Linear motion device and locking device

Abstract

To simplify a structure.SOLUTION: A linear motion device comprises a linear motion member formed so as to be linearly movable between a first position and a second position, a biasing member that biases the linear motion member in a direction toward the first position, and a first rotation member. The linear motion member moves from the first position to the second position as the first rotation member rotates in a first direction, and moves from the second position to the first position as the first rotation member rotates in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear motion device and a locking device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a locking structure used for bicycles and the like, a technique is known in which a locking state and a locking disabled state are switched by the rotation of a motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-11708 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above technology, the rotation direction of the motor is reversed when transitioning from a locked state to an unlocked state and when transitioning from a lockable state to a locking disabled state. With this configuration, the drive circuitry and other components may become complicated in order to control the reversal of the rotation direction of the motor.

[0005] According to one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a linear actuator and a locking device that can have a simplified structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the linear motion device includes a linear motion member formed to be linearly movable between a first position and a second position, a biasing member that biases the linear motion member in a direction toward the first position, and a first rotating member. The linear motion member moves from the first position to the second position as the first rotating member rotates in a first direction, and moves from the second position to the first position as the first rotating member rotates in the first direction.

[0007] According to one aspect, the structure can be simplified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the linear motion device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a bar in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of an internal structure of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a state transition of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of state transition of the yoke and the first rotor in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the second rotor in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view illustrating an example of the key box in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view illustrating an example of a key box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the locking device in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of an operation in manual operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example of a manual operation state of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing an example of the circle lock in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery lock in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the linear actuator and the locking device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional relationship and ratio of each element in the drawings may differ from the reality. The dimensional relationship and ratio of each element may differ between the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] First, the linear motion device in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment includes a first case 10, a second case 20, and a yoke 60. The first case 10 and the second case 20 form a housing 100. The yoke 60 is an example of a linear motion member.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 100 has an opening 106 through which the yoke 60 protrudes and a through hole 109 through which the wiring 99 is inserted. As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring 99 is connected to a battery 800 and a control device 900. In the following drawings, in order to make the description easier to understand, a coordinate system may be illustrated in which the direction in which the yoke 60 protrudes from the housing 100 is the positive direction on the X axis, the direction in which the first case 10 is disposed relative to the second case 20 is the positive direction on the Y axis, and the direction in which the wiring 99 protrudes from the housing 100 is the positive direction on the Z axis. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0012] 1, the linear motion device 1 transitions between a state (a) in which the yawl 60 protrudes from the opening 106 of the housing 100 in the positive direction on the X axis and a state (c) in which the yawl 60 moves in the negative direction on the X axis and is housed within the housing 100. That is, the yawl 60 in the first embodiment is formed so as to be linearly movable between a first position shown in state (a) of FIG. 1 and a second position shown in state (c).

[0013] For example, the yoke 60 is pressed toward the positive side of the X-axis by the coil spring 6 shown in Fig. 2, so that the yoke 60 protrudes from the opening 106. Also, the yoke 60 is pressed toward the negative side of the X-axis as the first rotor 50 shown in Fig. 2 rotates in conjunction with the motor 3, so that the yoke 60 is housed in the housing 100. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the first case 10 and the second case 20 are fixed by the screw 13 with the gasket 2 ensuring waterproofing, thereby forming the housing 100.

[0014] In the first embodiment, except when the first rotor 50 presses the yoke 60 in the negative direction on the X-axis, the yoke 60 is pressed in the positive direction on the X-axis by the coil spring 6 and is fixed in a first position shown in state (a) of Fig. 1. In the following, the operation of the linear motion device 1 will be described with state (a) of Fig. 1 being the initial state.

[0015] 2, the housing 100 accommodates the motor 3, the gear unit 40, the first rotor 50, the yoke 60, the coil spring 6, the sensor 90, the second rotor 120, and the cylinder 130. The second rotor 120 and the cylinder 130 will be described in detail later. The first rotor 50 is an example of a first rotating member, and the coil spring 6 is an example of a biasing member.

[0016] The sensor 90 detects the position of the yoke 60 in the X-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor 90 includes a contact portion 91 and a sensor board 92. The sensor 90 is connected to an external power source such as a battery 800, a control device 900, etc., by wiring 99 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The sensor 90 is also connected to the motor 3 by wiring 93 shown in Fig. 2.

[0017] When the contact portion 91 is not in contact with another member, it returns to a neutral state (facing the negative side of the Z axis). The sensor board 92 detects the position of the bar 60 in the X axis direction based on the inclination of the contact portion 91.

[0018] The battery 800 supplies power to the motor 3. The control device 900 controls the motor 3. More specifically, the control device 900 controls the supply of power from the battery 800 to the motor 3. In the first embodiment, the control device 900 outputs only a start signal and a stop signal for the supply of power from the battery 800 to the motor 3.

[0019] The motor 3 rotates or stops about the Y-axis as a rotation axis based on an external control signal to the sensor 90 or a detection result of the sensor 90. The motor 3 in the first embodiment is controlled to rotate, for example, in only one direction, and rotates the first rotor 50.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the yoke 60 includes an abutment surface 61, a protruding portion 62, a recess 66, a flange 67, an abutment portion 69, and a guide 71. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the yoke in the first embodiment. The abutment portion 69 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The abutted surface 61 abuts against the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the yoke 60 is pressed toward the negative side in the X-axis direction by the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50 (state (c) shown in Fig. 1). The abutment portion 51 is an example of a protrusion.

[0022] The protruding portion 62 is a portion that protrudes outward from the housing 100 in the state (a) shown in Fig. 1. The coil spring 6 is inserted into the recessed portion 66 as shown in Fig. 4. The coil spring 6 presses the yoke 60 in the positive direction on the X-axis, i.e., in the direction toward the first position.

[0023] 3 and 4, a packing 7 is attached to the flange 67. This ensures that the opening 106 is waterproof when the yoke 60 protrudes from the opening 106 to the outside of the housing 100. The guide 71 slides against the rail 19 formed on the first case 10 shown in FIG. 2, thereby housing the yoke 60 in the housing 100 so as to be linearly movable in the X-axis direction. Note that in the following, illustration of the packing 7 may be omitted.

[0024] 4, the yoke 60 further includes contacted portions 64, 65. The contacted portions 64, 65 come into contact with a contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 in response to the movement of the yoke 60, as will be described later.

[0025] The gear unit 40 reduces the speed of rotation of the motor 3, changes the direction of rotation, and transmits the rotation to the first rotor 50. The gear unit 40 includes a frame 49 shown in Fig. 2, a worm 41 shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of transmission gears 42, 43, 44, and a rotating shaft 48. Note that the frame 49 of the gear unit 40 shown in Fig. 2 is omitted in Fig. 4. Also, in each drawing, the teeth of the worm 41 and the transmission gears 42, 43 may be omitted.

[0026] The worm 41 is attached to a rotating shaft of the motor 3 and rotates about the Y-axis. The transmission gears 42, 43, and 44 rotate about the Z-axis and transmit the rotation of the worm 41 to the first rotor 50.

[0027] The first rotor 50 is mounted on the same rotating shaft 48 as the transmission gear 44, and rotates about the Z-axis as a rotating axis in conjunction with the transmission gear 44. The first rotor 50 has an abutment portion 51 that protrudes in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The abutment portion 51 abuts against an abutted surface 61 of the yoke 60 in the direction in which the yoke 60 moves linearly. The abutted surface 61 is an example of a part of a linearly moving member.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the contact portion 51 contacts the contacted surface 61 of the yoke 60 in the X-axis direction. Fig. 5 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the initial state of the yoke 60 (state (a) shown in Fig. 1).

[0029] When the yoke 60 is not pressed toward the negative side of the X-axis by the first rotor 50, it is biased by the coil spring 6 to move toward the positive side of the X-axis, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4. This causes the yoke 60 to move to a position in the initial state (state (a) shown in FIG. 6). FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a state transition of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. In the initial state, the protruding portion 62 of the yoke 60 protrudes toward the positive side of the X-axis from the opening 106 of the housing 100. The dashed line shown in FIG. 6 indicates the position of the opening 106 of the housing 100. Also, in states (a) and (c) of FIG. 6, a cross section of the linear motion device 1 is shown.

[0030] In the initial state shown in state (a) of Fig. 1 and Fig. 6, the first rotor 50 is stopped with the abutment portion 51 located on the positive side of the X-axis as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state transition of the yoke and the first rotor in the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 6. Note that state (a) of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is an example of a state in which the linear motion member is in a first position, and the angle of the first rotor 50 shown in state (a) of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is an example of the first angle.

[0031] In an initial state, the contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 is in contact with the contacted portion 65 on the negative side of the X-axis of the yoke 60, as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, the contact portion 91 is stopped in a state inclined toward the positive side of the X-axis, as shown in Fig. 6. Note that the sensor board 92 and some other members are not shown in Fig. 6.

[0032] The linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment operates when, for example, a control device 900 shown in Fig. 1 receives an operation signal. The control device 900 receives a wireless signal or a wired signal from an external device (not shown), such as a card key, a smartphone, or a switch.

[0033] In the initial state, when the control device 900 receives an operation signal, it transmits a signal to start the supply of power from the battery 800 to the linear motion device 1. As a result, power is supplied from the battery 800 to the motor 3 via the wiring 93. In this case, as the motor 3 starts to operate, the first rotor 50 starts to rotate in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7 from the initial state (a) shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7 is an example of the first direction.

[0034] When the first rotor 50 rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7, the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50 presses the contacted surface 61 of the yoke 60 in the direction indicated by the block arrow (negative side on the X-axis). Accordingly, as shown in state (b) of Fig. 6, the protrusion 62 of the yoke 60 moves to the negative side on the X-axis so as to be accommodated inside the opening 106 of the housing 100. Furthermore, as the contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 is no longer in contact with the contacted portion 65 of the yoke 60, it returns to the neutral state (state facing the negative side on the Z-axis) as shown in Fig. 6(b).

[0035] Thereafter, the first rotor 50 rotates further in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 7, whereby the protrusion 62 of the hook 60 is completely housed inside the opening 106 of the housing 100, as shown in state (c) in Figure 6.

[0036] In state (c), as shown in Fig. 6(c), the contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 comes into contact with the contacted portion 64 on the positive side of the X-axis of the yoke 60, and is tilted toward the negative side of the X-axis. In this case, the sensor board 92 detects that the yoke 60 has moved to the second position shown in state (c) of Fig. 6. At that time, the sensor board 92 outputs a signal to the control device 900, which in turn outputs a stop signal to the battery 800. This stops the supply of power from the battery 800 to the motor 3, and the motor 3 stops.

[0037] In this case, the first rotor 50 stops with the abutment portion 51 located on the negative side of the X-axis. As a result, the yoke 60, which is moving to the positive side of the X-axis by the coil spring 6, stops at the second position shown in state (c) by pressing the abutted surface 61 against the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50. The angle of the first rotor 50 shown in state (c) of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is an example of the second angle. That is, the first rotor 50 rotates in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7 from the angle shown in state (a) of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 to the angle shown in state (c). Moreover, the first rotor 50 stops at the second angle, thereby fixing the yoke 60 in the second position.

[0038] Furthermore, the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment starts an operation to return from state (c) shown in Fig. 7 to the initial state shown in state (a) by receiving an operation signal from, for example, the control device 900. At that time, the first rotor 50 starts rotating in the direction shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7, i.e., in the first direction.

[0039] In this case, the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50, which had been pressing the yoke 60 to the negative side on the X-axis, moves to the positive side on the X-axis. As a result, the yoke 60 moves to the positive side on the X-axis due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6, as shown by the block arrow in state (d) in Fig. 7. Also, as the contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 is no longer in contact with the contacted portion 64 of the yoke 60, it returns to the neutral state (a state facing the negative side on the Z-axis) as shown in Fig. 6(d).

[0040] Thereafter, the first rotor 50 further rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7, thereby returning to the initial state shown in state (a) in Fig. 6. That is, the protruding portion 62 of the yoke 60 protrudes from the opening 106 of the housing 100 toward the positive side in the X-axis direction. That is, as the first rotor 50 rotates from the second angle in the first direction, the yoke 60 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0041] In this case, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the contact portion 91 of the sensor 90 again comes into contact with the contacted portion 65 on the positive side of the X-axis of the yoke 60, and tilts toward the positive side of the X-axis. In this case, the sensor board 92 detects that the yoke 60 has moved to the first position shown in state (a) of Fig. 6. At that time, the sensor board 92 outputs a signal to the control device 900, which in turn outputs a stop signal to the battery 800. This stops the supply of power from the battery 800 to the motor 3, and the motor 3 stops.

[0042] In the first embodiment, even when the first rotor 50 transitions from state (c) through state (d) to state (a), it rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7, that is, in the same direction as when the first rotor 50 transitions from state (a) through state (b) to state (c). That is, the yoke 60 moves from the first position to the second position as the first rotor 50 rotates in the first direction, and moves from the second position to the first position as the first rotor 50 rotates in the first direction. In this configuration, even when the yoke 60 is moved in the opposite direction on the X-axis, it is not necessary to rotate the first rotor 50 in the opposite direction, and the start and stop of the operation of the linear motion device 1 can be controlled only by turning on and off the power supply to the motor 3, so that the structure for controlling the motor 3 can be simplified.

[0043] In this case, as shown in Fig. 7, the width W1 of the contacted surface 61 may be equal to or larger than the pitch circle radius (PCD) of the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50. Furthermore, the central position of the contacted surface 61 in the Y-axis direction is substantially the same as the central axis of the first rotor 50 in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the contact portion 51 and the contacted surface 61 can be brought into contact with each other at the minimum size of each component, whether the contact portion 51 is located on the negative side in the Y-axis direction as shown in state (b) of Fig. 7 or the contact portion 51 is located on the positive side in the Y-axis direction as shown in state (d) of Fig. 7.

[0044] As described above, the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment includes the linear motion member 60 formed to be linearly movable between a first position and a second position, the biasing member 6 that biases the linear motion member 60 in a direction toward the first position, and the first rotating member 50. The linear motion member 60 moves from the first position to the second position as the first rotating member 50 rotates in the first direction, and moves from the second position to the first position as the first rotating member 50 rotates in the first direction. With this configuration, it is not necessary to rotate the first rotating member 50 in the opposite direction, and therefore the structure of the control circuit and the like can be simplified.

[0045] In the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second rotor 120, which rotates in conjunction with the cylinder 130, is rotated, so that the yoke 60 can be linearly moved by a method other than the motor 3, for example, manually. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the second rotor in the first embodiment. State (a) in FIG. 8 shows a state in which the yoke 60 has moved to a first position as the first rotor 50 moves in the positive direction on the X-axis, similar to the initial state (a) shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. In this state, the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50 and the abutted surface 61 of the yoke 60 abut in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 7.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the cylinder 130 has a keyhole 131. For example, when a key 700 shown in Fig. 1 is inserted into the keyhole 131, the cylinder 130 rotates about the Y-axis as a rotation axis. The second rotor 120 is fixed to the cylinder 130, and rotates about the Y-axis as a rotation axis in conjunction with the rotation of the cylinder 130.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 8, the second rotor 120 has a contact portion 121 that protrudes in the negative direction in the Y axis. As shown in Fig. 8, the contact portion 121 comes into contact with the contacted portion 69 of the yoke 60 in the X axis direction.

[0048] The second rotor 120 rotates in conjunction with the cylinder 130, whereby the contact portion 121 presses the contacted portion 69 of the yoke 60. For example, in the initial state (a) shown in Fig. 8, the contact portion 121 rotates in the direction indicated by the solid arrow, thereby pressing the contacted portion 69 in the negative direction on the X-axis. In other words, the second rotor 120 presses the yoke 60 in the direction toward the second position.

[0049] As a result, the yoke 60 moves to the second position, similar to state (c) shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this state, the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50 and the contacted surface 61 of the yoke 60 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction, as shown in state (p) in Figure 7.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the cylinder 130 stops rotating in state (p) shown in Fig. 8, that is, in a state where the yoke 60 has moved to the second position. In addition, when the cylinder 130 is applying a force in the direction shown by the solid arrow in state (p) shown in Fig. 8, the cylinder 130 stops in state (p), and when the application of the force is stopped, the second rotor 120 rotates in the direction shown by the dashed arrow, thereby returning to the initial state (a) shown in Fig. 8. Note that, similarly to the first rotor 50, the second rotor 120 may also be configured to continue rotating in the same direction, that is, in the direction shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 8, thereby returning the yoke 60 to the first position shown in the initial state (a) in Fig. 8.

[0051] The linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment is used in a key box 200 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, for example. Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a key box in the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a front perspective view showing an example of a key box in the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the key box 200 in the first embodiment includes a front case 211, a rear case 212, and a locking device 300. Note that in order to allow the locking device 300 to be seen through, the rear case 212 is illustrated as transparent in Fig. 9, and the front case 211 is illustrated as transparent in Fig. 10.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 10, the linear motion device 1 is housed in the locking device 300 so that the keyhole 131 of the cylinder 130 protrudes from the front case 211 in the negative direction in the Y axis direction.

[0053] The locking device 300 in the first embodiment switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to the transition between the first position and the second position of the linear motion member. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the key box 200 in the first embodiment is in a locked state (g) when the bar 60 of the linear motion device 1 is protruding (in the first position), and is in an unlocked state (h) when the bar 60 is housed (in the second position). FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the locking device in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the locking device 300 includes the linear motion device 1, a housing 310, an operating shaft 320, a joint 330, a slider 340, an arm 350, a cover plate 360, a holding plate 370, and a lock plate 390. The lock plate 390 is an example of a locking member.

[0054] The housing 310 accommodates the linear motion device 1. The housing 310 includes a base 311 and a guide 312. The base 311 is fixed to the front case 211.

[0055] The holding plate 370 fixes the linear motion device 1 to the housing 310. The operating shaft 320 moves linearly in the X-axis direction in conjunction with the bar 60 of the linear motion device 1. The joint 330 transmits the motion of the operating shaft 320 to the slider 340. The slider 340 moves linearly on the guide 312 in conjunction with the joint 330, and moves the arm 350 linearly in the X-axis direction. Note that in Figs. 9 and 11, the guide 312 is hidden by the slider 340 and cannot be seen.

[0056] 11 , the pin 351 connecting the arm 350 and the lock plate 390 rotates along the shape of the opening 361 of the cover plate 360. With this configuration, the linear motion of the latch 60 of the linear motion device 1 is converted into the rotational motion of the lock plate 390 of the locking device 300 of the key box 200.

[0057] 11, the lock plate 390 connected to the pin 351 rotates, and the locking device 300 switches from the locked state (g) to the unlocked state (h). In the unlocked state (h), the latch 60 of the linear motion device 1 is housed in the housing 100, as shown by the dashed line in FIG.

[0058] Furthermore, when the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment is used in the locking device 300, the locking device 300 may become unable to be operated due to, for example, a dead battery. In this case, in the state (a) shown in Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, i.e., the locked state (g) shown in Fig. 11, even in a state in which the linear motion device 1 cannot be electrically operated, the locking device 300 can be unlocked by rotating the second rotor 120 by manually operating the cylinder 130 as described above.

[0059] On the other hand, when the linear motion device 1 cannot be electrically operated in a state other than the state (a) in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, i.e., in the unlocked state (h) shown in FIG. 11, when the bar 60 is moved manually, the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50 may hinder the operation, as shown in the state (c) in FIG. 12, for example. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation in the manual operation of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. The state (c) in FIG. 12 shows, for example, the state (c) shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, i.e., the unlocked state (h) shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 12, when the linear motion device 1 cannot be electrically operated in the state (c), the contact portion 51 of the first rotor 50 comes into contact with the contacted surface 61 of the bar 60, thereby hindering the operation of the bar 60.

[0060] Therefore, the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment may further include a switching lever 110 for moving the first rotor 50, as shown in Figs. 2 and 12. The switching lever 110 supports the first rotor 50 from the positive side of the Z axis. In this case, the first rotor 50 moves to the negative side of the Z axis by moving the switching lever 110, for example, as shown by the arrows in Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 13 is a side view showing an example of a manual operation state of the linear motion device in the first embodiment. In this state, the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50 is in a state (q-1) in which it does not abut against the abutted surface 61 of the yoke 60, as shown in Fig. 13. That is, the switching lever 110 moves the first rotor 50 to a position where the abutment portion 51 does not abut against the abutted surface 61 of the yoke 60. In this state, the latch 60 moves in the positive direction on the X-axis due to the biasing force of the coil spring 6, and transitions from state (q-1) to state (r) shown in Fig. 12, i.e., the locked state (g). The switching lever 110 is an example of a moving member.

[0061] 5 in the positive direction of the Z axis, the first rotor 50 is supported at a position where the contact portion 51 contacts the contacted surface 61. Therefore, the switching lever 110 may further include a protrusion 111 that fixes the position of the first rotor 50 against the biasing force of the coil spring 119. The protrusion 111 engages with the protruding portion 18 of the first case 10 shown in FIG. 2, for example, to fix the first rotor 50 at a position where the contact portion 51 does not contact the contacted surface 61.

[0062] 1 and 2, the cylinder 130 protrudes on the negative side of the Y axis through an opening 29 formed in the second case 20. The cylinder 130 rotates, for example, by inserting a key (not shown) into a keyhole 131 and operating it. The keyhole 131 of the cylinder 130 is located on the negative side of the Y axis in the key box 200 shown in FIG.

[0063] In the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment, when the second rotor 120 rotates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 12, the abutted portion 69 of the yoke 60 is pressed toward the negative side of the X-axis by the abutting portion 121 of the second rotor 120. As a result, the yoke 60 transitions from the state (r) shown in Fig. 12, i.e., the locked state (g) shown in Fig. 11, to the state (q-2) shown in Fig. 12, i.e., the unlocked state (h) shown in Fig. 11. Note that in the state (q-2), the positions of the first rotor 50 and the yoke 60 are the same as in the state (q-1) shown in Fig. 13, but the rotation angles of the cylinder 130 and the second rotor 120 are different.

[0064] As described above, according to the linear motion device 1 shown in the first embodiment, even if the electric operation becomes impossible, the yoke 60 can be manually operated using the key 700 regardless of the position of the yoke 60 on the X-axis. The same applies when the yoke 60 is in any position other than the initial state (a) and state (c) shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, that is, when the electric operation becomes impossible during the transition between the unlocked state (h) shown in Fig. 11 and the locked state (g) shown in Fig. 11.

[0065] 13 to the positive side on the Z axis, the abutment portion 51 of the first rotor 50 abuts again against the abutted surface 61 of the yoke 60. This causes the linear motion device 1 to return from the manual operation state to the electrically operated state.

[0066] However, when the first rotor 50 and the yoke 60 are in a positional relationship as shown in state (r) in Figure 12, the surface of the abutment portion 51 on the positive side of the Z axis and the surface of the yoke 60 on the negative side of the Z axis may come into contact, preventing the first rotor 50 from moving in the positive direction on the Z axis.

[0067] Therefore, when the linear motion device 1 becomes capable of being electrically operated, the control device 900 may be configured to transmit a power supply start signal to rotate the first rotor 50 to the position of state (p) shown in Fig. 7. With this configuration, the linear motion device 1 can be restored to a state in which it can be electrically operated, regardless of the position of the yoke 60 on the X-axis.

[0068] [Second embodiment] Furthermore, the linear motion device 1 shown in the first embodiment can be applied to other than the key box 200. For example, the linear motion device 1 may be applied to a circle lock 400 as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a side view showing an example of a circle lock in the second embodiment. In the following embodiments and modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those shown in the drawings described above, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0069] The circle lock 400 shown in Fig. 14 is used to secure, for example, a bicycle wheel (not shown). The circle lock 400 includes a linear motion device 1, a main body 410, a latch 420, and a spring 430. The main body 410 is formed in a substantially horseshoe shape, and houses the linear motion device 1, the latch 420, and the spring 430. The main body 410 includes two openings 411 and 412.

[0070] The latch 420 is formed in a substantially arc shape, and is housed within the main body 410 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. When the latch 420 moves in a counterclockwise direction (the direction shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 14), a part of the latch 420 protrudes from the opening 411, and further, a tip portion of the latch 420 protrudes into the main body 410 through the opening 412. This places the circle lock 400 in the locked state (i) shown in FIG. 14. Furthermore, when the latch 420 rotates in the clockwise direction (the direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 14) and is entirely housed within the main body 410, the circle lock 400 is in the unlocked state (j) shown in FIG. 14.

[0071] Furthermore, the latch 420 includes an engaged portion 421 and a locking knob 422. The locking knob 422 is used when manually operating the latch 420. The engaged portion 421 is, for example, a recess formed on the radially outer side of the latch 420, and inhibits movement of the latch 420 by engaging with the bar 60 of the linear motion device 1. Note that the engaged portion 421 shown in FIG. 14 is just an example, and may be, for example, a through hole or the like.

[0072] Spring 430 biases latch 420 in the direction shown by the block arrow in Fig. 14. The biasing force of spring 430 is large when latch 420 is in the locked state (i) as shown in Fig. 14, and is small when latch 420 is in the unlocked state (j). In this case, when latch 420 is not operated from the outside and is not fixed by another member, latch 420 moves in the direction of the solid arrow by the biasing force of spring 430 and transitions to the unlocked state (j). At this time, locking knob 422 may abut against a wall portion or the like provided on main body 410, thereby serving as a stopper to maintain the unlocked state.

[0073] In the second embodiment, too, the yoke 60 of the linear motion device 1 is biased by the coil spring 6, so that it tends to protrude in the positive direction on the X-axis, that is, to move to the first position shown in state (a) of Fig. 1. However, in the unlocked state (j) shown in Fig. 14, the yoke 60 is prevented from protruding in the positive direction on the X-axis by the outer circumferential surface of the latch 420. In the unlocked state (j), the engaged portion 421 of the latch 420 is located away from the linear motion device 1 in the circumferential direction.

[0074] On the other hand, when the latch 420 is moved counterclockwise by, for example, the locking knob 422, the engaged portion 421 moves in the circumferential direction to a position facing the bar 60 of the linear motion device 1. In this case, the bar 60 protrudes toward the positive side in the X-axis direction and engages with the engaged portion 421. As a result, the latch 420 is fixed in the locked state (i) shown in FIG.

[0075] In the locked state (i), for example, when the linear actuator 1 moves from the first position shown in state (a) of FIG. 1 to the second position shown in state (c) based on an operation signal from the control device 900, the engagement between the yoke 60 and the engaged portion 421 is released. In this case, the latch 420 moves in the direction shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 14 due to the biasing force of the spring 430. This causes the circle lock 400 to transition to the unlocked state (j). That is, in the second embodiment, the yoke 60 does not move the locking device, but switches the latch 420 between a movable state and a fixed state.

[0076] [Third embodiment] Also, as shown in Fig. 15, the latch 60 of the linear motion device 1 in the first embodiment may be used for locking. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery lock in the third embodiment. The battery lock 500 shown in Fig. 15 prevents removal of a battery 600 from, for example, an electric bicycle.

[0077] 15, in a state where the battery 600 is attached to the battery attachment portion 510, when the bar 60 of the linear motion device 1 protrudes toward the positive side in the X-axis direction, it engages with an engaged groove 660 formed in the battery 600. This prevents the battery 600 from being removed from the battery attachment portion 510.

[0078] 15, in the unlocked state (l) shown in FIG. 2, the linear motion device 1 rotates the second rotor 120 shown in FIG. 2 based on an operation signal from the control device 900, and the latch 60 is housed in the housing 100 of the linear motion device 1, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the battery 600 becomes movable in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, so that the battery 600 can be removed from the battery attachment part 510.

[0079] In addition, in both the circle lock 400 shown in Figure 14 and the battery lock 500 shown in Figure 15, in addition to electric operation based on an operation signal from the control device 900, manual operation using a key 700 as shown in Figure 15 is also possible.

[0080] [Variations] Although the configurations in the respective embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the sensor 90 is connected to an external power source via a wiring 99, and receives a control signal from an external control device 900 or the like, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the battery 800 and the control device 900 may be housed in the housing 30.

[0081] In addition, a configuration has been described in which the latch 60 is in a locked state when in a first position shown in state (a) of Figure 1 and is in an unlocked state when in a second position shown in state (c), but this is not limited to this and the latch 60 may be in an unlocked state in state (a).

[0082] Furthermore, the spring in each embodiment or each modified example may be any material that has a biasing force, and may be made of other elastic material such as rubber.

[0083] 1, opening 106 is formed by combining notches formed in first case 10 and second case 20, and through hole 109 is formed by combining a notch formed in second case 20 with an end face of first case 10, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, opening 106 may be a through hole formed in second case 20, and through hole 109 may be formed in another surface. Furthermore, housing 100 may be formed of one member, or may include three or more members.

[0084] For example, a shutter or the like may be formed in the opening 106. This ensures that the inside of the housing 100 is waterproof even when the latch 60 is housed in the housing 100.

[0085] Also, the linear motion device 1 has been described as starting an operation to return to state (a) when it receives an operation signal from the control device 900 in state (c) shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control device 900 may have a timer function and start a return operation to state (a) when a predetermined time has elapsed after transition to state (c). This can prevent the locking device from being left unlocked.

[0086] Furthermore, the battery 800 is an example of a power source, and power may be supplied to the motor 3 from the battery 600 in the third embodiment, an external AC power source, or the like.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above based on each embodiment and each modification, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to each embodiment and each modification, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Such modifications that do not depart from the scope of the gist are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and this will be clear to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Linear motion device, 2, 7 Packing, 3 Motor, 6 Coil spring, 10 First case, 13 Screw, 20 Second case, 30 Housing, 40 Gear unit, 41 Worm, 42, 43, 44 Transmission gear, 48 Rotating shaft, 49 Frame, 50 First rotor, 51 Contact portion, 60 Hook, 61 Contact surface, 62 Protrusion, 64, 65 Contact portion, 66 Recess, 67 Flange, 69 Contact portion, 71 Guide, 90 Sensor, 91 Contact portion, 92 Sensor board, 93, 99 Wiring, 100 Housing, 106 Opening, 109 Through hole, 110 Switch lever, 120 Second rotor, 121 Contact portion, 130 Cylinder, 131 Key hole, 200 Key box, 300 Locking device, 400 Circle lock, 500 battery lock, 600,800 battery, 700 key, 900 control device

Claims

1. A linear motion member formed to be linearly movable between a first position and a second position; a biasing member that biases the linear motion member in a direction toward the first position; A first pivot member; Equipped with the linear motion member moves from the first position to the second position as the first rotation member rotates in a first direction, and moves from the second position to the first position as the first rotation member rotates in the first direction; Linear motion device.

2. When the linear moving member is in the first position, the first rotating member is positioned at a first angle, the first pivot member pivots in the first direction from the first angle to a second angle; the first rotating member is stationary at the second angle, thereby fixing the linear moving member at the second position; As the first rotation member rotates from the second angle in the first direction, the linear motion member moves from the second position to the first position. The linear motion device according to claim 1 .

3. the first rotation member includes a protrusion that comes into contact with a part of the linear motion member in a direction in which the linear motion member moves linearly; A width of a portion of the linear motion member is equal to or greater than a pitch circle diameter of the protruding portion of the first rotation member. The linear motion device according to claim 1 .

4. The linear motion device according to claim 3 , further comprising a moving member that moves the first rotating member to a position where the protrusion does not abut against a part of the linear motion member.

5. A motor that rotates the first rotating member; A control device for controlling the motor; a power supply for supplying power to the motor; The control device outputs only a start signal and a stop signal for supplying power from the power source to the motor. The linear motion device according to claim 1 .

6. The linear motion device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second rotating member that urges the linear motion member in a direction toward the second position.

7. A linear motion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a locking member that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to a transition of the linear moving member between the first position and the second position; A locking device comprising:

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