Rotating device

Abstract

In the rotating device, a housing is formed with a protruding portion (36j) for positioning a circuit board (27) in a direction perpendicular to a Z direction, a first wall portion (36p), and a second wall portion (36r). The protrusions (36j) are disposed on the X2 direction side with respect to the stator (16). The first wall portion (36p) and the second wall portion (36r) are formed in a flat plate shape with the Y direction as the thickness direction, are arranged in a state of being spaced apart in the Y direction, and are arranged on the Y1 direction side of the stator (16). A second circuit board part (27c) of a circuit board (27), which is partially disposed on the X2 direction side of the stator (16), is provided with a notch or a hole that engages with the protruding part (36j). A first circuit board portion (27b) of a circuit board (27) disposed on the Y1 direction side of the stator (16) is disposed between the first wall portion (36p) and the second wall portion (36r).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotating device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a reduction mechanism for rotating the blades of small rockets, etc., was known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The reduction mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes: a motor having a motor shaft with external threads formed on its surface; a nut member having internal threads that engage with the external threads of the motor shaft; an output shaft to which the blades are connected; and an arm connecting the nut member and the output shaft. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor shaft. In the reduction mechanism described in Patent Document 1, when the motor shaft rotates and the nut member moves along the axial direction of the motor shaft, the arm rotates about the output shaft. Furthermore, when the arm rotates, the output shaft also rotates. [Existing Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-280965 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have developed a rotating device for rotating a predetermined object. The rotating device under development includes a motor with a lead screw, a slider engaged with the lead screw and linearly movable along the lead screw axis when the lead screw rotates, a connecting rod member rotatably connected at one end to the slider, an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member and engaged with the object to be rotated, and a housing for housing the motor, etc. The axis of the output shaft is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the lead screw.

[0005] In the rotating device currently under development, the motor includes a stator mounted on the axis of the lead screw, and a flat circuit board for controlling the motor's drive. The inventors of this application have decided to configure the circuit board in the rotating device under development such that the thickness direction of the circuit board is parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have decided to employ a circuit board in the rotating device currently under development, wherein a portion of the circuit board is located outside the stator along the axial direction of the lead screw, and another portion is located on one side of the stator in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction of the output shaft and the axial direction of the lead screw.

[0006] Furthermore, the inventors of this application decided to use a housing in the developed rotating device to position the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft (i.e., perpendicular to the thickness direction of the circuit board). Therefore, in the rotating device under development, it is necessary to utilize a housing to properly position the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft. Additionally, the rotating device currently under development requires miniaturization of the axial rotation mechanism of the lead screw.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a rotating device comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider engaging with the lead screw; a connecting rod member rotatably connected at one end to the slider; an output shaft formed or fixed at the other end of the connecting rod member; and a housing for housing the motor, wherein the circuit board of the motor is formed in the shape of a flat plate, a portion of which is disposed on the outside of the motor stator along the axial direction of the lead screw, and another portion is disposed on one side of the stator in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft and the axial direction of the lead screw, and its thickness direction is parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft. The housing can be used to properly position the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft, but its size can be reduced in the axial direction of the lead screw.

[0008] To solve the above problems, a rotating device according to one aspect of the present invention is used to rotate a predetermined rotating object, comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw, and the slider moving linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a connecting rod member having one end rotatably connected to the slider; an output shaft formed on or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member and engaging with the rotating object; and a housing, the housing at least housing the motor, wherein the axial direction of the lead screw is defined as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as a third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a fourth direction side, the other side of the first direction opposite to the fourth direction side is defined as a fifth direction side, one side of the third direction side is defined as a sixth direction side, the other side of the third direction opposite to the sixth direction side is defined as a seventh direction side, the axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction, and one end of the connecting rod member is rotatable with the second direction as the axial direction. The output shaft is positioned relative to the slider rotation on the sixth direction side. The motor includes a stator disposed on the fourth direction side of the lead screw and a flat circuit board for controlling the drive of the motor. The thickness direction of the circuit board is parallel to the second direction. The circuit board includes: a first circuit board portion disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator; and a second circuit board portion connected to the first circuit board portion, with a portion of the second circuit board portion disposed on the sixth or seventh direction side of the stator. A protrusion, a first wall portion, and a second wall portion are formed on the housing for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The protrusion is formed as a protrusion that stands upright along the second direction and is disposed on the sixth or seventh direction side of the stator. The first and second wall portions are flat plates with the first direction as the thickness direction and are arranged at intervals in the first direction and disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator. The second circuit board portion has a notch or hole for engaging with the protrusion. The first circuit board portion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0009] In this type of rotating device, the housing has a protrusion, a first wall, and a second wall for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. Furthermore, in this configuration, the protrusion is disposed on the sixth or seventh direction side of the stator, and the first and second walls are formed as flat plates with the first direction as their thickness direction, and are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and are disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator. Additionally, in this configuration, a notch or hole is formed on a portion of the second circuit board portion disposed on the sixth or seventh direction side of the stator to engage with the protrusion, and the first circuit board portion disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator is positioned between the first and second walls.

[0010] Therefore, in this method, by utilizing the protrusions, the first wall portion, and the second wall portion formed on the housing, the circuit board can be appropriately positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft). Furthermore, in this method, since the first circuit board portion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, even if the first circuit board portion does not have a notch or hole like the second circuit board portion, the circuit board can still be appropriately positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second direction.

[0011] Furthermore, in this method, since it is not necessary to form a notch or hole on the first circuit board portion, the strength of the first circuit board portion can be ensured and damage to the first circuit board portion can be prevented even if the width of the first circuit board portion in the first direction is narrowed. That is, in this method, the width of the first circuit board portion disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator in the first direction (i.e., the axial width of the lead screw) can be narrowed. Therefore, in this method, even if the circuit board can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft using the housing, the axial dimension of the rotating device in the lead screw can be reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, in this configuration, since the portion of the second circuit board that connects to the first circuit board is positioned on the sixth or seventh direction side of the stator, the width of the second circuit board in the first direction can be relatively wide. Therefore, even if a notch or hole is formed in the second circuit board, its strength can be ensured. Thus, in this configuration, notches or holes and protrusions can be used as a structure for positioning the circuit board in the portion of the second circuit board, resulting in a relatively simple structure for positioning the circuit board in the portion of the second circuit board.

[0013] As described above, one aspect of the present invention is a rotating device comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider engaging with the lead screw; a connecting rod member rotatably connected at one end to the slider; an output shaft formed or fixed at the other end of the connecting rod member; and a housing for housing the motor, wherein the circuit board of the motor is formed in the shape of a flat plate, a portion of which is disposed on the outside of the motor stator along the axial direction of the lead screw, and another portion is disposed on one side of the stator along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft and the axial direction of the lead screw, and its thickness direction is parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft. Even if the circuit board can be appropriately positioned in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft by the housing, the rotating device can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the lead screw. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rotating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is installed Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle's air vent portion of the rotating device shown. Figure 3 It is assembled Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the vehicle's dashboard showing the air vents. Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 2 The diagram shows the internal structure of the air outlet. Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the rotating device after the second housing has been removed. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The top view of the rotating device after the second housing has been removed. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of section E in the middle. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the end of the rotating device on the fourth direction side. Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The first housing shown is a perspective view. Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The second shell shown is a perspective view. (Symbol Explanation) 2. Rotating device 4. Air outlet 5 and 6 winglets (rotating objects) 10. Rotating shaft (locking part) 13 motors 14b Lead screw 16 stators 18 sliders 19. Linkage Member 20 Output shaft 21. Shell 27 (27A, 27B) circuit boards 27b First Circuit Board Section 27c Second Circuit Board Section 27d notch 28 FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) 28d hole 29 Connectors 29b Insertion port 36 First shell 36j protrusion 36k protrusion (second protrusion) 36p Wall section (first wall section) 36r wall section (second wall section) 36s Limitation Surface (First Limitation Surface) 36x connector opening 37 Second shell 37j cylinder section 37s Limitation Surface (Second Limitation Surface) X Third Direction X1 The other side of the third direction, the seventh direction side X2, one side of the third direction, the side of the sixth direction. The axial direction of the Y-lead screw, the first direction. Y1 One side of the first direction, the fourth direction side Y2, the other side of the first direction, the fifth direction side Z Second Direction Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (Schematic diagram of the rotating device) Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rotating device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is installed Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle air vent 4 of the rotating device 2 shown. Figure 3 It is assembled Figure 2 The diagram shows the dashboard 7 of the vehicle with the air vent 4 shown. Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air outlet 4 shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 1The perspective view of the rotating device 2 shown shows the second housing 37 being removed.

[0017] The rotating device 2 in this embodiment is a device for rotating a predetermined rotating object. In this embodiment, the rotating object is a vane 5 or 6 used to adjust the air direction, installed in the vehicle's air outlet 4 (see...). Figure 4 ).like Figure 3 As shown, the air vent 4 is assembled on the dashboard 7 of a car, forming the air vent of the vehicle air conditioner. The frame 8 of the air vent 4 houses a plurality of vertically arranged vanes 5 and a plurality of horizontally arranged vanes 6.

[0018] Covers 9 covering vanes 5 and 6 are mounted to the frame 8. The cover 9 of the air vent 4, assembled within the dashboard 7, faces the interior of the vehicle. Vane 5 is capable of rotating along its horizontal axis. Vane 6 is capable of rotating along its vertical axis. Figure 2 As shown, two rotating devices 2 are mounted on the air outlet 4. Specifically, the two rotating devices 2 are fixed to the frame 8. One of the rotating devices 2 rotates multiple vanes 5. The other rotating device 2 rotates multiple vanes 6.

[0019] The rotating device 2 in this embodiment is relatively thin. For example, the thickness of the rotating device 2 is about 10 mm. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, by installing the rotating device 2 along the side of the frame 8, so that the normal direction of the side of the frame 8 is aligned with the thickness direction of the rotating device 2, the amount of the rotating device 2 protruding from the frame 8 can be reduced. The rotating shaft 10 connected to the winglets 5 and 6 (see reference) Figure 1 It is connected to the rotating device 2. When the rotating shaft 10 rotates, the blades 5 and 6 also rotate.

[0020] The rotating device 2 includes a motor 13 as a drive source. The motor 13 is a stepper motor. The motor 13 includes a rotor 15 with a rotating shaft 14 and a drive magnet, and a stator 16 with drive coils disposed on the outer periphery of the drive magnet. The output-side portion of the rotating shaft 14 protrudes further outward than the stator 16. The portion of the rotating shaft 14 protruding from the stator 16 serves as a lead screw 14b, and the lead screw 14b has a feed thread formed on its outer peripheral surface. That is, the motor 13 is equipped with a lead screw 14b. The rotation center of the lead screw 14b coincides with the rotation center of the rotor 15.

[0021] The rotating device 2 also includes a slider 18, which has a threaded portion formed thereon to engage with the lead screw 14b. When the lead screw 14b rotates, the slider 18 moves linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw 14b. The rotating device 2 also includes: a connecting rod member 19, one end of which is rotatably connected to the slider 18; an output shaft 20, which is formed or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member 19 and engages with the rotating shaft 10; and a housing 21, which at least houses the motor 13. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10 is the engaging portion that engages with the output shaft 20.

[0022] In the following explanation, Figure 1 The Y direction in the equation, that is, the axial direction of the lead screw 14b (i.e., the axial direction of the rotor 15), is called the "left-right direction". Figure 1 The Z-direction, which is perpendicular to the left-right direction, is called the "up-down direction". Figure 1 In equations like these, the X-direction, perpendicular to both the left-right and up-down directions, is called the "front-back direction." Additionally, [the text abruptly ends here, likely due to an incomplete sentence or missing information]. Figure 1 In equations, the side in the X2 direction (i.e., the side in the front-to-back direction) is called the "back" side, and its opposite side is... Figure 1 The X1 direction side in the equation is called the "front" side. Figure 1 In equations, the Y1 direction side (i.e., the side in the left-right direction) is called the "right" side, and its opposite side is... Figure 1 The Y2 direction side in the equation is called the "left" side. Figure 1 In equations, the Z1 direction side (i.e., the side in the vertical direction) is called the "up" side, and its opposite side is... Figure 1 The Z2 direction side in the equation is called the "lower" side.

[0023] In this embodiment, the left-right direction (Y direction) is the first direction, i.e., the axial direction of the lead screw 14b. The up-down direction (Z direction) is the second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the lead screw 14b, and the front-back direction (X direction) is the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. Furthermore, the right side (Y1 direction side) is the fourth direction side, which is one side of the first direction; the left side (Y2 direction side) is the fifth direction side, which is the opposite side of the fourth direction side; the rear side (X2 direction side) is the sixth direction side, which is one side of the third direction; and the front side (X1 direction side) is the seventh direction side, which is the opposite side of the sixth direction side. The rotating device 2 is formed in a flat shape, with a thinner thickness in the up-down direction. The axial direction of the output shaft 20 is parallel to the up-down direction. The output shaft 20 is located on the rear side of the lead screw 14b and the slider 18.

[0024] (Motor configuration) Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The top view of the rotating device 2 after the second housing 37 has been removed. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of section E in the middle.

[0025] As described above, the motor 13 is equipped with a lead screw 14b. The lead screw 14b protrudes to the left from the stator 16. That is, the stator 16 is located on the right side of the lead screw 14b. When viewed from the left and right, the stator 16 has a circular shape. A trapezoidal thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw 14b. The right end of the lead screw 14b is located on the right side of the output shaft 20. The left end of the lead screw 14b is located on the left side of the output shaft 20. Alternatively, a square thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw 14b.

[0026] In addition to the rotor 15 and stator 16, the motor 13 includes a metal motor frame 24 fixed to the stator 16, a bearing 25 supporting the left end of the rotating shaft 14 (i.e., the output end of the lead screw 14b), a bearing supporting the right end of the rotating shaft 14, and a leaf spring 26 that applies force to the left side of the rotating shaft 14. The motor 13 also includes a flat circuit board 27 for controlling the drive of the motor 13, a flexible printed circuit board 28 (hereinafter referred to as "FPC28") electrically connecting the stator 16 and the circuit board 27, and a connector 29 mounted on the circuit board 27. Furthermore, the motor 13 includes a guide shaft 30 for guiding the slider 18 in the left-right direction.

[0027] The motor frame 24 is formed by bending a metal plate of a predetermined shape into a predetermined shape. The motor frame 24 includes a flat stator fixing portion 24b fixed to the stator 16, a flat screw holding portion 24c rotatably holding the front end (left end) of the lead screw 14b, and a flat connecting portion 24d connecting the stator fixing portion 24b and the screw holding portion 24c. The connecting portion 24d is formed as a flat plate extending vertically in the thickness direction. The connecting portion 24d is also formed as a long rectangular flat plate that is elongated horizontally.

[0028] The stator fixing part 24b rises upward from the right end of the connecting part 24d. The screw holding part 24c rises upward from the left end of the connecting part 24d. The stator fixing part 24b and the screw holding part 24c are formed as flat plates with the thickness direction in the left-right direction. The lower end of the stator 16 is positioned lower than the lower surface of the connecting part 24d. The screw holding part 24c holds the bearing 25. That is, the screw holding part 24c holds the left end of the lead screw 14b so that it can rotate via the bearing 25. The left end face of the stator 16 is fixed to the stator fixing part 24b. A through hole is formed in the stator fixing part 24b, and a part of the rotating shaft 14 is disposed in the through hole.

[0029] The motor frame 24 is housed within the housing 21. As described below, the housing 21 is composed of a first housing 36 and a second housing 37, which are divided vertically. The motor frame 24 is fixed to the housing 21 by being clamped between the first housing 36 and the second housing 37. That is, the motor 13 is fixed to the housing 21 by being clamped between the first housing 36 and the second housing 37.

[0030] The guide shaft 30 is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape, extending axially in the left-right direction. The guide shaft 30 is disposed on the front side of the guide screw 14b. The right end of the guide shaft 30 is held by the stator fixing part 24b. The left end of the guide shaft 30 is held by the screw holding part 24c.

[0031] Circuit board 27 is a rigid plate, such as a glass epoxy board. Circuit board 27 is formed as a flat plate extending vertically in the thickness direction. That is, the thickness direction of circuit board 27 is parallel to the vertical direction. Circuit board 27 is housed within housing 21. Circuit board 27 is fixed to housing 21 by being sandwiched between the first housing 36 and the second housing 37, described later. The motor 13 of this embodiment includes a relatively small circuit board 27 (see...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) or a relatively large circuit board 27 (see Figure 7 In the following description, when distinguishing between two different sizes of circuit boards 27, the relatively smaller circuit board 27 will be referred to as "circuit board 27A" and the relatively larger circuit board 27 will be referred to as "circuit board 27B".

[0032] The circuit board 27 includes: a first circuit board portion 27b disposed on the right side of the stator 16; and a second circuit board portion 27c connected to the first circuit board portion 27b, a portion of which is disposed on the rear side of the stator 16. In this embodiment, the circuit board 27 is composed of the first circuit board portion 27b and the second circuit board portion 27c. The first circuit board portion 27b of circuit board 27A and the first circuit board portion 27b of circuit board 27B are formed with the same shape. On the other hand, the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27B is larger than the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27A.

[0033] The first circuit board portion 27b is formed as a rectangular flat plate with its long side extending from front to back. The front end of the first circuit board portion 27b is positioned forward of the front end of the stator 16. The rear end of the first circuit board portion 27b is positioned forward of the rear end of the stator 16. The first circuit board portion 27b is narrow in the left-right direction. For example, the width of the first circuit board portion 27b in the left-right direction is approximately 5 mm.

[0034] The second circuit board portion 27c is formed as a rectangular flat plate with its long side in the left-right direction. The second circuit board portion 27c is connected to the rear end of the first circuit board portion 27b. The right end face of the first circuit board portion 27b and the right end face of the second circuit board portion 27c are disposed on the same plane. The width of the second circuit board portion 27c in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the first circuit board portion 27b in the left-right direction. The left side portion of the second circuit board portion 27c is disposed on the rear side of the stator 16.

[0035] The lateral width of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27B is greater than that of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27A. The longitudinal width of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27B is greater than that of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27A. The left end of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27B is positioned slightly to the left of the left end of stator 16. A relatively large electronic component 31, such as a driver IC (integrated circuit), is mounted on the upper surface of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27B (see...). Figure 7 On the other hand, relatively large electronic components 31 are not mounted on the upper surface of the second circuit board portion 27c of circuit board 27A.

[0036] A notch 27d is formed on the second circuit board portion 27c, cutting out from the right end face of the second circuit board portion 27c toward the left. The notch 27d extends through the second circuit board portion 27c in the vertical direction. The notch 27d is formed at the right front end of the second circuit board portion 27c. When viewed from the vertical direction, the notch 27d is U-shaped with the right end open. The protrusion 36j formed on the housing 21 (described later) engages with the notch 27d. On the other hand, the first circuit board portion 27b does not have a notch such as the notch 27d. In addition, a notch 27e is formed at the left rear corner of the second circuit board portion 27c of the circuit board 27B, and the notch 27e is cut forward and to the right (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0037] The FPC28 includes: a first substrate portion 28b, which is fixed to a terminal pin 32 protruding rearward from the stator 16 by soldering; and a second substrate portion 28c, which is fixed to a second circuit board portion 27c by soldering. That is, the FPC28 is connected to the second circuit board portion 27c. In this embodiment, the FPC28 is composed of the first substrate portion 28b and the second substrate portion 28c. The first substrate portion 28b is formed into a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction in the thickness direction, and the second substrate portion 28c is formed into a rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction in the thickness direction.

[0038] A thin, plate-shaped reinforcing plate 33 is fixed to the first substrate portion 28b. The left end of the first substrate portion 28b is held by the rear end of the stator fixing portion 24b. The second substrate portion 28c is connected to the right end of the first substrate portion 28b. The lower surface of the second substrate portion 28c contacts the upper surface of the second circuit substrate portion 27c. A hole 28d is formed at the right end of the second substrate portion 28c. The hole 28d is a circular hole that penetrates the second substrate portion 28c in the vertical direction. The protrusion 36j (described later) formed in the housing 21 engages with the hole 28d.

[0039] Connector 29 is mounted on the first circuit board portion 27b. Specifically, connector 29 is mounted on the upper surface of the first circuit board portion 27b. Connector 29 is housed within housing 21. The insertion port 29b of connector 29 faces to the right. The counterpart connector 34 is inserted into connector 29 from the right side. A wire (not shown) is attached to counterpart connector 34. The wire is pulled out from counterpart connector 34 to the right.

[0040] (Shell structure) Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the right end of the rotating device 2 shown. Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first housing 36 shown. Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second housing 37 shown. Figure 8 It shows from Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the rotating device 2 as observed in the FF direction.

[0041] The housing 21 is formed into a flat shape with a relatively thin vertical dimension. The housing 21 is made of resin. In addition to housing the motor 13, the housing 21 also houses the slider 18 and the connecting rod member 19. The housing 21 has: a housing section 21b that houses the motor 13, slider 18, connecting rod member 19, etc.; and three fixing sections 21c that are fixed to the frame 8 of the air outlet section 4 (see reference). Figure 1 The housing 21 in this embodiment is composed of a storage part 21b and three fixed parts 21c.

[0042] The storage section 21b is hollow. It comprises a first storage section 21d for housing the lead screw 14b and slider 18, a second storage section 21e for housing the stator 16 and circuit board 27, and a third storage section 21f for housing the connecting rod member 19. The third storage section 21f is located behind the first storage section 21d. The second storage section 21e is located to the right of the first storage section 21d and the third storage section 21f.

[0043] The first storage section 21d, when viewed from above, is a long, narrow rectangle extending horizontally along its long side. The second storage section 21e, when viewed from above, is also rectangular, with its long side extending horizontally along its front-to-back direction. The third storage section 21f, when viewed from above, is an isosceles trapezoid whose width gradually narrows towards the rear in the horizontal direction. The fixing section 21c is located in front of the first storage section 21d and on both sides of the third storage section 21f in the horizontal direction. The fixing section 21c is formed as a flat plate extending vertically along its thickness direction.

[0044] The housing 21 holds the output shaft 20 in a rotatable position. Specifically, the housing 21 holds the output shaft 20 in a rotatable position near the rear end of the third receiving portion 21f. The housing 21 includes a first housing 36 and a second housing 37, which are divided vertically. In this embodiment, the housing 21 is composed of the first housing 36 and the second housing 37. The first housing 36 forms the lower half of the housing 21 and has an upper opening. The second housing 37 forms the upper half of the housing 21 and has a lower opening. The first housing 36 and the second housing 37 are fixed to each other by a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0045] The first housing 36 has: a flat lower surface portion 36b constituting the lower surface of the storage portion 21b; and a side portion 36c constituting the lower side portion of the side of the storage portion 21b. The lower surface portion 36b is formed as a flat plate with the thickness direction in the vertical direction. The side portion 36c includes a right side portion 36d constituting the right side surface of the first housing 36. The right side portion 36d is formed as a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction in the thickness direction. The right side portion 36d constitutes the lower side portion of the right side surface of the second storage portion 21e.

[0046] A retaining hole 36e for holding the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the lower surface portion 36b. A protruding rib 36f is formed on the upper surface of the lower surface portion 36b, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 housed in the housing 21 from below. A placement recess 36g is formed at the front end of the lower surface portion 36b, and the connecting portion 24d of the motor frame 24 is disposed in the placement recess 36g. The lower surface of the connecting portion 24d contacts the bottom surface of the placement recess 36g. An opening 36h is formed at the right front end of the lower surface portion 36b, and the lower end of the stator 16 is disposed in the opening 36h.

[0047] The first housing 36 has protrusions (boobs) 36j and 36k and a wall portion 36p for positioning the circuit board 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the front portion of the right side face 36d serves as the wall portion 36r for positioning the circuit board 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the housing 21 has protrusions 36j and 36k and wall portions 36p and 36r. In this embodiment, the protrusion 36k is the second protrusion. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wall portion 36p is the first wall portion, and the wall portion 36r is the second wall portion.

[0048] As described above, the right side portion 36d is formed as a flat plate extending in the left-right direction in its thickness direction, and the wall portion 36r is also formed as a flat plate extending in the left-right direction in its thickness direction. Wall portion 36p is formed on the right side of the opening 36h. Wall portion 36p is formed as a flat plate extending in the left-right direction in its thickness direction. Walls 36p and 36r rise upwards from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 36b. Wall portions 36p and 36r are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction and are opposite to each other in the left-right direction. Wall portion 36r is located on the right side of wall portion 36p. Wall portion 36p is formed on the right side of the opening 36h where the lower end of the stator 16 is located, and wall portions 36p and 36r are located on the right side of the stator 16.

[0049] Protrusions 36j and 36k rise upwards from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 36b. That is, protrusions 36j and 36k rise vertically. Protrusions 36j and 36k are cylindrical. Protrusions 36j and 36k are located on the rear side of wall portions 36p and 36r. Additionally, protrusions 36j and 36k are located on the rear side of the stator 16. Protrusions 36j and 36k are located inside the second storage portion 21e. Protrusion 36j is located at the right end of the second storage portion 21e. Protrusion 36j is located at the middle position in the front-rear direction of the second storage portion 21e. When viewed from the front-rear direction, protrusion 36j is located between wall portions 36p and 36r. Protrusion 36k is located at the left rear end of the second storage portion 21e.

[0050] As described above, the circuit board 27 is fixed to the housing 21 by being sandwiched between the first housing 36 and the second housing 37. The first housing 36 has a limiting surface 36s, which is a first limiting surface that contacts the circuit board 27 to limit its downward movement. The limiting surface 36s is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The limiting surface 36s abuts against the lower surface of the circuit board 27. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the protrusion 36t that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 36b becomes the limiting surface 36s. The protrusion 36t is composed of a first protrusion 36u formed in the shape of a square ring and disposed inside the second receiving portion 21e, a straight second protrusion 36v extending forward from the right front end of the first protrusion 36u, and a third protrusion 36w extending to the left from the middle position in the front-rear direction of the second protrusion 36v.

[0051] Protrusions 36j and 36k are located at the right front corner and left rear corner of the first protrusion 36u, which is formed in the shape of a square ring. A second protrusion 36v is located between wall portions 36p and 36r in the left-right direction. The second protrusion 36v extends to the front end of the second receiving portion 21e. The left end of the third protrusion 36w is connected to the rear end of the wall portion 36p.

[0052] The first circuit board portion 27b of the circuit board 27 housed in the second housing portion 21e is disposed between the wall portion 36p and the wall portion 36r. The protrusion 36j engages with the recess 27d of the second circuit board portion 27c of the circuit board 27 housed in the second housing portion 21e. That is, the protrusion 36j engages with the recess 27d formed at the right front end of the second circuit board portion 27c, and the protrusion 36j engages with the right front end of the second circuit board portion 27c. Furthermore, the protrusion 36j engages with the hole 28d formed in the second substrate portion 28c of the FPC 28.

[0053] When the circuit board 27 is the circuit board 27B, the protrusion 36k is disposed in the recess 27e formed in the left rear end portion of the second circuit board portion 27c (see reference). Figure 7 That is, the protrusion 36k engages with the left rear end of the second circuit board portion 27c of the circuit board 27B. On the other hand, when the circuit board 27 is the circuit board 27A, the protrusion 36k does not engage with the second circuit board portion 27c (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0054] As described above, the insertion port 29b of the connector 29 mounted on the first circuit board portion 27b faces to the right. The wall portion 36r has a connector opening 36x for exposing the insertion port 29b to the outside of the housing 21. The connector opening 36x is cut downward from the upper end of the wall portion 36r. The connector opening 36x extends through the wall portion 36r in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left-right direction, the outer shape of the connector 29 is larger than the outer shape of the connector opening 36x.

[0055] The second housing 37 has: a flat upper surface portion 37b constituting the upper surface of the storage portion 21b; and a side portion 37c constituting the upper side portion of the side of the storage portion 21b. The upper surface portion 37b is formed as a flat plate extending vertically in the thickness direction. A retaining hole 37e for retaining the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the upper surface portion 37b. A protruding rib 37f is formed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 37b, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 housed in the housing 21 from above. An opening 37h is formed at the right front end of the upper surface portion 37b, in which the upper end of the stator 16 and the upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b are disposed.

[0056] The second housing 37 comprises: a cylindrical portion 37j having a protrusion 36j on its inner circumferential side; and a cylindrical portion 37k having a protrusion 36k on its inner circumferential side. The cylindrical portions 37j and 37k are formed into cylindrical shapes protruding downwards from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 37b. The cylindrical portions 37j and 37k are formed into the same shape. The protrusion 36j is embedded within the cylindrical portion 37j. The protrusion 36k is embedded within the cylindrical portion 37k.

[0057] Additionally, the second housing 37 has a limiting surface 37s, which serves as a second limiting surface to restrict the upward movement of the circuit board 27. The limiting surface 37s is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the limiting surface 37s is formed by a protrusion 37t (see reference) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 37b and is located in front of the connector 29. Figure 10 The lower surface of the cylindrical portion 37j and the end faces of the cylindrical portions 37j and 37k (specifically, the lower end faces of the cylindrical portions 37j and 37k) are formed. That is, the end face of the cylindrical portion 37j constitutes part of the limiting surface 37s. In addition, the end face of the cylindrical portion 37k also constitutes part of the limiting surface 37s. The limiting surface 37s is disposed on the upper side of the circuit board 27.

[0058] The lower surface of the protrusion 37t contacts the upper surface of the first circuit board portion 27b, restricting the upward movement of the first circuit board portion 27b. The end face of the cylindrical portion 37j contacts the upper surface of the second substrate portion 28c, which overlaps with the second circuit board portion 27c from above, restricting the upward movement of the second circuit board portion 27c and the second substrate portion 28c. In other words, the end face of the cylindrical portion 37j restricts the upward movement of the FPC 28. Furthermore, when the circuit board 27 is a circuit board 27B, the end face of the cylindrical portion 37k contacts the upper surface of the second circuit board portion 27c, restricting the upward movement of the second circuit board portion 27c.

[0059] The second housing 37 has an anti-detachment portion 37p to prevent the opposite connector 34 inserted into the connector 29 from falling off. The anti-detachment portion 37p is a flat, elastic sheet extending to the right. A contact portion is formed at the right end (front end) of the anti-detachment portion 37p, which contacts the opposite connector 34 from the right. That is, the anti-detachment portion 37p is formed in a hook shape. As described above, the first housing 36 and the second housing 37 are fixed to each other by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The second housing 37 has a plurality of elastically deformable engaging tabs 37r, which engage with the first housing 36 by a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0060] (Structure of slider, output shaft, and connecting rod components) The slider 18 is positioned in the left-right direction between the stator fixing part 24b and the screw holding part 24c of the motor frame 24, and is located above the connecting part 24d. The slider 18 consists of a slider body part 18c that engages with the guide screw 14b and the guide shaft 30, and a connecting part 18d that connects to one end of the connecting rod member 19. The connecting part 18d is located on the rear side of the slider body part 18c. The connecting part 18d includes a fixed shaft part 18r, which serves as the rotation center of the connecting rod member 19 relative to the slider 18. The axial direction of the fixed shaft part 18r is aligned with the vertical direction. That is, one end of the connecting rod member 19 can rotate relative to the slider 18 with the vertical direction as its rotation axis.

[0061] An output shaft 20 is formed at the other end of the connecting rod member 19. The output shaft 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape along the vertical direction. The lower end of the output shaft 20 is inserted into the retaining hole 36e of the lower surface portion 36b. The upper end of the output shaft 20 is inserted into the retaining hole 37e of the upper surface portion 37b. The inner circumferential surface of the output shaft 20 forms a cross-shaped engaging hole 20b for engaging with the rotating shaft 10.

[0062] The connecting rod member 19 is formed into an elliptical block shape when viewed from above. The length of the connecting rod member 19 is relatively short. Furthermore, the connecting rod member 19 is formed into a flat shape with a thinner vertical thickness. The connecting rod member 19 includes a first connecting rod member 40 on which the output shaft 20 is formed, and a second connecting rod member 41 rotatably connected to the slider 18. In this embodiment, the connecting rod member 19 is composed of the first connecting rod member 40 and the second connecting rod member 41.

[0063] The second link member 41 is held movable by the first link member 40. If the connection between the second link member 41 and the slider 18 is defined as the slider connection 42, the imaginary straight line VL connecting the center of the output shaft 20 and the center of the slider connection 42 when viewed from the top and bottom (refer to...) Figure 6If the direction of the first link member 40 is defined as the length direction of the link member 19, then the second link member 41 can move linearly relative to the first link member 40 along the length direction of the link member 19.

[0064] In the rotating device 2, when the drive motor 13 rotates the lead screw 14b, the slider 18 moves left and right along the lead screw 14b and the guide shaft 30. As the slider 18 moves left and right, the connecting rod member 19 rotates about the output shaft 20. When the connecting rod member 19 rotates, the second connecting rod member 41 moves relative to the first connecting rod member 40 along the length of the connecting rod member 19, thereby extending and retracting the connecting rod member 19. Furthermore, when the connecting rod member 19 rotates, the output shaft 20 also rotates. When the output shaft 20 rotates, the rotating shaft 10 rotates. The output shaft 20 rotates a maximum of 90°, for example.

[0065] (The main effects of this embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, the housing 21 has a protrusion 36j and wall portions 36p and 36r for positioning the circuit board 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 36j is located on the rear side of the stator 16, and the wall portions 36p and 36r, which are flat plates with their thickness in the left-right direction, are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction and are located on the right side of the stator 16. Additionally, in this embodiment, a notch 27d for engaging with the protrusion 36j is formed in the second circuit board portion 27c, and the first circuit board portion 27b is disposed between the wall portions 36p and 36r. Therefore, in this embodiment, the circuit board 27 can be appropriately positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction using the protrusion 36j and the walls 36p and 36r.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first circuit board portion 27b is disposed between the wall portion 36p and the wall portion 36r, even if a notch such as a notch 27d is not formed in the first circuit board portion 27b, the circuit board 27 can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Additionally, in this embodiment, since no notch is formed in the first circuit board portion 27b, even if the left and right width of the first circuit board portion 27b is narrowed, the strength of the first circuit board portion 27b can be ensured, and damage to the first circuit board portion 27b can be prevented. That is, in this embodiment, the left and right width of the first circuit board portion 27b disposed on the right side of the stator 16 can be narrowed. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the circuit board 27 can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction using the housing 21, the size of the rotating device 2 in the left and right direction can be reduced.

[0067] In this embodiment, a portion of the second circuit board portion 27c is located behind the stator 16, and the left-right width of the second circuit board portion 27c is wider than the left-right width of the first circuit board portion 27b. Therefore, even if a notch 27d is formed on the second circuit board portion 27c, the strength of the second circuit board portion 27c can be ensured. Thus, in this embodiment, the notch 27d and the protrusion 36j can be used as a structure for positioning the circuit board 27 within the portion of the second circuit board portion 27c, resulting in a relatively simple structure for positioning the circuit board 27 within the portion of the second circuit board portion 27c.

[0068] In this embodiment, a portion of the second circuit board portion 27c is disposed on the rear side of the stator 16, that is, on the side of the stator 16 where the output shaft 20 is disposed, and the protrusion 36j is disposed on the rear side of the stator 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, a portion of the second circuit board portion 27c is disposed on the front side, which, compared to the case where the protrusion 36j is disposed on the front side of the stator 16, allows for a reduction in the longitudinal dimension of the rotating device 2.

[0069] In this embodiment, the insertion port 29b of the connector 29 mounted on the first circuit board portion 27b faces to the right. In this embodiment, when viewed from the left and right direction, the outer shape of the connector 29 is larger than the outer shape of the connector opening 36x formed on the wall portion 36r provided on the right side of the connector 29. Therefore, in this embodiment, the force acting on the circuit board 27 when the opposite-side connector 34 is inserted into the connector 29 can be received by the wall portion 36p, and the force acting on the circuit board 27 when the opposite-side connector 34 is pulled out of the connector 29 can be received by the wall portion 36r. Therefore, in this embodiment, damage to the circuit board 27 caused by installing or removing the opposite-side connector 34 can be prevented, and the opposite-side connector 34 can be easily installed into or removed from the connector 29.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first housing 36 has a limiting surface 36s that contacts the circuit board 27 to restrict the circuit board 27 from moving downward. Additionally, in this embodiment, a cylindrical portion 37j is formed on the second housing 37, and a protrusion 36j is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical portion 37j. The end face of the cylindrical portion 37j constitutes a part of the limiting surface 37s that restricts the circuit board 27 from moving upward. Therefore, in this embodiment, by utilizing the cylindrical portion 37j formed in the second housing 37, it is possible to prevent the second housing 37 from shifting relative to the first housing 36 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and it is possible to position the circuit board 27 vertically.

[0071] In this embodiment, the FPC 28 has a hole 28d, and the protrusion 36j engages in the hole 28d. Therefore, in this embodiment, by using the protrusion 36j to position the circuit board 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the FPC 28 can be prevented from shifting in that direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end face of the cylindrical portion 37j restricts the upward movement of the FPC 28; therefore, the FPC 28 can be positioned vertically by using the cylindrical portion 37j to position the circuit board 27 in the vertical direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, a protrusion 36k is formed on the first housing 36. When the circuit board 27 is a circuit board 27B, the protrusion 36j engages with the right front end of the second circuit board portion 27c, and the protrusion 36k engages with the left rear end of the second circuit board portion 27c. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the second circuit board portion 27c has a large shape, the circuit board 27 can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0073] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the second circuit board portion 27c may have a hole instead of a notch 27d, and the protrusion 36j engages in the hole. In this case, the hole is a circular hole that extends through the second circuit board portion 27c in the vertical direction. In the above embodiments, the second substrate portion 28c may have a notch instead of a hole 28d, and the protrusion 36j engages in the notch. In this case, the notch is formed, for example, from the right end face of the second substrate portion 28c towards the left. In the above embodiments, the hole 28d or the notch may not be formed on the second substrate portion 28c.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the second housing 37 may have a first wall and a second wall for positioning the circuit board 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this case, the walls 36p and 36r are not formed on the first housing 36. In the above embodiment, as long as the circuit board 27B can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the protrusion 36k may not be formed on the first housing 36. In the above embodiment, the protrusion 36j may be provided on the left side of the wall 36p.

[0076] In the above embodiments, when viewed from the left-right direction, the shape of connector 29 can be equal to or smaller than the shape of connector opening 36x. In the above embodiments, the insertion port 29b of connector 29 can face the rear or front, or the top or bottom. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, motor 13 can replace connector 29 and have wires connected to circuit board 27. In this case, the wires are fixed to the right end of circuit board 27, for example, by soldering, and extend from housing 21 to the right.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the circuit board 27 can be directly soldered to the terminal pin 32. In this case, the FPC 28 is not required. Alternatively, in the above embodiments, one end of the first link member 40 and the other end of the second link member 41 can be rotatably connected relative to each other, wherein the other end of the first link member 40 forms an output shaft 20, and one end of the second link member 41 is rotatably connected to the slider 18. In the above embodiments, the link member 19 can be formed from a single component.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a portion of the second circuit board portion 27c may also be disposed on the front side of the stator 16. In this case, the protrusions 36j and 36k are disposed on the front side of the stator 16. In the above embodiment, only the end face of the cylindrical portion 37j may be used as the limiting surface 37s, or the end face of the cylindrical portion 37j may not be used as the limiting surface 37s. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the output shaft 20, which is separately formed from the first connecting rod member 40, may be fixed to the other end of the first connecting rod member 40.

[0079] In the above embodiments, a portion of the rotating shaft 14 serves as a lead screw 14b, but the lead screw 14b, which is separately formed from the rotating shaft 14, can also be fixed to the rotating shaft 14. In the above embodiments, the motor 13 can be a motor other than a stepper motor. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the rotating device 2 can also be used to rotate objects other than the blades 5 and 6 whose direction is adjusted.

[0080] (The composition of this technology) This technology can be configured as follows. (1) A rotating device for rotating a predetermined rotating object, comprising: A motor with a lead screw; A slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw, and moving linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; A connecting rod member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the slider; An output shaft, formed at or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member, and engaged with a locking portion of the rotating object; and A housing, which at least accommodates the motor. The axial direction of the lead screw is defined as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as the fourth direction side, the other side of the first direction opposite to the fourth direction side is defined as the fifth direction side, one side of the third direction is defined as the sixth direction side, and the other side of the third direction opposite to the sixth direction side is defined as the seventh direction side. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the connecting rod member can rotate relative to the slider with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is configured relative to the slider on the sixth direction side. The motor includes a stator disposed on the fourth direction side of the lead screw and a flat circuit board for controlling the drive of the motor. The thickness direction of the circuit board is parallel to the second direction. The circuit board includes: a first circuit board portion disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator; and a second circuit board portion connected to the first circuit board portion, with a portion of the second circuit board portion disposed on the sixth direction side or the seventh direction side of the stator. The housing has a protrusion, a first wall, and a second wall formed thereon for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The protrusion is formed as a protrusion that stands upright along the second direction, and is disposed on the sixth direction side or the seventh direction side of the stator. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are formed as flat plates with the first direction as the thickness direction, and are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and are disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator. The second circuit board portion has a notch or hole for engaging with the protrusion. The first circuit board portion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. (2) The rotating device according to (1), wherein, A portion of the second circuit board is disposed on the sixth direction side of the stator. The protrusion is disposed on the sixth direction side relative to the stator. (3) The rotating device according to (1) or (2), wherein, When viewed from the third direction, the protrusion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. (4) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein, The motor includes a connector mounted on the first circuit board and housed within the housing. The second wall portion is disposed on the fourth direction side relative to the first wall portion. The connector's insertion port faces the fourth direction side. A connector opening is formed in the second wall portion, the connector opening being used to expose the insertion port of the connector to the outside of the housing. When viewed from the first direction, the outer shape of the connector is larger than the outer shape of the connector opening. (5) A rotating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, The housing includes a first housing and a second housing divided along the second direction. The first housing has the protrusion and a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface contacting the circuit board to restrict the movement of the circuit board to one side in the second direction. The second housing has a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion having the protrusion on its inner circumferential side, and a second limiting surface forming a surface that restricts the movement of the circuit board to the other side in the second direction. The end face of the cylindrical portion forms at least a part of the second limiting surface. (6) The rotating device according to (5), wherein, The motor includes a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects the stator and the circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second circuit board section. The flexible printed circuit board has a notch or hole that engages with the protrusion. The end face of the cylindrical portion restricts the movement of the flexible printed circuit board to the other side in the second direction. (7) The rotating device according to (2), wherein, The housing has a second protrusion for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The protrusion engages with the end portion of the second circuit board portion on both the fourth and seventh directions. The second protrusion is formed as a protrusion that stands upright along the second direction and engages with the end of the second circuit board portion on the fifth direction side and the sixth direction side. (8) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein, The rotating object is a vane installed at the air vent of a vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

[0081] In this technology, preferably, a portion of the second circuit board is disposed on the sixth direction side of the stator, and the protrusion is also disposed on the sixth direction side of the stator. In this technology, the output shaft is disposed on the sixth direction side of the slider that engages with the lead screw, the output shaft is disposed on the sixth direction side of the stator, and the stator is disposed on the fourth direction side of the lead screw. Therefore, with this structure, a portion of the second circuit board is disposed on the seventh direction side of the stator, i.e., the side of the stator without the output shaft, which reduces the size of the rotating device in the third direction compared to the case where the protrusion is disposed on the seventh direction side of the stator.

[0082] In this technology, for example, when viewed from a third-party perspective, the protrusion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0083] In this technology, preferably, the motor includes a connector mounted on a first circuit board portion and housed within a housing, a second wall portion disposed on a fourth direction side of the first wall portion, the connector insertion port facing the fourth direction side, and a connector opening portion formed on the second wall portion for exposing the connector insertion port to the outside of the housing, wherein when viewed from a first direction, the outline of the connector is larger than the outline of the connector opening portion.

[0084] With this structure, the force acting on the circuit board when the counterpart connector is inserted into the connector can be received by the first wall, while the force acting on the circuit board when the counterpart connector is removed from the connector can be received by the second wall. Therefore, the counterpart connector can be easily installed onto and removed from the connector while preventing damage to the circuit board caused by installing and removing the counterpart connector.

[0085] In this technology, preferably, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing divided along a second direction. The first housing has a protrusion and a first limiting surface that contacts the circuit board and restricts movement of the circuit board to one side of the second direction. The second housing has a cylindrical portion with a protrusion disposed on its inner circumference and a second limiting surface that restricts movement of the circuit board to the other side of the second direction. The end face of the cylindrical portion constitutes at least a portion of the second limiting surface. With this configuration, the cylindrical portion formed in the second housing can prevent the second housing from shifting relative to the first housing in a direction perpendicular to the second direction (i.e., perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft), and the circuit board can be positioned in the second direction.

[0086] In this technology, preferably, the motor includes a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects the stator and the circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second circuit board portion. The flexible printed circuit board has a notch or hole formed on it that engages with the protrusion. The end face of the cylindrical portion restricts the movement of the flexible printed circuit board to the other side in the second direction.

[0087] With this structure, a notch or hole is formed on the flexible printed circuit board that engages with the protrusion, thereby preventing the flexible printed circuit board from shifting in the direction perpendicular to the second direction by positioning the circuit board in the direction perpendicular to the second direction using the protrusion. Furthermore, according to this structure, by using the end face of the cylindrical portion to restrict the movement of the flexible printed circuit board to the other side of the second direction, the flexible printed circuit board can be positioned in the second direction using the cylindrical portion used for positioning the circuit board in the second direction.

[0088] In this technology, preferably, a second protrusion is formed on the housing for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and the protrusion engages with the fourth and seventh direction ends of the second circuit board portion. The second protrusion is formed as an upright protrusion in the second direction and engages with the fifth and sixth direction ends of the second circuit board portion. With this structure, even if the external dimensions of the second circuit board portion are large, the circuit board can be properly positioned in a direction perpendicular to the second direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft).

[0089] In this technology, for example, the rotating object is a vane provided at the air vent of a vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

Claims

1. A rotating device for rotating a predetermined rotating object, characterized in that, include: A motor with a lead screw; A slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw, and moving linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; A connecting rod member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the slider; An output shaft, formed at or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member, and engaged with a locking portion of the rotating object; and A housing, which at least accommodates the motor. The axial direction of the lead screw is defined as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as the fourth direction side, the other side of the first direction opposite to the fourth direction side is defined as the fifth direction side, one side of the third direction is defined as the sixth direction side, and the other side of the third direction opposite to the sixth direction side is defined as the seventh direction side. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the connecting rod member can rotate relative to the slider with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is configured relative to the slider on the sixth direction side. The motor includes a stator disposed on the fourth direction side of the lead screw and a flat circuit board for controlling the drive of the motor. The thickness direction of the circuit board is parallel to the second direction. The circuit board includes: a first circuit board portion disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator; and a second circuit board portion connected to the first circuit board portion, with a portion of the second circuit board portion disposed on the sixth direction side or the seventh direction side of the stator. The housing has a protrusion, a first wall, and a second wall formed thereon for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The protrusion is formed as a protrusion that stands upright along the second direction, and is disposed on the sixth direction side or the seventh direction side of the stator. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are formed as flat plates with the first direction as the thickness direction, and are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and are disposed on the fourth direction side of the stator. The second circuit board portion has a notch or hole for engaging with the protrusion. The first circuit board portion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

2. The rotating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the second circuit board is disposed on the sixth direction side of the stator. The protrusion is disposed on the sixth direction side relative to the stator.

3. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the third direction, the protrusion is disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

4. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The motor includes a connector mounted on the first circuit board and housed within the housing. The second wall portion is disposed on the fourth direction side relative to the first wall portion. The connector's insertion port faces the fourth direction side. A connector opening is formed in the second wall portion, the connector opening being used to expose the insertion port of the connector to the outside of the housing. When viewed from the first direction, the outer shape of the connector is larger than the outer shape of the connector opening.

5. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a first housing and a second housing divided along the second direction. The first housing has the protrusion and a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface contacting the circuit board to restrict the movement of the circuit board to one side in the second direction. The second housing has a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion having the protrusion on its inner circumferential side, and a second limiting surface forming a surface that restricts the movement of the circuit board to the other side in the second direction. The end face of the cylindrical portion forms at least a part of the second limiting surface.

6. The rotating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motor includes a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects the stator and the circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board is connected to the second circuit board section. The flexible printed circuit board has a notch or hole that engages with the protrusion. The end face of the cylindrical portion restricts the movement of the flexible printed circuit board to the other side in the second direction.

7. The rotating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing has a second protrusion for positioning the circuit board in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The protrusion engages with the end portion of the second circuit board portion on both the fourth and seventh directions. The second protrusion is formed as a protrusion that stands upright along the second direction and engages with the end of the second circuit board portion on the fifth direction side and the sixth direction side.

8. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating object is a vane installed at the air vent of a vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

Images