Rotating device

Abstract

In the rotating device, the output shaft (20) is provided with a positioning part (20e) which is used for positioning the clamping part of the rotating object clamped with the output shaft (20) at one part in the circumferential direction of the output shaft (20). A first restricting portion (30p) for restricting the range of movement of the slider (18) toward the Y1 side and a second restricting portion (30r) for restricting the range of movement of the slider (18) toward the Y2 side are formed or fixed to the housing, and the slider (18) can be brought into contact with the first restricting portion (30p) and the second restricting portion (30r). In the rotating device, when the slide block (18) is in contact with the first limiting part (30p), the output shaft (20) is arranged at a specified reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft (20).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, reduction mechanisms for rotating fins in small rockets, etc., were 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 fins 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. When the arm rotates, the output shaft rotates.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-280965 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The inventors of this application have developed a rotational device for rotating a specified rotating object. The rotational device under development includes: a motor having a lead screw; a slider engaging 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 or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member and engaging with a portion of the rotating object; and a housing that holds the output shaft in a rotatable position and houses the lead screw, slider, and connecting rod member, etc. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the lead screw. In the rotational device under development, if the engaging portion is not installed in the correct position of the output shaft in the circumferential direction of the output shaft, the rotating object may not function properly.

[0008] Therefore, the technical problem 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; and an output shaft formed or fixed at the other end of the connecting rod member and engaging with a engaging portion of a rotating object, wherein the engaging portion of the rotating object can be reliably installed at the correct position of the output shaft in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a rotating device for rotating a predetermined rotating object, comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and moves 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 or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member and engaging with the rotating object; and a housing that holds the output shaft rotatable and at least houses the lead screw, slider, and connecting rod member, wherein the axial direction of the lead screw is designated as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is designated as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is designated as a third direction. The output shaft has three directions, with its axial direction parallel to the second direction. One end of the connecting rod can rotate relative to the slider with the second direction as its rotational axis. The output shaft is positioned on the third direction side relative to the slider. The output shaft has a positioning part for positioning and engaging at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. The housing has a first limiting part for limiting the range of movement of the slider towards the first direction and a second limiting part for limiting the range of movement of the slider towards the other side of the first direction. The slider or connecting rod can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the slider or connecting rod contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0011] In the rotating device of this aspect, the output shaft is provided with a positioning part for positioning the engaging part at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. Therefore, in this aspect, by utilizing the positioning part, the engaging part of the rotating object can be reliably installed into the correct position of the output shaft in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0012] Furthermore, in this aspect, the housing is formed or fixed with a first limiting part for limiting the movement range of the slider to one side in the first direction and a second limiting part for limiting the movement range of the slider to the other side in the first direction. The slider or connecting rod component can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. Furthermore, in this aspect, when the slider or connecting rod component contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. That is, in this invention, if the slider or connecting rod component contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0013] Therefore, in this aspect, the output shaft can be easily and accurately positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. Furthermore, in this aspect, by mounting the engaging part of the rotating object to the output shaft positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft, the engaging part can be easily installed to the correct position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. Therefore, in this aspect, the operation of installing the engaging part onto the output shaft can be easily performed.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] As described above, in one aspect of the invention, the rotating device includes: 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; and an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod member and engaging with a portion of a rotating object, wherein the engaging portion of the rotating object can be reliably mounted to the correct position of the output shaft in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rotating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is represented from different directions Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the rotating device shown.

[0018] Figure 3 Is it installation? Figure 1 A perspective view of the air outlet of the vehicle using the rotating device shown.

[0019] Figure 4 It is assembly Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a vehicle's dashboard showing the air vents.

[0020] Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air outlet shown.

[0021] Figure 6 From Figure 1 The diagram shown depicts a state where the rotating device has removed the second housing.

[0022] Figure 7 From Figure 1 The top view shown depicts the state of the rotating device without the second housing.

[0023] Figure 8 From Figure 1 The top view shown depicts the state of the rotating device without the second housing.

[0024] Figure 9 From Figure 1 The rotating device shown is a bottom view with the first housing and motor frame removed.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the motor frame.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The first housing shown is a perspective view.

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The second shell shown is a perspective view.

[0028] Figure 13 It is Figure 1 The second housing shown and Figure 6 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the motor frame being pulled out.

[0029] Figure 14 From Figure 1 The EE direction indicates a side view of a portion of the housing.

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 6 The slider shown is viewed from below.

[0031] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A sectional view of the FF section.

[0032] Figure 17 It is Figure 6 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the slider, output shaft, and first connecting rod components extracted from the image.

[0033] Figure 18 yes Figure 6 The first and second linkage components are shown in a bottom view.

[0034] Figure 19 It is used for explanation Figure 8 A bottom view showing the connected components in their extended state.

[0035] Figure 20 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the connecting rod component shown is a GG section.

[0036] Figure 21A and Figure 21B This is a top view used to illustrate the structure of the connecting member constituting another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 22A and Figure 22B This is a top view used to illustrate the structure of the connecting member constituting another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a rotating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 24 It is represented from different directions Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the rotating device shown.

[0040] Figure 25 From Figure 23The top view shown depicts the state of the rotating device without the second housing.

[0041] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 The first housing shown is a perspective view.

[0042] Figure 27 It is represented from different directions Figure 26 The first housing shown is a perspective view.

[0043] Figure 28 yes Figure 23 The second shell shown is a perspective view.

[0044] Figure 29 It is represented from different directions Figure 28 The second shell shown is a perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] (General structure of the rotating device)

[0047] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rotating device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is represented from different directions Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating device 2 shown. Figure 3 Is it installation? Figure 1 A perspective view of the vehicle air outlet 4 of the rotating device 2 shown. Figure 4 It is assembly Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the vehicle's instrument panel 7 showing the air outlet 4. Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air outlet 4 shown. Figure 6 From Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the rotating device 2 with the second housing 31 removed.

[0048] The rotating device 2 in this embodiment is a device for rotating a predetermined rotating object. In this embodiment, the rotating object is the fins 5 and 6 (see [reference needed]) installed in the vehicle air outlet 4 for adjusting the airflow direction. Figure 5 ).like Figure 4 As shown, the air outlet 4 is assembled into the dashboard 7 of a car, forming the air outlet of the vehicle's air conditioning system. The frame 8 of the air outlet 4 houses a plurality of fins 5 arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of fins 6 arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0049] A cover 9 covering the fins 5 and 6 is mounted on the frame 8. In the air outlet 4 assembled to the instrument panel 7, the cover 9 faces the interior of the vehicle. The fins 5 can rotate horizontally as the axis of rotation. The fins 6 can rotate vertically as the axis of rotation. Two rotating devices 2 are mounted on the air outlet 4. Specifically, two rotating devices 2 are fixed to the frame 8. One rotating device 2 rotates multiple fins 5. The other rotating device 2 rotates multiple fins 6.

[0050] The rotating device 2 in this embodiment is very thin. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, by mounting 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 protrusion of the rotating device 2 from the frame 8 can be suppressed. A rotating shaft 10 connected to the rotating device 2 and connected to the fins 5 and 6 (see...) Figure 1 When the rotating shaft 10 rotates, fins 5 and 6 rotate.

[0051] 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 having a rotating shaft 14 and a drive magnet; and a stator 16 having a drive coil and disposed on the outer periphery of the drive magnet. The output-side portion of the rotating shaft 14 protrudes beyond the stator 16. The portion of the rotating shaft 14 that protrudes beyond the stator 16 forms a lead screw 14b, on which a feed thread is formed. In other words, the motor 13 includes a lead screw 14b. The rotation center of the lead screw 14b coincides with the rotation center of the rotor 15.

[0052] The rotating device 2 also includes a slider 18, which has a threaded portion 18b that engages with the lead screw 14b (see...). Figure 15 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 component 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 component 19 and engages with the rotating shaft 10; and a housing 21 that houses the rotor 15, stator 16, slider 18, and connecting rod component 19 of the lead screw 14b. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10 is an engaging part that engages with the output shaft 20.

[0053] In the following description, the axial direction of the lead screw 14b (that is, the axial direction of the rotor 15) is... Figure 1 The Y-direction in the equation is called the "left-right direction". The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction... Figure 1 The Z-direction in the equation is called the "vertical direction," which is perpendicular to both the horizontal and vertical directions. Figure 1 The X direction in the equation is called the "front-back direction". Furthermore, one side of the front-back direction... Figure 1The X2 direction side in the equation is called the "rear" side, and the opposite side is... Figure 1 The X1 direction side in the equation is called the "front" side, and the side in the left and right directions is... Figure 1 The Y1 direction side in the equation is called the "right" side, and the opposite side is... Figure 1 The Y2 direction side in the equation is called the "left" side, and the side in the up and down direction is... Figure 1 The Z1 direction side in the equation is called the "upper" side, and the opposite side is... Figure 1 The Z2 direction side in the equation is called the "lower" side.

[0054] In this embodiment, the left-right direction (Y direction) is the axial direction of the lead screw 14b, i.e., the first direction. 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. The rotating device 2 is flat and thinner 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 positioned rearward from the lead screw 14b and the slider 18.

[0055] (The structure of the motor)

[0056] Figure 7 and Figure 8 From Figure 1 The top view shown shows the state of the rotating device 2 with the second housing 31 removed. Figure 9 From Figure 1 The rotating device 2 shown is a bottom view with the first housing 30 and motor frame 24 removed. Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of the motor frame 24 shown.

[0057] As described above, the motor 13 includes a lead screw 14b. The lead screw 14b protrudes to the left from the stator 16. That is, the stator 16 is located to the right 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 peripheral surface of the lead screw 14b. The right end of the lead screw 14b is located to the right of the output shaft 20. The left end of the lead screw 14b is located to the left of the output shaft 20. A square thread may also be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 14b.

[0058] In addition to the rotor 15 and the stator 16, the motor 13 also 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 side end of the lead screw 14b), a bearing supporting the right end of the rotating shaft 14, a leaf spring 26 that applies force to the rotating shaft 14 towards the left, a flat circuit board 27 for driving and controlling the motor 13, and wires 28 connected to the circuit board 27.

[0059] 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 lead screw holding portion 24c that holds the left end of the lead screw 14b, which constitutes the front end of the lead screw 14b, in a rotatable manner; and a flat connecting portion 24d connecting the stator fixing portion 24b and the lead screw holding portion 24c. The thickness direction of the connecting portion 24d is aligned with the vertical direction. The connecting portion 24d is formed as a long rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the horizontal direction. The long side of the rectangular connecting portion 24d is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0060] The stator fixing part 24b rises upward from the right end of the connecting part 24d. The lead screw holding part 24c rises upward from the left end of the connecting part 24d. The thickness direction of the stator fixing part 24b and the lead screw holding part 24c are aligned with the left-right direction. The lead screw holding part 24c holds the bearing 25. That is, the lead screw holding part 24c holds the left end of the lead screw 14b in a rotatable manner via the bearing 25. The left end face of the stator 16 is fixed to the stator fixing part 24b. The stator fixing part 24b has a through hole for the rotating shaft 14 to pass through.

[0061] The motor frame 24 also includes: a flat reinforcing portion 24e that rises upward from the front end of the connecting portion 24d; and a flat substrate fixing portion 24f for fixing the circuit board 27. In this embodiment, the motor frame 24 is composed of a stator fixing portion 24b, a lead screw holding portion 24c, a connecting portion 24d, a reinforcing portion 24e, and a substrate fixing portion 24f. The substrate fixing portion 24f extends to the left from the rear end of the stator fixing portion 24b. The thickness direction of the substrate fixing portion 24f is consistent with the front-rear direction.

[0062] The motor frame 24 has a reinforcing section 24e. The reinforcing section 24e rises vertically from the front end of the connecting section 24d. The thickness direction of the reinforcing section 24e is aligned with the front-to-back direction. The reinforcing section 24e is formed as a long rectangular plate that is elongated in the left-to-right direction. The long side of the rectangular reinforcing section 24e is aligned with the left-to-right direction. The right end of the reinforcing section 24e is positioned at the slider 18 when it reaches its rightmost movement limit position (see...). Figure 8 The right end of the solid line in the diagram is located to the right. The left end of the reinforcing part 24e is positioned relative to the slider 18 when it is moved to its leftmost position (see...). Figure 8 The left end of the double-dotted line (in the image) is located on the left side.

[0063] The upper surface of the stator fixing part 24b is mostly a convex curved surface, which is arc-shaped when viewed from the left-right direction. The upper end face of the lead screw holding part 24c and the upper end face of the reinforcing part 24e are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The vertical width of the lead screw holding part 24c is equal to the vertical width of the reinforcing part 24e, and the upper end faces of the lead screw holding part 24c and the reinforcing part 24e are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction. The upper end of the stator fixing part 24b is arranged above the upper end face of the lead screw holding part 24c. The upper end of the stator fixing part 24b and the upper end of the stator 16 are arranged in the same position in the vertical direction. The lower end of the stator 16 is arranged below the lower surface of the connecting part 24d.

[0064] The motor frame 24 is housed within the housing 21. As described below, the housing 21 is composed of a first housing 30 and a second housing 31, which are divided vertically. The motor frame 24 is fixed to the housing 21 by being sandwiched between the first housing 30 and the second housing 31. That is, the motor 13 is fixed to the housing 21 by being sandwiched between the first housing 30 and the second housing 31. The connecting portion 24d is provided with positioning holes 24g and 24h, which are used to position the motor frame 24 relative to the housing 21 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 24d is provided with two positioning holes 24g and 24h.

[0065] Positioning hole 24g is a circular hole passing through connecting part 24d in the vertical direction. Positioning hole 24h is an elongated hole passing through connecting part 24d in the vertical direction. Positioning hole 24h is an elongated hole with the left-right direction as its long side. Positioning holes 24g and 24h are formed at the same position in the front-back direction. Positioning hole 24g is positioned to the left of the center of connecting part 24d in the left-right direction, and positioning hole 24h is positioned to the right of the center of connecting part 24d in the left-right direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, positioning holes 24g and 24h are positioned on the axis of lead screw 14b.

[0066] The circuit board 27 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy resin substrate. The circuit board 27 is rectangular and flat. The circuit board 27 is configured such that its thickness direction is aligned with its front-to-back direction. That is, the thickness direction of the circuit board 27 is aligned with its front-to-back direction. The long side of the rectangular circuit board 27 is aligned with its left-to-right direction. The circuit board 27 is fixed to the substrate fixing part 24f by screws 29. The circuit board 27 is disposed on the rear side of the stator 16. Terminals protruding from the stator 16 and rearward are fixed to the circuit board 27 by soldering. The circuit board 27 is housed within the housing 21.

[0067] The vertical width of the circuit board 27 is less than or equal to the vertical width of the stator 16. In this embodiment, the vertical width of the circuit board 27 is narrower than the vertical width of the stator 16. The upper end face of the circuit board 27 is positioned lower than the upper end of the stator 16. The lower end face of the circuit board 27 is positioned at the same vertical position as the lower end of the stator 16. The right end portion of the circuit board 27 is positioned to the right of the right end face of the stator 16. The wire 28 is soldered and fixed to the right end portion of the circuit board 27. The wire 28 extends forward from the circuit board 27. The wire 28 is then bent to the right and extended to the right from the housing 21.

[0068] (Structure of the shell)

[0069] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first housing 30 shown. Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second housing 31 shown. Figure 13 It is Figure 1 The second housing 31 shown and Figure 6 The motor frame 24 shown is a three-dimensional view with the frame pulled out. Figure 14 From Figure 1 The EE direction in the diagram represents a side view of a portion of housing 21.

[0070] The housing 21 is formed into a flat shape with a thinner vertical dimension. The housing 21 is made of resin. As described above, the housing 21 houses the lead screw 14b, stator 16, slider 18, connecting rod assembly 19, etc. The housing 21 has: a housing portion 21b for housing the lead screw 14b, stator 16, slider 18, connecting rod assembly 19, etc.; and two fixed portions 21c fixed to the frame 8 of the air outlet 4. The housing 21 of this embodiment is composed of the housing portion 21b and the two fixed portions 21c.

[0071] The storage section 21b is formed as a hollow structure. The upper and lower surfaces of the storage section 21b are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The sidewalls of the storage section 21b are formed as plates. The thickness of the plate-shaped sidewalls of the storage section 21b is constant. The storage section 21b includes: a first storage section 21d, which stores the motor 13 and the slider 18; and a second storage section 21e, which stores the connecting rod member 19. The storage section 21b is composed of the first storage section 21d and the second storage section 21e. The first storage section 21d forms the front portion of the housing 21. The second storage section 21e forms the rear portion of the housing 21. The front end of the second storage section 21e is connected to the rear end of the first storage section 21d.

[0072] When viewed from above, the second storage section 21e has a triangular shape, and its width gradually narrows towards the rear. That is, when viewed from above, the right side of the second storage section 21e tilts to the right as it moves towards the front. Similarly, the left side of the second storage section 21e tilts to the left as it moves towards the front. The right and left sides of the second storage section 21e are parallel to the plane in the vertical direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, when viewed from above, the second storage portion 21e has an isosceles triangle shape, with its width gradually narrowing towards the rear. When viewed from above, the second storage portion 21e has an isosceles triangle with its base parallel to the left-right direction. The apex of the isosceles triangle-shaped second storage portion 21e forms the rear end of the housing 21. When viewed from above, the angle formed between the right side and the left side of the second storage portion 21e is a right angle or an obtuse angle. For example, when viewed from above, the angle formed between the right side and the left side of the second storage portion 21e is a right angle.

[0074] Viewed from above, the first storage section 21d is a long, narrow rectangle. The right and left sides of the first storage section 21d are planes perpendicular to the left-right direction. The front side of the first storage section 21d is a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. The reinforcing portion 24e of the motor frame 24 housed in the housing 21 is positioned along the front wall surface of the first storage section 21d. The left side of the first storage section 21d is positioned at the same position as the left front end of the second storage section 21e in the left-right direction. The right side of the first storage section 21d is positioned to the right of the right front end of the second storage section 21e, and the right end of the first storage section 21d protrudes to the right of the second storage section 21e. The right end of the first storage section 21d, which protrudes to the right of the second storage section 21e, forms the third storage section 21f, which houses the stator 16 and the circuit board 27.

[0075] The fixed portion 21c is disposed on both sides of the second storage portion 21e in the left-right direction. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the two fixed portions 21c are arranged symmetrically from left to right. The fixed portion 21c is formed into a flat plate with the thickness direction in the top-bottom direction. The thickness of the fixed portion 21c in the top-bottom direction is thinner than that of the storage portion 21b in the top-bottom direction. The upper surface of the fixed portion 21c is disposed at a position lower than the upper surface of the storage portion 21b. The lower surface of the fixed portion 21c is disposed at a position higher than the lower surface of the storage portion 21b.

[0076] The distance (vertical distance) between the upper surface of the storage portion 21b and the upper surface of the fixed portion 21c is equal to the distance (vertical distance) between the lower surface of the storage portion 21b and the lower surface of the fixed portion 21c. Viewed from above, the fixed portion 21c has a triangular shape, and its width increases as it faces the second storage portion 21e. The fixed portion 21c has a through hole 21g extending vertically. The fixed portion 21c is fixed to the frame 8 by screws inserted into the through hole 21g.

[0077] The housing 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20. Specifically, the housing 21 holds the output shaft 20 rotatably near the apex of the second receiving portion 21e. That is, the output shaft 20 is rotatably held at the rear end of the housing 21 and at the left-right center of the second receiving portion 21e. In this embodiment, the housing 21 is a holding member that rotatably holds the output shaft 20 (i.e., rotatably holds the other end of the connecting rod member 19). When viewed from above, the two through holes 21g are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line of the second receiving portion 21e that passes through the axis of the output shaft 20.

[0078] The housing 21 is composed of a first housing 30 and a second housing 31, which are divided vertically. The first housing 30 forms the lower half of the housing 21 and has an opening on its upper side. The second housing 31 forms the upper half of the housing 21 and has an opening on its lower side. Figure 1 As shown, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other by screws 32. Specifically, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other by three screws 32.

[0079] Screws 32 are disposed at three locations: the top corner of the second storage portion 21e forming the rear end of the housing 21; the right front end of the second storage portion 21e; ​​and the left front end of the second storage portion 21e. That is, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other at these three locations: the top corner of the second storage portion 21e forming the rear end of the housing 21, the right front end of the second storage portion 21e, and the left front end of the second storage portion 21e.

[0080] The first housing 30 includes: a flat lower surface portion 30b forming the lower surface of the first housing 30; a side surface portion 30c forming the side surface of the first housing 30; and a fixed portion 30d forming the lower part of the fixed portion 21c. The thickness direction of the lower surface portion 30b is consistent with the vertical direction. The lower surface of the lower surface portion 30b is the lower surface of the receiving portion 21b. The side surface portion 30c rises upward from the outer peripheral end of the lower surface portion 30b. The fixed portion 30d is formed as a flat plate. The lower surface of the fixed portion 30d is positioned above the lower surface of the lower surface portion 30b.

[0081] A retaining hole 30e for holding the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the lower surface portion 30b. The retaining hole 30e is a circular hole that passes through the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. A protruding rib 30f is formed on the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 housed in the housing 21 from below. That is, the second housing portion 21e for housing the connecting rod member 19 has a rib 30f as a second rib, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 from below. In this embodiment, a rib 30f is formed on the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b. When viewed from the vertical direction, the rib 30f is an arc shape with the retaining hole 30e as the center of curvature. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction, the rib 30f is an arc shape with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature.

[0082] Inside the first housing 30, a mounting recess 30g is formed for the connection portion 24d of the motor frame 24. The mounting recess 30g is formed at the front end of the lower surface portion 30b. The mounting recess 30g is recessed downward from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b. The depth of the mounting recess 30g is slightly shallower than the thickness of the connection portion 24d. The lower surface of the connection portion 24d contacts the bottom surface (upper surface) of the mounting recess 30g. Specifically, the entire lower surface of the connection portion 24d contacts the bottom surface of the mounting recess 30g. That is, the connection portion 24d contacts the first housing 30 from the upper side.

[0083] Multiple positioning protrusions 30h are formed on the bottom surface of the recess 30g, which are used to position the motor frame 24 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, two positioning protrusions 30h are formed. The positioning protrusions 30h are formed into cylindrical shapes that stand upright. The two positioning protrusions 30h are formed at the same position in the front-rear direction. The two positioning protrusions 30h are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction.

[0084] The positioning protrusion 30h is inserted into the positioning holes 24g and 24h of the motor frame 24. That is, the positioning protrusion 30h engages with the positioning holes 24g and 24h. As described above, when viewed from above, the positioning holes 24g and 24h are positioned on the axis of the lead screw 14b. Therefore, when viewed from above, the two positioning protrusions 30h are also positioned on the axis of the lead screw 14b.

[0085] The first housing 30 has a cylindrical screw mounting portion 30j. An internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the screw mounting portion 30j to engage with the screw 32. The screw mounting portion 30j is formed at three locations: the apex of the second receiving portion 21e for mounting the screw 32; the right front end of the second receiving portion 21e; ​​and the left front end of the second receiving portion 21e. The screw mounting portion 30j rises upward from the lower surface portion 30b and connects to the side surface portion 30c.

[0086] Two of the three screw mounting portions 30j have positioning protrusions 30k for positioning the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Specifically, the positioning protrusions 30k are formed on the screw mounting portions 30j located at the apex of the second receiving portion 21e and on the screw mounting portions 30j located at the right front end of the second receiving portion 21e. That is, the first housing 30 has positioning protrusions 30k. The positioning protrusions 30k are formed in the shape of an annulus protruding upward from the upper end face of the screw mounting portion 30j.

[0087] A first limiting portion 30p is formed on the front side of the screw mounting portion 30j located at the right front end of the second storage portion 21e to limit the movement range of the slider 18 to the right. A second limiting portion 30r is formed on the front side of the screw mounting portion 30j located at the left front end of the second storage portion 21e to limit the movement range of the slider 18 to the left. That is, the first housing 30 has a first limiting portion 30p and a second limiting portion 30r. The first limiting portion 30p and the second limiting portion 30r stand upright from the lower surface portion 30b and are connected to the screw mounting portion 30j.

[0088] The slider 18 can contact the first limiting part 30p and the second limiting part 30r. The first limiting part 30p has a limiting part-side contact surface 30s for the slider 18 to contact. Specifically, the limiting part-side contact surface 30s is formed on the left side of the first limiting part 30p. The limiting part-side contact surface 30s is a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. The second limiting part 30r has a limiting part-side contact surface 30t for the slider 18 to contact. Specifically, the limiting part-side contact surface 30t is formed on the right side of the second limiting part 30r. The limiting part-side contact surface 30t is a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0089] An opening 30u is formed at the front right end of the lower surface portion 30b for the lower end of the stator 16. The opening 30u is a rectangular quadrilateral hole that passes through the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. An opening 30v is formed at the rear side of the opening 30u for the lower end of the circuit board 27. The opening 30v is a rectangular quadrilateral hole that passes through the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction and is elongated in the horizontal direction. A notch 30w is formed at the front right end of the side surface portion 30c for leading the wire 28 to the outside of the housing 21.

[0090] A wire guide portion 30x is formed on the right side of the opening 30u, which guides the wire 28 in a serpentine manner from the circuit board 27 to the notch 30w. That is, the first housing 30 has a wire guide portion 30x. In this embodiment, two wire guide portions 30x are formed. The wire guide portion 30x is formed as a cylinder that rises upward from the lower surface portion 30b. The two wire guide portions 30x are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction and are arranged at a distance from each other in the front-back direction. After passing through the right side of the wire guide portion 30x arranged on the rear side, the wire 28 passes through the left side of the wire guide portion 30x arranged on the front side, and then extends to the right from the notch 30w.

[0091] The second housing 31 includes: a flat upper surface portion 31b forming the upper surface of the second housing 31; a side surface portion 31c forming the side surface of the second housing 31; and a fixed portion 31d forming the upper part of the fixed portion 21c. The thickness direction of the upper surface portion 31b is consistent with the vertical direction. The upper surface of the upper surface portion 31b is the upper surface of the receiving portion 21b. The side surface portion 31c rises downward from the outer peripheral end of the upper surface portion 31b. The fixed portion 31d is formed as a flat plate. The upper surface of the fixed portion 31d is positioned lower than the upper surface of the upper surface portion 31b. The lower surface of the fixed portion 31d contacts the upper surface of the fixed portion 31d.

[0092] The upper surface portion 31b has a retaining hole 31e at its rear end for retaining the output shaft 20. The retaining hole 31e is a circular hole that passes through the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. A protruding rib 31f is formed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 housed in the housing 21 from above. In other words, the second housing portion 21e for housing the connecting rod member 19 has a rib 31f serving as a first rib, which can contact the connecting rod member 19 from above. In this embodiment, two ribs 31f are formed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b. When viewed from above, the rib 31f is an arc shape with the retaining hole 31e as its center of curvature. That is, when viewed from above, the rib 31f is an arc shape with the output shaft 20 as its center of curvature.

[0093] The second housing 31 has through holes 31g and 31h for accommodating a portion of the screw 32. The through holes 31g and 31h are formed at three locations: the apex of the second receiving portion 21e for accommodating the screw 32; the right front end of the second receiving portion 21e; ​​and the left front end of the second receiving portion 21e. Two of the three through holes 31g and 31h, 31g, are positioning holes for inserting the positioning protrusion 30k of the first housing 30. The two through holes 31g are formed at the apex of the second receiving portion 21e and the right front end of the second receiving portion 21e.

[0094] Thus, the positioning protrusion 30k and the through hole 31g are formed at the rear end of the second storage portion 21e and the right front end of the second storage portion 21e. The positioning protrusion 30k and the through hole 31g may also be formed at the rear end of the second storage portion 21e and the left front end (i.e., the left front end) of the second storage portion 21e.

[0095] As described above, the motor frame 24 is fixed to the housing 21 by being sandwiched between the first housing 30 and the second housing 31. As described above, the lower surface of the connecting portion 24d of the motor frame 24 contacts the bottom surface of the placement recess 30g. The second housing 31 is formed with fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p that contact the motor frame 24 from above. The fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second housing 31 includes: a fixing protrusion 31j that contacts the upper end face of the lead screw holding portion 24c; a fixing protrusion 31k that contacts the upper end face of the connecting portion 24d on the right end side; and a fixing protrusion 31p that contacts the upper end face of the reinforcing portion 24e (see [link]). Figure 13 The lower end faces of the fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fixing protrusion 31j is formed at two locations spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The fixing protrusion 31j contacts a portion of the upper end face of the lead screw retaining part 24c. The fixing protrusion 31p contacts the center portion of the reinforcing part 24e in the left-right direction.

[0097] Fixed protrusions 31k are formed at two locations spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Each fixed protrusion 31k contacts a portion of the upper surface of the connecting portion 24d. A portion of the lead screw 14b is positioned between the two fixed protrusions 31k. That is, the two fixed protrusions 31k are positioned to clamp the lead screw 14b in the front-rear direction. The inner surface of each fixed protrusion 31k in the front-rear direction is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The two fixed protrusions 31k are connected by a connecting protrusion 31i, which protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b. The lower surface of the connecting protrusion 31i is a concave surface with an arc shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The lower surface of the connecting protrusion 31i smoothly connects to the inner surface of the two fixed protrusions 31k in the front-rear direction. The connecting protrusion 31i is positioned on the upper side of the lead screw 14b.

[0098] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the connecting portion 24d contacts the bottom surface of the placement recess 30g with a predetermined contact pressure, the fixing protrusion 31j contacts the upper end surface of the screw holding portion 24c with a predetermined contact pressure, the fixing protrusion 31k contacts the upper surface of the connecting portion 24d with a predetermined contact pressure, and the fixing protrusion 31p contacts the upper end surface of the reinforcing portion 24e with a predetermined contact pressure. Thus, the motor frame 24 is fixed to the housing 21 in a state of being sandwiched between the first housing 30 and the second housing 31.

[0099] An opening 31u is formed at the front right end of the upper surface portion 31b, for the upper end of the stator 16 and the upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b. As described above, an opening 30u is formed at the front right end of the lower surface portion 30b, for the lower end of the stator 16. That is, openings 30u and 31u for a portion of the stator 16 are formed on both sides of the housing 21 in the vertical direction. The opening 31u is a rectangular quadrilateral hole that passes through the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. A circuit board mounting recess 31v is formed on the rear side of the opening 31u, for the upper end of the circuit board 27. The circuit board mounting recess 31v is an elongated rectangular groove that is recessed from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b upwards, and does not penetrate the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction.

[0100] As described above, a notch 30w is formed at the right front end of the side portion 30c of the first housing 30. No notch is formed at the right front end of the side portion 31c of the second housing 31. Therefore, when the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed together, the housing 21 will have an outlet hole 33 for leading the wire 28 to the outside of the housing 21 (see...). Figure 14 In other words, the housing 21 has a lead-out hole 33. The function of the wire guide 30x is to guide the wire 28 from the circuit board 27 to the lead-out hole 33 while it is serpentine. A cylindrical guide holding part 31x is formed on the right side of the opening 31u, which holds the upper end of the wire guide 30x.

[0101] The two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i are positioned to the right of the first limiting portion 30p of the first housing 30. The two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i are positioned to the left of the openings 30u, 30v, 31u and the outlet hole 33. The function of the two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i is to prevent foreign objects (dust) that enter the interior of the housing 21 through the openings 30u, 30v, 31u or the outlet hole 33 from entering the space inside the housing 21 for storing the slider 18 and the connecting rod component 19.

[0102] (Structure of the slider, output shaft, and connecting rod assembly)

[0103] Figure 15 yes Figure 6 The bottom view of slider 18 shown. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A sectional view of section FF in the image. Figure 17 It is Figure 6 The three-dimensional view shows the slider 18, output shaft 20, and first connecting rod component 36 pulled out. Figure 18 yes Figure 6 The bottom view of the first link component 36 and the second link component 37 shown. Figure 19 It is used for explanation Figure 8 A bottom view of the linkage component 19 in its extended state. Figure 20 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the GG section of the connecting rod component 19 shown. Figure 19 This indicates the state of the connecting rod component 19 when the slider 18 moves to the left limit position.

[0104] The slider 18 is disposed in the left-right direction between the stator fixing part 24b and the lead screw holding part 24c of the motor frame 24, and is disposed above the connecting part 24d and behind the reinforcing part 24e. The slider 18 is formed of resin. The slider 18 consists of a slider body part 18c that engages with the lead screw 14b and a connecting part 18d that is connected to one end of the connecting rod member 19.

[0105] The slider body 18c is composed of a flat upper wall 18e disposed on the upper side of the lead screw 14b, a flat front wall 18f disposed on the front side of the lead screw 14b, and a flat rear wall 18g disposed on the rear side of the lead screw 14b. That is, the slider body 18c covers a part of the lead screw 14b from both sides in the front-back direction and one side in the vertical direction.

[0106] The thickness direction of the upper wall portion 18e is aligned with the vertical direction. The thickness direction of the front wall portion 18f and the rear wall portion 18g is aligned with the front-rear direction. A threaded portion 18b is formed on the front surface of the rear wall portion 18g. The front surface of the rear wall portion 18g is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The threaded portion 18b has a plurality of thread teeth 18h, which are arranged along the axial direction (left-right direction) of the lead screw 14b. The thread teeth 18h are formed as straight lines that are slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction. That is, the threaded portion 18b is formed in a rack-like shape.

[0107] An upwardly projecting protrusion 18j is formed at both ends of the upper surface of the upper wall portion 18e in the front-rear direction. A downwardly projecting protrusion 18k is formed at the front end of the lower end face of the front wall portion 18f and the rear end of the lower end face of the rear wall portion 18g. The protrusions 18j and 18k are formed as straight lines that are longer in the left-right direction. The protrusion 18j can contact the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b of the second housing 31. The protrusion 18k can contact the upper surface of the connecting portion 24d of the motor frame 24. An elastic plate 18p is formed in the front wall portion 18f, which is used to suppress the wobbling of the slider 18 relative to the lead screw 14b. The elastic plate 18p is formed as a flat plate that stands upright from the lower end of the front wall portion 18f. The elastic plate 18p contacts the lead screw 14b from the front with a specified contact pressure.

[0108] The connecting portion 18d is disposed on the rear side of the slider body portion 18c. The connecting portion 18d consists of a base portion 18q extending rearward from the slider body portion 18c and a fixed shaft portion 18r serving as the rotation center of the connecting rod member 19 relative to the slider 18. The base portion 18q is formed into a flat plate shape and is connected to the lower end of the rear wall portion 18g. The thickness direction of the base portion 18q is consistent with the vertical direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the base portion 18q is approximately an isosceles triangle, and its width in the horizontal direction gradually narrows towards the rear.

[0109] The fixed shaft portion 18r rises upward from the base portion 18q. That is, the root of the fixed shaft portion 18r is connected to the base portion 18q. The fixed shaft portion 18r is formed as a thick-walled cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the fixed shaft portion 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 the axis of rotation. The fixed shaft portion 18r is positioned approximately at the center in the front-rear direction of the base portion 18q. The fixed shaft portion 18r is also positioned at the center in the left-right direction of the slider 18. In this embodiment, the base portion 18q is a shaft forming portion connected to the root of the fixed shaft portion 18r.

[0110] The right side of the front portion of the base 18q forms a slider-side contact surface 18s that can contact the limiting portion-side contact surface 30s of the housing 21. The left side of the front portion of the base 18q forms a slider-side contact surface 18t that can contact the limiting portion-side contact surface 30t of the housing 21. The slider-side contact surfaces 18s and 18t are planes perpendicular to the left-right direction. When the slider 18 moves to the right until the slider-side contact surface 18s contacts the limiting portion-side contact surface 30s, the slider 18 is positioned at the right-side movement limit position. When the slider 18 moves to the left until the slider-side contact surface 18t contacts the limiting portion-side contact surface 30t, the slider 18 is positioned at the left-side movement limit position.

[0111] Output shaft 20 is formed at the other end of connecting rod member 19. Specifically, output shaft 20 is integrally formed with first connecting rod member 36 (described later), which constitutes part of connecting rod member 19, at the other end of first connecting rod member 36. As described later, first connecting rod member 36 is formed of resin, and output shaft 20 is also formed of resin. Output shaft 20 is formed as a cylinder with the vertical direction as its axial direction. Output shaft 20 includes: a lower shaft portion 20b inserted into a retaining hole 30e of lower surface portion 30b; and an upper shaft portion 20c inserted into a retaining hole 31e of upper surface portion 31b. The lower end face of lower shaft portion 20b is positioned vertically at the same position as the lower surface of lower surface portion 30b. The upper end face of upper shaft portion 20c is positioned vertically at the same position as the upper surface of upper surface portion 31b. That is, output shaft 20 does not protrude from housing 21 to the outside in the vertical direction.

[0112] The inner circumferential surface of the output shaft 20 forms an engagement hole 20d that engages with the rotating shaft 10. That is, the output shaft 20 has an engagement hole 20d that passes through the output shaft 20 in the vertical direction and engages with the rotating shaft 10. When viewed from above, the engagement hole 20d is D-shaped. A recess 20f for removing material is formed in the planar portion 20e of the inner circumferential surface of the D-shaped engagement hole 20d. The recess 20f is recessed towards the outer circumferential side of the output shaft 20. The recess 20f is formed in the shape of a square groove, extending from the upper end face to the lower end face of the output shaft 20.

[0113] The rotating shaft 10 has a plane that contacts the flat portion 20e. That is, the rotating shaft 10 is D-shaped. In this embodiment, the flat portion 20e forms a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at a location (more specifically, only one location) in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In other words, the output shaft 20 has a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, and this positioning portion is formed within the engaging hole 20d.

[0114] The connecting member 19 is formed in a block shape, and its shape is oblong when viewed from above. The length of the connecting rod member 19 is relatively short. The connecting rod member 19 is formed in a flat shape with a thinner thickness in the vertical direction. The connecting rod member 19 includes: a first connecting rod member 36 on which the output shaft 20 is formed; and a second connecting rod member 37 rotatably connected to the slider 18. In this embodiment, the connecting member 19 is composed of the first connecting rod member 36 and the second connecting rod member 37. The first connecting rod member 36 and the second connecting rod member 37 are formed of resin.

[0115] The second link component 37 is movably held to the first link component 36. If the connection between the second link component 37 and the slider 18 is defined as the slider connection portion 38, and an imaginary straight line VL connecting the center of the output shaft 20 and the center of the slider connection portion 38 is considered when viewed from above (see...),... Figure 8 If the direction of the first link component 36 is defined as the long side direction of the link component 19, then the second link component 37 can move linearly relative to the first link component 36 along the long side direction of the link component 19.

[0116] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the long side and the vertical direction of the connecting rod member 19 is referred to as the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19. Furthermore, one side of the connecting rod member 19 in the long side direction, i.e., the side of the slider connection portion 38, is referred to as the "long side direction side," and the opposite side, i.e., the output shaft 20 side, is referred to as the "other side of the long side direction." When the slider connection portion 38 is positioned in the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the connecting rod member 19 is at its maximum retraction (see...), the direction is considered as follows: Figure 6 (etc.), the long side of the connecting rod component 19 is aligned with the front-to-back direction, the short side of the connecting rod component 19 is aligned with the left-to-right direction, one side of the long side is aligned with the front side, and the other side of the long side is aligned with the rear side.

[0117] The output shaft 20 is formed at the end of the first connecting rod member 36 on the other side of its long side. If the end of the first connecting rod member 36 forming the output shaft 20 is referred to as the connecting rod member end 36b, then the first connecting rod member 36 includes the connecting rod member end 36b and a connecting rod member base 36c connected to the long side of the connecting rod member end 36b. Furthermore, the first connecting rod member 36 includes flat blade portions 36d and 36e. When the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same left-right direction as the output shaft 20 and the connecting rod member 19 is retracted to its maximum extent, the blade portion 36d extends from the connecting rod member base 36c to the right and front, and the blade portion 36e extends from the connecting rod member base 36c to the left and front. In this embodiment, the first connecting rod member 36 is composed of the connecting rod member end 36b, the connecting rod member base 36c, and the blade portions 36d and 36e.

[0118] The connecting rod end 36b is cylindrical. The output shaft 20 is disposed on the inner circumference of the connecting rod end 36b. The lower end face of the connecting rod end 36b forms an annular and planar plane 36f surrounding the lower shaft portion 20b (see...). Figure 18 The upper end face of the connecting rod component end 36b forms an annular and planar annular plane 36g surrounding the upper shaft portion 20c (see...). Figure 17 The annular planes 36f and 36g are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the lower shaft portion 20b is disposed on the lower side of the annular plane 36f, and the upper surface of the upper shaft portion 20c is disposed on the upper side of the annular plane 36g.

[0119] The base 36c of the connecting rod component is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a relatively thin vertical dimension. The lower surface of the base 36c is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the base 36c is positioned slightly above the annular plane 36f. Furthermore, the lower surface of the base 36c is positioned in the vertical direction at approximately the same location as the lower surface of the base 18q of the slider 18.

[0120] The first link member 36 has a guide groove 36h for guiding the second link member 37 along the long side of the link member 19. The guide groove 36h is located on one side of the long side of the end 36b of the link member. The guide groove 36h is formed at the center of the short side of the link member 19. The guide groove 36h is formed as a shallow square groove with openings at one end and the top of the first link member 36 along the long side. The bottom surface (top surface) of the guide groove 36h is a side surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. The bottom surface of the guide groove 36h is located slightly below the top surface of the base 18q of the slider 18. Both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short side direction of the link member 19 are planes perpendicular to the short side direction of the link member 19. The width of the guide groove 36h in the short side direction of the link member 19 is wider than the outer diameter of the fixed shaft portion 18r.

[0121] The guide groove 36h is mainly formed in the base 36c of the connecting rod member. The width of the base 36c of the connecting rod member 19 in the short side direction is greater than the width of the guide groove 36h in the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The upper surfaces on both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19 of the base 36c of the connecting rod member 19 form planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. These upper surfaces are positioned above the bottom surface of the guide groove 36h and below the annular plane 36g.

[0122] Blade portions 36d and 36e are formed as flat plates with the vertical direction as their thickness direction. The upper and lower surfaces of blade portions 36d and 36e are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The thickness of blade portion 36d is equal to the thickness of blade portion 36e. When viewed from the vertical direction, blade portions 36d and 36e are symmetrical about an imaginary line VL. Blade portions 36d and 36e are connected to the upper end of the connecting rod component base 36c.

[0123] The upper surfaces of blade portions 36d and 36e are disposed on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the guide groove 36h on both sides of the connecting rod base 36c in the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The upper surface of the connecting rod base 36c on the side of the connecting rod member 19 that is closer to the guide groove 36h than the guide groove 36h forms a plane with the upper surface of blade portion 36d. The upper surface of the connecting rod base 36c on the other side of the connecting rod member 19 that is closer to the guide groove 36h than the guide groove 36h forms a plane with the upper surface of blade portion 36e.

[0124] The lower surfaces of blade portions 36d and 36e are positioned above the lower surface of the connecting rod member base 36c. The lower surfaces of blade portions 36d and 36e are positioned slightly above the bottom surface of the guide groove 36h and the upper surface of the base 18q of the slider 18. The outer end faces of blade portions 36d and 36e in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19 form planes perpendicular to the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The end faces of blade portions 36d and 36e in the long-side direction are planes perpendicular to the long-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The inner end faces of blade portions 36d and 36e in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19 are positioned on the long-side direction of the connecting rod member base 36c and constitute part of the side surface of the guide groove 36h in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19.

[0125] When the slider connecting part 38 is positioned in the same horizontal direction as the output shaft 20, the front portion of the blade part 36d, located in front of the connecting rod member base 36c, has an inclined surface. This inclined surface connects the right end face and the front end face of the blade part 36d. This inclined surface is inclined to the left as it moves forward. Similarly, when the slider connecting part 38 is positioned in the same horizontal direction as the output shaft 20, the front portion of the blade part 36e, located in front of the connecting rod member base 36c, has an inclined surface. This inclined surface connects the left end face and the front end face of the blade part 36e. This inclined surface is inclined to the right as it moves forward.

[0126] On both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19 are first contact portions 36j for contact with the second connecting rod member 37. That is, the first connecting rod member 36 has two first contact portions 36j. The first contact portions 36j include blade portions 36d and 36e, and the first contact portions 36j extend further in the long-side direction than the base portion 36c of the connecting member. Furthermore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the connecting rod member 19 is retracted to its maximum extent, the first contact portions 36j extend to both sides of the slider connecting portion 38 in the left-right direction (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0127] In this embodiment, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same horizontal direction as the output shaft 20 and the connecting rod member 19 is retracted to its maximum extent, the front end of the first contact portion 36j (i.e., the front end face of the blade portions 36d and 36e) is positioned further forward than the front end of the slider connecting portion 38. Furthermore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same horizontal direction as the output shaft 20, a portion of the front end side of the first contact portion 36j (specifically, a portion of the front end side of the blade portions 36d and 36e) is positioned on the upper side of the base 18q of the slider 18.

[0128] The upper surface of the first contact portion 36j is a first contact surface 36k perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, a first contact surface 36k is formed on the first connecting rod member 36, and this first contact surface is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and facing upwards. One of the two first contact surfaces 36k is formed by the upper surface of the connecting rod member base 36c on the side of the connecting rod member 19 that is closer to the guide groove 36h and the upper surface of the blade portion 36d. The other first contact surface 36k is formed by the upper surface of the connecting rod member base 36c on the side of the connecting rod member 19 that is closer to the guide groove 36h and the upper surface of the blade portion 36e.

[0129] The base 36c of the connecting rod component has a recess 36p, which prevents interference between the base 36c of the connecting rod component and the base 18q of the slider 18 when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same direction as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The recess 36p is recessed from one end face of the connecting member base 36c in the long side direction to the other side in the long side direction. That is, the recess 36p is recessed towards the output shaft 20. When viewed from above, the shape of the recess 36p is arc-shaped. On the end face of the connecting rod component base 36c in the long side direction, the width of the recess 36p in the short side direction of the connecting rod component 19 is approximately equal to the width of the guide groove 36h in the short side direction of the connecting rod component 19.

[0130] The second link member 37 is disposed above the first link member 36. The length of the second link member 37 along the long side of the connecting member 19 is shorter than the length of the first link member 36 along the long side of the connecting member 19. The width of the second link member 37 along the short side of the connecting member 19 is narrower than the width of the first link member 36 along the short side of the connecting member 19. In other words, the width of the first link member 36 along the short side of the connecting member 19 is wider than the width of the second link member 37 along the short side of the connecting member 19. The width of the end of the second link member 37 along the long side of the connecting member 19 gradually narrows towards the long side.

[0131] The upper surface of the second link member 37 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface of the second link member 37 is positioned slightly lower than the annular plane 36g of the first link member 36. The second link member 37 consists of a link member base 37b and two second contact portions 37c. The link member base 37b is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thinner vertical section. The second contact portions 37c contact the first contact portion 36j of the first link member 36 from above. In other words, the second link member 37 has second contact portions 37c that contact the first contact portion 36j from above. The second contact portions 37c extend from the link member base 37b to both sides of the short side of the link member 19.

[0132] Both vertical surfaces of the connecting rod base 37b and both vertical surfaces of the second contact portion 37c are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the second contact portion 37c is positioned above the lower surface of the connecting rod base 37b. The upper surfaces of the connecting rod base 37b and the second contact portion 37c are arranged on the same plane, forming a plane that constitutes the upper surface of the second connecting rod 37.

[0133] An insertion hole 37d is formed at the end of the base 37b of the connecting rod member along its long side, into which the fixed shaft portion 18r of the slider 18 is inserted. The insertion hole 37d is a circular hole that passes through the second connecting rod member 37 in the vertical direction. The slider connecting portion 38 is composed of the fixed shaft portion 18r and the insertion hole 37d. The end of the second connecting rod member 37 along its long side (i.e., one end of the connecting rod member 19) is connected to the slider 18 at the rear side of the lead screw 14b. The second connecting rod member 37 is positioned higher than the base 18q of the slider 18. The upper end face of the fixed shaft portion 18r is positioned in the vertical direction at approximately the same position as the upper surface of the second connecting rod member 37.

[0134] A guide protrusion 37e is formed on the portion of the base 37b of the connecting rod member that is lower than the lower surface of the second contact portion 37c. This guide protrusion is disposed in the guide groove 36h. In other words, the second connecting rod member 37 has a guide protrusion 37e that engages with the guide groove 36h. In this embodiment, the guide groove 36h and the guide protrusion 37e constitute a guide portion 39, which guides the second connecting rod member 37 relative to the first connecting rod member 36 along the long side direction of the connecting rod member 19 (see [link]). Figure 20 That is, the connecting rod member 19 has a guide portion 39. The two sides of the guide protrusion 37e in the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19 are planes perpendicular to the short side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The guide protrusion 37e has a recessed portion 37f, which is recessed upward from the lower surface of the connecting rod member base 37b.

[0135] The second contact portion 37c is disposed on both sides of the guide protrusion 37e in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The first contact portion 36j is disposed on both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. That is, the first contact portion 36j and the second contact portion 37c are disposed on both sides of the guide portion 39 in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The end face of the second contact portion 37c on the other side in the long-side direction is a plane perpendicular to the long-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The outer end face of the second contact portion 37c in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19 is a plane perpendicular to the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19.

[0136] The lower surface of the second contact portion 37c forms a second contact surface 37g that contacts the first contact surface 36k. That is, the second contact portion 37c has a second contact surface 37g, which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and contacts the first contact surface 36k. In this embodiment, even when the slider 18 moves to its left-right movement limit and the connecting rod member 19 extends to its maximum extent, the second contact portion 37c still contacts the first contact portion 36j from above (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 19 At this time, the contact area between the second contact portion 37c and the first contact portion 36j is relatively large.

[0137] The base 37b of the connecting rod component has a second recess 37h. This second recess prevents interference between the connecting rod end 36b of the first connecting rod component 36 (i.e., the end of the first connecting rod component 36 on the output shaft 20 side) and the base 37b when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same horizontal direction as the output shaft 20. The second recess 37h is recessed from the end face on the other side of the long side of the connecting rod component base 37b towards the long side. In other words, the second recess 37h is recessed towards the slider connecting portion 38. When viewed from above, the shape of the second recess 37h is arc-shaped.

[0138] As described above, the outer end face of the second contact portion 37c in the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19 is a plane perpendicular to the short-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. The other end face of the second contact portion 37c in the long-side direction is a plane perpendicular to the long-side direction of the connecting rod member 19. Therefore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the left-right end faces of the second contact portion 37c (specifically, the right end face of the second contact portion 37c positioned on the right and the left end face of the second contact portion 37c positioned on the left) are perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the other end face of the second contact portion 37c in the long-side direction is perpendicular to the front-back direction. In other words, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned in the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the right rear corner of the second contact portion 37c and the left rear corner of the second contact portion 37c are angled.

[0139] In the rotating device 2, when the motor 13 drives the lead screw 14b to rotate, the slider 18 moves along the lead screw 14b in the left-right direction. When the slider 18 moves in the left-right direction, the connecting rod assembly 19 rotates about the output shaft 20 as its rotation center. When the connecting rod assembly 19 rotates, the second connecting rod assembly 37 moves relative to the first connecting rod assembly 36 along the long side of the connecting rod assembly 19, thereby extending and retracting the connecting rod assembly 19. When the connecting rod assembly 19 rotates, the output shaft 20 also rotates. When the output shaft 20 rotates, the rotating shaft 10 also rotates.

[0140] In this embodiment, the distance from which the slider 18 moves from a position in the left-right direction where the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 to a position where the slider-side contact surface 18s of the slider 18 contacts the limiting portion-side contact surface 30s of the housing 21 is equal to the distance from a position in the left-right direction where the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 to a position where the slider-side contact surface 18t of the slider 18 contacts the limiting portion-side contact surface 30t of the housing 21. When the slider 18 moves from a state where the slider-side contact surface 18s and the limiting portion-side contact surface 30s are in contact to a state where the slider-side contact surface 18t and the limiting portion-side contact surface 30t are in contact, the connecting rod member 19 and the output shaft 20 rotate, for example, by 90°.

[0141] In this embodiment, when the slider-side contact surface 18s contacts the limiting-side contact surface 30s, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. That is, when the slider 18 contacts the first limiting part 30p, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this embodiment, when the output shaft 20 is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, viewed from above, as... Figure 8As shown, the planar portion 20e of the output shaft 20 is tilted 45° clockwise relative to the front-rear direction. That is, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, the position of the output shaft 20 when the planar portion 20e of the output shaft 20 is tilted 45° clockwise relative to the front-rear direction is the reference position of the output shaft 20 in the circumferential direction.

[0142] (Thickness of the casing and rotating mechanism)

[0143] As described above, openings 30u and 31u for arranging a portion of the stator 16 are formed on both vertical surfaces of the housing 21. In this embodiment, the thickness of the housing 21 in the vertical direction is less than or equal to the width of the stator 16 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the thickness of the housing 21 in the vertical direction is equal to the width of the stator 16 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the stator 16 is disposed at the same position in the vertical direction as the upper surface of the housing 21 (i.e., the upper surface of the upper surface portion 31b), and the lower end of the stator 16 is disposed at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower surface of the housing 21 (i.e., the lower surface of the lower surface portion 30b) (see [reference]). Figure 14 ).

[0144] As described above, an opening 30v is formed on the lower surface of the housing 21 for a portion of the circuit board 27 to be disposed thereon, and the lower end face of the circuit board 27 is disposed at the same position as the lower end of the stator 16 in the vertical direction. As described above, the output shaft 20 does not protrude outward from the housing 21 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no structure that protrudes outward from both sides of the housing 21 in the vertical direction (i.e., both sides of the storage portion 21b in the vertical direction).

[0145] Therefore, in this embodiment, both sides of the rotating device 2 in the vertical direction are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The thickness of the rotating device 2 in the vertical direction is equal to the thickness of the housing 21 in the vertical direction. That is, the thickness of the rotating device 2 in the vertical direction is equal to the width of the stator 16 in the vertical direction. The thickness of the rotating device 2 in the vertical direction is 11 mm or less. For example, the thickness of the rotating device 2 in the vertical direction is about 10 mm.

[0146] (Main effects of this implementation method)

[0147] As described above, in this embodiment, the output shaft 20 is provided with a planar portion 20e, which is used to position the rotating shaft 10 at a position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10 can be reliably installed at the correct position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 using the planar portion 20e.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first limiting portion 30p is formed on the first housing 30. This first limiting portion is used to limit the range of movement of the slider 18 to the right. When the slider 18 contacts the first limiting portion 30p, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. That is, in this embodiment, if the slider 18 is made to contact the first limiting portion 30p, the output shaft 20 can be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20.

[0149] Therefore, in this embodiment, the output shaft 20 can be easily and accurately positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by mounting the rotating shaft 10 to the output shaft 20 positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, the rotating shaft 10 can be easily mounted to the correct position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of mounting the rotating shaft 10 to the output shaft 20 can be easily performed.

[0150] In this embodiment, when the slider-side contact surface 18s of the slider 18 (a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) contacts the restricting-side contact surface 30s of the first restricting portion 30p (a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction), the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the slider 18, which can move in the left-right direction, contacts the first restricting portion 30p, the contact state between the slider 18 and the first restricting portion 30p can be stabilized. Therefore, in this embodiment, the output shaft 20 can be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 with higher precision.

[0151] (Example of a modified connecting rod component)

[0152] Figure 21A , Figure 21B and Figure 22A , Figure 22B This is a top view illustrating the structure of the connecting rod component 19 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21A , Figure 21B and Figure 22A , Figure 22B In this context, structures identical to those described in the above embodiments are shown using the same symbols. Figure 21A , Figure 21B and Figure 22A , Figure 22B The circuit board fixing part 24f and the circuit board 27 are omitted from the illustration.

[0153] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 21AAs shown, one end of a first link member 36, which has an output shaft 20 at one end, and the other end of a second link member 37, which has one end rotatably connected to a slider 18, can be connected so that they can rotate relative to each other. In this case, for example, a fixed shaft 49 is fixed to one end of the first link member 36, and the other end of the second link member 37 forms a through hole for the fixed shaft 49 to be inserted.

[0154] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 21B As shown, the connecting rod assembly 19 can be composed of a single component. In this case, for example, a compression coil spring 48 is arranged between the reinforcing portion 24e of the motor frame 24 and the front side surface of the housing 21, and the motor 13 is subjected to a rearward force. The motor 13 is held in the housing 21 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction.

[0155] Furthermore, when the linkage component 19 is composed of a single part, the motor 13 need not be able to move in the forward and backward direction. In this case, for example, as... Figure 22A , Figure 22B As shown, an elongated insertion hole 19b for inserting the fixed shaft portion 18r is formed at one end of the connecting rod member 19. In this case, compared with the embodiment described above, the fixed shaft portion 18r is positioned further rearward, and the base portion 18q is longer in the front-rear direction.

[0156] (Examples of variations in housing, motor wiring, and output shaft, etc.)

[0157] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the rotating device 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 It is represented from different directions Figure 23 A perspective view of the rotating device 2 shown. Figure 25 From Figure 23 The top view shown shows the state of the rotating device 2 with the second housing 31 removed. Figure 26 yes Figure 23 A perspective view of the first housing 30 shown. Figure 27 It is represented from different directions Figure 26 A perspective view of the first housing 30 shown. Figure 28 yes Figure 23 A perspective view of the second housing 31 shown. Figure 29 It is represented from different directions Figure 28 A perspective view of the second housing 31 shown. Figures 23 to 29 In the above embodiments, the same structures are shown with the same symbols.

[0158] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 25 As shown, the motor 13 may include a connector 58 mounted on the circuit board 27, instead of a wire 28. (As...) Figures 23 to 29As shown, when viewed from above, the shape of the second storage section 21e can be a trapezoid, with its width gradually narrowing towards the rear in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 can be fixed to each other by snap-fit. Additionally, when viewed from above, the shape of the engagement hole 20d of the output shaft 20 can also be cross-shaped. The following will focus on the differences from the rotating device 2 of the above embodiment. Figures 23 to 29 The structure of a modified example of the rotating device 2 shown.

[0159] Connector 58 is mounted on the front surface of the right end portion of circuit board 27, which is positioned to the right of the right end face of stator 16. Connector 58 is housed in housing 21. Specifically, connector 58 is housed in third housing portion 21f. The insertion port 58b of connector 58 (see...) Figure 25 The connector 59 is oriented to the right. The mating connector 59 is inserted into the connector 58 from the right side. The mating connector 59 is fitted with a wire (not shown). This wire extends from the mating connector 59 to the right.

[0160] As described above, in this modified example, when viewed from the top and bottom, the second storage portion 21e is a trapezoid whose width gradually narrows towards the rear in the left and right direction. That is, similar to the embodiment described above, when viewed from the top and bottom, the right side of the second storage portion 21e tilts towards the right as it moves towards the front, and the left side of the second storage portion 21e tilts towards the left as it moves towards the front. In this modified example, when viewed from the top and bottom, the second storage portion 21e is an isosceles trapezoid whose width gradually narrows towards the rear in the left and right direction. When viewed from the top and bottom, the second storage portion 21e is an isosceles trapezoid whose upper and lower bases are parallel to the left and right directions.

[0161] The upper bottom of the isosceles trapezoidal second storage section 21e forms the rear end of the housing 21. The housing 21 holds the output shaft 20 rotatably near the upper bottom of the second storage section 21e. When viewed from above, the angle formed between the right side and the left side of the second storage section 21e is a right angle or an obtuse angle. For example, when viewed from above, the angle formed between the right side and the left side of the second storage section 21e is a right angle.

[0162] A connector opening 53 is formed on the right side of the third storage section 21f. This connector opening allows the insertion port 58b of the connector 58 to protrude to the outside of the housing 21 (see [link]). Figure 23In other words, the housing 21 has a connector opening 53. The connector opening 53 is a rectangular through hole. An anti-disengagement part 21h is formed on the lower side of the connector opening 53, which is used to prevent the mating connector 59 inserted into the connector 58 from falling off the connector 58. That is to say, the housing 21 is configured with the anti-disengagement part 21h.

[0163] The anti-detachment portion 21h is a flat, elastic sheet extending to the right. The anti-detachment portion 21h is disposed on the front side of the connector 58. The thickness direction of the anti-detachment portion 21h is consistent with the front-rear direction. A contact portion 21j is formed at the right end (front end) of the anti-detachment portion 21h, which contacts the mating connector 59 from the right side. In other words, the anti-detachment portion 21h is hook-shaped. The anti-detachment portion 21h is elastic and can elastically deform in the front-rear direction. That is, the anti-detachment portion 21h can elastically deform in the direction in which the contact portion 21j moves in the front-rear direction. When the mating connector 59 is attached or detached relative to the connector 58, the anti-detachment portion 21h elastically deforms forward.

[0164] As described above, in this modified example, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other by snap fasteners. Specifically, the first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other by snap fasteners at a total of six locations: two locations on the rear surface of the second storage portion 21e (i.e., two locations at the rear end of the housing 21); two locations on the front surface of the first storage portion 21d (i.e., two locations at the front end of the housing 21); one location on the left side of the first storage portion 21d (i.e., one location at the left end of the housing 21); and one location on the rear surface of the third storage portion 21f.

[0165] On the rear surface of the second storage portion 21e, two elastically deformable engaging tabs 31q are formed on the second housing 31. On the front surface of the first storage portion 21d, two elastically deformable engaging tabs 31r are formed on the second housing 31. On the left side of the first storage portion 21d, an elastically deformable engaging tab 31s is formed on the second housing 31. On the rear surface of the third storage portion 21f, an elastically deformable engaging tab 31t is formed on the second housing 31. The first housing 30 and the second housing 31 are fixed to each other by the snap-fit ​​mechanism of the elastically deformable engaging tabs 31q to 31t.

[0166] The engaging tab 31q is formed as a generally flat plate extending downward from the side portion 31c, and is hook-shaped with an engaging portion at its front end. Engaging tabs 31r to 31t are formed as generally flat plates extending downward from the side portion 31c, and are door-shaped. The thickness direction of engaging tabs 31q, 31r, and 31t is aligned with the front-rear direction, and engaging tabs 31q, 31r, and 31t can elastically deform in the front-rear direction. The thickness direction of engaging tab 31s is aligned with the left-right direction, and engaging tab 31s can elastically deform in the left-right direction. Two engaging tabs 31q are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction. Two engaging tabs 31r are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction.

[0167] The side portion 30c of the first housing 30 has a mounting recess 30i for mounting the engagement tabs 31q to 31t. The mounting recess 30i is slightly recessed inward from the outer side of the first housing 30. In addition, the side portion 30c has a protrusion 30m for engaging the front ends of the engagement tabs 31q to 31t. The protrusion 30m protrudes slightly from the bottom surface of the mounting recess 30i toward the outer periphery of the first housing 30.

[0168] The first housing 30 has a cylindrical positioning portion 30n. The positioning portion 30n is formed at both the right front end and the left front end of the second receiving portion 21e. The positioning portion 30n is formed in the same manner as the screw mounting portion 30j in the above embodiment. The positioning portion 30n has a positioning protrusion 30k. The positioning protrusion 30k is formed as an annular shape protruding upward from the upper end face of the positioning portion 30n. A first limiting portion 30p and a second limiting portion 30r are formed on the front side of the positioning portion 30n.

[0169] On the right side of the third storage portion 21f, the first housing 30 has an anti-detachment portion 30y forming the lower half of the anti-detachment portion 21h. Furthermore, on the right side of the third storage portion 21f, the side portion 30c of the first housing 30 has a notch 30z forming the lower half of the connector opening 53. In this modified example, the lower end face of the circuit board 27 is positioned above the lower end of the stator 16. The first housing 30 has a substrate placement recess 30q for the lower end of the circuit board 27, instead of an opening 30v. The substrate placement recess 30q is an elongated rectangular recess that is recessed downwards from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b, and does not penetrate the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. In this modified example, the wire guide portion 30x is not formed.

[0170] The second housing 31 has a positioning hole 31i for inserting the positioning protrusion 30k. The positioning hole 31i is formed at both the right front end and the left front end of the second storage portion 21e. The positioning hole 31i is recessed upward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b and does not penetrate the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. On the right side of the third storage portion 21f, the second housing 31 has an anti-dislodgement portion 31y that constitutes the upper half of the anti-dislodgement portion 21h. Furthermore, on the right side of the third storage portion 21f, the side portion 31c of the second housing 31 has a notch 31z that constitutes the upper half of the connector opening portion 53.

[0171] As described above, in this modified example, when viewed from above and below, the shape of the engaging hole 20d is cross-shaped. Figure 25 As shown, the engaging hole 20d includes a first hole portion 20g, a second hole portion 20h, and a third hole portion 20j. When the slider-side contact surface 18s of the slider 18 contacts the limiting-side contact surface 30s of the first housing 30, the first hole portion 20g forms the rear end of the engaging hole 20d, the second hole portion 20h forms the front end of the engaging hole 20d, and the third hole portion 20j forms the two ends of the engaging hole 20d in the left-right direction. The length of the first hole portion 20g in the radial direction of the output shaft 20 is different from the length of the second hole portion 20h in the radial direction of the output shaft 20.

[0172] The rotating shaft 10 has a cross-shaped portion corresponding to the shape of the engaging hole 20d. The rotating shaft 10 is inserted into the engaging hole 20d only at one circumferential location of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, the entire side 20k of the engaging hole 20d forms a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one circumferential location of the output shaft 20. That is, the output shaft 20 has a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one circumferential location of the output shaft 20, and this positioning portion is formed within the engaging hole 20d.

[0173] Similar to the above embodiment, in this modified example, when the slider-side contact surface 18s contacts the limiting-side contact surface 30s, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, when the output shaft 20 is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, viewed from above, as... Figure 25 As shown, the first hole 20g is disposed on the rear side, the second hole 20h is disposed on the front side, and the third hole 20j is disposed on both sides in the left-right direction. That is, in this modified example, when viewed from above, with the first hole 20g disposed on the rear side, the second hole 20h disposed on the front side, and the third hole 20j disposed on both sides in the left-right direction, the position of the output shaft 20 is a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained.

[0174] (Other implementation methods)

[0175] The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto. Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the slider 18 may not have a slider-side contact surface 18s. Furthermore, the first limiting portion 30p may not have a limiting portion-side contact surface 30s. Even in this case, when the slider 18 contacts the first limiting portion 30p, the output shaft 20 is still positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the output shaft 20 may also be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 when the slider-side contact surface 18t of the slider 18 contacts the limiting portion-side contact surface 30t of the second limiting portion 30r. That is, the output shaft 20 may also be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 when the slider 18 contacts the second limiting portion 30r.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the connecting rod member 19 can contact the first limiting portion 30p and the second limiting portion 30r. In this case, for example, when the connecting rod member 19 contacts the first limiting portion 30p, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Alternatively, when the connecting rod member 19 contacts the second limiting portion 30r, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20.

[0178] However, compared to the contact state when the connecting rod component 19, which rotates around the output shaft 20, contacts the first limiting part 30p or the second limiting part 30r, the contact state when the slider 18, which moves linearly in the left-right direction, contacts the first limiting part 30p or the second limiting part 30r is easier to stabilize. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, if the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 when the slider 18 contacts the first limiting part 30p, the output shaft 20 can be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 with higher precision.

[0179] In the above embodiments, at least one of the first limiting portion 30p and the second limiting portion 30r can be formed on the second housing 31. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the first limiting portion 30p, which is separately formed from the first housing 30, may be fixed to either the first housing 30 or the second housing 31, or the second limiting portion 30r, which is separately formed from the first housing 30, may be fixed to either the first housing 30 or the second housing 31. That is, at least one of the first limiting portion 30p and the second limiting portion 30r can be separately formed from the first housing 30. Additionally, in the above embodiments, the output shaft 20, which is separately formed from the first connecting rod member 36, may be fixed to the other end of the first connecting rod member 36.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the recess 20f may not be formed in the engagement hole 20d. In the above embodiment, the engagement hole 20d may be, for example, a circular hole. In this case, as a positioning part for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, a keyway-shaped recess is formed in the engagement hole 20d (specifically on the inner circumferential surface of the engagement hole 20d). The rotating shaft 10 has a protrusion that engages with the recess.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the output shaft 20 can be formed as a cylinder. In this case, the output shaft 20 protrudes from the housing 21 toward both sides or one side in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, as a positioning part for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, a key-shaped protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the output shaft 20. For example, the rotating shaft 10 is formed as a cylinder, and a recess is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 10 to engage with the protrusion.

[0182] In the above embodiment, a fixed shaft portion serving as the rotation center of the connecting rod member 19 relative to the slider 18 may be formed on the second connecting rod member 37, and an insertion hole for inserting the fixed shaft portion may be formed on the slider 18. In this case, the fixed shaft portion formed on the second connecting rod member 37 and the insertion hole formed on the slider 18 constitute the slider connection portion 38. In the above embodiment, the end of the second connecting rod member 37 on one side in the long direction may be connected to the slider 18 on the upper side of the lead screw 14b. In this case, the slider body portion 18c has a fixed shaft portion 18r. In this case, the base portion 18q is not required.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the slider body 18c can be formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the slider body 18c can be a nut component formed in a cylindrical shape or the like. In this case, as the threaded portion 18b, a helical internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the slider body 18c. In the above embodiment, the motor 13 may also not include the motor frame 24. In this case, for example, the stator 16 and the bearing 25 are mounted to the lower surface portion 30b of the first housing 30.

[0184] In the above embodiment, a portion of the rotating shaft 14 forms a lead screw 14b, but it is also possible that the lead screw 14b, which is separate from the rotating shaft 14, is fixed to the rotating shaft 14. In the above embodiment, the motor 13 can be a motor other than a stepper motor. In the above embodiment, the rotating device 2 can rotate objects other than the fins 5 and 6 used for adjusting the wind direction.

[0185] (The composition of this technology)

[0186] This technology can be configured as follows.

[0187] (1) A rotating device for rotating a specified rotating object. The motor includes: a lead screw; a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a connecting rod assembly having one end rotatably connected to the slider; an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the connecting rod assembly and engaging with a portion of the rotating object; and a housing that holds the output shaft rotatable and at least houses the lead screw, the slider, and the connecting rod assembly. 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, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the connecting rod component can rotate relative to the slider with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is positioned on the third-direction side relative to the slider. A positioning portion is formed on the output shaft for positioning the engaging portion at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. A first limiting part for limiting the movement range of the slider toward one side in the first direction and a second limiting part for limiting the movement range of the slider toward the other side in the first direction are formed or fixed on the housing. The slider or the connecting rod component can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the slider or the connecting rod component contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0188] (2) The rotating device according to (1), wherein, The slider can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the slider contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is arranged in the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0189] (3) The rotating device according to (2), wherein, The first or second limiting portion has a limiting portion side contact surface, which is a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The slider has a slider-side contact surface, which is a plane perpendicular to the first direction and capable of contacting the restrictor-side contact surface. When the slider-side contact surface contacts the limiting-side contact surface, the output shaft is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

[0190] (4) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein, The output shaft has a locking hole that extends through the output shaft along the second direction and engages with the locking portion. The positioning part is formed in the engagement hole.

[0191] (5) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein, The rotating object is a fin installed at the air outlet of the vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

[0192] In this technology, it is preferable that the slider can contact the first and second limiting parts. When the slider contacts the first or second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. Compared to the contact state when a connecting rod component rotating around the output shaft contacts the first or second limiting part, the contact state when the slider, which moves linearly along the first direction, contacts the first or second limiting part is more easily stabilized. Therefore, with this configuration, the output shaft can be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft with higher precision.

[0193] In this technology, preferably, the first or second limiting part has a plane perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., a limiting part-side contact surface, and the slider has a plane perpendicular to the first direction that can contact the limiting part-side contact surface, i.e., a slider-side contact surface. When the slider-side contact surface contacts the limiting part-side contact surface, the output shaft is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. With this configuration, the contact state between the slider and the first or second limiting part can be made more stable. Therefore, the output shaft can be positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft with higher precision.

[0194] In this technology, for example, an engagement hole is formed on the output shaft that extends through the output shaft in a second direction and engages with the engagement portion, and a positioning portion is formed in the engagement hole.

[0195] In this technology, for example, the rotating object is a fin provided at the air outlet of a vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

[0196] Symbol Explanation

[0197] 2. Rotating device

[0198] 4. Air outlet

[0199] 5, 6 Fins (for rotating objects)

[0200] 10. Rotating shaft (locking part)

[0201] 13 motors

[0202] 14b lead screw

[0203] 18 sliders

[0204] 18b Threaded section

[0205] 18s slider side contact surface

[0206] 19. Linkage assembly

[0207] 20 Output shaft

[0208] 20d card empty

[0209] 20e Flat section (positioning section)

[0210] 20k Side (Positioning Section)

[0211] 21. Shell

[0212] 30p First Restricted Section

[0213] 30r Second Restriction Section

[0214] 30s Restricted side contact surface

[0215] X Third Direction

[0216] X2 One side of the third direction

[0217] The axial direction of the Y-screw, the first direction.

[0218] Y1 One side of the first direction

[0219] The other side of Y2 in the first direction

[0220] Z is the second direction.

Claims

1. A rotating device for rotating a predetermined rotating object, characterized in that, include : Motor, which has a lead screw; slider, which has a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; A linkage component, one end of which is rotatably connected to the slider; an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the linkage component and engaging with a locking portion of the rotating object; and a housing that holds the output shaft rotatable and at least houses the lead screw, the slider, and the linkage component. 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, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the connecting rod component can rotate relative to the slider with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is positioned on the third-direction side relative to the slider. A positioning portion is formed on the output shaft, which is used to position the engaging portion at a location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft. A first limiting part and a second limiting part are formed or fixed on the housing. The first limiting part is used to limit the range of movement of the slider toward one side of the first direction, and the second limiting part is used to limit the range of movement of the slider toward the other side of the first direction. The slider or the connecting rod component can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the slider or the connecting rod component contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

2. The rotating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider can contact the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the slider contacts the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the output shaft is arranged in the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

3. The rotating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first or second limiting portion has a limiting portion-side contact surface, which is a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The slider has a slider-side contact surface, which is a plane perpendicular to the first direction and capable of contacting the limiting part-side contact surface. When the slider-side contact surface contacts the limiting-side contact surface, the output shaft is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft.

4. The rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The output shaft has a locking hole that extends through the output shaft along the second direction and engages with the locking portion. The positioning part is formed within the engagement hole.

5. The rotating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rotating object is a fin installed at the air outlet of the vehicle for adjusting the airflow direction.

Images