vehicle body, and a steering is coupled to the rotary member. A housing space in which the electrical cable is disposed is formed between the stationary member and the rotary member. The electrical cable is circumferentially wound in the housing space, and electrically connects an electronic component provided in the vehicle body and an electronic component provided in the steering while the rotation of the rotary member with respect to the stationary member is permitted in a predetermined range (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>).

The rotary connector device has a neutral rotation position at which rotation angles of the rotary member with respect to the stationary member are equal clockwise and counterclockwise. When the rotary connector device is attached to the vehicle body, the rotary connector device is preferably attached at the neutral rotation position.

Therefore, a viewing window for confirming a neutral rotation position of a rotary connector device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document <NUM>). In this rotary connector device, a position of an electrical cable is confirmed from the viewing window to determine whether a rotary member is at the neutral rotation position. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a rotary connector device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

To stabilize a state of the cable of the rotary connector device, it is preferable to restrict a rotation angle of a rotor with respect to a stator within a predetermined rotation angle. In the rotary connector described in Patent Document <NUM>, rotation of a rotary case with respect to a stationary case is stopped by engagement of a stopper member with a rotation restricting portion.

However, in the rotary connector described in Patent Document <NUM>, the stopper member is moved in a direction away from the rotation restricting portion or moved toward the rotation restricting portion by a force acting from the cable. Therefore, when the state of the cable is different from an assumed state due to an individual difference of products and deterioration over time, there is a possibility that a behavior of the stopper member is not stabilized, and, for example, the rotation of the rotary case does not stop at a desired rotation angle, or the rotation of the rotary case stops before the desired rotation angle is reached. Stabilization of the behavior of the stopper member is also effective to suppress disconnection of a cable, which is a general problem.

In addition, in a general rotary connector device, even when the rotary member is not at the neutral rotation position (for example, a state where the rotary member has rotated twice from the neutral rotation position), the electrical cable is viewed through the viewing window in some cases. Therefore, in the rotary connector device having the viewing window, there may be a case where whether the rotary member is at the neutral rotation position cannot be reliably determined.

An object of the technique disclosed herein is to stabilize an operation of a stopper structure that restricts a rotation angle of a rotor with respect within a stator to a predetermined rotation angle.

Another object of the technique disclosed herein is to provide a rotary connector device that allows reliably determining a neutral rotation position.

According to a first aspect, a rotary connector device comprises a first case, a second case, and a stopper structure. The first case and the second case are provided relatively rotatable to each other about a rotation axis. The first case and the second case form a cable housing space provided to surround the rotation axis. The stopper structure is configured to restrict the relative rotation of the first case and the second case within a predetermined rotation angle. The stopper structure includes a movable member, a movement conversion portion, and a stopper. The movable member is rotatable about the rotation axis along with the second case with respect to the first case. The movable member is movable in an axial direction defined along the rotation axis with respect to the first case and the second case. The movement conversion portion is configured to convert the relative rotation of the first case and the second case into the movement of the movable member in the axial direction with respect to the first case and the second case. The stopper is provided on at least one of the first case and the second case. The stopper is contactable with the movable member.

In the rotary connector device according to the first aspect, when the first case and the second case relatively rotate, the movement conversion portion moves the movable member in the axial direction with respect to the first case and the second case. When the movable member moves in the axial direction, the movable member contacts the stopper, and the relative rotation is restricted to the first case and the second case. Therefore, an operation of the stopper structure can be stabilized, and disconnection of a cable can be more reliably suppressed.

According to a second aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the first aspect, the movement conversion portion is rotatable about the rotation axis along with the first case with respect to the second case and the movable member.

The rotary connector device according to a second aspect allows the movement conversion portion to move the movable member in an axial direction using a relative rotation of the movement conversion portion and the movable member.

According to the invention, in the rotary connector device according to the second aspect, the movement conversion portion is provided radially outwardly of the movable member.

The rotary connector device according to the invention makes it easy to ensure a space required to provide the movement conversion portion.

According to a fourth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first case includes a center opening extending in the axial direction. At least one of the movable member, the movement conversion portion, and the stopper is at least partially provided in the center opening.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourth aspect, the center opening can be effectively used as a space required to provide the stopper structure, and an increase in size of the rotary connector device accompanied by providing the stopper structure can be suppressed.

According to a fifth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the fourth aspect, the first case includes an inner peripheral portion that at least partially defines the center opening. The movement conversion portion is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the first case.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifth aspect, the inner peripheral portion of the first case can be effectively used as a portion where the movement conversion portion is disposed, and the increase in size of the rotary connector device accompanied by providing the stopper structure can be more reliably suppressed.

According to a sixth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the fifth aspect, the movement conversion portion includes a conversion groove. The conversion groove converts the relative rotation of the first case and the second case into the movement of the movable member in the axial direction. The movable member includes an outer peripheral portion disposed in the conversion groove.

The rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect makes it possible to simplify a structure of the movement conversion portion by using the conversion groove.

According to a seventh aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth aspect, the conversion groove extends in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventh aspect, the structure of the movement conversion portion can be more simplified.

According to an eighth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the conversion groove helically extends about the rotation axis.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighth aspect, the structure of the movement conversion portion can be more simplified.

According to a ninth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the first case includes a first case body and a cylindrical portion. The first case body has an annular shape and partially forms the cable housing space. The cylindrical portion includes the inner peripheral portion extending from the first case body in the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the ninth aspect, the inner peripheral portion is easily provided on the first case by the cylindrical portion.

According to a tenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least one of the second case and the movable member includes at least one guide opening. At least one of the second case and the movable member includes at least one guide protruding portion that extends in the axial direction and is provided in the at least one guide opening.

In the rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, the configuration in which the second case and the movable member are relatively movable in the axial direction and integrally rotatable about the rotation axis can be achieved by the simple structure.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the tenth aspect, the at least one guide opening includes a plurality of guide openings disposed spaced apart in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis. The at least one guide protruding portion includes a plurality of guide protruding portions disposed spaced apart in the circumferential direction and provided in the respective plurality of guide openings.

In the rotary connector device according to the eleventh aspect, the plurality of guide openings and the plurality of guide protruding portions can increase coupling strength between the second case and the movable member in a rotation direction.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, the second case includes a second case body and a sleeve. The second case body has an annular shape and partially forms the cable housing space. The sleeve is a separate member from the second case body and is coupled to the second case body. The movable member is coupled to the sleeve to be movable in the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the twelfth aspect, the sleeve can be used as a portion that supports the movable member, and simplification of a coupling structure of the second case and the movable member can be achieved.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twelfth aspect, the sleeve includes a sleeve body and the at least one guide protruding portion. The guide protruding portion protrudes from the sleeve body in the axial direction. The movable member includes the at least one guide opening.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirteenth aspect, the simplification of the coupling structure of the second case and the movable member can be more reliably achieved.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, a predetermined rotation angle of a stopper structure is defined between a first relative rotation position and a second relative rotation position. The first case and the second case are disposed at the first relative rotation position in a state where the movable member contacts the stopper.

In the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth aspect, the relative rotation of the first case and the second case can be stopped at the first relative rotation position by the movable member and the stopper.

According to a fifteenth aspect, the rotary connector device according to the fourteenth aspect further comprises an electrical cable provided in the cable housing space. The first case includes an inner peripheral surface that partially forms the cable housing space. The second case includes an outer peripheral surface that is provided radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface and partially forms the cable housing space. The electrical cable includes a first winding portion, a second winding portion, and a reversing portion. The first winding portion is wound along the inner peripheral surface of the first case. The second winding portion is wound along the outer peripheral surface of the second case. The reversing portion is provided between the first winding portion and the second winding portion and couples the first winding portion to the second winding portion. The electrical cable is provided in the cable housing space to reduce a length of the second winding portion of the electrical cable being wound about the outer peripheral surface when the second case rotates in a first rotation direction with respect to the first case. The electrical cable is provided in the cable housing space to increase the length of the second winding portion of the electrical cable being wound about the outer peripheral surface when the second case rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction with respect to the first case. When the second case rotates in one of the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction with respect to the first case, the movement conversion portion moves the movable member in a first moving direction toward the stopper. When the second case rotates in the other of the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction with respect to the first case, the movement conversion portion moves the movable member in a second moving direction opposite to the first moving direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the fifteenth aspect, the relative rotation of the first case and the second case can be stopped at the first relative rotation position by the movable member and the stopper when the second case rotates with respect to the first case in the first rotation direction in which the electrical cable comes loose. Thus, it can be suppressed that the electrical cable excessively loosens.

According to a sixteenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, the stopper includes a stopper surface that faces the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the sixteenth aspect, by stopping the movable member by the stopper surface, the relative rotation of the first case and the second case can be stopped.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the sixteenth aspect, the stopper surface extends in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

In the rotary connector device according to the seventeenth aspect, the further wide stopper surface can be ensured, and strength of the stopper structure is easily ensured.

According to an eighteenth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, the movement conversion portion converts the relative rotation of the first case and the second case into the movement of the movable member in the axial direction such that a movement distance of the movable member in the axial direction with respect to the first case and the second case is proportional to a relative rotation angle of the first case and the second case.

In the rotary connector device according to the eighteenth aspect, design of each unit based on the predetermined rotation angle set in the stopper structure is facilitated.

According to a nineteenth aspect, the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects further comprises a biasing member that biases the movable member in the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the nineteenth aspect, an abnormal noise can be suppressed by the biasing member.

According to a twentieth aspect serving as a further example and not falling within the claimed subject matter, in the rotary connector device according to the first aspect, the movement conversion portion may be rotatable about the rotation axis along with the second case with respect to the first case.

According to a twenty-first aspect, the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects further comprises an indicator. The indicator is provided on at least one of the first case and the second case. The indicator indicates that the second case is disposed at a neutral rotation position with respect to the first case by a positional relationship between the movable member and the indicator in the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-first aspect, by viewing the positional relationship between the movable member and the indicator, it is possible to reliably determine whether the second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case.

According to a twenty-second aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-first aspect, the second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case in a state where the movable member is disposed at a position indicated by the indicator.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-second aspect, the neutral rotation position of the rotary connector device is easily viewed by the movable member and the indicator.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-first or twenty-second aspect, the movable member includes a first surface facing the axial direction and a second surface provided on a back side of the first surface in the axial direction. The indicator indicates that the second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case by a positional relationship between the first surface of the movable member and the indicator.

In a rotary connector device according to the twenty-third aspect, by viewing the positional relationship between the first surface of the movable member and the indicator, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-third aspect, the second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case in a state where the first surface of the movable member is disposed at the position indicated by the indicator.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the neutral rotation position of the rotary connector device is further easily viewed by the first surface of the movable member and the indicator.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth aspects, the second case is rotatable from the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case in a first rotation direction by a first rotation angle and is rotatable in a second rotation direction by a second rotation angle. The second rotation direction is a direction opposite to the first rotation direction. The first rotation angle is substantially equal to the second rotation angle.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the neutral rotation position of the rotary connector device can be more reliably provided at the center of an entire rotation angle of the second case.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fifth aspects, the second case includes a second case body and a sleeve. The second case body has an annular shape and partially forms the cable housing space. The sleeve is a separate member from the second case body and is coupled to the second case body. The movable member is coupled to the sleeve to be movable in the axial direction. The indicator is provided on the sleeve.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the indicator can be disposed at an easily viewed position.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the indicator includes at least one of a mark and a reference plane provided on the sleeve.

In the rotary connector device according to a twenty-seventh aspect, a configuration of the indicator can be simplified.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the sleeve includes an inner surface that faces radially inward. The indicator is at least partially provided on the inner surface of the sleeve.

In the rotary connector device according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the indicator can be disposed at the more easily viewed position.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the mark of the indicator is provided on the inner surface of the sleeve.

In the rotary connector device according to a twenty-ninth aspect, the mark can be disposed at the more easily viewed position.

According to a thirtieth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-seventh to twenty-ninth aspects, the reference plane of the indicator includes a first reference plane provided on the sleeve and substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirtieth aspect, the reference plane can be disposed at the more easily viewed position.

According to a thirty-first aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-first to thirtieth aspects, the movable member includes a first surface facing the axial direction and a second surface provided on a back side of the first surface in the axial direction. The second case is disposed at the neutral rotation position with respect to the first case with the first surface of the movable member coincides with the reference plane in the axial direction.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirty-first aspect, the neutral rotation position of the rotary connector device is further easily viewed using the first surface of the movable member and the reference plane.

According to a thirty-second aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-first to thirty-first aspects, the indicator is disposed radially inwardly of the movement conversion portion.

In the rotary connector device according to a thirty-second aspect, a space radially inwardly of the movement conversion portion can be used as a space for the indicator.

According to a thirty-third aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the twenty-first to the thirty-second aspect, the first case includes a center opening extending in the axial direction. At least one of the movable member, the movement conversion portion, and the indicator is at least partially provided in the center opening.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirty-third aspect, the center opening can be effectively used as the space required to provide at least one of the movable member, the movement conversion portion, and the indicator.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect, in the rotary connector device according to any one of the first to thirty-fourth aspects, the first case is a stator to be secured to a vehicle body. The second case is a rotor rotatable about the rotation axis with respect to the stator. The stopper is provided at least on the stator.

In the rotary connector device according to the thirty-fourth aspect, an overload can be received by the stator when the movable member contacts the stopper, and thus the strength of the stopper structure can be increased.

The technique disclosed herein can provide the rotary connector device that allows restricting the rotation angle of the rotor with respect to the stator within the predetermined rotation angle with the simple structure.

The technique disclosed herein allows providing the rotary connector device that allows reliably determining the neutral rotation position.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference signs indicate corresponding or identical configurations.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a rotary connector device <NUM> comprises a first case <NUM> and a second case <NUM>. The first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> are rotatably provided relative to each other about a rotation axis A1. In the present embodiment, for example, the first case <NUM> is secured to a vehicle body. The second case <NUM> rotates along with a steering wheel. That is, the first case <NUM> is a stator to be secured to the vehicle body. The second case <NUM> is a rotor rotatable about the rotation axis A1 with respect to the stator. That is, the first case <NUM> may be referred to as the stator <NUM>. The second case <NUM> may be referred to as the rotor <NUM>. However, the first case <NUM> may be a rotor, and the second case <NUM> may be a stator. In other words, in the present application, the configuration provided in the stator <NUM> may be provided in the rotor <NUM>, and the configuration provided in the rotor <NUM> may be provided in the stator <NUM>.

The rotary connector device <NUM> comprises a first electrical connector <NUM> and a second electrical connector <NUM>. The first electrical connector <NUM> is attached to the first case <NUM>. The second electrical connector <NUM> is attached to the second case <NUM>. The first electrical connector <NUM> is electrically connected to, for example, an electrical device (for example, a control device and a battery) provided on the vehicle body. The second electrical connector <NUM> is electrically connected to electric circuits of, for example, switches of a steering wheel and an airbag device.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> form a cable housing space <NUM> provided to surround the rotation axis A1. For example, the cable housing space <NUM> has an annular shape and extends in a circumferential direction D3 with respect to the rotation axis A1. The rotary connector device <NUM> further comprises an electrical cable <NUM> provided in the cable housing space <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> is electrically connected to the first electrical connector <NUM> and the second electrical connector <NUM> (<FIG>). The electrical cable <NUM> is flexible and has a flat shape. The electrical cable <NUM> may also be referred to as a flexible flat cable. In the present embodiment, the electrical cable <NUM> includes a plurality of flat cables <NUM>.

The first case <NUM> includes an inner peripheral surface 10B that partially forms the cable housing space <NUM>. The second case <NUM> includes an outer peripheral surface 20B provided radially inwardly of the inner peripheral surface 10B and partially forming the cable housing space <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> includes a first winding portion 60A, a second winding portion 60B, and a reversing portion 60C. The first winding portion 60A is wound along the inner peripheral surface 10B of the first case <NUM>. The second winding portion 60B is wound along the outer peripheral surface 20B of the second case <NUM>. The reversing portion 60C is provided between the first winding portion 60A and the second winding portion 60B to couple the first winding portion 60A to the second winding portion 60B.

The first winding portion 60A is electrically connected to the first electrical connector <NUM>. The second winding portion 60B is electrically connected to the second electrical connector <NUM> (<FIG>). The reversing portion 60C bends between the first winding portion 60A and the second winding portion 60B. The reversing portion 60C has, for example, a curved shape protruding in a first rotation direction D21. Each of the plurality of flat cables <NUM> includes the first winding portion 60A, the second winding portion 60B, and the reversing portion 60C.

The electrical cable <NUM> is provided in the cable housing space <NUM> such that the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electrical cable <NUM> wound about the outer peripheral surface 20B decreases when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> is provided in the cable housing space <NUM> such that the length of the second winding portion 60B of the electrical cable <NUM> wound about the outer peripheral surface 20B increases when the second case <NUM> rotates with respect to the first case <NUM> in a second rotation direction D22 opposite to the first rotation direction D21. In other words, the electrical cable <NUM> is provided in the cable housing space <NUM> such that the length of the first winding portion 60A of the electrical cable <NUM> wound about the inner peripheral surface 10B increases when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The electrical cable <NUM> is provided in the cable housing space <NUM> such that the length of the first winding portion 60A of the electrical cable <NUM> wound about the inner peripheral surface 10B decreases when the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

However, when the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> excessively rotate relatively, for example, the electrical cable <NUM> becomes loose and the state of the reversing portion 60C of the electrical cable <NUM> possibly deteriorates.

Thus, as illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> comprises a stopper structure <NUM> that restricts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> within a predetermined rotation angle. The stopper structure <NUM> includes a movable member <NUM>, a movement conversion portion <NUM>, and a stopper <NUM>. That is, the rotary connector device <NUM> comprises the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 along with the second case <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is movable with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> in an axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The movement conversion portion <NUM> converts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> into movement of the movable member <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The stopper <NUM> is provided on at least one of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> restricts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> within the predetermined rotation angle. The stopper <NUM> is contactable with the movable member <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the stopper <NUM> is provided on the first case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is contactable with the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The stopper <NUM> is provided at least on the stator <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is provided on the stator <NUM>. However, the stopper <NUM> may be provided only on the second case <NUM> or may be provided on both of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. Alternatively, the stopper <NUM> may be omitted from the rotary connector device <NUM>.

The movement conversion portion <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 along with the first case <NUM> with respect to the second case <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. That is, the second case <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> are rotatable about the rotation axis A1 with respect to the first case <NUM> and the movement conversion portion <NUM>.

The movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided radially outwardly of the movable member <NUM>. The first case <NUM> includes a center opening <NUM> extending in the axial direction D1. At least one of the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM> is at least partially provided in the center opening <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM> are provided in the center opening <NUM>. However, at least one of the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM> may be partially provided in the center opening <NUM>. At least one of the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM> may be provided outside the center opening <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> may be provided radially inwardly of the movable member <NUM>.

The first case <NUM> includes an inner peripheral portion <NUM> that at least partially defines the center opening <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided on the inner peripheral portion <NUM> of the first case <NUM>. The first case <NUM> includes a first case body <NUM> and a cylindrical portion <NUM>. The first case body <NUM> has an annular shape, and partially forms the cable housing space <NUM>. The cylindrical portion <NUM> extends from the first case body <NUM> in the axial direction D1 and includes the inner peripheral portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first case body <NUM> includes a first annular body <NUM> and a second annular body <NUM>. The second annular body <NUM> is a separate member from the first annular body <NUM> and is coupled to the first annular body <NUM>. The first annular body <NUM> includes a first annular plate 16A. The second annular body <NUM> includes an outer peripheral wall 17A (<FIG>). The cylindrical portion <NUM> extends from the inner periphery of the first annular plate 16A in the axial direction D1.

The second case <NUM> includes a second case body <NUM> and a sleeve <NUM>. The second case body <NUM> has an annular shape and partially forms the cable housing space <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is a separate member from the second case body <NUM> and is coupled to the second case body <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is coupled to the sleeve <NUM> to be movable in the axial direction D1. The second case body <NUM> includes a second annular plate <NUM> and an inner peripheral wall <NUM>. The inner peripheral wall <NUM> extends from the second annular plate <NUM> in the axial direction D1.

At least one of the second case <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> includes at least one guide opening <NUM>. At least one of the second case <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> includes at least one guide protruding portion <NUM> extending in the axial direction D1. At least one guide protruding portion <NUM> is provided in the at least one guide opening <NUM>. The at least one guide opening <NUM> includes a plurality of guide openings <NUM> disposed spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3 about the rotation axis A1. The at least one guide protruding portion <NUM> includes the respective plurality of guide protruding portions <NUM> disposed spaced apart in the circumferential direction D3 and provided in the plurality of guide openings <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sleeve <NUM> includes a sleeve body 22A and the at least one guide protruding portion <NUM> protruding from the sleeve body 22A in the axial direction D1. The movable member <NUM> includes the at least one guide opening <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the sleeve body 22A has an annular shape. The second case <NUM> includes the plurality of guide protruding portions <NUM> protruding from the sleeve body 22A in the axial direction D1. The movable member <NUM> includes the plurality of guide openings <NUM>. However, the second case <NUM> (<FIG>) may include the at least one guide opening <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> may include the at least one guide protruding portion <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> has an annular shape. The movable member <NUM> includes an outer peripheral portion 71A. The plurality of guide openings <NUM> includes a notch 74A and a plurality of guide holes 74B. The plurality of guide protruding portions <NUM> are disposed on the notch 74A and in the plurality of guide holes 74B. The plurality of guide openings <NUM> may include only the notch 74A or only the guide hole 74B.

The sleeve <NUM> includes at least one sleeve coupling portion 22B. The at least one sleeve coupling portion 22B couples the sleeve body 22A to the second case body <NUM>. The at least one sleeve coupling portion 22B protrudes from the at least one guide protruding portion <NUM> in the axial direction D1. In the present embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> includes a plurality of the sleeve coupling portions 22B protruding in the axial direction D1 from the plurality of guide protruding portions <NUM>. However, the sleeve coupling portion 22B may be disposed at a position different from the guide protruding portion <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> includes an axial protruding portion <NUM>. The axial protruding portion <NUM> protrudes from the sleeve body 22A in the axial direction D1. The axial protruding portion <NUM> is disposed radially inwardly of the plurality of guide protruding portions <NUM>. The axial protruding portion <NUM> has an annular shape. The movable member <NUM> includes an opening 71D. The outer diameter of the axial protruding portion <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 71D.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> includes a conversion groove 72A. The conversion groove 72A converts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> into the movement of the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The outer peripheral portion 71A of the movable member <NUM> is disposed in the conversion groove 72A.

The conversion groove 72A extends in the circumferential direction D3 about the rotation axis A1. The conversion groove 72A is inclined with respect to a reference plane RP perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. The conversion groove 72A extends helically about the rotation axis A1. In the embodiment, the movement conversion portion <NUM> includes a female thread including one helical conversion groove 72A. For example, the conversion groove 72A constitutes the female thread having a thread diameter of M55 and a pitch of <NUM>. However, the dimensions of the female thread are not limited to the dimensions described above. The conversion groove 72A may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction D3.

The outer peripheral portion 71A of the movable member <NUM> includes a male thread. The male thread of the outer peripheral portion 71A is threaded into the female thread configured by the conversion groove 72A. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is equivalent to <NUM> times of the width of the conversion groove 72A in the axial direction D1. However, the thickness of the movable member <NUM> is not limited to the above-described dimensions.

Note that, as described later, in a modification in which the movement conversion portion <NUM> is disposed radially inwardly of the movable member <NUM>, for example, the second case <NUM> or the movable member <NUM> includes a female thread, and the movement conversion portion <NUM> includes a male thread. In such a modification, for example, the movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided on the sleeve <NUM>, and the movable member <NUM> is rotatable along with the first case <NUM> and movable in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> includes a stopper surface 73A facing the axial direction D1. The stopper surface 73A extends in the circumferential direction D3 about the rotation axis A1. The stopper <NUM> protrudes radially inward from the first case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the first case <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the stopper <NUM> and the stopper surface 73A have annular shapes. However, the shapes of the stopper <NUM> and the stopper surface 73A are not limited to the annular shapes.

The movable member <NUM> includes a first surface 71B facing the axial direction D1 and a second surface 71C provided on the back side of the first surface 71B in the axial direction D1. The first surface 71B is disposed to face the stopper surface 73A. The first surface 71B is contactable with the stopper surface 73A. The second surface 71C is disposed to face the sleeve body 22A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the second case <NUM> rotates in one of the first rotation direction D21 and the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> toward the stopper <NUM> in a first moving direction D41. The movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> in a second moving direction D42 opposite to the first moving direction D41 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the other of the first rotation direction D21 and the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>. In other words, the movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> toward the sleeve body 22A when the second case <NUM> rotates in the other of the first rotation direction D21 and the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The second direction D22 is the direction opposite to the first direction D21.

In the present embodiment, when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> toward the stopper <NUM> in the first moving direction D41. The movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> in the second moving direction D42 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>. However, the movement conversion portion <NUM> may move the movable member <NUM> in the second moving direction D42 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> may move the movable member <NUM> in the first moving direction D41 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> have a neutral rotation position P10 corresponding to a neutral position of steering. A predetermined rotation angle of the stopper structure <NUM> is defined between a first relative rotation position P11 and a second relative rotation position P12. For example, in a state where the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>, the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> are disposed at the first relative rotation position P11. The second case <NUM> is rotatable with respect to the first case <NUM> by the first rotation angle in the first rotation direction D21 from the neutral rotation position P10 and is rotatable by the second rotation angle in the second rotation direction D22. The first rotation angle is substantially equal to the second rotation angle.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the second case <NUM> rotates from the neutral rotation position P10 in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> moves from a neutral position P20 in the first moving direction D41 toward the stopper <NUM>. When the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> stops at a first stopper position P21, and the second case <NUM> stops at the first relative rotation position P11. In the present embodiment, the neutral position P20 to the first stopper position P21 is equivalent to <NUM> times of the width of the conversion groove 72A in the axial direction D1. Thus, the first rotation angle from the neutral rotation position P10 to the first relative rotation position P11 is <NUM> degrees (see, e.g., an arrow AR1 in <FIG>). In other words, the movement conversion portion <NUM> converts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> into the movement of the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1 such that the movement distance of the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> is proportional to the relative rotation angle of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the second case <NUM> rotates from the neutral rotation position P10 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> moves from the neutral position P20 to the second moving direction D42. As a result, at least one of the plurality of reversing portions 60C of the electrical cable <NUM> is fully extended, and the electrical cable <NUM> is pulled between the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. Consequently, the second case <NUM> stops at the second relative rotation position P12 with respect to the first case <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the second rotation angle from the neutral rotation position P10 to the second relative rotation position P12 is set to the same angle as the first rotation angle from the neutral rotation position P10 to the first relative rotation position P11 (see, for example, the arrow AR2 in <FIG>). Thus, the movable member <NUM> moves in the second moving direction D42 by the distance <NUM> times of the width of the conversion groove 72A in the axial direction D1 but stops at a second stopper position P22 without contacting the sleeve body 22A.

However, by bringing the movable member <NUM> into contact with at least one of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>, the second relative rotation position P12 may be defined. For example, the movable member <NUM> may be brought into contact with the sleeve body 22A before the electrical cable <NUM> is pulled between the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>, and thus the second relative rotation position P12 may be defined. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, instead of providing the stopper surface 73A of the stopper <NUM> on the first case <NUM>, or in addition to providing the stopper surface 73A of the stopper <NUM> on the first case <NUM>, a stopper surface 73B may be provided on the sleeve <NUM> as the stopper <NUM>. Additionally, the predetermined rotation angle of the stopper structure <NUM> is <NUM> degrees, but the predetermined rotation angle may be other angles. The rotation angle from the neutral rotation position P10 to the second relative rotation position P12 may be set at an angle different from the rotation angle from the neutral rotation position P10 to the first relative rotation position P11.

Note that, as illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> may further comprise biasing members <NUM> that bias the movable member <NUM> in the axial direction D1. For example, the biasing members <NUM> are disposed between the movable member <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The biasing member <NUM> biases the movable member <NUM> toward the stopper <NUM>. In the present modification, the biasing member <NUM> includes a coil spring. However, the biasing member <NUM> is not limited to the coil spring. In a state where the movable member <NUM> is not biased, the movable member <NUM> moves with respect to the movement conversion portion <NUM> by a gap generated between the male thread of the movable member <NUM> and the female thread of the movement conversion portion <NUM>. As a result, the male thread of the movable member <NUM> contacts the female thread of the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and a noise is generated. However, providing the biasing member <NUM> makes it possible to suppress the abnormal noise. Note that a space between the sleeve body 22A and the movable member <NUM> disposed at the neutral position P20 may be extended in the axial direction D1 in consideration of the height during compression of the biasing member <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> comprises an indicator <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> is provided on at least one of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> indicates that the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first case <NUM> by the positional relationship between the movable member <NUM> and the indicator <NUM> in the axial direction D1. With the movable member <NUM> disposed at the position indicated by the indicator <NUM>, the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first case <NUM>. With the movable member <NUM> disposed at the position indicated by the indicator <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> is disposed at the neutral position P20 (see <FIG>).

In the present embodiment, the indicator <NUM> is provided on the second case <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> indicates such that the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 with respect to the first case <NUM> by the positional relationship between the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> and the indicator <NUM>. In a state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> is disposed at the position indicated by the indicator <NUM>, the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

The indicator <NUM> is disposed radially inwardly of the movement conversion portion <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> is provided on the sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> includes an inner surface 22C that faces radially inward. In the present embodiment, the guide protruding portion <NUM> includes the inner surface 22C. However, the inner surface 22C may be provided on a portion other than the guide protruding portion <NUM>. Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> comprises a plurality of the indicators <NUM> (e.g., four indicators <NUM>), and the indicator <NUM> is provided on each of the guide protruding portions <NUM>. However, the total number of the indicators <NUM> is not limited to the total number disclosed in the present embodiment.

At least one of the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the indicator <NUM> is at least partially provided in the center opening <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the indicator <NUM> are provided in the center opening <NUM>. However, at least one of the movable member <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM>, and the indicator <NUM> may be provided at least partially outside the center opening <NUM>.

The indicator <NUM> includes at least one of a mark <NUM> and a reference plane <NUM> provided on the sleeve <NUM>. At least a part of the indicator <NUM> is provided on the inner surface 22C of the sleeve <NUM>. The mark <NUM> of the indicator <NUM> is provided on the inner surface 22C of the sleeve <NUM>. The reference plane <NUM> of the indicator <NUM> includes a first reference plane 22D provided on the sleeve <NUM> and substantially perpendicular to the axial direction D1. The first reference plane 22D is provided to face the axial direction D1. In the present embodiment, the first reference plane 22D is provided at the end portion of the axial protruding portion <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the neutral rotation position P10 is different from the rotation positions of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> in a restricted state in which the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> is restricted by the stopper <NUM>. In the present embodiment, in the restricted state in which the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> is restricted by the stopper <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> is displaced from the indicator <NUM>, which indicates the neutral rotation position P10, in the axial direction D1. In more detail, in the restricted state in which the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> is restricted by the stopper <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> is displaced from the indicator <NUM>, which indicates the neutral rotation position P10, toward the stopper <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the mark <NUM> of the indicator <NUM> includes a line 91A and a graphic 91B. The line 91A is provided on the inner surface 22C of the sleeve <NUM> and extends in the circumferential direction D3. The graphic 91B includes, for example, a triangle, and is disposed adjacent to the line 91A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in a state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> coincides with the line 91A of the indicator <NUM>, the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first case <NUM>. The line 91A is drawn in a thick line such that the line 91A can be viewed in a state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> coincides with the line 91A. Additionally, the graphic 91B is disposed at a position viewed from the center opening <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> coincides with the line 91A.

Additionally, in a state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> coincides with the reference plane <NUM> (e.g., the first reference plane 22D) in the axial direction D1, the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The reference plane <NUM> (e.g., the first reference plane 22D) is disposed at a position that can be viewed from the center opening <NUM> in the state where the first surface 71B of the movable member <NUM> coincides with the reference plane <NUM> (e.g., the first reference plane 22D) in the axial direction D1.

Note that the indicator <NUM> is not limited to the mark <NUM> or the reference plane <NUM>. The indicator <NUM> may be only one of the mark <NUM> and the reference plane <NUM>. The mark <NUM> may include only one of the line 91A and the graphic 91B. In addition, the mark may be provided on the reference plane. Additionally, the inner surface 22C of the sleeve <NUM> may be color-coded in a plurality of colors in the axial direction D1, and positions at boundaries of a plurality of color-coded regions may be positions indicated by the indicator <NUM>. In this case, the plurality of color-coded regions may be marks of the indicator <NUM>, and the boundaries of the plurality of color-coded regions may be at least one of a line and a graphic included in the mark.

The features of the rotary connector device <NUM> will be summarized as follows.

Note that the movement conversion portion <NUM> may include another structure instead of the conversion groove 72A or in addition to the conversion groove 72A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary connector device <NUM> may comprise a detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> detects such that the second case <NUM> is disposed at the first relative rotation position P11 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> is provided on at least one of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. In the modification illustrated in <FIG>, the detection unit <NUM> is provided on the first case <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> detects that the movable member <NUM> is disposed at the first stopper position P21 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> is provided on the stopper surface 73A. The detection unit <NUM> generates an electrical signal in a state where the second case <NUM> is disposed at the first relative rotation position P11 with respect to the first case <NUM>. In the modification illustrated in <FIG>, for example, the detection unit <NUM> includes a push button switch. Examples of the detection unit <NUM> include, for example, a contact type sensor (push button switch, touch sensor) and a non-contact type sensor (magnetic sensor, optical sensor). The detection unit <NUM> is electrically connected to, for example, a transmission unit that transmits an electrical signal, a notification unit that notifies a user of a detection result, and a battery.

Note that the detection unit <NUM> may be provided on the sleeve <NUM> or the movable member <NUM>, or another detection unit may be provided on the sleeve <NUM> or the movable member <NUM> in addition to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit provided in the sleeve <NUM> detects, for example, such that the second case <NUM> is disposed at the second relative rotation position P12 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 along with the first case <NUM> with respect to the second case <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. However, the rotary connector device <NUM> may have the structure illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, specifically, a rotary connector device <NUM> according to a modification comprises a stopper structure <NUM>. The stopper structure <NUM> includes a movable member <NUM>, a movement conversion portion <NUM>, and a stopper <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 along with the second case <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is movable with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> in the axial direction D1 defined along the rotation axis A1. The movement conversion portion <NUM> converts the relative rotation of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> into movement of the movable member <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The stopper <NUM> is provided on at least one of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is contactable with the movable member <NUM>. In the present modification, the stopper <NUM> is provided on the second case <NUM>. However, the stopper <NUM> may be provided on the first case <NUM> or both the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>.

The movement conversion portion <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis A1 along with the second case <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM>. The second case <NUM> of the rotary connector device <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the sleeve <NUM> of the first embodiment. The length of the sleeve <NUM> defined in the axial direction D1 is longer than the length of the sleeve <NUM> defined in the axial direction D1. The movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided on the sleeve <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> includes a conversion groove 272A that extends helically along the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM>. In more detail, the movement conversion portion <NUM> includes a male thread 272T that extends helically along the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM>. The male thread 272T defines the conversion groove 272A.

The movable member <NUM> is movable in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> includes a movable body 271A and a female thread 271T. The movable body 271A is movably coupled to the first case <NUM> in the axial direction D1. For example, the stopper structure <NUM> includes a guide <NUM>. The guide <NUM> is secured to the first case <NUM> and extends from the first case <NUM> in the axial direction D1. The movable body 271A is attached to the guide <NUM> to be movable in the axial direction D1 with respect to the guide <NUM>. The guide <NUM> restricts the rotation of the movable body 271A with respect to the first case <NUM>.

The female thread 271T is secured to the movable body 271A and is movable in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> along with the movable body 271A. The female thread 271T extends helically along the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM>. The female thread 271T engages the male thread 272T of the movement conversion portion <NUM>. The female thread 271T is movably disposed in the conversion groove 272A of the movement conversion portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the female thread 271T includes a first end portion 271T1 and a second end portion 271T2. The female thread 271T extends helically along the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM> between the first end portion 271T1 and the second end portion 271T2. The first end portion 271T1 and the second end portion 271T2 are disposed spaced apart and secured to the movable body 271A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable body 271A includes a hole 271B. The guide <NUM> extends in the axial direction D1 through the hole 271B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve <NUM> of the second case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is contactable with the female thread 271T. The stopper <NUM> is contactable with the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T.

The stopper <NUM> includes a contact surface 273A. The contact surface 273A is contactable with the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T of the movable member <NUM>. The contact surface 273A is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the sleeve <NUM>. The contact surface 273A is curved when viewed from the radial direction of the sleeve <NUM>. When the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T of the movable member <NUM> contacts the contact surface 273A of the stopper <NUM>, the rotation of the second case <NUM> with respect to the first case <NUM> stops.

However, since the contact surface 273A is inclined, when the rotational force given to the second case <NUM> exceeds a predetermined level, the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T climbs over the contact surface 273A. Thus, after the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T contacts the contact surface 273A of the stopper <NUM>, when the rotational force exceeding the predetermined level is given to the second case <NUM>, the rotation of the second case <NUM> in the second rotation direction D22 is permitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the second case <NUM> rotates in one of the first rotation direction D21 and the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> toward the stopper <NUM> in the first moving direction D41. In the present modification, when the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> toward the stopper <NUM> in the first moving direction D41. The movement conversion portion <NUM> moves the movable member <NUM> in the second moving direction D42 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>. However, the movement conversion portion <NUM> may be configured to move the movable member <NUM> in the second moving direction D42 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>. The movement conversion portion <NUM> may be configured to move the movable member <NUM> in the first moving direction D41 when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>.

In the present modification, when the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>, the second case <NUM> stops at the second relative rotation position P12 (see <FIG>). Specifically, when the first end portion 271T1 of the female thread 271T of the movable member <NUM> contacts the contact surface 273A of the stopper <NUM>, the second case <NUM> stops at the second relative rotation position P12 (see <FIG>). However, the stopper structure <NUM> may be configured to stop the second case <NUM> at the first relative rotation position P11 (see <FIG>) when the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the stopper structure <NUM> includes an idle region <NUM>. The idle region <NUM> is defined between the second relative rotation position P12 and a third relative rotation position P13. The third relative rotation position P13 is the position of the second case <NUM> in which the second case <NUM> is further rotated from the second relative rotation position P12 in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>. In a state where the second case <NUM> is disposed at the third relative rotation position P13, bending of the reversing portion 60C of the electrical cable <NUM> is eliminated, and the reversing portion 60C is pulled between the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM>. Thus, the rotation of the second case <NUM> at the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM> stops at the third relative rotation position P13. In the idle region <NUM>, the movement conversion portion <NUM> does not substantially guide the movable member <NUM> in the first moving direction D41. Thus, in the idle region <NUM>, the rotation of the second case <NUM> is not restricted by the stopper <NUM>. On the other hand, in a state where the reversing portion 60C of the electrical cable <NUM> is pulled (e.g., in a state where the second case <NUM> stops at the third relative rotation position P13), when the rotational force in the second rotation direction D22 given to the steering exceeds the predetermined level, the electrical cable <NUM> is disconnected. In this case, the operation by steering is performed beyond the third relative rotation position P13, and thus safety in the vehicle operation can be ensured.

In the rotary connector device <NUM>, when the rotation of the second case <NUM> reaches the second relative rotation position P12, the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>, and thus a driver feels that the rotation of steering is heavy. That is, the driver can recognize the termination of steering by the stopper <NUM>.

Generally, there is a possibility that the rotary connector device <NUM> is attached to the vehicle body in a state where the position of the movable member <NUM> is displaced from the neutral position P20 (<FIG>) with the steering at the neutral position. For example, when the movable member <NUM> is displaced from the neutral position P20 toward the second stopper position P22, the rotational range of the second case <NUM> in the second rotation direction D22 narrows.

However, in the rotary connector device <NUM>, when the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM> and then a rotational force exceeding the predetermined level is given to the second case <NUM>, the rotation of the second case <NUM> in the second rotation direction D22 is permitted. Therefore, even when the position of the movable member <NUM> is displaced from the neutral position P20 with the steering at the neutral position, narrowing the rotational range of the steering can be suppressed.

Note that the orientations of the threads of the male thread 272T and the female thread 271T may be reversed. In a case where the orientations of the threads of the male thread 272T and the female thread 271T are reversed, when the second case <NUM> rotates in the first rotation direction D21 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> moves in the first moving direction D41. When the second case <NUM> rotates in the second rotation direction D22 with respect to the first case <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> moves in the second moving direction D42. When the movable member <NUM> contacts the stopper <NUM>, for example, the second case <NUM> stops at the first relative rotation position P11 (see <FIG>). The idle region <NUM> is defined in the first rotation direction D21 from the first relative rotation position P11.

Additionally, the idle region <NUM> may be omitted from the stopper structure <NUM>. In this case, the contact surface 273A of the stopper <NUM> has, for example, a shape (e.g., a plane facing the circumferential direction) with which the female thread 271T of the movable member <NUM> does not climb over.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present modification, the male thread 272T of the movement conversion portion <NUM> is provided integrally with at least a portion of the sleeve <NUM> as a one-piece member. The female thread 271T is a separate member from the movable body 271A. The guide <NUM> is provided integrally with at least a portion of the first case <NUM> as a one-piece member. However, the male thread 272T of the movement conversion portion <NUM> may be a separate member from the sleeve <NUM>. The female thread 271T may be provided integrally with at least a portion of the movable body 271A as a one-piece member. The guide <NUM> may be a separate member from the first case <NUM>.

Additionally, the indicator <NUM> described above may be provided on the guide <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, the indicator <NUM> indicates that the second case <NUM> is disposed at the neutral rotation position P10 (see <FIG>) with respect to the first case <NUM> by the positional relationship between the movable member <NUM> and the indicator <NUM> in the axial direction D1.

In the present application, the term "comprise" and its derivatives are open-ended terms for explaining the existence of a component, and the existence of other components not described is not excluded. This also applies to "have", "include" and their derivatives.

In the present application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms used to identify a configuration and do not have any other meaning (e.g., a specific order). For example, the presence of "first element" does not imply the presence of "second element", and the presence of "second element "does not imply the presence of the "first element".

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". In addition, other expressions related to the arrangement are not strictly construed.

The expression "at least one of A and B" in the present disclosure also includes, for example, all of (<NUM>) only A, (<NUM>) only B, and (<NUM>) both A and B. The expression "at least one of A, B and C" includes, 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 construed as "at least one of A and at least one of B".

Claim 1:
A rotary connector device (<NUM>) comprising: a first case (<NUM>);
a second case (<NUM>), the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>) being rotatably provided relative to each other about a rotation axis (A1), the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>) forming a cable housing space (<NUM>) provided to surround the rotation axis (A1);
a stopper structure (<NUM>) configured to restrict a relative rotation of the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>) within a predetermined rotation angle;
and the stopper structure (<NUM>) includes:
a movable member (<NUM>) that is rotatable about the rotation axis (A1) along with the second case (<NUM>) with respect to the first case (<NUM>), the movable member (<NUM>) being movable in an axial direction (D1) defined along the rotation axis (A1) with respect to the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>);
a movement conversion portion (<NUM>) configured to convert the relative rotation of the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>) into a movement of the movable member (<NUM>) in the axial direction (D1) with respect to the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>);
and a stopper (<NUM>) provided on at least one of the first case (<NUM>) and the second case (<NUM>),
the stopper (<NUM>) being contactable with the movable member (<NUM>), wherein the movement conversion portion (<NUM>) is rotatable about the rotation axis (A1) along with the first case (<NUM>) with respect to the second case (<NUM>) and the movable member (<NUM>),
characterized in that the movement conversion portion (<NUM>) is provided radially outwardly of the movable member (<NUM>).