Rotation device

Abstract

In a rotation device 2, when the axial direction of a lead screw is defined as a Y direction, a direction orthogonal to the Y direction is defined as a Z direction, the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction is defined as an X direction, one side in the Y direction is defined as a Y1 direction side and the opposite side is defined as a Y2 direction side, and one side in the X direction is defined as an X2 direction side and the opposite side is defined as an X1 direction side, the axial direction of an output shaft 20 is parallel to the Z direction, and the output shaft 20 is disposed on the X2 direction side relative to a slider rotatably coupled to one end part of a link member, the output shaft being formed on or fixed to the other end part of the link member. A case body 21 is provided with a link member accommodation part 21e that accommodates the link member. When viewed in the Z direction, a side surface on the Y1 direction side of the link member accommodation part 21e is inclined toward the Y1 direction side as going toward the X1 direction side, and a side surface on the Y2 direction side of the link member accommodation part 21e is inclined toward the Y2 direction side as going toward the X1 direction side.

Description

Rotating device

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

[0002] Conventionally, a reduction mechanism for rotating fins of a small rocket or the like has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The reduction mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes a motor having a motor shaft with a male thread formed on its surface, a nut member with a female thread formed to engage with the male thread of the motor shaft, an output shaft to which the fin is connected, and an arm connecting the nut member to the output shaft. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor shaft. In the reduction mechanism described in Patent Document 1, when the motor shaft rotates and the nut member moves in the axial direction of the motor shaft, the arm rotates around the output shaft. Furthermore, when the arm rotates, the output shaft rotates.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-280965

[0004] The present inventors have developed a rotation device for rotating a predetermined rotation target. The rotation device under development includes a motor with 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, an output shaft that is formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member and that engages with an engagement portion of the rotation target, and a case that rotatably holds the output shaft and houses the lead screw, slider, link member, etc.

[0005] The present inventors are currently developing a rotation device, and are considering reducing the thickness of the rotation device in the axial direction of the output shaft, which is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the lead screw. To reduce the thickness of the rotation device in the axial direction of the output shaft, it is necessary to reduce the thickness of the case body that houses the lead screw, slider, link member, etc., in the axial direction of the output shaft. However, reducing the thickness of the case body in the axial direction of the output shaft reduces the strength of the case body in the axial direction of the output shaft, which could make the rotation device more susceptible to twisting.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a rotating device that includes a motor having a lead screw, a slider that engages with the lead screw, a link member whose one end is rotatably connected to the slider, an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member, and a case body that rotatably holds the output shaft and houses the lead screw, slider, link member, etc., and that can suppress the occurrence of twisting even if the case body is made thin in the axial direction of the output shaft.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a rotation device according to one aspect of the present invention is a rotation device for rotating a predetermined object to be rotated, and includes: a motor having a lead screw; a slider formed with a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and that moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a link member rotatably connected at one end to the slider; an output shaft formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member and engaging with an engaging portion of the object to be rotated; and a case body rotatably holding the output shaft and accommodating at least the lead screw, the slider, and the link member; the axial direction of the lead screw is defined as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as a third direction; one side of the link member is defined as the fourth direction side, the other side in the first direction opposite the fourth direction side is defined as the fifth direction side, one side in the third direction is defined as the sixth direction side, and the other side in the third direction opposite the sixth direction side is defined as the seventh direction side, the axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction, one end of the link member is rotatable relative to the slider with the second direction as the axial direction of the rotation, the output shaft is arranged on the sixth direction side of the slider, the case body has a link member accommodating section in which the link member is accommodated, and when viewed from the second direction, the side surface on the fourth direction side of the link member accommodating section is inclined so as to approach the fourth direction side as it approaches the seventh direction side, and the side surface on the fifth direction side of the link member accommodating section is inclined so as to approach the fifth direction side as it approaches the seventh direction side.

[0008] In the rotation device of this aspect, the axial direction of the lead screw is defined as the first direction, the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as the fourth direction, the side opposite the fourth direction is defined as the fifth direction, one side of the third direction is defined as the sixth direction, and the side opposite the sixth direction is defined as the seventh direction. The axial direction of the output shaft is parallel to the second direction, and the output shaft formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member is positioned closer to the sixth direction than the slider rotatably coupled to one end of the link member. In this aspect, the case body includes a link member accommodating portion in which the link member is accommodated. Furthermore, in this aspect, when viewed from the second direction, the side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fourth direction side is inclined toward the fourth direction as it approaches the seventh direction, and the side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fifth direction side is inclined toward the fifth direction as it approaches the seventh direction.

[0009] Therefore, in this aspect, for example, when viewed from the second direction, compared to a case in which both side surfaces of the link member accommodating portion in the first direction are parallel to the third direction, it is possible to reduce the area of ​​the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the area of ​​the case body when viewed from the second direction. Therefore, in this aspect, even if the case body is made thinner in the axial direction of the output shaft and the strength of the case body in the axial direction of the output shaft is reduced, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of torsion of the case body.

[0010] In this aspect, since both side surfaces of the link member accommodating portion in the first direction are inclined as described above, it is possible to prevent the case body from becoming large in size in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the output shaft even if other components are disposed on the sixth direction side of the side surface of the link member accommodating portion in the fourth direction or on the sixth direction side of the side surface of the link member accommodating portion in the fifth direction.

[0011] As described above, in one aspect of the present invention, in a rotating device comprising a motor having a lead screw, a slider that engages with the lead screw, a link member whose one end is rotatably connected to the slider, an output shaft formed or fixed to the other end of the link member, and a case body that rotatably holds the output shaft and houses the lead screw, slider, link member, etc., it is possible to suppress the occurrence of twisting in the rotating device even if the case body is made thinner in the axial direction of the output shaft.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a turning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the turning device shown in FIG. 1 from a different direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air outlet section for a vehicle to which the turning device shown in FIG. 1 is attached. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a dashboard of a vehicle to which the air outlet section shown in FIG. 3 is incorporated. FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the internal configuration of the air outlet section shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the turning device shown in FIG. 1 with a second case body removed. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the turning device shown in FIG. 1 with the second case body removed. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the turning device shown in FIG. 1 with the second case body removed. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the turning device shown in FIG. 1 with the first case body and motor frame removed. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the motor frame shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first case body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second case body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second case body shown in FIG. 1 and the motor frame shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a side view showing a portion of the case body from the E-E direction in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the slider, output shaft, and first link member shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the first link member and the second link member shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 19 is a bottom view illustrating the state when the link member shown in FIG. 8 is extended. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G of the link member shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a link member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 22A and 22B are plan views illustrating the configuration of a link member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a turning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the turning device shown in FIG. 23 from a different direction. FIG. 25 is a plan view of the turning device shown in FIG. 23 with the second case body removed. Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the first case body shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing the first case body shown in Fig. 26 from a different direction. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the second case body shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the second case body shown in Fig. 28 from a different direction.

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Schematic configuration of turning device) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a turning device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the turning device 2 shown in Fig. 1 from a different direction. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an air outlet section 4 for a vehicle to which the turning device 2 shown in Fig. 1 is attached. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a dashboard 7 of a vehicle to which the air outlet section 4 shown in Fig. 3 is incorporated. Fig. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the internal configuration of the air outlet section 4 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the turning device 2 shown in Fig. 1 with the second case body 31 removed.

[0015] The rotation device 2 of this embodiment is a device for rotating a predetermined rotation object. The rotation object of this embodiment is fins 5, 6 for adjusting airflow direction that are installed in an air outlet 4 of a vehicle (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 4, the air outlet 4 is incorporated, for example, in a dashboard 7 of a vehicle and forms the outlet of an in-vehicle air conditioner. A housing 8 of the air outlet 4 houses a plurality of fins 5 arranged vertically and a plurality of fins 6 arranged horizontally.

[0016] A cover 9 that covers the fins 5, 6 is attached to the housing 8. The cover 9 side of the air outlet section 4 incorporated into the dashboard 7 faces the interior of the vehicle. The fins 5 are rotatable around the horizontal direction as the axis of rotation. The fins 6 are rotatable around the vertical direction as the axis of rotation. Two rotating devices 2 are attached to the air outlet section 4. Specifically, the two rotating devices 2 are fixed to the housing 8. One of the two rotating devices 2 rotates the multiple fins 5. The other rotating device 2 rotates the multiple fins 6.

[0017] The thickness of the rotation device 2 in this embodiment is very thin. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3 , by attaching the rotation device 2 along the side surface of the housing 8 so that the direction of the normal to the side surface of the housing 8 coincides with the thickness direction of the rotation device 2, it is possible to reduce the amount by which the rotation device 2 protrudes from the housing 8. A rotation shaft 10 (see Fig. 1 ) that is connected to the fins 5 and 6 is connected to the rotation device 2. When the rotation shaft 10 rotates, the fins 5 and 6 rotate.

[0018] The rotating device 2 includes a motor 13 as a drive source. The motor 13 is a stepping motor. The motor 13 includes a rotor 15 having a rotating shaft 14 and a drive magnet, and a stator 16 having a drive coil and disposed on the outer periphery of the drive magnet. The output side portion of the rotating shaft 14 protrudes toward the output side beyond the stator 16. The portion of the rotating shaft 14 that protrudes beyond the stator 16 forms a lead screw 14b with a feed screw formed on its outer periphery. In other words, the motor 13 includes the lead screw 14b. The center of rotation of the lead screw 14b coincides with the center of rotation of the rotor 15.

[0019] The turning device 2 also includes a slider 18 having a threaded portion 18b (see FIG. 15) formed thereon that engages with the lead screw 14b. When the lead screw 14b rotates, the slider 18 moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw 14b. The turning device 2 also includes a link member 19 having one end rotatably connected to the slider 18, an output shaft 20 formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member 19 and engaging with the turning shaft 10, and a case body 21 that houses the rotor 15 including the lead screw 14b, the stator 16, the slider 18, and the link member 19. The turning shaft 10 in this embodiment is an engaging portion that engages with the output shaft 20.

[0020] In the following description, the Y direction in Fig. 1, etc., which is the axial direction of the lead screw 14b (i.e., the axial direction of the rotor 15), is referred to as the "left-right direction," the Z direction in Fig. 1, etc., which is perpendicular to the left-right direction, is referred to as the "up-down direction," and the X direction in Fig. 1, etc., which is perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction, is referred to as the "front-to-back direction." Furthermore, the X2 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., which is one side of the front-to-back direction, is referred to as the "rear" side, the opposite X1 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., is referred to as the "front" side, the Y1 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., which is one side of the left-right direction, is referred to as the "right" side, the opposite Y2 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., is referred to as the "left" side, the Z1 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., which is one side of the up-down direction, is referred to as the "up" side, and the opposite Z2 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., is referred to as the "down" side.

[0021] In this embodiment, 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. The front-rear direction (X direction) is the third direction, which is perpendicular to the first and second directions. The right side (Y1 direction) is the fourth direction, which is one side of the first direction. The left side (Y2 direction) is the fifth direction, which is the opposite side of the fourth direction. The rear side (X2 direction) is the sixth direction, which is one side of the third direction. The front side (X1 direction) is the seventh direction, which is the opposite side of the sixth direction. The rotation device 2 is formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the up-down direction. The axial direction of the output shaft 20 is parallel to the up-down direction. The output shaft 20 is located behind the lead screw 14b and the slider 18.

[0022] (Configuration of the motor) Figures 7 and 8 are plan views of the rotating device 2 shown in Figure 1 with the second case body 31 removed. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the rotating device 2 shown in Figure 1 with the first case body 30 and the motor frame 24 removed. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the motor frame 24 shown in Figure 6.

[0023] As described above, the motor 13 is equipped with the lead screw 14b. The lead screw 14b protrudes from the stator 16 toward the left. In other words, the stator 16 is disposed to the right of the lead screw 14b. When viewed from the left-right direction, the outer shape of the stator 16 is circular. A trapezoidal thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 14b. The right end of the lead screw 14b is disposed to the right of the output shaft 20. The left end of the lead screw 14b is disposed to the left of the output shaft 20. Note that a square thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 14b.

[0024] In addition to the rotor 15 and the 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, a leaf spring 26 that biases the rotating shaft 14 to the left, a flat circuit board 27 for driving and controlling the motor 13, and lead wires 28 connected to the circuit board 27.

[0025] 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 left end of the lead screw 14b, which is the tip 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 thickness direction of the connecting portion 24d coincides with the up-down direction. The connecting portion 24d is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The long side of the rectangular connecting portion 24d coincides with the left-right direction.

[0026] 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 thickness direction of the stator fixing portion 24b and the thickness direction of the screw holding portion 24c coincide with the left-right direction. 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, through which the rotating shaft 14 is inserted.

[0027] The motor frame 24 also includes a flat reinforcing portion 24e that rises upward from the front end of the connecting portion 24d, and a flat board fixing portion 24f to which the circuit board 27 is fixed. The motor frame 24 in this embodiment is composed of the stator fixing portion 24b, the screw holding portion 24c, the connecting portion 24d, the reinforcing portion 24e, and the board fixing portion 24f. The board fixing portion 24f extends leftward from the rear end of the stator fixing portion 24b. The thickness direction of the board fixing portion 24f coincides with the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] One reinforcing portion 24e is formed on the motor frame 24. The reinforcing portion 24e rises at a right angle from the front end of the connecting portion 24d. The thickness direction of the reinforcing portion 24e coincides with the front-to-rear direction. The reinforcing portion 24e is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the left-to-right direction. The long sides of the rectangular reinforcing portion 24e coincide with the left-to-right direction. The right end of the reinforcing portion 24e is located to the right of the right end of the slider 18 (see the solid line in Figure 8) when moved to the right-side movement limit position. The left end of the reinforcing portion 24e is located to the left of the left end of the slider 18 (see the two-dot chain line in Figure 8) when moved to the left-side movement limit position.

[0029] Most of the upper surface of the stator fixing portion 24b is a convex curved surface that forms an arc shape when viewed from the left and right. The upper end surfaces of the screw holding portion 24c and the reinforcing portion 24e are flat surfaces that are perpendicular to the up-down direction. The vertical width of the screw holding portion 24c and the vertical width of the reinforcing portion 24e are equal, and the upper end surfaces of the screw holding portion 24c and the reinforcing portion 24e are positioned at the same position in the up-down direction. The upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b is positioned above the upper end surface of the screw holding portion 24c. Furthermore, the upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b and the upper end of the stator 16 are positioned at the same position in the up-down direction. The lower end of the stator 16 is positioned below the lower surface of the connecting portion 24d.

[0030] The motor frame 24 is housed in the case body 21. As described below, the case body 21 is composed of a first case body 30 and a second case body 31 that are divided in the vertical direction. The motor frame 24 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31. In other words, the motor 13 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31. Positioning holes 24g and 24h are formed in the connection portion 24d for positioning the motor frame 24 relative to the case body 21 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, two positioning holes 24g and 24h are formed in the connection portion 24d.

[0031] The positioning hole 24g is a round hole that penetrates the connecting portion 24d in the up-down direction. The positioning hole 24h is an elongated hole that penetrates the connecting portion 24d in the up-down direction. The positioning hole 24h is also an elongated hole with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction. The positioning holes 24g and 24h are formed at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. The positioning hole 24g is located to the left of the left-right center of the connecting portion 24d, and the positioning hole 24h is located to the right of the left-to-right center of the connecting portion 24d. When viewed from the up-down direction, the positioning holes 24g and 24h are located on the axis of the lead screw 14b.

[0032] The circuit board 27 is a rigid board such as a glass epoxy board. The circuit board 27 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The circuit board 27 is arranged so that the thickness direction of the circuit board 27 coincides with the front-rear direction. In other words, the thickness direction of the circuit board 27 coincides with the front-rear direction. The direction of the long sides of the rectangular circuit board 27 coincides with the left-right direction. The circuit board 27 is fixed to the board fixing portion 24f with screws 29. The circuit board 27 is arranged behind the stator 16. The circuit board 27 is housed in the case body 21.

[0033] The vertical width of the circuit board 27 is equal to or smaller than the vertical width of the stator 16. In this embodiment, the vertical width of the circuit board 27 is narrower than the vertical width of the stator 16. The upper end surface of the circuit board 27 is located below the upper end of the stator 16. The lower end surface of the circuit board 27 is located at the same position as the lower end of the stator 16 in the vertical direction. The right end portion of the circuit board 27 is located to the right of the right end surface of the stator 16. The lead wire 28 is soldered and fixed to the front surface of the right end portion of the circuit board 27. The lead wire 28 is drawn forward from the circuit board 27. The lead wire 28 is then bent rightward and drawn out from the case body 21 to the right.

[0034] (Configuration of case body) Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the first case body 30 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the second case body 31 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the second case body 31 shown in Fig. 1 and the motor frame 24 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 14 is a side view showing a part of the case body 21 from the E-E direction in Fig. 1.

[0035] The case body 21 is formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The case body 21 is made of resin. As described above, the case body 21 accommodates the lead screw 14b, the stator 16, the slider 18, the link member 19, etc. The case body 21 includes the accommodation portion 21b that accommodates the lead screw 14b, the stator 16, the slider 18, the link member 19, etc., and two fixed portions 21c that are fixed to the housing 8 of the air outlet portion 4. The case body 21 in this embodiment is composed of the accommodation portion 21b and the two fixed portions 21c.

[0036] The accommodation portion 21b is hollow. The upper and lower surfaces of the accommodation portion 21b are flat surfaces perpendicular to the up-down direction. The side walls of the accommodation portion 21b are plate-shaped. The thickness of the plate-shaped side walls of the accommodation portion 21b is constant. The accommodation portion 21b includes a first accommodation portion 21d that accommodates the motor 13 and the slider 18, and a second accommodation portion 21e that serves as a link member accommodation portion that accommodates the link member 19. The accommodation portion 21b is composed of the first accommodation portion 21d and the second accommodation portion 21e. The first accommodation portion 21d constitutes the front portion of the case body 21. The second accommodation portion 21e constitutes the rear portion of the case body 21. The front end of the second accommodation portion 21e is connected to the rear end of the first accommodation portion 21d.

[0037] When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the outer shape of the second storage section 21e is a triangle whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. That is, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the right side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the right as it approaches the front. Also, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the left side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the left as it approaches the front. The right side surface and the left side surface of the second storage section 21e are flat surfaces parallel to the top-bottom direction.

[0038] As described above, the side walls of the storage section 21b are formed like plates with a uniform thickness, so that when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the right side wall of the second storage section 21e is inclined to the right as it approaches the front, and the left side wall of the second storage section 21e is inclined to the left as it approaches the front. In other words, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the right side wall of the second storage section 21e is inclined to the right front side, and the left side wall of the second storage section 21e is inclined to the left front side.

[0039] In this embodiment, the outer shape of the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is an isosceles triangle whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. Also, the outer shape of the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is an isosceles triangle whose base is parallel to the left-right direction. The apex of the isosceles triangle-shaped second housing portion 21e forms the rear end of the case body 21. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second housing portion 21e and the left side surface of the second housing portion 21e is a right angle or an obtuse angle. For example, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second housing portion 21e and the left side surface of the second housing portion 21e is a right angle.

[0040] When viewed from above and below, the first housing portion 21d has an outer shape of a rectangle elongated in the left-right direction. The right and left side surfaces of the first housing portion 21d are flat surfaces perpendicular to the left-right direction. The front side surface of the first housing portion 21d is flat surfaces perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The reinforcing portion 24e of the motor frame 24 housed in the case body 21 is arranged along the front wall surface of the first housing portion 21d. The left side surface of the first housing portion 21d is located at the same position as the left front end of the second housing portion 21e in the left-right direction. The right side surface of the first housing portion 21d is located to the right of the right front end of the second housing portion 21e, and the right end of the first housing portion 21d protrudes to the right beyond the second housing portion 21e. The right end of the first housing portion 21d protruding to the right beyond the second housing portion 21e forms the third housing portion 21f, which houses the stator 16 and the circuit board 27.

[0041] The fixed portions 21c are arranged on both left and right sides of the second storage portion 21e. When viewed from the top and bottom, the two fixed portions 21c are arranged symmetrically. The fixed portions 21c are formed in a flat plate shape with the thickness direction being the up and down direction. The thickness of the fixed portions 21c in the up and down direction is thinner than the thickness of the storage portion 21b in the up and down direction. The upper surface of the fixed portions 21c is arranged lower than the upper surface of the storage portion 21b. The lower surface of the fixed portions 21c is arranged higher than the lower surface of the storage portion 21b.

[0042] The distance (vertical distance) between the upper surface of the accommodation portion 21b and the upper surface of the fixed portion 21c is equal to the distance (vertical distance) between the lower surface of the accommodation portion 21b and the lower surface of the fixed portion 21c. When viewed from the vertical direction, the outer shape of the fixed portion 21c is a triangle whose width gradually increases toward the side surface of the second accommodation portion 21e. A through hole 21g that penetrates the fixed portion 21c in the vertical direction is formed. The fixed portion 21c is fixed to the housing 8 by a screw inserted into the through hole 21g.

[0043] The case body 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20. Specifically, the case body 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20 near the apex of the second housing portion 21e. That is, the output shaft 20 is rotatably held at the center of the second housing portion 21e in the left-right direction and at the rear end of the case body 21. The case body 21 in this embodiment is a holding member that rotatably holds the output shaft 20 (i.e., rotatably holds the other end of the link member 19). Note that the two through holes 21g are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line of the second housing portion 21e that passes through the axis of the output shaft 20 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0044] The case body 21 is composed of a first case body 30 and a second case body 31 that are divided in the vertical direction. The first case body 30 forms the lower half of the case body 21, and the upper side of the first case body 30 is open. The second case body 31 forms the upper half of the case body 21, and the lower side of the second case body 31 is open. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other by screws 32. Specifically, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other by three screws 32.

[0045] The screws 32 are arranged in three locations: an apex corner of the second housing portion 21e which is the rear end portion of the case body 21, a right front end portion of the second housing portion 21e, and a left front end portion of the second housing portion 21e. That is, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other at three locations: an apex corner of the second housing portion 21e which is the rear end portion of the case body 21, a right front end portion of the second housing portion 21e, and a left front end portion of the second housing portion 21e.

[0046] The first case body 30 includes a flat bottom surface portion 30b that forms the bottom surface of the first case body 30, a side surface portion 30c that forms the side surface of the first case body 30, and a fixed portion 30d that forms the lower portion of the fixed portion 21c. The thickness direction of the bottom surface portion 30b coincides with the up-down direction. The bottom surface of the bottom surface portion 30b forms the bottom surface of the storage portion 21b. The side surface portion 30c rises upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 30b. The fixed portion 30d is formed in a flat plate shape. The bottom surface of the fixed portion 30d is located higher than the bottom surface of the bottom surface portion 30b.

[0047] A retaining hole 30e for retaining the output shaft 20 is formed in the rear end of the lower surface 30b. The retaining hole 30e is a circular hole that penetrates the lower surface 30b in the vertical direction. A protruding rib 30f that can contact the link member 19 housed in the case body 21 from below is formed on the upper surface of the lower surface 30b. That is, the second housing portion 21e that houses the link member 19 is formed with the rib 30f as a second rib that can contact the link member 19 from below. In this embodiment, one rib 30f is formed on the upper surface of the lower surface 30b. When viewed from the vertical direction, the shape of the rib 30f is an arc with the retaining hole 30e as the center of curvature. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction, the shape of the rib 30f is an arc with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature.

[0048] An arrangement recess 30g is formed inside the first case body 30, in which the connection portion 24d of the motor frame 24 is arranged. The arrangement recess 30g is formed at the front end of the lower surface portion 30b. The arrangement recess 30g is recessed downward from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b. The depth of the arrangement recess 30g is slightly shallower than the thickness of the connection portion 24d. The lower surface of the connection portion 24d contacts the bottom surface (upper surface) of the arrangement recess 30g. Specifically, the entire lower surface of the connection portion 24d contacts the bottom surface of the arrangement recess 30g. In other words, the connection portion 24d contacts the first case body 30 from above.

[0049] The bottom surface of the mounting recess 30g is formed with a plurality of positioning protrusions 30h for positioning the motor frame 24 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. In this embodiment, two positioning protrusions 30h are formed. The positioning protrusions 30h are formed in a cylindrical shape that rises upward. The two positioning protrusions 30h are formed at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. The two positioning protrusions 30h are also arranged with a gap between them in the left-to-right direction.

[0050] The positioning protrusions 30h are inserted into the positioning holes 24g and 24h of the motor frame 24. That is, the positioning protrusions 30h engage with the positioning holes 24g and 24h. As described above, when viewed from the top and bottom, the positioning holes 24g and 24h are positioned on the axis of the lead screw 14b. Therefore, when viewed from the top and bottom, the two positioning protrusions 30h are also positioned on the axis of the lead screw 14b.

[0051] A cylindrical screw mounting portion 30j is formed on the first case body 30. An internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the screw mounting portion 30j, into which the screw 32 engages. The screw mounting portion 30j is formed in three locations: at the apex corner of the second housing portion 21e where the screw 32 is disposed, and at the right front end and left front end of the second housing portion 21e. The screw mounting portion 30j rises upward from the lower surface portion 30b and is connected to the side surface portion 30c.

[0052] Two of the three screw mounting portions 30j are formed with positioning protrusions 30k for positioning the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Specifically, the positioning protrusions 30k are formed on the screw mounting portion 30j located at the apex corner of the second housing portion 21e and the screw mounting portion 30j located at the right front end portion of the second housing portion 21e. That is, the positioning protrusions 30k are formed on the first case body 30. The positioning protrusions 30k are formed in an annular shape that protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the screw mounting portion 30j.

[0053] A first restricting portion 30p for restricting the rightward movement range of the slider 18 is formed in front of the screw mounting portion 30j located at the right front end of the second housing portion 21e. A second restricting portion 30r for restricting the leftward movement range of the slider 18 is formed in front of the screw mounting portion 30j located at the left front end of the second housing portion 21e. That is, the first case body 30 is formed with the first restricting portion 30p and the second restricting portion 30r. The first restricting portion 30p and the second restricting portion 30r rise upward from the lower surface portion 30b and are connected to the screw mounting portion 30j.

[0054] The slider 18 can come into contact with the first restricting portion 30p and the second restricting portion 30r. The first restricting portion 30p is formed with a restricting portion-side contact surface 30s with which the slider 18 comes into contact. Specifically, the left side surface of the first restricting portion 30p serves as the restricting portion-side contact surface 30s. The restricting portion-side contact surface 30s is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the left-right direction. The second restricting portion 30r is formed with a restricting portion-side contact surface 30t with which the slider 18 comes into contact. Specifically, the right side surface of the second restricting portion 30r serves as the restricting portion-side contact surface 30t. The restricting portion-side contact surface 30t is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0055] An opening 30u is formed at the right front end of the lower surface portion 30b, in which the lower end of the stator 16 is disposed. The opening 30u is a rectangular hole that penetrates the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. Behind the opening 30u, an opening 30v is formed, in which the lower end of the circuit board 27 is disposed. The opening 30v is a rectangular hole that penetrates the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction and is elongated in the left-right direction. A notch 30w is formed at the right front end of the side surface portion 30c, in which the lead wires 28 are drawn out of the case body 21.

[0056] A lead wire guide 30x is formed on the right side of the opening 30u to guide the lead wire 28 from the circuit board 27 to the notch 30w while causing it to meander. That is, the first case body 30 is formed with the lead wire guide 30x. In this embodiment, two lead wire guides 30x are formed. The lead wire guide 30x is formed in a cylindrical shape that rises upward from the lower surface 30b. The two lead wire guides 30x are arranged at the same position in the left-right direction and spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. The lead wire 28 passes the right side of the lead wire guide 30x arranged on the rear side, then passes the left side of the lead wire guide 30x arranged on the front side, and is then drawn out from the notch 30w to the right.

[0057] The second case body 31 includes a flat top surface portion 31b that forms the top surface of the second case body 31, a side surface portion 31c that forms the side surface of the second case body 31, and a fixed portion 31d that forms the upper portion of the fixed portion 21c. The thickness direction of the top surface portion 31b coincides with the up-down direction. The top surface of the top surface portion 31b forms the top surface of the storage portion 21b. The side surface portion 31c rises downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion 31b. The fixed portion 31d is formed in a flat plate shape. The top surface of the fixed portion 31d is located lower than the top surface of the top surface portion 31b. The bottom surface of the fixed portion 31d is in contact with the top surface of the fixed portion 30d.

[0058] A retaining hole 31e for retaining the output shaft 20 is formed at the rear end of the upper surface portion 31b. The retaining hole 31e is a circular hole that penetrates the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. A protruding rib 31f that can contact the link member 19 housed in the case body 21 from above is formed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b. That is, the second housing portion 21e that houses the link member 19 is formed with the rib 31f as a first rib that can contact the link member 19 from above. In this embodiment, two ribs 31f are formed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b. When viewed from the vertical direction, the shape of the rib 31f is an arc with the retaining hole 31e as the center of curvature. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction, the shape of the rib 31f is an arc with the output shaft 20 as the center of curvature.

[0059] The second case body 31 is formed with through holes 31g and 31h in which portions of the screws 32 are disposed. The through holes 31g and 31h are formed in three locations: at the apex corner of the second housing portion 21e where the screws 32 are disposed, at the right front end portion of the second housing portion 21e, and at the left front end portion of the second housing portion 21e. Of the three through holes 31g and 31h, two of the through holes 31g are positioning holes into which the positioning protrusions 30k of the first case body 30 are inserted. The two through holes 31g are formed in two locations: at the apex corner of the second housing portion 21e and at the right front end portion of the second housing portion 21e.

[0060] In this way, the positioning protrusion 30k and the through hole 31g are formed in two places: at the rear end of the second housing portion 21e and at the front right end of the second housing portion 21e. Note that the positioning protrusion 30k and the through hole 31g may also be formed in two places: at the rear end of the second housing portion 21e and at the front left end (i.e., the left front end) of the second housing portion 21e.

[0061] As described above, the motor frame 24 is fixed to the case body 21 by being sandwiched between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31. Also, as described above, the lower surface of the connection portion 24d of the motor frame 24 contacts the bottom surface of the placement recess 30g. The second case body 31 is formed with fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p that contact the motor frame 24 from above. The fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p protrude downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second case body 31 is formed with a fixing protrusion 31j that contacts the upper end surface of the screw holding portion 24c, a fixing protrusion 31k that contacts the upper surface of the connecting portion 24d at the right end side of the connecting portion 24d, and a fixing protrusion 31p that contacts the upper end surface of the reinforcing portion 24e (see FIG. 13). The lower end surfaces of the fixing protrusions 31j, 31k, and 31p are flat surfaces that are perpendicular to the up-down direction. The fixing protrusions 31j are formed in two locations with a gap between them in the front-to-rear direction. The fixing protrusion 31j contacts a portion of the upper end surface of the screw holding portion 24c. The fixing protrusion 31p contacts the center portion of the reinforcing portion 24e in the left-to-right direction.

[0063] The fixing protrusions 31k are formed at two locations spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The fixing protrusions 31k contact a portion of the upper surface of the connecting portion 24d. A portion of the lead screw 14b is disposed between the two fixing protrusions 31k. That is, the two fixing protrusions 31k are disposed at positions sandwiching the lead screw 14b in the front-rear direction. The inner surfaces of the fixing protrusions 31k in the front-rear direction are flat and perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The two fixing protrusions 31k are connected by a connecting protrusion 31i that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b. The lower surface of the connecting protrusion 31i is a concave curved surface that has an arc-like shape when viewed from the left and right. The lower surface of the connecting protrusion 31i is smoothly connected to the inner surfaces of the two fixing protrusions 31k in the front-rear direction. The connecting protrusion 31i is disposed above the lead screw 14b.

[0064] In this embodiment, the lower surface of the connection portion 24d contacts the bottom surface of the placement recess 30g with a predetermined contact pressure, the fixing protrusion 31j contacts the upper end surface of the screw holding portion 24c with a predetermined contact pressure, the fixing protrusion 31k contacts the upper surface of the connection portion 24d with a predetermined contact pressure, and the fixing protrusion 31p contacts the upper end surface of the reinforcing portion 24e with a predetermined contact pressure, so that the motor frame 24 is fixed to the case body 21 while being sandwiched between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31.

[0065] An opening 31u is formed at the right front end of the upper surface portion 31b, in which the upper end of the stator 16 and the upper end of the stator fixing portion 24b are disposed. Furthermore, as described above, an opening 30u is formed at the right front end of the lower surface portion 30b, in which the lower end of the stator 16 is disposed. That is, openings 30u and 31u in which a portion of the stator 16 is disposed are formed on both the vertical surfaces of the case body 21. The opening 31u is a rectangular hole that penetrates the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. A board placement recess 31v is formed behind the opening 31u, in which the upper end of the circuit board 27 is disposed. The board placement recess 31v is an elongated rectangular recess that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b, but does not penetrate the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction.

[0066] As described above, a notch 30w is formed in the right front end of the side surface 30c of the first case body 30. No notch is formed in the right front end of the side surface 31c of the second case body 31. Therefore, when the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other, an outlet hole 33 is formed in the case body 21 for extracting the lead wire 28 to the outside of the case body 21 (see FIG. 14 ). That is, the outlet hole 33 is formed in the case body 21. The lead wire guide 30x functions to guide the lead wire 28 from the circuit board 27 to the outlet hole 33 while causing it to meander. Note that a cylindrical guide holding portion 31x that holds the upper end of the lead wire guide 30x is formed on the right side of the opening 31u.

[0067] The two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i are disposed to the right of the first restricting portion 30p of the first case body 30. The two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i are disposed to the left of the openings 30u, 30v, 31u and the draw-out hole 33. The two fixing protrusions 31k and the connecting protrusion 31i function to prevent foreign matter (dust) that has entered the inside of the case body 21 through the openings 30u, 30v, 31u or the draw-out hole 33 from entering the space inside the case body 21 in which the slider 18 and the link member 19 are housed.

[0068] (Configuration of slider, output shaft, and link member) Figure 15 is a bottom view of the slider 18 shown in Figure 6. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the slider 18, output shaft 20, and first link member 36 shown in Figure 6. Figure 18 is a bottom view of the first link member 36 and the second link member 37 shown in Figure 6. Figure 19 is a bottom view for explaining the state when the link member 19 shown in Figure 8 is extended. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G of the link member 19 shown in Figure 7. Note that Figure 19 illustrates the state of the link member 19 when the slider 18 has moved to the left-hand movement limit position.

[0069] The slider 18 is disposed between the stator fixing portion 24b and the screw holding portion 24c of the motor frame 24 in the left-right direction, and is disposed above the connecting portion 24d and behind the reinforcing portion 24e. The slider 18 is made of resin. The slider 18 is composed of a slider main body 18c that engages with the lead screw 14b and a connecting portion 18d to which one end of the link member 19 is connected.

[0070] The slider main body 18c is composed of a flat upper wall 18e disposed above the lead screw 14b, a flat front wall 18f disposed in front of the lead screw 14b, and a flat rear wall 18g disposed behind the lead screw 14b. In other words, the slider main body 18c covers part of the lead screw 14b from both front-to-rear directions and one side in the up-down direction.

[0071] The thickness direction of the upper wall portion 18e coincides with the up-down direction. The thickness directions of the front wall portion 18f and the rear wall portion 18g coincide with the front-to-rear direction. The threaded portion 18b is formed on the front surface of the rear wall portion 18g. The front surface of the rear wall portion 18g is a plane perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The threaded portion 18b has a plurality of threads 18h arranged in the axial direction (left-to-right direction) of the lead screw 14b. The threads 18h are formed in a straight line that is slightly inclined with respect to the up-to-down direction. In other words, the threaded portion 18b is formed in a rack shape.

[0072] Protrusions 18j protruding upward are formed on both front-to-rear end portions of the upper surface of the upper wall portion 18e. Protrusions 18k protruding downward are formed on the front end portion of the lower end surface of the front wall portion 18f and the rear end portion of the lower end surface of the rear wall portion 18g. The protrusions 18j, 18k are formed in a linear shape that is long in the left-to-right direction. The protrusion 18j is capable of contacting the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b of the second case body 31. The protrusion 18k is capable of contacting the upper surface of the connection portion 24d of the motor frame 24. The front wall portion 18f is formed with an elastic piece 18p to suppress rattle of the slider 18 relative to the lead screw 14b. The elastic piece 18p is formed in a flat plate shape that rises upward from the lower end portion of the front wall portion 18f. The elastic piece 18p contacts the lead screw 14b from the front with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0073] The connecting portion 18d is disposed on the rear side of the slider main body portion 18c. The connecting portion 18d is composed of a base portion 18q extending rearward from the slider main body portion 18c and a fixed shaft portion 18r that serves as the center of rotation of the link member 19 relative to the slider 18. The base portion 18q is formed in a flat plate shape that connects to the lower end of the rear wall portion 18g. The thickness direction of the base portion 18q coincides with the up-down direction. When viewed from the up-down direction, the shape of the base portion 18q is a substantially isosceles triangle whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear.

[0074] The fixed shaft portion 18r rises upward from the base portion 18q. That is, the base portion 18q is connected to the base portion 18q at its base. The fixed shaft portion 18r is formed in a thick-walled cylindrical shape. 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 the vertical direction being the axial direction of the rotation. The fixed shaft portion 18r is disposed at approximately the center of the base portion 18q in the front-to-rear direction. The fixed shaft portion 18r is also disposed at the center of the slider 18 in the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, the base portion 18q is an axis forming portion to which the base portion of the fixed shaft portion 18r is connected.

[0075] The right side surface of the front portion of the base 18q forms a slider-side contact surface 18s that can come into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30s of the case body 21. The left side surface of the front portion of the base 18q forms a slider-side contact surface 18t that can come into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30t of the case body 21. The slider-side contact surfaces 18s, 18t are planes that are perpendicular to the left-right direction. When the slider 18 moves to the right until the slider-side contact surface 18s comes into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30s, the slider 18 is positioned at its right-side movement limit position. When the slider 18 moves to the left until the slider-side contact surface 18t comes into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30t, the slider 18 is positioned at its left-side movement limit position.

[0076] 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 36 (described later) at the other end of the first link member 36, which constitutes a part of the link member 19. As described below, the first link member 36 is formed of resin, and the output shaft 20 is also formed of resin. The output shaft 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending vertically. The output shaft 20 includes a lower shaft portion 20b inserted into the retaining hole 30e of the lower surface portion 30b and an upper shaft portion 20c inserted into the retaining hole 31e of the upper surface portion 31b. The lower end surface of the lower shaft portion 20b is located at the same position as the lower surface of the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. The upper end surface of the upper shaft portion 20c is located at the same position as the upper surface of the upper surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. In other words, the output shaft 20 does not protrude outward from the case body 21 in the vertical direction.

[0077] The inner peripheral surface of the output shaft 20 forms an engagement hole 20d with which the rotating shaft 10 engages. That is, the output shaft 20 is formed with the engagement hole 20d that penetrates the output shaft 20 in the vertical direction and with which the rotating shaft 10 engages. When viewed from the vertical direction, the engagement hole 20d has a D-shape. A flat portion 20e, which is the flat portion of the inner peripheral surface of the D-shaped engagement hole 20d, has a recess 20f for reducing material. The recess 20f is recessed toward the outer periphery of the output shaft 20. The recess 20f is formed in the shape of a square groove that extends from the upper end surface to the lower end surface of the output shaft 20.

[0078] The rotating shaft 10 has a flat surface that comes into contact with the flat surface portion 20e. That is, the rotating shaft 10 is D-cut. The flat surface portion 20e in this embodiment serves as a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one point in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. That is, the output shaft 20 has a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one point in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, and this positioning portion is formed within the engagement hole 20d.

[0079] The link member 19 is formed in a block shape that has an oval shape when viewed from the top-bottom direction. The length of the link member 19 is relatively short. The link member 19 is also formed in a flat shape with a thin thickness in the top-bottom direction. The link member 19 includes a first link member 36 in which the output shaft 20 is formed, and a second link member 37 that is rotatably connected to the slider 18. The link member 19 in this embodiment is composed of the first link member 36 and the second link member 37. The first link member 36 and the second link member 37 are made of resin.

[0080] The second link member 37 is movably held by the first link member 36. If the connecting portion between the second link member 37 and the slider 18 is defined as a slider connecting portion 38, and the direction of an imaginary line VL (see FIG. 8 ) connecting the center of the output shaft 20 and the center of the slider connecting portion 38 when viewed from the top-bottom direction is defined as the longitudinal direction of the link member 19, the second link member 37 is linearly movable relative to the first link member 36 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19.

[0081] In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the up-down direction of the link member 19 is referred to as the short side direction of the link member 19. Furthermore, the slider connecting portion 38 side, which is one longitudinal side of the link member 19, is referred to as the "one longitudinal side," and the output shaft 20 side, which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "other longitudinal side." When the slider connecting portion 38 is disposed at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is fully compressed (see FIG. 6 , etc.), the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 coincides with the front-to-rear direction, the short side of the link member 19 coincides with the left-to-right direction, the one longitudinal side coincides with the front side, and the other longitudinal side coincides with the rear side.

[0082] The output shaft 20 is formed at the other longitudinal end of the first link member 36. If the end of the first link member 36 where the output shaft 20 is formed is referred to as the link member end 36b, the first link member 36 includes the link member end 36b and a link member base 36c connected to one longitudinal side of the link member end 36b. Furthermore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is fully compressed, the first link member 36 includes a flat blade 36d extending to the right and front from the link member base 36c and a flat blade 36e extending to the left and front from the link member base 36c. The first link member 36 in this embodiment is composed of the link member end 36b, the link member base 36c, and the blades 36d and 36e.

[0083] The link member end 36b is cylindrical. The output shaft 20 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the link member end 36b. The lower end surface of the link member end 36b is an annular flat surface 36f that is annular and flat and surrounds the lower shaft portion 20b (see FIG. 18). The upper end surface of the link member end 36b is an annular and flat surface 36g that is annular and flat and surrounds the upper shaft portion 20c (see FIG. 17). The annular flat surfaces 36f, 36g are planes that are perpendicular to the up-down direction. The lower surface of the lower shaft portion 20b is disposed below the annular flat surface 36f, and the upper surface of the upper shaft portion 20c is disposed above the annular flat surface 36g.

[0084] The link member base 36c is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin thickness in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the link member base 36c is a flat surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the link member base 36c is located slightly above the annular flat surface 36f. Furthermore, the lower surface of the link member base 36c is located at approximately the same position in the vertical direction as the lower surface of the base 18q of the slider 18.

[0085] The first link member 36 is formed with a guide groove 36h for guiding the second link member 37 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19. The guide groove 36h is located on one longitudinal side of the link member end portion 36b. The guide groove 36h is also located in the center of the link member 19 in the lateral direction. The guide groove 36h is a shallow, rectangular groove that opens at one longitudinal end of the first link member 36 and at the top. The bottom surface (upper surface) of the guide groove 36h forms a side surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The bottom surface of the guide groove 36h is located slightly below the top surface of the base portion 18q of the slider 18. Both side surfaces of the guide groove 36h in the lateral direction of the link member 19 form flat surfaces perpendicular to the lateral direction of the link member 19. The width of the guide groove 36h in the lateral direction of the link member 19 is wider than the outer diameter of the fixed shaft portion 18r.

[0086] The guide groove 36h is formed mainly in the link member base 36c. The width of the link member base 36c in the short direction of the link member 19 is wider than the width of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19. The upper surfaces of the link member base 36c on both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 are flat surfaces that are perpendicular to the up-down direction. These upper surfaces are located above the bottom surface of the guide groove 36h and below the annular flat surface 36g.

[0087] The blades 36d and 36e are formed in a flat plate shape with the thickness direction extending in the vertical direction. The upper and lower surfaces of the blades 36d and 36e are flat surfaces perpendicular to the vertical direction. The thickness of the blades 36d and 36e is equal. When viewed from the vertical direction, the blades 36d and 36e are symmetrical with respect to the imaginary line VL. The blades 36d and 36e are connected to the upper end of the link member base 36c.

[0088] The upper surfaces of the wing portions 36d, 36e are arranged on the same plane as the upper surfaces of the link member base portion 36c on both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19. The upper surface of the link member base portion 36c on one side of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 and the upper surface of the wing portion 36d form a single plane. The upper surface of the link member base portion 36c on the other side of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 and the upper surface of the wing portion 36e form a single plane.

[0089] The lower surfaces of the blades 36d, 36e are located higher than the lower surface of the link member base 36c. The lower surfaces of the blades 36d, 36e are located slightly higher than the bottom surface of the guide groove 36h and the upper surface of the base 18q of the slider 18. The outer end surfaces of the blades 36d, 36e in the short direction of the link member 19 form a plane perpendicular to the short direction of the link member 19. The end surfaces on one longitudinal side of the blades 36d, 36e form a plane perpendicular to the long direction of the link member 19. The inner end surfaces of the blades 36d, 36e in the short direction of the link member 19 are located on one longitudinal side of the link member base 36c and form part of the side surface of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19.

[0090] When the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the front portion of the blade 36d, which is positioned forward of the link member base 36c, has an inclined surface connecting the right end surface of the blade 36d to the front end surface of the blade 36d. This inclined surface slopes leftward as it approaches the front. When the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, the front portion of the blade 36e, which is positioned forward of the link member base 36c, has an inclined surface connecting the left end surface of the blade 36e to the front end surface of the blade 36e. This inclined surface slopes rightward as it approaches the front.

[0091] Both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 are first contact portions 36j with which the second link member 37 comes into contact. That is, two first contact portions 36j are formed on the first link member 36. The first contact portions 36j include blade portions 36d and 36e, and extend to one side in the longitudinal direction beyond the link member base portion 36c. Furthermore, the first contact portions 36j extend to both left and right sides of the slider connector 38 when the slider connector 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is fully retracted (see FIG. 7).

[0092] In this embodiment, when the slider connecting portion 38 is disposed at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction and the link member 19 is fully compressed, the front end of the first contact portion 36j (i.e., the front end surfaces of the blade portions 36d, 36e) is disposed further forward than the front end of the slider connecting portion 38. Furthermore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is disposed at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction, a portion of the front end of the first contact portion 36j (specifically, a portion of the front end of the blade portions 36d, 36e) is disposed above the base 18q of the slider 18.

[0093] The upper surface of the first contact portion 36j forms a first contact surface 36k that is perpendicular to the up-down direction. That is, the first link member 36 is formed with the first contact surface 36k, which is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the up-down direction and faces upward. One of the two first contact surfaces 36k is formed by the upper surface of the link member base 36c on one side of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 and the upper surface of the wing portion 36d. The other first contact surface 36k is formed by the upper surface of the link member base 36c on the other side of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19 and the upper surface of the wing portion 36e.

[0094] The link member base 36c is formed with a recess 36p to prevent interference between the link member base 36c and the base 18q of the slider 18 when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The recess 36p is recessed from one longitudinal end face of the link member base 36c toward the other longitudinal end. In other words, the recess 36p is recessed toward the output shaft 20. The shape of the recess 36p when viewed from the top-bottom direction is arc-shaped. At one longitudinal end face of the link member base 36c, the width of the recess 36p in the short direction of the link member 19 is approximately equal to the width of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19.

[0095] The second link member 37 is disposed above the first link member 36. The length of the second link member 37 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 is shorter than the length of the first link member 36 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19. The width of the second link member 37 in the lateral direction of the link member 19 is narrower than the width of the first link member 36 in the lateral direction of the link member 19. In other words, the width of the first link member 36 in the lateral direction of the link member 19 is wider than the width of the second link member 37 in the lateral direction of the link member 19. The width of the lateral direction of the link member 19 at one longitudinal end of the second link member 37 gradually narrows toward one longitudinal side.

[0096] The upper surface of the second link member 37 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper surface of the second link member 37 is located slightly below the annular plane 36g of the first link member 36. The second link member 37 is composed of a link member base 37b formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin vertical thickness, and two second contact portions 37c that contact the first contact portions 36j of the first link member 36 from above. That is, the second link member 37 is formed with the second contact portions 37c that contact the first contact portions 36j from above. The second contact portions 37c extend from the link member base 37b to both sides in the short direction of the link member 19.

[0097] Both vertical surfaces of the link member base 37b and both vertical surfaces of the second contact portion 37c are planes that are perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface of the second contact portion 37c is located higher than the lower surface of the link member base 37b. The upper surfaces of the link member base 37b and the second contact portion 37c are located on the same plane, and the upper surfaces of the link member base 37b and the second contact portion 37c form a single plane that constitutes the upper surface of the second link member 37.

[0098] An insertion hole 37d is formed in one longitudinal end of the link member base 37b, into which the fixed shaft 18r of the slider 18 is inserted. The insertion hole 37d is a circular hole that passes through the second link member 37 in the vertical direction. The slider connecting portion 38 is composed of the fixed shaft 18r and the insertion hole 37d. One longitudinal end of the second link member 37 (i.e., one end of the link member 19) is connected to the slider 18 behind the lead screw 14b. The second link member 37 is disposed above the base 18q of the slider 18. The upper end surface of the fixed shaft 18r is disposed at approximately the same position as the upper surface of the second link member 37 in the vertical direction.

[0099] A portion of the link member base 37b below the lower surface of the second contact portion 37c forms a guide protrusion 37e that is disposed in the guide groove 36h. That is, the second link member 37 is formed with the guide protrusion 37e that engages with the guide groove 36h. In this embodiment, the guide groove 36h and the guide protrusion 37e form a guide portion 39 that guides the second link member 37 relative to the first link member 36 in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 (see FIG. 20 ). That is, the link member 19 is formed with the guide portion 39. Both side surfaces of the guide protrusion 37e in the lateral direction of the link member 19 are flat surfaces that are perpendicular to the lateral direction of the link member 19. Note that the guide protrusion 37e is formed with a recessed portion 37f that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the link member base 37b.

[0100] The second contact portions 37c are arranged on both sides of the guide protrusion 37e in the short direction of the link member 19. Furthermore, the first contact portions 36j are arranged on both sides of the guide groove 36h in the short direction of the link member 19. That is, the first contact portions 36j and the second contact portions 37c are arranged on both sides of the guide portion 39 in the short direction of the link member 19. The end face on the other longitudinal side of the second contact portion 37c forms a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member 19. The outer end face of the second contact portion 37c in the short direction of the link member 19 forms a plane perpendicular to the short direction of the link member 19.

[0101] The lower surface of the second contact portion 37c forms a second contact surface 37g that contacts the first contact surface 36k. That is, the second contact portion 37c is formed with the second contact surface 37g, which is a flat surface that is perpendicular to the up-down direction and contacts the first contact surface 36k. In this embodiment, even when the slider 18 has moved to its left-right movement limit position and the link member 19 is fully extended, the second contact portion 37c contacts the first contact portion 36j from above (see FIGS. 8 and 19). At this time, the contact area between the second contact portion 37c and the first contact portion 36j is relatively wide.

[0102] The link member base 37b is formed with a second recess 37h to prevent interference between the link member end 36b of the first link member 36 (i.e., the end of the first link member 36 on the output shaft 20 side) and the link member base 37b when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction. The second recess 37h is recessed from the end face on the other longitudinal side of the link member base 37b toward one longitudinal side. In other words, the second recess 37h is recessed toward the slider connecting portion 38 side. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the second recess 37h has an arc-like shape.

[0103] As described above, the outer end face of the second contact portion 37c in the lateral direction of the link member 19 is a plane perpendicular to the lateral direction of the link member 19. Furthermore, the other longitudinal end face of the second contact portion 37c is a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the link member 19. Therefore, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the lateral direction, the lateral end faces of the second contact portions 37c (specifically, the right end face of the second contact portion 37c positioned on the right side and the left end face of the second contact portion 37c positioned on the left side) are perpendicular to the lateral direction, and the other longitudinal end faces of the second contact portions 37c are perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, when the slider connecting portion 38 is positioned at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the lateral direction, the corners of the right rear ends of the second contact portions 37c and the left rear end of the second contact portions 37c are angular.

[0104] In the rotating device 2, when the motor 13 is driven to rotate the lead screw 14b, the slider 18 moves left and right along the lead screw 14b. When the slider 18 moves left and right, the link member 19 rotates around the output shaft 20 as the center of rotation. When the link member 19 rotates, the second link member 37 moves in the longitudinal direction of the link member 19 relative to the first link member 36, causing the link member 19 to expand and contract. Furthermore, when the link member 19 rotates, the output shaft 20 also rotates. When the output shaft 20 rotates, the rotating shaft 10 rotates.

[0105] In this embodiment, the distance that the slider 18 moves from a state in which the slider connecting portion 38 is disposed at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction until the slider-side contact surface 18s of the slider 18 comes into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30s of the case body 21 is equal to the distance that the slider connecting portion 38 moves from a state in which the slider connecting portion 38 is disposed at the same position as the output shaft 20 in the left-right direction until the slider-side contact surface 18t of the slider 18 comes into contact with the restriction unit-side contact surface 30t of the case body 21. When the slider 18 moves from a state in which the slider-side contact surface 18s and the restriction unit-side contact surface 30s are in contact until the slider-side contact surface 18t and the restriction unit-side contact surface 30t come into contact, the link member 19 and the output shaft 20 rotate, for example, by 90°.

[0106] In addition, in this embodiment, when the slider-side contact surface 18s is in contact with the restriction-portion-side contact surface 30s, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a predetermined reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. That is, when the slider 18 is in contact with the first restriction portion 30p, the output shaft 20 is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this embodiment, when the output shaft 20 is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, as viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 8 , the flat surface 20e of the output shaft 20 is inclined 45° clockwise with respect to the front-rear direction. That is, in this embodiment, the position of the output shaft 20 when the flat surface 20e of the output shaft 20 is inclined 45° clockwise with respect to the front-rear direction when viewed from above is the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20.

[0107] (Thickness of Case Body and Rotating Device) As described above, openings 30u, 31u in which a portion of stator 16 is disposed are formed on both the upper and lower surfaces of case body 21. In this embodiment, the thickness of case body 21 in the upper and lower directions is equal to or less than the width of stator 16 in the upper and lower directions. Specifically, the thickness of case body 21 in the upper and lower directions is equal to the width of stator 16 in the upper and lower directions. The upper end of stator 16 and the upper surface of case body 21 (i.e., the upper surface of upper surface portion 31b) are positioned at the same position in the upper and lower directions, and the lower end of stator 16 and the lower surface of case body 21 (i.e., the lower surface of lower surface portion 30b) are positioned at the same position in the upper and lower directions (see FIG. 14 ).

[0108] As described above, the opening 30v in which part of the circuit board 27 is disposed is formed in the lower surface of the case body 21, and the lower end surface of the circuit board 27 is disposed at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower end of the stator 16. As described above, the output shaft 20 does not protrude outward in the vertical direction from the case body 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no configuration that protrudes outward in the vertical direction from both surfaces of the case body 21 in the vertical direction (i.e., both surfaces of the accommodation portion 21b in the vertical direction).

[0109] Therefore, in this embodiment, both the upper and lower surfaces of the rotating device 2 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the upper and lower directions. The thickness of the rotating device 2 in the upper and lower directions is equal to the thickness of the case body 21 in the upper and lower directions. In other words, the thickness of the rotating device 2 in the upper and lower directions is equal to the width of the stator 16 in the upper and lower directions. The thickness of the rotating device 2 in the upper and lower directions is 11 mm or less. For example, the thickness of the rotating device 2 in the upper and lower directions is about 10 mm.

[0110] (Main effect of this embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the right side of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the right as it moves toward the front, and the left side of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the left as it moves toward the front, and the outer shape of the second storage section 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is triangular, with its width in the left-right direction gradually narrowing as it moves toward the rear.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the vertical direction can be reduced compared to, for example, a case in which the left and right side surfaces of the second housing portion 21e are parallel to the front-rear direction and the outer shape of the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the vertical direction is rectangular, and as a result, the area of ​​the case body 21 when viewed from the vertical direction can be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the case body 21 is made thinner in the vertical direction parallel to the axial direction of the output shaft 20 and the strength of the case body 21 in the vertical direction is reduced, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of torsion of the case body 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of torsion of the turning device 2 even if the case body 21 is made thinner in the vertical direction.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the area of ​​the case body 21 when viewed from the top-bottom direction can be reduced, it is possible to prevent the case body 21 from being dented when the case body 21 is pressed from above or below. That is, it is possible to prevent the upper surface portion 31b from being dented when the upper surface portion 31b is pressed from above, and it is possible to prevent the lower surface portion 30b from being dented when the lower surface portion 30b is pressed from below. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is triangular, with the width in the left-right direction gradually narrowing toward the rear. Therefore, even if the fixed portions 21c are arranged on both left-right sides of the second housing portion 21e, it is possible to prevent the case body 21 from becoming larger in size in a direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction.

[0113] In this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second housing portion 21e and the left side surface of the second housing portion 21e is a right angle or an obtuse angle. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the link member 19, which rotates around the output shaft 20 as the rotation center. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the output shaft 20. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 10.

[0114] In this embodiment, second housing portion 21e is formed with rib 30f that can contact link member 19 from below, and rib 31f that can contact link member 19 from above. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the contact area between second housing portion 21e and link member 19. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance between second housing portion 21e and link member 19 when link member 19 rotates. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the thickness of bottom surface portion 30b of first case body 30 and the thickness of top surface portion 31b of second case body 31 are reduced, it is possible to ensure the strength of bottom surface portion 30b and top surface portion 31b by ribs 30f, 31f.

[0115] In this embodiment, both vertical surfaces of the rotation device 2 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the vertical direction. Also, in this embodiment, the engagement hole 20d of the output shaft 20 with which the rotation shaft 10 engages penetrates the output shaft 20 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, regardless of which vertical surface of the rotation device 2 faces the housing 8 of the air outlet portion 4, the rotation device 2 can be installed in the housing 8 without any hindrance. In other words, in this embodiment, the rotation device 2 can be installed in the housing 8 without any front or back in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the versatility of the rotation device 2 can be improved.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other at the rear end of the case body 21. That is, in this embodiment, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other near the output shaft 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the fixing strength between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 near the output shaft 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately hold the output shaft 20 by the case body 21. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the relative positional accuracy between the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 near the output shaft 20, so it is possible to hold the output shaft 20 with high accuracy by the case body 21.

[0117] (Modification of Link Member) Figures 21 and 22 are plan views illustrating the configuration of a link member 19 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 21 and 22, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in Figures 21 and 22, illustration of the board fixing portion 24f, the circuit board 27, etc. is omitted.

[0118] In the embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 21, the link member 19 may be formed of a single member. In this case, for example, a compression coil spring 48 is disposed between the reinforcing portion 24e of the motor frame 24 and the front side surface of the case body 21, and the motor 13 is biased rearward. The motor 13 is also held by the case body 21 so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions.

[0119] Furthermore, when the link member 19 is formed of a single member, the motor 13 does not have to be movable in the front-rear direction. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 22, an elongated insertion hole 19b into which the fixed shaft portion 18r is inserted is formed at one end of the link member 19. In this case, the fixed shaft portion 18r is disposed further rearward than in the embodiment described above, and the length of the base portion 18q in the front-rear direction is longer.

[0120] (Examples of modifications to case body, motor wiring, output shaft, etc.) Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a turning device 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the turning device 2 shown in Fig. 23 from a different direction. Fig. 25 is a plan view of the turning device 2 shown in Fig. 23 with the second case body 31 removed. Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the first case body 30 shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing the first case body 30 shown in Fig. 26 from a different direction. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the second case body 31 shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the second case body 31 shown in Fig. 28 from a different direction. In Figs. 23 to 29, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 , the motor 13 may include a connector 58 mounted on the circuit board 27 instead of the lead wires 28. Also, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 29 , the outer shape of the second housing portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be a trapezoid whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. Furthermore, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 may be fixed to each other by a snap fit. Also, the shape of the engagement hole 20d of the output shaft 20 when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be a cross shape. Below, the configuration of the modified example of the turning device 2 shown in FIGS. 23 to 29 will be described, focusing on the differences from the turning device 2 of the above-described embodiment.

[0122] The connector 58 is mounted on the front surface of the right end portion of the circuit board 27, which is located to the right of the right end surface of the stator 16. The connector 58 is housed in the case body 21. Specifically, the connector 58 is housed in the third housing portion 21f. An insertion port 58b (see FIG. 25) of the connector 58 faces right. A mating connector 59 is inserted into the connector 58. Specifically, the mating connector 59 is inserted into the connector 58 from the right side. A lead wire (not shown) is attached to the mating connector 59. The lead wire is drawn out from the mating connector 59 toward the right side.

[0123] As described above, in this modified example, the outer shape of the second storage section 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is a trapezoid whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. That is, as in the above-described embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the right side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the right toward the front, and the left side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the left toward the front. In this modified example, the outer shape of the second storage section 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is an isosceles trapezoid whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. Furthermore, the outer shape of the second storage section 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction is an isosceles trapezoid whose upper and lower bases are parallel to the left-right direction.

[0124] The upper base of the isosceles trapezoidal second housing portion 21e constitutes the rear end of the case body 21. The case body 21 rotatably holds the output shaft 20 near the upper base of the second housing portion 21e. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second housing portion 21e and the left side surface of the second housing portion 21e is a right angle or an obtuse angle. For example, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second housing portion 21e and the left side surface of the second housing portion 21e is a right angle.

[0125] A connector opening 53 for exposing the insertion port 58b of the connector 58 to the outside of the case body 21 is formed on the right side surface of the third housing portion 21f (see FIG. 23). That is, the connector opening 53 is formed in the case body 21. The connector opening 53 is a rectangular through-hole. A retaining portion 21h is formed below the connector opening 53 to prevent the mating connector 59, which is inserted into the connector 58, from coming off the connector 58. That is, the retaining portion 21h is formed in the case body 21.

[0126] The retaining portion 21h is a flat elastic piece extending toward the right side. The retaining portion 21h is disposed on the front side of the connector 58. The thickness direction of the retaining portion 21h coincides with the front-to-rear direction. A contact portion 21j that contacts the mating connector 59 from the right side is formed at the right end of the retaining portion 21h. That is, the retaining portion 21h is formed in a hook shape. The retaining portion 21h has spring properties that allow it to elastically deform in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the retaining portion 21h is elastically deformable in the direction in which the contact portion 21j moves in the front-to-rear direction. When the mating connector 59 is attached to or detached from the connector 58, the retaining portion 21h is elastically deformed toward the front.

[0127] As described above, in this modified example, the first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other by snap fitting at a total of six locations: two locations on the rear surface of the second housing portion 21 e (i.e., two locations at the rear end of the case body 21), two locations on the front surface of the first housing portion 21 d (i.e., two locations at the front end of the case body 21), one location on the left side surface of the first housing portion 21 d (one location at the left end of the case body 21), and one location on the rear surface of the third housing portion 21 f.

[0128] Two elastically deformable engagement pieces 31q are formed on the second case body 31 at the rear surface of the second housing portion 21e. Two elastically deformable engagement pieces 31r are formed on the second case body 31 at the front surface of the first housing portion 21d. An elastically deformable engagement piece 31s is formed on the second case body 31 at the left side surface of the first housing portion 21d, and an elastically deformable engagement piece 31t is formed on the second case body 31 at the rear surface of the third housing portion 21f. The first case body 30 and the second case body 31 are fixed to each other by snap fitting that utilizes the elastic deformation of the engagement pieces 31q to 31t.

[0129] The engaging piece 31q is formed in a generally flat plate shape extending downward from the side surface portion 31c, and is formed in a hook shape with an engaging portion formed at its tip. The engaging pieces 31r to 31t are formed in a generally flat plate shape extending downward from the side surface portion 31c, and are formed in a gate shape. The thickness direction of the engaging pieces 31q, 31r, and 31t coincides with the front-to-rear direction, and the engaging pieces 31q, 31r, and 31t are elastically deformable in the front-to-rear direction. The thickness direction of the engaging piece 31s coincides with the left-to-right direction, and the engaging piece 31s is elastically deformable in the left-to-right direction. The two engaging pieces 31q are arranged with a gap between them in the left-to-right direction. The two engaging pieces 31r are arranged with a gap between them in the left-to-right direction.

[0130] A placement recess 30i in which the engagement pieces 31q to 31t are placed is formed on the side surface 30c of the first case body 30. The placement recess 30i is slightly recessed inward from the outer surface of the first case body 30. In addition, a protrusion 30m is formed on the side surface 30c with which the tips of the engagement pieces 31q to 31t engage. The protrusion 30m protrudes slightly from the bottom surface of the placement recess 30i toward the outer periphery of the first case body 30.

[0131] A cylindrical positioning portion 30n is formed on the first case body 30. The positioning portion 30n is formed in two locations: at the right front end of the second housing portion 21e and at the left front end of the second housing portion 21e. The positioning portion 30n is formed in the same manner as the screw attachment portion 30j of the above-mentioned embodiment. The positioning portion 30n is formed with a positioning protrusion 30k. The positioning protrusion 30k is formed in an annular shape that protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the positioning portion 30n. The first restricting portion 30p and the second restricting portion 30r are formed on the front side of the positioning portion 30n.

[0132] On the right side of the third housing portion 21f, the first case body 30 is formed with a retaining portion 30y that constitutes the lower half of the retaining portion 21h. Also, on the right side of the third housing portion 21f, a notch 30z that constitutes the lower half of the connector opening 53 is formed in the side surface portion 30c of the first case body 30. In this modified example, the lower end surface of the circuit board 27 is positioned above the lower end of the stator 16. Instead of the opening 30v, the first case body 30 is formed with a board placement recess 30q in which the lower end of the circuit board 27 is placed. The board placement recess 30q is an elongated rectangular recess that recesses downward from the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b and does not penetrate the lower surface portion 30b in the vertical direction. Also, in this modified example, the lead wire guide portion 30x is not formed.

[0133] The second case body 31 is formed with a positioning hole 31i into which the positioning protrusion 30k is inserted. The positioning holes 31i are formed in two locations: at the right front end of the second housing portion 21e and at the left front end of the second housing portion 21e. The positioning holes 31i are recessed upward from the lower surface of the top surface portion 31b and do not penetrate the top surface portion 31b in the vertical direction. On the right side surface of the third housing portion 21f, the second case body 31 is formed with a retaining portion 31y that constitutes the upper half of the retaining portion 21h. Furthermore, on the right side surface of the third housing portion 21f, a notch 31z that constitutes the upper half of the connector opening 53 is formed in the side surface portion 31c of the second case body 31.

[0134] As described above, in this modified example, the shape of the engagement hole 20d when viewed from the top-bottom direction is cross-shaped. As shown in Fig. 25 , the engagement hole 20d includes a first hole portion 20g that constitutes the rear end of the engagement hole 20d, a second hole portion 20h that constitutes the front end of the engagement hole 20d, and third hole portions 20j that constitute both left-right end portions of the engagement hole 20d when the slider-side contact surface 18s of the slider 18 is in contact with the restriction-portion-side contact surface 30s of the first case body 30. The length of the first hole portion 20g in the radial direction of the output shaft 20 is different from the length of the second hole portion 20h in the radial direction of the output shaft 20.

[0135] A cross-shaped portion corresponding to the shape of the engagement hole 20d is formed on the rotating shaft 10. The rotating shaft 10 is adapted to fit into the engagement hole 20d at only one location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, the entire side surface 20k of the engagement hole 20d serves as a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In other words, a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one location in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20 is formed on the output shaft 20, and this positioning portion is formed inside the engagement hole 20d.

[0136] As in the above-described embodiment, in this modified example, when the slider-side contact surface 18s is in contact with the restriction-portion-side contact surface 30s, the output shaft 20 is positioned at a reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, when the output shaft 20 is positioned at the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20, as viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 25 , the first hole 20g is positioned at the rear, the second hole 20h is positioned at the front, and the third hole 20j are positioned on both left and right sides. That is, in this modified example, the position of the output shaft 20 when the first hole 20g is positioned at the rear, the second hole 20h is positioned at the front, and the third hole 20j are positioned on both left and right sides when viewed from above is the reference position in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. In this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0137] (Other Embodiments) The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications can be made within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the angle formed between the right side surface of the second storage portion 21e and the left side surface of the second storage portion 21e may be an acute angle. In this case, for example, the outer shape of the second storage portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be an equilateral triangle whose width in the left-right direction gradually narrows toward the rear. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the outer shape of the second storage portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be a triangular shape other than an isosceles triangle. Furthermore, in a modified example shown in FIG. 23 etc., the outer shape of the second storage portion 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be a trapezoidal shape other than an isosceles trapezoid.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, if the right side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the right as it approaches the front, and the left side surface of the second storage section 21e slopes toward the left as it approaches the front, then the external shape of the second storage section 21e when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be a shape other than triangular or trapezoidal.

[0140] In the embodiment described above, the rib 30f may not be formed on the lower surface portion 30b of the first case body 30. In this case, a protruding rib that can contact the upper surface of the lower surface portion 30b from above may be formed on the lower surface of the link member 19 (specifically, the lower surface of the first link member 36). Similarly, the rib 31f may not be formed on the upper surface portion 31b of the second case body 31. In this case, a protruding rib that can contact the lower surface of the upper surface portion 31b from below may be formed on the upper surface of the link member 19 (specifically, the upper surface of the second link member 37).

[0141] In the above-described embodiment, the output shaft 20 formed separately from the first link member 36 may be fixed to the other end of the first link member 36. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the output shaft 20 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the output shaft 20 protrudes from both sides or one side in the up-down direction from the case body 21. In this case, for example, a key-shaped convex portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft 20 as a positioning portion for positioning the rotating shaft 10 at one point in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 20. Also, the rotating shaft 10 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, and a concave portion with which the convex portion engages is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 10.

[0142] In the embodiment described above, a fixed shaft portion that serves as the rotation center of the link member 19 relative to the slider 18 may be formed in the second link member 37, and an insertion hole into which this fixed shaft portion is inserted may be formed in the slider 18. In this case, the fixed shaft portion formed in the second link member 37 and the insertion hole formed in the slider 18 constitute the slider connecting portion 38. Also, in the embodiment described above, one longitudinal end of the second link member 37 may be connected to the slider 18 above the lead screw 14b. In this case, the fixed shaft portion 18r is formed in the slider main body portion 18c. Also, in this case, the base portion 18q is not necessary.

[0143] In the above-described embodiment, the slider main body 18c may be formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the slider main body 18c may be a nut member formed in a cylindrical shape, such as a cylindrical tube. In this case, a helical internal thread is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the slider main body 18c as the threaded portion 18b. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the motor 13 may not include the motor frame 24. In this case, for example, the stator 16 and the bearing 25 are attached to the lower surface portion 30b of the first case body 30.

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning protrusion 30k may be formed on the second case body 31, and a positioning hole into which the positioning protrusion of the second case body 31 is inserted may be formed on the first case body 30. In the above-described embodiment, a part of the rotary shaft 14 serves as the lead screw 14b, but the lead screw 14b formed separately from the rotary shaft 14 may be fixed to the rotary shaft 14. In the above-described embodiment, the motor 13 may be a motor other than a stepping motor. In the above-described embodiment, the rotating device 2 may rotate a rotating object other than the fins 5 and 6 for adjusting the airflow direction.

[0145] (Configuration of the Present Technology) The present technology can be configured as follows. (1) A rotation device for rotating a predetermined rotation object, comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider formed with a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and that moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a link member rotatably connected at one end to the slider; an output shaft formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member and with which an engaging portion of the rotation object engages; and a case body rotatably holding the output shaft and accommodating at least the lead screw, the slider, and the link member; wherein the axial direction of the lead screw is defined as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a fourth direction side, the other side of the first direction that is opposite to the fourth direction side is defined as a fifth direction side, one side of the third direction is defined as a sixth direction side, and the other side of the third direction that is opposite to the sixth direction side is defined as a seventh direction side. (2) A rotating device according to (1), characterized in that the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is a triangle or a trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction. (3) A rotating device according to (2), characterized in that the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is an isosceles triangle or an isosceles trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction.(4) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that, when viewed from the second direction, a side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fourth direction side and a side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fifth direction side form a right angle or an obtuse angle. (5) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the link member accommodating portion is formed with a first protruding rib that can contact the link member from one side in the second direction and a second protruding rib that can contact the link member from the other side in the second direction, and the first rib and the second rib are arc-shaped with a center of curvature at the output shaft when viewed from the second direction. (6) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that both surfaces of the rotating device in the second direction are flat surfaces perpendicular to the second direction, and the output shaft is formed with an engagement hole that penetrates the output shaft in the second direction and with which the engagement portion engages. (7) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the case body is constituted by a first case body and a second case body that are divided in the second direction, and the first case body and the second case body are fixed to each other at least at the end portions of the case bodies on the sixth direction side. (8) The rotating device according to (7), wherein the first case body and the second case body are fixed to each other by screws or snap fits.(9) The case body is composed of a first case body and a second case body that are divided in the second direction, and a positioning protrusion is formed on one of the first case body and the second case body for positioning the first case body and the second case body in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and a positioning hole into which the positioning protrusion is inserted is formed on the other of the first case body and the second case body, and the positioning protrusion and the positioning hole are formed at two locations: an end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side, or at two locations: an end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side, or at two locations: an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side. A rotation device described in any of (1) to (8). (10) The rotating device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the rotating object is a fin for adjusting the direction of airflow that is installed in an air outlet portion of a vehicle.

[0146] In the present technology, for example, the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is a triangle or a trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction side. In this case, for example, the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is an isosceles triangle or an isosceles trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction side.

[0147] In the present technology, when viewed from the second direction, it is preferable that the angle formed between the side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fourth direction side and the side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fifth direction side is a right angle or an obtuse angle. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the link member that rotates around the output shaft as the rotation center. Therefore, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the output shaft.

[0148] In the present technology, the link member accommodating portion preferably includes a first protruding rib that can contact the link member from one side in the second direction and a second protruding rib that can contact the link member from the other side in the second direction, and the first rib and the second rib preferably have an arc shape with the output shaft as the center of curvature when viewed from the second direction. This configuration reduces the contact area between the link member accommodating portion and the link member. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the sliding resistance between the link member accommodating portion and the link member when the link member rotates. Furthermore, this configuration ensures the strength of the link member accommodating portion due to the first rib and the second rib, even if the thickness of the link member accommodating portion in the second direction is reduced.

[0149] In the present technology, it is preferable that both surfaces of the rotation device in the second direction are flat surfaces perpendicular to the second direction, and that the output shaft has an engagement hole that penetrates the output shaft in the second direction and engages with the engagement portion. With this configuration, the rotation device can be installed without any hindrance regardless of which surface of the rotation device in the second direction faces the object to be rotated. In other words, the rotation device can be installed without any front or back in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to increase the versatility of the rotation device.

[0150] In the present technology, it is preferable that the case body be composed of a first case body and a second case body separated in the second direction, and that the first case body and the second case body be fixed to each other at least at the end portions of the case bodies on the sixth direction side. This configuration can increase the fixing strength between the first case body and the second case body near the output shaft disposed on the sixth direction side of the slider. Therefore, the output shaft can be properly held by the case body. Furthermore, this configuration can increase the relative positional accuracy between the first case body and the second case body near the output shaft, thereby enabling the output shaft to be held accurately by the case body.

[0151] In the present technology, for example, the first case body and the second case body are fixed to each other by screws or snap-fitting.

[0152] In the present technology, for example, the case body is composed of a first case body and a second case body that are divided in the second direction, and one of the first case body and the second case body has a positioning protrusion formed thereon for positioning the first case body and the second case body in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and the other of the first case body and the second case body has a positioning hole formed thereon into which the positioning protrusion is inserted, and the positioning protrusion and the positioning hole are formed at two locations: the end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and the end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side, or at two locations: the end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and the end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side, or at two locations: the end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side and the end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side.

[0153] In the present technology, for example, the rotating object is a fin for adjusting the direction of airflow that is installed in an air outlet portion for a vehicle.

[0154] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Pivoting device 4 Air blowing outlet section 5, 6 Fins (rotating object) 10 Pivoting shaft (engagement section) 13 Motor 14b Lead screw 18 Slider 18b Threaded section 19 Link member 20 Output shaft 20d Engagement hole 21 Case body 21e Second accommodating section (link member accommodating section) 30 First case body 30f Rib (second rib) 30k Positioning protrusion 31 Second case body 31f Rib (first rib) 31g Through hole (positioning hole) 31i Positioning hole 32 Screw X Third direction X1 The other side of the third direction, seventh direction side X2 One side of the third direction, sixth direction side Y Axial direction of lead screw, first direction Y1 One side of the first direction, fourth direction side Y2 The other side of the first direction, fifth direction side Z Second direction Z1: One side in the second direction Z2: The other side in the second direction

Claims

1. A rotating device for rotating a predetermined rotating object, comprising: a motor having a lead screw; a slider having a threaded portion that engages with the lead screw and that moves linearly in the axial direction of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates; a link member having one end rotatably connected to the slider; an output shaft formed on or fixed to the other end of the link member and with which an engaging portion of the rotating object engages; and a case body that rotatably holds the output shaft and accommodates at least the lead screw, the slider and the link member; wherein the axial direction of the lead screw is defined as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, one side of the first direction is defined as a fourth direction side, the other side of the first direction that is opposite to the fourth direction side is defined as a fifth direction side, one side of the third direction is defined as a sixth direction side, and the other side of the third direction that is opposite to the sixth direction side is defined as a seventh direction side. a rotation device characterized in that, when viewed from the second direction, a side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fourth direction side is inclined toward the fourth direction as it approaches the seventh direction, and a side surface of the link member accommodating portion on the fifth direction side is inclined toward the fifth direction as it approaches the seventh direction.

2. A rotation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is a triangle or trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction.

3. A rotation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the outer shape of the link member accommodating portion when viewed from the second direction is an isosceles triangle or an isosceles trapezoid whose width in the first direction gradually narrows toward the sixth direction.

4. A rotation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when viewed from the second direction, the angle formed between the side of the link member accommodating portion facing the fourth direction and the side of the link member accommodating portion facing the fifth direction is a right angle or an obtuse angle.

5. A rotating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the link member accommodating portion is formed with a protruding first rib capable of contacting the link member from one side in the second direction, and a protruding second rib capable of contacting the link member from the other side in the second direction, and 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.

6. A rotating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that both surfaces of the rotating device in the second direction are planes perpendicular to the second direction, and the output shaft is formed with an engagement hole that penetrates the output shaft in the second direction and engages with the engagement portion.

7. A rotating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the case body is composed of a first case body and a second case body that are divided in the second direction, and the first case body and the second case body are fixed to each other at least at the ends of the case bodies on the sixth direction side.

8. A rotating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first case body and the second case body are fixed to each other by screws or snap fits.

9. A rotating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the case body is composed of a first case body and a second case body divided in the second direction, one of the first case body and the second case body has a positioning protrusion formed thereon for positioning the first case body and the second case body in a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and the other of the first case body and the second case body has a positioning hole formed thereon into which the positioning protrusion is inserted, and the positioning protrusion and the positioning hole are formed at two locations, namely, an end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side, or at two locations, namely, an end of the link member accommodating portion on the sixth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side, or at two locations, namely, an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fourth direction side and an end of the link member accommodating portion on the seventh direction side and the fifth direction side.

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

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