Rotating device

Abstract

To provide a rotating device that allows link members to move smoothly. [Solution] The second link member 41 is movable linearly in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 relative to the first link member 40, restricting the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the short direction of the link member 19, and restricting the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the Z direction. The first link member 40 has a restricting portion 40f formed therein to restrict the movement of the second link member 41 toward the Z1 direction relative to the first link member 40. The length of the restricting portion 40f in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 is shorter than the distance that the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a ball screw device including a ball screw shaft, a nut engaged with the ball screw shaft, and a motor connected to one end of the ball screw shaft via a reduction gear mechanism is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The ball screw device described in Patent Document 1 includes a swing arm to which a driven shaft swingable at one end is fixed. The other end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the nut. The swing arm includes a first member and a second member. The first member is rotatably connected to the nut. The driven shaft is fixed to the second member.

[0003] In the ball screw device described in Patent Document 1, a connecting member of the first member and a connecting member of the second member are slidably coupled. The first member is movable in the axial direction of the swing arm with respect to the second member. In this ball screw device, when the ball screw shaft rotates and the nut moves along the ball screw shaft, the swing arm rotates with the driven shaft as the center of swing. When the swing arm rotates, the driven shaft rotates. When the swing arm rotates, the first member moves in the axial direction of the swing arm with respect to the second member, and the length of the swing arm varies.

[0004] In the ball screw device described in Patent Document 1, a first connecting member, which is a connecting member of the first member, is formed in a quadrangular prism shape. A second connecting member, which is a connecting member of the second member, is formed in a quadrangular cylinder shape, and the first connecting member formed in a quadrangular prism shape is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the second connecting member formed in a quadrangular cylinder shape. In this ball screw device, the entire portion of the first connecting member disposed on the inner peripheral side of the second connecting member is surrounded by the second connecting member over the entire circumference. That is, the entire portion of the first connecting member overlapping the second connecting member is surrounded by the second connecting member over the entire circumference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-132720 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The inventors of the present invention have developed a rotating device for rotating a predetermined object. The rotating device under development comprises a motor having a lead screw, a slider that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates, a link member whose one end is rotatably connected to the slider, and an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member and into which an engaging portion of the object to be rotated engages.

[0007] The inventors of the present invention are considering, in a rotating device under development, providing a link member with a first link member on which an output shaft is formed or fixed, and a second link member that is rotatably connected to a slider, as in the swing arm described in Patent Document 1. In this case, the second link member is movably held by the first link member and is also able to move linearly in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member.

[0008] In the rotating device under development, similar to the rocking arm described in Patent Document 1, it is also possible to form a part of the first link member in a rectangular tubular shape and a part of the second link member in a rectangular prism shape, and to position the rectangular prism portion of the second link member on the inner circumference side of the rectangular tubular portion of the first link member. However, in this case, since the entire portion of the second link member that overlaps with the first link member is surrounded by the first link member around its entire circumference, when the second link member moves relative to the first link member, the sliding resistance of the second link member relative to the first link member becomes large, and there is a risk that the second link member will not be able to move smoothly relative to the first link member.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a rotating device that includes a link member, one end of which is rotatably connected to a slider and the other end of which has an output shaft formed or fixed, and the link member comprises a first link member and a second link member which is movably held by the first link member and is movable linearly in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member, and that enables smooth movement of the second link member relative to the first link member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, a rotating device according to one aspect of the present invention is a rotating device for rotating a predetermined object to be rotated, comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider having a screw portion that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a link member with one end rotatably connected to the slider; and an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member and with an engagement portion of the object to be rotated engaging with it. If the axial direction of the lead screw is considered the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is considered the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is considered the third direction, then the axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction, one end of the link member is rotatable relative to the slider with the second direction as the axial direction of rotation, the output shaft is positioned on one side of the slider in the third direction, and the link member comprises a first link member on which the output shaft is formed or fixed, and a second link member rotatably connected to the slider. The link member comprises a slider connection portion between the second link member and the slider, and when viewed from a second direction, the direction of the imaginary straight line connecting the center of the output shaft and the center of the slider connection portion is defined as the longitudinal direction of the link member, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member and the second direction is defined as the short direction of the link member. The second link member is movably held by the first link member and is linearly movable relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member, and the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member is restricted, and the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the second direction is restricted, and the first link member or the second link member has a restricting portion formed therein to restrict the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to one side in the second direction, and the length of the restricting portion in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the distance of movement of the second link member relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member.

[0011] In the rotating device of this embodiment, the second link member is movable linearly in the longitudinal direction relative to the first link member, and the movement of the second link member to both sides in the short direction relative to the first link member is restricted, as is the movement of the second link member to both sides in the second direction relative to the first link member. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the length in the longitudinal direction of the link member of the restricting portion formed on the first link member or the second link member to restrict the movement of the second link member to one side in the second direction relative to the first link member is shorter than the distance the second link member moves relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member.

[0012] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a restricting portion is formed on the first link member, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the second link member that overlaps with the first link member, which is not covered by the first link member from at least one side in the second direction. Also, when a restricting portion is formed on the second link member, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the first link member that overlaps with the second link member, which is not covered by the second link member from at least the other side in the second direction. Consequently, in this embodiment, the sliding resistance of the second link member relative to the first link member when the second link member moves relative to the first link member is reduced, making it possible to move the second link member smoothly relative to the first link member.

[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the second link member that overlaps with the first link member that is not covered by the first link member from at least one side in the second direction, or to provide a portion of the first link member that overlaps with the second link member that is not covered by the second link member from at least the other side in the second direction. As a result, compared to the case where the entire portion of the second link member that overlaps with the first link member is covered by the first link member from both sides in the short direction of the link member and both sides in the second direction, or the case where the entire portion of the first link member that overlaps with the second link member is covered by the second link member from both sides in the short direction of the link member and both sides in the second direction, it becomes possible to assemble the second link member to the first link member more easily. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, in one aspect of the present invention, a rotating device is provided which includes a link member having one end rotatably connected to a slider and having an output shaft formed or fixed at the other end, wherein the link member comprises a first link member and a second link member movably held by the first link member and movable linearly in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member, and the second link member can be moved smoothly relative to the first link member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air outlet section for a vehicle to which the rotating device shown in Figure 1 is attached. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle dashboard into which the air vent shown in Figure 2 is incorporated. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the air outlet section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rotating device shown in Figure 1 with the second case removed. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the rotating device shown in Figure 1 with the second case removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the rotating device shown in Figure 1 with the second case removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second case shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the link member shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the output shaft and the first link member shown in Figure 5. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the second link member shown in Figure 5 from a different direction. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a link member and an output shaft according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the link member and the output shaft shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second link member shown in FIG. 13 as viewed from different directions. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a link member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (Schematic Configuration of Rotating Device) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air outlet portion 4 for a vehicle to which the rotating device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is attached. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a dashboard 7 of a vehicle in which the air outlet portion 4 shown in FIG. 2 is incorporated. FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the internal configuration of the air outlet portion 4 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rotating device 2 shown in FIG. 1 with the second case body 37 removed. FIGS. 6 and 7 are plan views of the rotating device 2 shown in FIG. 1 with the second case body 37 removed.

[0018] The rotating device 2 of the present embodiment is a device for rotating a predetermined rotation object. The rotation object of the present embodiment is the fins 5 and 6 for adjusting the wind direction installed in the air outlet portion 4 for a vehicle (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 3, the air outlet portion 4 is incorporated in, for example, the dashboard 7 of an automobile and constitutes the air outlet of an in-vehicle air conditioner. In the housing 8 of the air outlet portion 4, a plurality of fins 5 arranged in the vertical direction and a plurality of fins 6 arranged in the horizontal direction are accommodated.

[0019] A cover 9 is attached to the housing 8, covering the fins 5 and 6. In the air outlet section 4, which is incorporated into the dashboard 7, the cover 9 faces the interior of the vehicle. The fins 5 are rotatable with the horizontal direction as the axis of rotation. The fins 6 are rotatable with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation. As shown in Figure 2, two rotating devices 2 are attached to the air outlet section 4. Specifically, two rotating devices 2 are fixed to the housing 8. One of the two rotating devices 2 rotates multiple fins 5. The other rotating device 2 rotates multiple fins 6.

[0020] The thickness of the rotating device 2 in this embodiment is thin. For example, the thickness of the rotating device 2 is about 10 mm. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, by mounting the rotating device 2 along the side of the housing 8 such that the direction of the normal to the side of the housing 8 coincides with the thickness direction of the rotating device 2, it is possible to suppress the amount of the rotating device 2 protruding from the housing 8. The rotating device 2 is connected to a pivot shaft 10 (see Figure 1) which is connected to the fins 5 and 6. When the pivot shaft 10 rotates, the fins 5 and 6 rotate.

[0021] The rotating device 2 is equipped with a motor 13 as a drive source. The motor 13 is a stepping motor. The motor 13 comprises a rotor 15 having a rotating shaft 14 and drive magnets, and a stator 16 having drive coils and positioned on the outer circumference of the drive magnets. The output side portion of the rotating shaft 14 protrudes further outward than the stator 16. The portion of the rotating shaft 14 that protrudes further outward than the stator 16 is a lead screw 14b with a lead screw formed on its outer circumference. In other words, the motor 13 is equipped with a lead screw 14b. The rotation center of the lead screw 14b coincides with the rotation center of the rotor 15.

[0022] Furthermore, the rotating device 2 includes a slider 18 with a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw 14b. The slider 18 moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw 14b as the lead screw 14b rotates. The rotating device 2 also includes a link member 19 with one end rotatably connected to the slider 18, an output shaft 20 formed or fixed to the other end of the link member 19 and with which the rotating shaft 10 engages, and a case body 21 that houses at least the lead screw 14b, the slider 18, and the link member 19. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 10 is an engaging portion that engages with the output shaft 20.

[0023] In the following explanation, the Y direction in Figure 1, which is the axial direction of the lead screw 14b (i.e., the axial direction of the rotor 15), will be referred to as the "left-right direction," the Z direction in Figure 1, which is perpendicular to the left-right direction, will be referred to as the "up-down direction," and the X direction in Figure 1, which is perpendicular to both the left-right and up-down directions, will be referred to as the "front-back direction." Furthermore, one side of the front-back direction, the X2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "rear" side, and the opposite side, the X1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "front" side, one side of the left-right direction, the Y1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "right" side, and the opposite side, the Y2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "left" side, one side of the up-down direction, the Z1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "up" side, and the opposite side, the Z2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "down" side.

[0024] In this configuration, the left-right direction (Y direction) is the first direction, which is the axial direction of the lead screw 14b. The up-down direction (Z direction) is the second direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the lead screw 14b, and the front-back direction (X direction) is the third direction, which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. Furthermore, the upper side (Z1 direction side) is the fourth direction side, which is one side of the second direction, and the lower side (Z2 direction side) is the fifth direction side, which is the opposite side of the fourth direction side. The rotating device 2 is formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The axial direction of the output shaft 20 is parallel to the up-down direction. The output shaft 20 is positioned behind the lead screw 14b and the slider 18.

[0025] (Motor configuration) As described above, the motor 13 is equipped with a lead screw 14b. The lead screw 14b protrudes to the left from the stator 16. That is, the stator 16 is located to the right of the lead screw 14b. When viewed from the left or right direction, the outer shape of the stator 16 is circular. A trapezoidal thread is formed on the outer 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. Note that a square thread may also be formed on the outer surface of the lead screw 14b.

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

[0027] The motor frame 24 is formed by bending a metal plate of a predetermined shape into a predetermined shape. The motor frame 24 includes a flat stator fixing portion 24b fixed to the stator 16, a flat screw holding portion 24c that rotatably holds the tip (left end) of the lead screw 14b, and a flat connecting portion 24d that connects the stator fixing portion 24b and the screw holding portion 24c. The connecting portion 24d is formed as a flat plate with its thickness in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 24d is also formed as a long, narrow rectangular flat plate in the horizontal direction.

[0028] The stator fixing portion 24b rises upward from the right end of the connecting portion 24d. The screw holding portion 24c rises upward from the left end of the connecting portion 24d. The stator fixing portion 24b and the screw holding portion 24c are formed in a flat plate shape with the left-right direction as the thickness direction. The lower end of the stator 16 is positioned below the lower surface of the connecting portion 24d. The screw holding portion 24c holds the bearing 25. That is, the screw holding portion 24c rotatably holds the left end of the lead screw 14b via the bearing 25. The left end face of the stator 16 is fixed to the stator fixing portion 24b. A through hole is formed in the stator fixing portion 24b in which a part of the rotating shaft 14 is positioned.

[0029] The motor frame 24 is housed in the case body 21. As described later, the case body 21 is composed of a first case body 36 and a second case body 37, which are divided vertically. The motor frame 24 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 36 and the second case body 37. In other words, the motor 13 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 36 and the second case body 37.

[0030] The guide shaft 30 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape with its axis oriented in the left-right direction. The guide shaft 30 is positioned in front of the lead screw 14b. In the vertical direction, the guide shaft 30 is positioned at the same location as the lead screw 14b. The right end of the guide shaft 30 is held by the stator fixing part 24b. The left end of the guide shaft 30 is held by the screw holding part 24c.

[0031] The circuit board 27 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate. The circuit board 27 is formed in a flat plate shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. The circuit board 27 is housed in the case body 21. The circuit board 27 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 36 and the second case body 37, which will be described later. The circuit board 27 consists of a first circuit board section 27b located on the right side of the stator 16 and a second circuit board section 27c which is connected to the first circuit board section 27b and a part of which is located on the rear side of the stator 16.

[0032] The FPC28 consists of a first circuit board portion 28b, which is soldered and fixed to terminal pins 32 protruding from the rear side of the stator 16, and a second circuit board portion 28c, which is soldered and fixed to the second circuit board portion 27c. A thin plate-shaped reinforcing plate 33 is fixed to the first circuit board portion 28b. The left end of the first circuit board portion 28b is held at the rear end of the stator fixing portion 24b. The second circuit board portion 28c is connected to the right end of the first circuit board portion 28b. The connector 29 is mounted on the upper surface of the first circuit board portion 27b. The connector 29 is housed in the case body 21. The insertion opening of the connector 29 faces to the right. The mating connector is inserted into the connector 29 from the right side.

[0033] (Construction of the case) Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second case body 37 shown in Figure 1.

[0034] The case body 21 is formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The case body 21 houses the motor 13, slider 18, and link member 19. The case body 21 has a housing section 21b in which the motor 13, slider 18, and link member 19 are housed, and three fixing sections 21c that are fixed to the housing 8 of the air outlet section 4 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the case body 21 is composed of the housing section 21b and the three fixing sections 21c.

[0035] The case body 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20. Specifically, the case body 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20 near the rear end of the housing section 21b. The case body 21 is composed of a first case body 36 and a second case body 37, which are divided vertically. The first case body 36 constitutes the lower half of the case body 21, and the upper side of the first case body 36 is open. The second case body 37 constitutes the upper half of the case body 21, and the lower side of the second case body 37 is open. The first case body 36 and the second case body 37 are fixed to each other by a snap fit.

[0036] The first case body 36 comprises a flat lower surface portion 36b that forms the lower surface of the housing portion 21b, and a side portion 36c that forms the lower part of the side surface of the housing portion 21b. The lower surface portion 36b is formed in a flat shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. A retaining hole for holding the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the lower surface portion 36b. A recess 36g for positioning the connection portion 24d of the motor frame 24 is formed at the front end of the lower surface portion 36b. An opening for positioning the lower end of the stator 16 is formed at the right front end of the lower surface portion 36b.

[0037] A protruding rib 36f is formed on the upper surface of the lower portion 36b, which can contact the link member 19 housed in the case body 21 from below. In this embodiment, one rib 36f is formed on the upper surface of the lower portion 36b. When viewed from above, the shape of the rib 36f is an arc with the holding hole for holding the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature. That is, when viewed from above, the shape of the rib 36f is an arc with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature. In this embodiment, the rib 36f is the second rib.

[0038] The second case body 37 comprises a flat upper surface portion 37b that constitutes the upper surface of the housing portion 21b, and a side portion 37c that constitutes the upper part of the side surface of the housing portion 21b. The upper surface portion 37b is formed in a flat shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. A retaining hole 37e for holding the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the upper surface portion 37b. An opening 37h is formed at the right front end of the upper surface portion 37b, where the upper end of the stator 16 and the upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b are positioned. The second case body 37 has a plurality of elastically deformable engaging pieces 37r that snap-fit ​​into the first case body 36.

[0039] A protruding rib 37f is formed on the lower surface of the upper portion 37b, which can contact the link member 19 housed in the case body 21 from above. In this embodiment, one rib 37f is formed on the upper surface of the upper portion 37b. When viewed from above, the shape of the rib 37f is an arc with the holding hole 37e as the center of curvature. That is, when viewed from above, the shape of the rib 37f is an arc with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature. The rib 37f in this embodiment is the first rib.

[0040] (Configuration of slider, output shaft, and link member) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the link member 19 shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the output shaft 20 and the first link member 40 shown in Figure 5. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the second link member 41 shown in Figure 5 from a different direction. In Figure 9, a cross-sectional view of the EE section of Figure 7 is shown.

[0041] The slider 18 is a resin molded product formed by resin molding. The slider 18 is positioned between the stator fixing portion 24b and the screw holding portion 24c of the motor frame 24 in the left-right direction, and is positioned above the connecting portion 24d. The slider 18 consists of a slider body portion 18c that engages with the lead screw 14b and the guide shaft 30, and a connecting portion 18d to which one end of the link member 19 is connected. The slider body portion 18c has a threaded portion that engages with the trapezoidal thread formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lead screw 14b.

[0042] The connecting portion 18d is located behind the slider body portion 18c. The connecting portion 18d consists of a base portion 18p extending rearward from the slider body portion 18c and a fixed shaft portion 18r which serves as the pivot point of the link member 19 relative to the slider 18. The base portion 18p is formed in a flat plate shape connected to the lower end of the slider body portion 18c. The base portion 18p is also formed in a flat plate shape with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction. The fixed shaft portion 18r protrudes upward from the base portion 18p. The axial direction of the fixed shaft portion 18r coincides with the vertical direction. That is, one end of the link member 19 is rotatable relative to the slider 18 with its rotation axial direction in the vertical direction. The fixed shaft portion 18r is located approximately in the center of the base portion 18p in the front-rear direction. The fixed shaft portion 18r is also located in the center of the slider 18 in the left-right direction.

[0043] The output shaft 20 is formed at the other end of the link member 19. Specifically, the output shaft 20 is integrally formed with the first link member 40, which is described later and constitutes a part of the link member 19, at the other end of the first link member 40. As described later, the first link member 40 is a resin molded product formed by resin molding, and the output shaft 20 is also made of resin. The output shaft 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its vertical direction as the axial direction.

[0044] The lower end of the output shaft 20 is inserted into a retaining hole in the lower surface portion 36b. The upper end of the output shaft 20 is inserted into a retaining hole 37e in the upper surface portion 37b. The lower end surface of the output shaft 20 is positioned in the same location as the lower surface of the lower surface portion 36b in the vertical direction. The upper end surface of the output shaft 20 is positioned in the same location as the upper surface of the upper surface portion 37b in the vertical direction. The inner circumferential surface of the output shaft 20 has a cross-shaped engagement hole 20b into which the pivot shaft 10 engages.

[0045] The link member 19 is formed in a block shape that has an oval shape when viewed from above. The length of the link member 19 is relatively short. In addition, the link member 19 is formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The link member 19 comprises a first link member 40 on which the output shaft 20 is formed, and a second link member 41 that is rotatably connected to the slider 18. In this embodiment, the link member 19 is composed of the first link member 40 and the second link member 41. The first link member 40 and the second link member 41 are resin molded products formed by resin molding.

[0046] The second link member 41 is movably held by the first link member 40. The connection between the second link member 41 and the slider 18 is defined as the slider connection portion 42. When viewed from above, the direction of a virtual straight line VL (see Figures 6 and 7) connecting the center of the output shaft 20 and the center of the slider connection portion 42 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the link member. In this case, the second link member 41 is linearly movable in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member 40. The longitudinal direction of the link member is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second link member 41 is positioned above the first link member 40.

[0047] In the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and vertical direction of the link member will be referred to as the short direction of the link member. Furthermore, the slider connection portion 42 side, which is one side of the longitudinal direction of the link member, will be referred to as the "one side of the longitudinal direction," and the output shaft 20 side, which is the opposite side, will be referred to as the "other side of the longitudinal direction." When the slider connection portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is most retracted (see Figure 7, etc.), the longitudinal direction of the link member coincides with the front-back direction, the short direction of the link member coincides with the left-right direction, one side of the longitudinal direction coincides with the front side, and the other side of the longitudinal direction coincides with the rear side.

[0048] The output shaft 20 is formed at the other end of the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction. If the end of the first link member 40 on which the output shaft 20 is formed is called the link member end 40b, then the first link member 40 comprises the link member end 40b and the link member base 40c connected to one side of the link member end 40b in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is most retracted, the first link member 40 comprises a flat plate-shaped wing portion 40d that extends to the right and forward from the link member base 40c, and a flat plate-shaped wing portion 40e that extends to the left and forward from the link member base 40c.

[0049] Furthermore, the first link member 40 includes a restricting portion 40f for restricting the upward movement (lifting) of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40, and a connecting portion 40g that connects the restricting portion 40f to the wing portions 40d and 40e. That is, the first link member 40 has a restricting portion 40f and a connecting portion 40g formed thereon. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 40f and the connecting portion 40g are formed at two locations at both ends of the first link member 40 in the short direction of the link member. In this embodiment, the first link member 40 is composed of a link member end portion 40b, a link member base portion 40c, wing portions 40d and 40e, two restricting portions 40f, and two connecting portions 40g.

[0050] The link member end portion 40b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The output shaft 20 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the link member end portion 40b. The lower end surface of the link member end portion 40b is an annular and planar plane surrounding the lower end portion of the output shaft 20. The upper end surface of the link member end portion 40b is an annular and planar plane surrounding the upper end portion of the output shaft 20. The lower and upper end surfaces of the link member end portion 40b are planes perpendicular to each other in the vertical direction. The link member base portion 40c is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the link member base portion 40c is a plane perpendicular to each other in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the link member base portion 40c is positioned slightly above the lower end surface of the link member end portion 40b.

[0051] The first link member 40 has a guide groove 40h formed therein for guiding the second link member 41 in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The guide groove 40h is located on one side in the longitudinal direction of the link member end 40b. The guide groove 40h is also formed in the center in the short direction of the link member. The guide groove 40h is formed in the shape of a shallow rectangular groove that opens on one end and the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the first link member 40. The bottom surface (upper surface) of the guide groove 40h is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The bottom surface of the guide groove 40h is located slightly above the upper surface of the base 18p of the slider 18. Both sides of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member are planes perpendicular to the short direction of the link member. The width of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member is wider than the outer diameter of the fixed shaft portion 18r.

[0052] The guide groove 40h is mainly formed in the link member base 40c. The width of the link member base 40c in the short direction of the link member is wider than the width of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member. The upper surfaces on both sides of the guide groove 40h on the link member base 40c in the short direction of the link member are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. These upper surfaces are positioned above the bottom surface of the guide groove 40h and below the upper end surface of the link member end 40b.

[0053] The blade sections 40d and 40e are formed in a flat plate shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. The upper and lower surfaces of the blade sections 40d and 40e are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The thickness of the blade section 40d and the thickness of the blade section 40e are equal. When viewed from the vertical direction, the blade sections 40d and 40e are symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line VL. The blade sections 40d and 40e are connected to the upper end of the link member base section 40c.

[0054] The upper surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e are located on the same plane as the upper surfaces on both sides of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member base 40c. The upper surface of the link member base 40c on one side of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member and the upper surface of the wing portion 40d form a single plane. The upper surface of the link member base 40c on the other side of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member and the upper surface of the wing portion 40e form a single plane.

[0055] The lower surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e are positioned above the lower surface of the link member base 40c. Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e are positioned above the bottom surface of the guide groove 40h and the upper surface of the slider 18 base 18p. The outer end faces of the wing portions 40d and 40e in the short direction of the link member are planes perpendicular to the short direction of the link member. The end faces on one side of the wing portions 40d and 40e in the longitudinal direction are planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member. The inner end faces of the wing portions 40d and 40e in the short direction of the link member are positioned on one side of the link member base 40c in the longitudinal direction and constitute a part of the side surface of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member.

[0056] When the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the front portion of the wing portion 40d, which is positioned in front of the link member base portion 40c, has an inclined surface that connects the right end surface of the wing portion 40d to the front end surface of the wing portion 40d. This inclined surface slopes to the left as it moves forward. When the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the front portion of the wing portion 40e, which is positioned in front of the link member base portion 40c, has an inclined surface that connects the left end surface of the wing portion 40e to the front end surface of the wing portion 40e. This inclined surface slopes to the right as it moves forward.

[0057] Both sides of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member form first contact portions 40j that the second link member 41 contacts. That is, the first link member 40 has two first contact portions 40j formed thereon. The first contact portions 40j include wing portions 40d and 40e, and the first contact portions 40j extend to one side in the longitudinal direction from the link member base portion 40c. Furthermore, the first contact portions 40j extend to the left and right sides of the slider connecting portion 42 when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 and the link member 19 is most retracted (see Figure 7).

[0058] In this embodiment, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is most retracted, the front end of the first contact portion 40j (i.e., the front end surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e) is positioned in front of the front end of the slider connecting portion 42. Also, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, a portion of the front end side of the first contact portion 40j (specifically, a portion of the front end side of the wing portions 40d and 40e) is positioned above the base portion 18p of the slider 18.

[0059] The upper surface of the first contact portion 40j is a first contact surface 40k perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the first contact portion 40j has a first contact surface 40k formed on it, which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and facing upward. One of the two first contact surfaces 40k is formed by the upper surface of the link member base portion 40c on one side of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member and the upper surface of the wing portion 40d. The other first contact surface 40k is formed by the upper surface of the link member base portion 40c on the other side of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member and the upper surface of the wing portion 40e.

[0060] The link member base 40c has a recess 40p formed therein to prevent interference between the link member base 40c and the slider base 18p when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The recess 40p is recessed along the side surface of the base 18p when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The recess 40p is also recessed from one end face in the longitudinal direction of the link member base 40c toward the other end face in the longitudinal direction. When viewed from above, the shape of the recess 40p is arc-shaped. At one end face in the longitudinal direction of the link member base 40c, the width of the recess 40p in the short direction of the link member is approximately equal to the width of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member.

[0061] The connecting portion 40g is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate with the shorter side of the link member as the thickness direction. The lower end of the connecting portion 40g is connected to the upper surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e. That is, the connecting portion 40g is connected to the first contact portion 40j, and connects the regulating portion 40f and the first contact portion 40j. The connecting portion 40g rises upward from the center of the wing portions 40d and 40e in the longitudinal direction of the link member. Also, the connecting portion 40g rises upward from the outer ends of the wing portions 40d and 40e in the short direction of the link member.

[0062] The restricting portion 40f is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. When viewed from above, the shape of the restricting portion 40f is rectangular with the longitudinal direction of the link member as the direction of the longer side. The restricting portion 40f protrudes inward from the upper end of the connecting portion 40g in the short direction of the link member. That is, the connecting portion 40g connects the outer end of the restricting portion 40f in the short direction of the link member to the first contact surface 40k (i.e., the upper surface of the first contact portion 40j). The two restricting portions 40f are positioned at the same location in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The lower surface of the restricting portion 40f is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0063] The length of the restricting portion 40f in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the length of the first contact portion 40j in the longitudinal direction of the link member. Also, the length of the restricting portion 40f in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the distance the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The width of the restricting portion 40f in the short direction of the link member is narrower than the width of the first contact portion 40j in the short direction of the link member. The restricting portion 40f located on one side in the short direction of the link member and the restricting portion 40f located on the other side in the short direction of the link member are spaced apart in the short direction of the link member. The inner surface (tip surface) of the restricting portion 40f in the short direction of the link member is located outside the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member.

[0064] The first link member 40 has a through hole 40r that penetrates the first contact portion 40j in the vertical direction. The through hole 40r is positioned inside the two connecting portions 40g in the short direction of the link member and adjacent to the connecting portions 40g. The through hole 40r is also positioned below the restricting portion 40f. In other words, the first link member 40 has two through holes 40r.

[0065] When viewed from above, the through-hole 40r has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction of the link member as the longer side. The outer shape of the through-hole 40r is larger than the outer shape of the restricting portion 40f. When viewed from above, at least a portion of the through-hole 40r overlaps with the entire restricting portion 40f. In this embodiment, when viewed from above, a portion of the through-hole 40r overlaps with the entire restricting portion 40f, and when viewed from above, the entire restricting portion 40f is located inside the through-hole 40r.

[0066] As described above, the second link member 41 is positioned above the first link member 40. The length of the second link member 41 in the longitudinal direction of the link members is shorter than the length of the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link members. The width of the second link member 41 in the short direction of the link members is narrower than the width of the first link member 40 in the short direction of the link members. Specifically, the width of the second link member 41 in the short direction of the link members is slightly narrower than the distance between the two connecting portions 40g in the short direction of the link members. The width of the end of the second link member 41 on one side in the longitudinal direction in the short direction of the link members gradually narrows as it moves toward that side in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] The upper surface of the second link member 41 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface of the second link member 41 is positioned below the upper end surface of the link member end 40b. The second link member 41 is composed of a link member base 41b formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction, and two second contact portions 41c that contact the first contact portion 40j of the first link member 40 from above. That is, the second link member 41 has second contact portions 41c that contact the first contact portion 40j from above. The second contact portions 41c are formed in a flat plate shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. The second contact portions 41c extend outward in the short direction and to the other side in the longitudinal direction from the link member base 41b. In this embodiment, the downward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 is restricted by the first contact portion 40j and the second contact portions 41c.

[0068] The vertical surfaces of the link member base 41b and the vertical surfaces of the second contact portion 41c are planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the second contact portion 41c is positioned above the lower surface of the link member base 41b. The upper surface of the link member base 41b and the upper surface of the second contact portion 41c are on the same plane, and the upper surface of the link member base 41b and the upper surface of the second contact portion 41c form a single plane that constitutes the upper surface of the second link member 41.

[0069] An insertion hole 41d is formed at one longitudinal end of the link member base 41b, into which the fixed shaft portion 18r of the slider 18 is inserted. The insertion hole 41d is a round hole that penetrates the second link member 41 in the vertical direction. The slider connecting portion 42 is composed of the fixed shaft portion 18r and the insertion hole 41d. One longitudinal end of the second link member 41 (i.e., one end of the link member 19) is connected to the slider 18 behind the lead screw 14b. The second link member 41 is positioned above the base portion 18p of the slider 18. The upper end surface of the fixed shaft portion 18r is positioned approximately at the same height as the upper surface of the second link member 41 in the vertical direction.

[0070] The portion of the link member base 41b below the lower surface of the second contact portion 41c is a guide projection 41e positioned within the guide groove 40h. In other words, the second link member 41 has a guide projection 41e that engages with the guide groove 40h. The guide projection 41e has a material-removing portion 41f that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the link member base 41b. The material-removing portion 41f is formed in the shape of a square groove.

[0071] In this embodiment, a guide portion 45 is formed by a guide groove 40h and a guide projection 41e to guide the second link member 41 in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member 40 (see Figure 9). That is, the guide portion 45 is formed on the link member 19. Both sides of the guide projection 41e in the short direction of the link member are planes perpendicular to the short direction of the link member. In this embodiment, the guide portion 45 restricts the movement of the second link member 41 to both sides in the short direction of the link member relative to the first link member 40.

[0072] The second contact portion 41c is located on both sides of the guide projection 41e in the short direction of the link member. The first contact portion 40j is located on both sides of the guide groove 40h in the short direction of the link member. That is, the first contact portion 40j and the second contact portion 41c are located on both sides of the guide portion 45 in the short direction of the link member. The other end face of the second contact portion 41c in the longitudinal direction is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member. The outer end face of the second contact portion 41c in the short direction of the link member is a plane perpendicular to the short direction of the link member.

[0073] The lower surface of the second contact portion 41c is a second contact surface 41g that contacts the first contact surface 40k. That is, the second contact portion 41c has a second contact surface 41g which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and in contact with the first contact surface 40k. In this embodiment, even when the slider 18 moves to its limit position in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is at its maximum extension, the second contact portion 41c is in contact with the first contact portion 40j from above (see Figures 5 and 6). At this time, the contact area between the second contact portion 41c and the first contact portion 40j is relatively large.

[0074] The link member base 41b has a second recess 41h formed therein to prevent interference between the link member end 40b of the first link member 40 (i.e., the end of the first link member 40 on the output shaft 20 side) and the link member base 41b when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The second recess 41h is recessed along the side surface of the link member end 40b. The second recess 41h is also recessed from the other end face in the longitudinal direction of the link member base 41b toward one side in the longitudinal direction. When viewed from above, the shape of the second recess 41h is arc-shaped.

[0075] As described above, the outer end face of the second contact portion 41c in the short direction of the link member is a plane perpendicular to the short direction of the link member. Also, the other end face of the second contact portion 41c in the longitudinal direction is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member. Therefore, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the left-right end faces of the second contact portion 41c (specifically, the right end face of the second contact portion 41c positioned on the right and the left end face of the second contact portion 41c positioned on the left) are perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the other end face of the second contact portion 41c in the longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0076] The second link member 41 is positioned between two connecting portions 40g in the short direction of the link member. A restricting portion 40f is positioned above the second contact portion 41c. That is, the restricting portion 40f is positioned above the second link member 41. The upper surface of the second contact portion 41c and the lower surface of the restricting portion 40f are in light contact or facing each other with a small gap between them. The outer end face of the second contact portion 41c in the short direction of the link member faces the inner surface of the connecting portion 40g in the short direction of the link member with a small gap between them.

[0077] In this embodiment, the second contact portion 41c is positioned below the restricting portion 40f in both cases: when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is most retracted, and when the slider 18 has moved to its left-right limit position and the link member 19 is most extended.

[0078] As described above, the guide portion 45 restricts the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the short-side direction of the link member, and the first contact portion 40j and the second contact portion 41c restrict the downward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40. Furthermore, the restricting portion 40f and the second contact portion 41c restrict the upward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40. In other words, in the rotating device 2, the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the short-side direction of the link member is restricted, as is the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the vertical direction.

[0079] In the rotating device 2, when the motor 13 is driven and the lead screw 14b rotates, the slider 18 moves left and right along the lead screw 14b and the guide shaft 30. As the slider 18 moves left and right, the link member 19 rotates around the output shaft 20 as the pivot point. When the link member 19 rotates, the second link member 41 moves in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member 40, causing the link member 19 to extend or retract. Also, when the link member 19 rotates, the output shaft 20 rotates as well. When the output shaft 20 rotates, the pivot shaft 10 rotates. The output shaft 20 can rotate, for example, up to 90°.

[0080] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the short direction of the link member and to both sides in the vertical direction is restricted. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the length of the restricting portion 40f formed on the first link member 40 to restrict the upward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 is shorter than the distance of movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member.

[0081] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the second link member 41 that overlaps with the first link member 40 and is not covered by the first link member 40 from above. Consequently, in this embodiment, the sliding resistance of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 when the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 is reduced, making it possible to move the second link member 41 smoothly relative to the first link member 40.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the second link member 41 that overlaps with the first link member 40 and is not covered by the first link member 40 from above. This makes it easier to assemble the second link member 41 to the first link member 40 compared to the case where the entire portion of the second link member 41 that overlaps with the first link member 40 is covered by the first link member 40 from both sides in the short direction of the link member and both sides in the vertical direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the restricting portion 40f is formed at both ends of the first link member 40 in the short direction of the link member. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the restricting portion 40f is formed on the first link member 40 over the entire area in the short direction of the link member, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 when the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is most retracted, a first contact portion 40j is formed on the first link member 40 that extends to the left-right side of the slider connecting portion 42. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the output shaft 20 and the lead screw 14b in the front-rear direction is shortened, it is possible to increase the length of the first link member 40 while preventing interference between the slider connecting portion 42 and the first link member 40.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second link member 41 has a second contact portion 41c formed thereon that contacts the first contact portion 40j from above. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the output shaft 20 and the lead screw 14b is shortened and the amount of movement of the slider 18 is increased, thereby increasing the amount of movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40, when the slider 18 moves to the end side of the lead screw 14b and the link member 19 extends, it is possible to prevent the second link member 41 from detaching from the first link member 40 by bringing the second contact portion 41c of the second link member 41 into contact with the first contact portion 40j of the first link member 40, which has become longer. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the distance between the output shaft 20 and the lead screw 14b is shortened and the amount of movement of the slider 18 is increased, it is possible to prevent the second link member 41 from detaching from the first link member 40 when the slider 18 moves to the end side of the lead screw 14b and the link member 19 extends.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first contact portion 40j and the second contact portion 41c are arranged on both sides of the guide portion 45 in the short direction of the link member. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent the second link member 41 from detaching from the first link member 40 when the slider 18 moves to the end side of the lead screw 14b and the link member 19 extends. In addition, in this embodiment, it is easier to stabilize the state of the second link member 41 when it moves relative to the first link member 40.

[0087] In this embodiment, a first contact surface 40k is formed on the first contact portion 40j, which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and facing upward, and a second contact surface 41g is formed on the second contact portion 41c, which is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and in contact with the first contact surface 40k. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to stabilize the contact state between the first contact portion 40j and the second contact portion 41c.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first link member 40 has a through hole 40r that penetrates the first contact portion 40j in the vertical direction and is located below the restricting portion 40f. Also, in this embodiment, when viewed from above, a part of the through hole 40r and the entire restricting portion 40f overlap. Therefore, in this embodiment, when manufacturing the first link member 40, which is a resin molded product, it is possible to form the restricting portion 40f using a mold that is divided in the vertical direction. Consequently, in this embodiment, the first link member 40 can be easily manufactured.

[0089] In this embodiment, the case body 21 has a protruding rib 36f that can contact the link member 19 from below, and a protruding rib 37f that can contact the link member 19 from above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the ribs 36f and 37f when viewed from the top and bottom is an arc shape with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the contact area between the case body 21 and the link member 19. Consequently, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance between the case body 21 and the link member 19 when the link member 19 rotates. In addition, in this embodiment, even if the thickness of the case body 21 in the vertical direction is reduced, the strength of the case body 21 can be ensured by the ribs 36f and 37f.

[0090] (Example 1 of link component modification) Figure 12 is a perspective view of the link member 19 and output shaft 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the link member 19 and output shaft 20 shown in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second link member 41 shown in Figure 13 from a different direction. In Figures 12 to 14, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the embodiments described above.

[0091] In the above-described configuration, the second link member 41 does not necessarily have a second contact portion 41c. In this case, the first link member 40 has an arrangement groove 40t formed therein, in which at least a part of the second link member 41 is positioned. The arrangement groove 40t is formed in the shape of a rectangular groove, with one end and the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the first link member 40 being open, similar to the guide groove 40h. The width of the second link member 41 in the short direction of the link member is slightly narrower than the width of the arrangement groove 40t in the short direction of the link member.

[0092] The upper surface of the second link member 41 is either coplanar with the upper surface of the first link member 40 or slightly below the upper surface of the first link member 40. The restricting portion 40f is formed directly on the upper surfaces of the wing portions 40d and 40e, for example. In this case, the first link member 40 does not have a connecting portion 40g.

[0093] A guide rail 40s is formed in the arrangement groove 40t for guiding the second link member 41 in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The guide rail 40s is formed on the lower surface of the arrangement groove 40t. The second link member 41 has a guide groove 41k formed therein that engages with the guide rail 40s. The guide groove 41k is formed in the shape of a rectangular groove that opens on the other longitudinal side and the lower side of the second link member 41. In this embodiment, the guide rail 40s is the first guide part, and the guide groove 41k is the second guide part.

[0094] In this modified example, the guide rail 40s and guide groove 41k restrict the movement of the second link member 41 to both sides in the short-side direction of the first link member 40. In this modified example, the lower surface (bottom surface) of the arrangement groove 40t and the lower surface of the link member base 41b are in contact, and the lower surface of the arrangement groove 40t and the link member base 41b restrict the downward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40. In addition, the restricting portion 40f and the link member base 41b restrict the upward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40.

[0095] In this modified example, the second link member 41 may have a guide rail formed on it as a second guide portion for guiding the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member, and the first link member 40 may have a guide groove formed on it as a first guide portion that engages with the guide rail of the second link member 41.

[0096] (Example of link component modification 2) Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a link member 19 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 15, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0097] In the above-described configuration, instead of the restricting portion 40f formed on the first link member 40, a restricting portion 41p may be formed on the second link member 41 to restrict the upward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40. In this case, for example, a connecting portion 41r is formed on the second link member 41, connecting the second contact portion 41c and the restricting portion 41p. The connecting portion 41r protrudes downward from the outer end of the second contact portion 41c in the short direction of the link member.

[0098] The restricting portion 41p is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. When viewed from above, the shape of the restricting portion 41p is rectangular with the longitudinal direction of the link member as the direction of the longer side. The restricting portion 41p protrudes inward from the lower end of the connecting portion 41r in the short direction of the link member. The two restricting portions 41p are positioned at the same location in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The upper surface of the restricting portion 41p is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0099] The length of the restricting portion 41p in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the distance the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member. The first link member 40 is positioned between two connecting portions 41r in the short direction of the link member. The restricting portion 41p is positioned below the first contact portion 40j. The lower surface of the first contact portion 40j and the upper surface of the restricting portion 41p are either in light contact or facing each other with a small gap between them.

[0100] In this modified example, the movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 to both sides in the short direction of the link member and to both sides in the up and down direction is restricted, while the length of the restricting portion 41p formed on the second link member 41 to restrict the upward movement of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 is shorter in the longitudinal direction of the link member than the distance the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 in the longitudinal direction of the link member.

[0101] Therefore, in this modified example, it becomes possible to provide a portion of the first link member 40 that overlaps with the second link member 41, which is not covered by the second link member 41 from below. Consequently, the sliding resistance of the second link member 41 relative to the first link member 40 when the second link member 41 moves relative to the first link member 40 is reduced, making it possible to move the second link member 41 smoothly relative to the first link member 40.

[0102] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the first link member 40 may be provided with a restricting portion 40f connected to the upper ends of the two connecting portions 40g. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the restricting portion 40f may be formed on the first link member 40 over the entire area in the short direction of the link member. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the first contact surface 40k and the second contact surface 41g do not have to be planes perpendicular to the vertical direction. For example, the first contact surface 40k and the second contact surface 41g may be planes that are slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. That is, the first contact surface 40k and the second contact surface 41g may be planes that intersect in the vertical direction.

[0104] In the above-described configuration, one of the two first contact portions 40j does not need to extend to the side of the slider connecting portion 42 in the left-right direction when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is at its most retracted position. That is, when the slider connecting portion 42 is positioned at the same location as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is at its most retracted position, the front end of one of the two first contact portions 40j may be positioned behind the rear end of the slider connecting portion 42.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the second link member 41 may have a guide groove formed therein for guiding the second link member 41 in the longitudinal direction relative to the first link member 40, and a guide projection that engages with this guide groove may be formed on the first link member 40. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the output shaft 20, which is formed separately from the first link member 40, may be fixed to the other end of the first link member 40. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a part of the rotating shaft 14 is the lead screw 14b, but the lead screw 14b, which is formed separately from the rotating shaft 14, may be fixed to the rotating shaft 14. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the motor 13 may be a motor other than a stepping motor. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the rotating device 2 may rotate objects other than the wind direction adjustment fins 5 and 6.

[0106] (Configuration of this technology) Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A rotating device for rotating a predetermined object to be rotated, The device comprises a motor having a lead screw, a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates, a link member with one end rotatably connected to the slider, and an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member and with which the engaging portion of the object to be rotated engages. If we define the axial direction of the lead screw as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction as the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions as the third direction, The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the link member is rotatable with respect to the slider, with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is positioned on one side of the slider in the third direction. The link member comprises a first link member on which the output shaft is formed or fixed, and a second link member rotatably connected to the slider. If the connection between the second link member and the slider is defined as the slider connection portion, and the direction of the imaginary straight line connecting the center of the output shaft and the center of the slider connection portion when viewed from the second direction is defined as the longitudinal direction of the link member, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member and the second direction is defined as the short direction of the link member, The second link member is movably held by the first link member and is linearly movable relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member. Movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member is restricted, and movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the second direction is restricted. The first link member or the second link member is formed with a restricting portion for restricting the movement of the second link member to one side in the second direction relative to the first link member. A rotating device characterized in that the length of the restricting portion in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the distance the second link member moves relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member. (2) The rotating device according to (1), characterized in that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and is arranged on one side of the second link member in the second direction. (3) One end of the lead screw is positioned on one side of the output shaft in the first direction, and the other end of the lead screw is positioned on the other side of the output shaft in the first direction. The first link member has a first contact portion that extends to the side of the slider connecting portion in the first direction when the slider connecting portion is positioned at the same location as the output shaft in the first direction. The second link member has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from one side in the second direction. The pivoting device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the movement of the second link member toward the other side in the second direction relative to the first link member is restricted by the first contact portion and the second contact portion. (4) The first contact portion has a first contact surface which is a plane that intersects the second direction and faces one side of the second direction, The rotating device according to (3), characterized in that the second contact portion has a second contact surface which is a plane that intersects the second direction and contacts the first contact surface. (5) The link member is provided with a guide portion for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member, The guide portion restricts the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member. The rotating device according to (3) or (4), characterized in that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged on both sides of the guide portion in the short direction of the link member. (6) If one side of the second direction is designated as the fourth direction side, and the other side of the second direction opposite to the fourth direction side is designated as the fifth direction side, The rotating device according to (5), characterized in that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and is arranged on the fourth direction side of the second contact portion. (7) The first link member is formed with a connecting portion that connects the restricting portion and the first contact portion, and a through hole that penetrates the first contact portion in the second direction. The connecting portion connects the outer end of the restricting portion in the short direction of the link member to the surface of the first contact portion on the fourth direction side. The through hole is located on the fifth direction side of the restricting portion. The rotating device according to (6), characterized in that, when viewed from the fourth direction, at least a portion of the through hole and the entirety of the restricting portion overlap. (8) The first link member is formed with an arrangement groove in which at least a portion of the second link member is placed, and a first guide portion for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member. One side of the arrangement groove in the second direction is open, The first guide portion is formed on the other side surface of the arrangement groove in the second direction, The second link member has a second guide portion that engages with the first guide portion. The pivoting device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member is restricted by the first guide portion and the second guide portion. (9) A case body comprising at least the lead screw, the slider and the link member, The case body is formed with a protruding first rib that can contact the link member from one side in the second direction, and a protruding second rib that can contact the link member from the other side in the second direction. The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that the shape of the first rib and the second rib when viewed from the second direction is an arc shape with the output shaft as the center of curvature. (10) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that the object to be rotated is a fin for adjusting the air direction installed in an air outlet for a vehicle.

[0107] In this technology, it is preferable that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and positioned on one side of the second link member in the second direction. With this configuration, compared to the case where the restricting portion is formed on the first link member over the entire area in the short direction of the link member, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance of the second link member relative to the first link member when the second link member moves relative to the first link member.

[0108] In this technology, it is preferable that one end of the lead screw is positioned on one side of the output shaft in the first direction, the other end of the lead screw is positioned on the other side of the output shaft in the first direction, the first link member has a first contact portion that extends to the side of the slider connection portion in the first direction when the slider connection portion is positioned at the same position as the output shaft in the first direction, and the second link member has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from one side in the second direction, and the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to the other side in the second direction is restricted by the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0109] With this configuration, when the slider connection is positioned at the same location as the output shaft in the first direction and the link member is most contracted, a first contact portion is formed on the first link member that extends to the side of the slider connection in the first direction. Therefore, even if the distance between the output shaft and the lead screw in the third direction is shortened, it becomes possible to increase the length of the first link member while preventing interference between the slider connection and the first link member.

[0110] Furthermore, with this configuration, since the second link member has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from one side in the second direction, even if the distance between the output shaft and the lead screw is shortened and the amount of slider movement is increased, thereby increasing the amount of movement of the second link member relative to the first link member, when the slider moves to the end side of the lead screw and the link member extends, it becomes possible to prevent the second link member from detaching from the first link member by bringing the second contact portion of the second link member into contact with the first contact portion of the first link member, which has become longer. In other words, even if the distance between the output shaft and the lead screw is shortened and the amount of slider movement is increased, it becomes possible to prevent the second link member from detaching from the first link member when the slider moves to the end side of the lead screw and the link member extends.

[0111] In this technology, it is preferable that the first contact portion has a first contact surface which is a plane that intersects the second direction and faces one side of the second direction, and the second contact portion has a second contact surface which is a plane that intersects the second direction and contacts the first contact surface. With this configuration, it becomes possible to stabilize the contact state between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0112] In this technology, the link member is preferably formed with a guide portion for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member, and the movement of the second link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member relative to the first link member is restricted by the guide portion, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are preferably arranged on both sides of the guide portion in the short direction of the link member. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the second link member from detaching from the first link member when the slider moves to the end side of the lead screw and the link member extends. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is easier to stabilize the state of the second link member when it moves relative to the first link member.

[0113] In this technology, if one side of the second direction is designated as the fourth direction side, and the other side of the second direction opposite to the fourth direction side is designated as the fifth direction side, then it is preferable that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and is located on the fourth direction side of the second contact portion. With this configuration, compared to the case where the restricting portion is formed on the first link member over the entire area in the short direction of the link member, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance of the second link member relative to the first link member when the second link member moves relative to the first link member.

[0114] In this technology, the first link member has a connecting portion that connects the restricting portion and the first contact portion, and a through hole that penetrates the first contact portion in the second direction. The connecting portion connects the outer end of the restricting portion in the short direction of the link member to the surface of the first contact portion in the fourth direction, and the through hole is located on the fifth direction side of the restricting portion. When viewed from the fourth direction side, it is preferable that at least a part of the through hole overlaps with the entirety of the restricting portion. With this configuration, for example, if the first link member is a resin molded product, it becomes possible to form the restricting portion on the first link member using a mold that is divided in the second direction. Therefore, the first link member can be easily manufactured.

[0115] In this technology, for example, the first link member has an arrangement groove in which at least a portion of the second link member is positioned, and a first guide portion for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member, one side of the arrangement groove in the second direction is open, the first guide portion is formed on the other side of the arrangement groove in the second direction, and the second link member has a second guide portion that engages with the first guide portion, and the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member in the short direction of the link member is restricted by the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

[0116] In this technology, the rotating device comprises a case body that houses at least a lead screw, a slider, and a link member. The case body has a protruding first rib that can contact the link member from one side in the second direction, and a protruding second rib that can contact the link member from the other side in the second direction. Preferably, the shape of the first and second ribs when viewed from the second direction is an arc shape with the output shaft as the center of curvature. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the contact area between the case body and the link member. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance between the case body and the link member when the link member rotates. Furthermore, with this configuration, even if the thickness of the case body in the second direction is reduced, the strength of the case body can be ensured by the first and second ribs.

[0117] In this technology, for example, the object to be rotated is a fin used to adjust the airflow direction, which is installed in the air outlet of a vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 2 Rotating mechanism 4. Air outlet section 5, 6 Fins (Rotating object) 10. Rotating shaft (engaging part) 13 Motors 14b Lead Screw 18 Slider 19 Link members 20 Output shaft 21 Case Body 36f Rib (2nd Rib) 37f Rib (1st Rib) 40 First link member 40j 1st contact part 40k 1st contact surface 40f Regulatory Section 40g connection part 40r through hole 40s Guide Rail (First Guide Section) 40t placement groove 41 Second link member 41c 2nd contact part 41g 2nd contact surface 41k guide groove (second guide section) 41p Regulation Department 42 Slider connection section 45 Guide section VL virtual line X 3rd direction X2 One side of the third direction Y Lead screw axial direction, first direction Z 2nd direction Z1 One side of the second direction, the fourth direction Z2 The other side of the second direction, the fifth direction

Claims

1. A rotating device for rotating a predetermined object to be rotated, The device comprises a motor having a lead screw, a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates, a link member with one end rotatably connected to the slider, and an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member and with which the engaging portion of the object to be rotated engages. If we define the axial direction of the lead screw as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction as the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions as the third direction, The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction. One end of the link member is rotatable with respect to the slider, with the second direction as the axis of rotation. The output shaft is positioned on one side of the slider in the third direction. The link member comprises a first link member on which the output shaft is formed or fixed, and a second link member rotatably connected to the slider. If the connection between the second link member and the slider is defined as the slider connection portion, and the direction of the imaginary straight line connecting the center of the output shaft and the center of the slider connection portion when viewed from the second direction is defined as the longitudinal direction of the link member, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member and the second direction is defined as the short direction of the link member, The second link member is movably held by the first link member and is linearly movable relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member. Movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member is restricted, and movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the second direction is restricted. The first link member or the second link member is formed with a restricting portion for restricting the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to one side in the second direction, A rotating device characterized in that the length of the restricting portion in the longitudinal direction of the link member is shorter than the distance the second link member moves relative to the first link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member.

2. The rotating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and is arranged on one side of the second link member in the second direction.

3. One end of the lead screw is positioned on one side of the output shaft in the first direction, and the other end of the lead screw is positioned on the other side of the output shaft in the first direction. The first link member has a first contact portion that extends to the side of the slider connecting portion in the first direction when the slider connecting portion is positioned at the same location as the output shaft in the first direction. The second link member has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from one side in the second direction. The pivoting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to the other side in the second direction is restricted by the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

4. The first contact portion has a first contact surface formed on it, which is a plane that intersects the second direction and faces one side of the second direction. The rotating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second contact portion has a second contact surface which is a plane that intersects the second direction and contacts the first contact surface.

5. The link member has a guide portion formed therein for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member relative to the first link member. The guide portion restricts the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member. The rotating device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged on both sides of the guide portion in the short direction of the link member.

6. If we define one side of the second direction as the fourth direction side, and the other side of the second direction, which is opposite the fourth direction side, as the fifth direction side, The rotating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the restricting portion is formed at both ends of the first link member in the short direction of the link member and is arranged on the fourth direction side of the second contact portion.

7. The first link member is formed with a connecting portion that connects the restricting portion and the first contact portion, and a through hole that penetrates the first contact portion in the second direction. The connecting portion connects the outer end of the restricting portion in the short direction of the link member to the surface of the first contact portion on the fourth direction side. The through hole is located on the fifth direction side of the restricting portion. The rotating device according to claim 6, characterized in that, when viewed from the fourth direction, at least a portion of the through hole and the entirety of the restricting portion overlap.

8. The first link member is formed with an arrangement groove in which at least a portion of the second link member is placed, and a first guide portion for guiding the second link member in the longitudinal direction of the link member. One side of the arrangement groove in the second direction is open, The first guide portion is formed on the other side surface of the arrangement groove in the second direction, The second link member has a second guide portion that engages with the first guide portion. The pivoting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movement of the second link member relative to the first link member to both sides in the short direction of the link member is restricted by the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

9. It comprises a case body that houses at least the lead screw, the slider, and the link member, The case body is formed with a protruding first rib that can contact the link member from one side in the second direction, and a protruding second rib that can contact the link member from the other side in the second direction. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shapes of the first rib and the second rib, when viewed from the second direction, are arc-shaped with the output shaft as the center of curvature.

10. The rotating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the object to be rotated is a fin for adjusting the air direction installed in an air outlet for a vehicle.

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