JP7769737B2 - Rotating devices and vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rotating device and a vehicle having an air conditioning system equipped with the rotating device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a motor actuator (rotating device) that drives multiple doors (louvers) installed in the air passage through which air flows in a vehicle air conditioning system.

The motor actuator (rotation device) of Patent Document 1 is provided with a rotation sensor that detects the rotation position (rotation angle) of the output gear.
The rotation sensor is provided with input/output terminals such as a power terminal, a ground terminal, and an output terminal, and these terminals are fixed to a circuit board on which resistors that form the rotation detection pattern of the rotation sensor are formed.

JP 2015-220969 A

The present invention aims to provide a rotating device that enables compact electrical wiring between the first connection terminal and the motor terminal of the motor, thereby enabling the rotating device to be made smaller, and to provide a vehicle with an air conditioning system that includes such a rotating device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is realized by the following configuration.
(1) A rotating device of the present invention comprises a motor, a plurality of gears, a plurality of first connection terminals, a position sensor that detects the rotation angle of the gears, and a plurality of second connection terminals, wherein the position sensor comprises a sensor substrate having a conductive portion and a conductive brush that contacts the conductive portion of the sensor substrate, wherein the plurality of second connection terminals are electrically connected to the conductive portion of the sensor substrate directly or via other members, wherein the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connection terminals that are connected to an external connector, and the plurality of first connection terminals are arranged on the motor side relative to the plurality of second connection terminals, wherein an end face of the first connection terminal faces an end face of the sensor substrate, and an end face of the second connection terminal faces an end face of the sensor substrate.

(2) In the configuration of (1) above, the motor is a DC motor, and the multiple gears include an output gear and a transmission gear.

(3) In the configuration of (2) above, the conductive brush is provided on the output gear.

(4) In any one of the configurations (1) to (3) above, a housing is provided that houses the motor, the gear, and the position sensor, and the housing has a connection terminal holding portion that holds the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

(5) In any one of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the second connection terminal includes an external connection terminal portion and a flat portion that forms the end face, and a protrusion is provided on the flat portion of the second connection terminal.

(6) In any one of the configurations (1) to (5) above, the conductive portion of the sensor substrate constitutes a variable resistance portion whose resistance value changes in response to displacement of the contact position of the conductive brush.

(7) The vehicle of the present invention includes a rotation device having any one of the configurations (1) to (6) above, and a louver controlled by the rotation device.

According to the present invention, the electrical wiring between the first connection terminal and the motor terminal of the motor can be made compact, thereby enabling the rotating device to be made smaller.

1 is a perspective view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a first housing removed; 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing the second surface side of a second housing of a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a conductive brush is attached to an output gear according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the output gear side surface of the sensor substrate according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a perspective view showing a second housing, a first connection terminal, and a second connection terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system including a rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the air conditioning system of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be noted that the same elements are designated by the same numbers throughout the description of the embodiments.
Hereinafter, the hole to be engaged will be referred to as an engaging hole, and the protrusion to be engaged will be referred to as an engaging protrusion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotating device 10 with a first housing 23 removed, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rotating device 10. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating device 10 includes a housing 20 formed by combining a first housing 23 having a first surface 21 as a surface portion and a first side wall 22 provided on the outer periphery of the first surface 21, and a second housing 27 having a second surface 25 as a surface portion and a second side wall 26 provided on the outer periphery of the second surface 25.
The housing 20 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or ABS.

As shown in Figure 3, the first housing 23 has a plurality of engagement portions 22b formed integrally with the first side wall 22, extending toward the second housing 27 and provided on the outer periphery of the first side wall 22, and these engagement portions 22b have engagement holes 22a.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 27 has a plurality of engagement protrusions 26a formed integrally with the second side wall 26 at positions on the outer periphery of the second side wall 26 that correspond to the plurality of engagement portions 22b of the first housing 23. These engagement protrusions 26a engage with the engagement holes 22a of the engagement portions 22b.

Then, by aligning the first housing 23 and the second housing 27 so that the engagement protrusion 26a of the second housing 27 engages with the engagement hole 22a of the engagement portion 22b of the first housing 23, the first housing 23 and the second housing 27 are integrated to form a housing 20 (see Figure 1) that houses various parts shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Specifically, the housing 20 accommodates a motor 30, a plurality of gears 60, a sensor board 70, a flexible wiring board 80, a first connection terminal 35, and a second connection terminal 71, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the first housing 23 is provided with an engagement portion 22b having an engagement hole 22a, and the second housing 27 is provided with an engagement protrusion 26a, but it is also possible to provide an engagement portion on the second housing 27 and an engagement protrusion on the first housing 23.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, mounting portions A, B, C, and D are provided on the outer periphery of the first housing 23 for mounting the rotating device 10 to an air conditioning system.

As shown in Figure 2, the rotating device 10 includes various components housed within the housing 20: a motor 30; multiple gears 60 including an output gear 50 that mechanically outputs the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 of the motor 30 to the outside; a conductive brush 51 (see Figures 3 and 5) attached to the output gear 50 that detects the rotation angle; and a sensor board 70 that detects the rotation angle of the output gear 50.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rotating device 10 is equipped with various components housed within the housing 20, including two first connection terminals 35 for the motor 30, three second connection terminals 71 for input and output to obtain a rotation angle signal corresponding to the rotation angle from the sensor substrate 70, and a flexible wiring board 80 that electrically connects the first connection terminals 35 to the motor terminals 33 (see FIG. 3 ) of the motor 30 and electrically connects the second connection terminals 71 to the sensor substrate 70.
The term "electrical connection" refers to electrically connecting two members directly or via another member.
The electrical connections described below are used in this sense.

As shown in Figure 3, the second housing 27 has an opening 25a in a portion corresponding to the center of the output gear 50. As shown in Figure 4, which is a perspective view showing the second face 25 of the second housing 27 of the rotating device 10, the engaging portion 50a of the output gear 50 can be accessed from the outside through the opening 25a in the second face 25 of the second housing 27. A louver drive shaft of an air conditioning system (not shown) installed in a vehicle such as an automobile engages with the engaging portion 50a of the output gear 50 through the opening 25a.

Therefore, by rotating the output gear 50, it is possible to control the louvers (not shown) installed in the air passage of the air conditioning system, so that the air passage of the air conditioning system is controlled to a predetermined opening degree.

(Motor)
The motor 30 is a drive device for rotating the output gear 50, and in this embodiment, a DC motor is used as the motor 30.
As shown in Figure 3, the motor 30 comprises a main body 31 having a rectangular prism-like outer shape with curved corners, a rotating shaft 32 extending from a first end face 31a of the main body 31, and a pair of motor terminals 33 located on the opposite side of the first end face 31a of the main body 31 and protruding outward from a second end face 31b facing the first end face 31a.
The rotating shaft 32 is fixed to a rotor (not shown) housed in the main body 31 of the motor 30 .

(Transmission gear)
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the multiple gears 60 include a transmission gear 40, which is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 of the motor 30 to the output gear 50 at a predetermined gear ratio. In this embodiment, three gears (a worm gear 41, a first double gear 42, and a second double gear 43) are used as the transmission gear 40.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the transmission gear 40 includes a worm gear 41 fixed to the rotating shaft 32 of the motor 30 (see FIG. 3), a first double gear 42 having a large-diameter gear 42a and a small-diameter gear 42b connected to the worm gear 41, and a second double gear 43 having a large-diameter gear 43a connected to the small-diameter gear 42b of the first double gear 42 and a small-diameter gear 43b connected to the output gear 50 (see FIG. 3).

In this embodiment, the first double gear 42 and second double gear 43 are used to transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 of the motor 30 to the output gear 50 while adjusting the gear ratio using a small amount of space. However, for example, the second double gear 43 may be omitted and the output gear 50 may be connected to the smaller-diameter gear 42b of the first double gear 42, or the first double gear 42 and second double gear 43 may be omitted and the output gear 50 may be connected directly to the worm gear 41.

(output gear)
As described above, the output gear 50 is a gear to which the drive shaft of the louver of the air conditioning system (not shown) is connected, and which outputs the rotation of the rotating shaft 32 of the motor 30 as a driving force to control the drive shaft of the louver.

Note that the present invention is not limited to directly connecting the drive shaft of a louver (not shown) to the output gear 50; a gear may be provided between the rotating device 10 and the drive shaft of a louver (not shown), in which case the rotation shaft of the intervening gear is connected to the output gear 50.

As shown in Figure 3, the output gear 50 has two protrusions 52 formed on its surface 50b facing the sensor board 70 for fixing a conductive brush 51 that is arranged to contact the sensor board 70.

On the other hand, the conductive brush 51 is formed with a through hole 51 a into which the protrusion 52 of the output gear 50 is press-fitted.
Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, which is an oblique view showing the state in which the conductive brush 51 is attached to the output gear 50, the conductive brush 51 is attached to the output gear 50 so that the protrusions 52 are pressed into the through holes 51a of the conductive brush 51, thereby fixing the conductive brush 51 to the output gear 50.

The method for fixing the conductive brush 51 is not particularly limited, and it may be fixed by crimping the end of the protrusion 52 extending through the through-hole 51a, or by adhesive.

(sensor board)
For example, air conditioners installed in automobiles are equipped with louvers.
In order to drive and control this louver (not shown) to a predetermined state, it is particularly necessary to control the rotation angle of the output gear 50, and the sensor board 70 is a component for detecting the rotation angle of the output gear 50 in order to control the rotation angle of the output gear 50.
The resin substrate of the sensor substrate 70 is made of, for example, an epoxy resin.
The thickness of the resin substrate is, for example, about 300 μm to about 1600 μm.
Furthermore, this resin substrate is harder than the flexible wiring substrate 80 described later.
The sensor board 70 is fixed to a sensor board mounting portion (not shown) provided on the first housing 23 side.

Then, based on the detected rotation angle of the output gear 50, the rotation of the motor 30 is controlled, causing the output gear 50 to rotate so that the louver (not shown) is in a predetermined state.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor board 70, looking at the surface on the output gear 50 side.
As shown in Figure 6, the sensor substrate 70 has a through hole 70a in which the rotation shaft of the output gear 50 (see Figure 2) is placed, and a conductive part 72 formed by printing on the outer periphery of the through hole 70a.

The conductive portion 72 has an output portion 72a formed on the through-hole 70a side and made of a conductive material with low electrical resistance, and a resistance portion 72b formed on the outside of the output portion 72a and made of a conductive material with high electrical resistance.

The output portion 72a is formed around the outer periphery of the through-hole 70a, surrounding the through-hole 70a, and includes a ring portion 72aa that comes into contact with one of the two contact points 51b of the conductive brush 51 shown in Figure 3, and an output portion 73a that extends from the ring portion 72aa.

The resistor portion 72b is formed in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the annular portion 72aa of the output portion 72a, and includes an arc-shaped portion 72ba that comes into contact with the other of the two contact points 51b of the conductive brush 51 shown in Figure 3, a first lead-out portion 73b that extends from one end of the arc-shaped portion 72ba, and a second lead-out portion 73c that extends from the other end of the arc-shaped portion 72ba.

The conductive portion 72 configured as described above constitutes a variable resistance portion in which the resistance value of the path from the first lead-out portion 73b to the lead-out portion 73a changes as the contact position of the contact point 51b of the conductive brush 51 (see FIG. 3) changes circumferentially around the annular portion 72aa and the arc-shaped portion 72ba. Therefore, when a voltage is applied between the first lead-out portion 73b and the second lead-out portion 73c, if the contact position of the conductive brush 51 (see FIG. 3) changes circumferentially around the annular portion 72aa and the arc-shaped portion 72ba, the voltage between the first lead-out portion 73b and the lead-out portion 73a changes, and the rotation angle of the output gear 50 can be detected from this voltage change.

In this embodiment, the sensor substrate 70 and conductive brush 51 form a rotary resistive position sensor in which the resistance value changes as the contact position of the conductive brush 51 with the conductive portion 72 shifts circumferentially, but the configuration of the conductive portion 72 does not need to be limited to that of this embodiment.

For example, notches may be provided on the outer (or inner) side of the arc-shaped portion 72ba at a constant pitch along the arc-shaped portion 72ba, and when the contact 51b of the conductive brush 51 is located in this notch, no current is passed (hereinafter also referred to as OFF), and when there is no notch, current is passed (hereinafter also referred to as ON), and the rotation angle of the output gear 50 may be detected based on the number of ON-OFF cycles detected.

(First connection terminal and second connection terminal)
The first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 are connection terminals that are connected to an external connector that is connected to the rotating device 10 .

The two first connection terminals 35 are electrically connected to the two motor terminals 33, which are the power supply terminals of the motor 30, via a flexible wiring board 80 described below. The three second connection terminals 71 are electrically connected to the three lead-out portions (lead-out portion 73a, first lead-out portion 73b, and second lead-out portion 73c) of the conductive portion 72 of the sensor board 70 described above, via a flexible wiring board 80 described below.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the second housing 27, the first connection terminal 35, and the second connection terminal 71.
In this embodiment, the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 are formed into the same shape by punching out a metal plate material.

Figure 7 shows a terminal portion (hereinafter referred to as the connection terminal holder 90) of the housing 20 (see Figure 1), more specifically, one of the second connection terminals 71 removed from the connection terminal holder 90 formed on the second housing 27. As can be seen from the removed second connection terminal 71, the second connection terminal 71 has an external connection terminal portion 71a, which is the portion that is inserted into and connected to an external connector (not shown), and a flat portion 71b that is connected to the external connection terminal portion 71a and has approximately the same thickness as the external connection terminal portion 71a.

As mentioned above, the first connection terminal 35 is also formed in the same shape as the second connection terminal 71, and therefore has an external connection terminal portion 35a, which is the portion that is inserted into and connected to an external connector (not shown), and a flat portion 35b that is connected to the external connection terminal portion 35a and has approximately the same thickness as the external connection terminal portion 35a.

A connection terminal holder 90 is provided in a portion of the second housing 27 corresponding to the position where the external connector is to be connected, and includes a plurality of recesses 91 arranged in parallel.
The recess 91 has a recessed shape in the thickness direction of the housing 20 and extends in a direction from the outside toward the inside of the housing (in the illustrated example, in the longitudinal direction of the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71).
A plurality of first connection terminals 35 and a plurality of second connection terminals 71 are disposed in these recesses 91 .
The connection terminal holding portion 90 holds the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 in parallel so that the flat portions (flat portion 35b and flat portion 71b) of the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 face each other.

In this way, by making the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 have the same shape, the manufacturing efficiency of the terminals is improved, and it is possible to reduce the cost of parts.
Furthermore, by holding the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 in parallel so that the flat plate portions (flat plate portion 35b and flat plate portion 71b) face each other, the space required for arranging the terminals can be reduced, thereby making the rotating device 10 smaller.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the flat plate portion 35b of the first connection terminal 35 is provided with a first protrusion 35c.
The first protrusion 35 c has a shape that protrudes from the flat plate portion 35 b of the first connection terminal 35 .
Furthermore, the first protrusion 35 c has a shape that protrudes from the recess 91 toward the flexible wiring board 80 when the first connection terminal 35 is held in the recess 91 of the connection terminal holding portion 90 .
Similarly, a second protrusion 71 c is provided on the flat plate portion 71 b of the second connection terminal 71 , and this second protrusion 71 c has a shape that protrudes from the flat plate portion 71 b of the second connection terminal 71 .
Furthermore, the second protrusion 71 c has a shape that protrudes from within the recess 91 toward the flexible wiring board 80 when the second connection terminal 71 is held in the recess 91 of the connection terminal holding portion 90 .

By providing these protrusions (first protrusion 35c and second protrusion 71c) on the connection terminals (first connection terminal 35 and second connection terminal 71), stable connection with the flexible wiring board 80 (see Figures 2 and 3) described below can be achieved.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first connection terminal 35 is located closer to the motor 30 than the second connection terminal 71, thereby shortening the wiring distance for electrical connection between the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30.

As a result, the electrical wiring between the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 can be made compact, allowing the rotating device 10 to be made smaller.

(flexible wiring board)
As shown in Figure 3, the flexible wiring board 80 has three main surfaces (three flat surfaces in the illustrated example), specifically a first surface portion 81 at one end that is connected to the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71, a second surface portion 82 at the other end that is connected to the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30, and an intermediate surface portion 83 that connects the first surface portion 81 and the second surface portion 82.
In the illustrated example, the first surface portion 81, the second surface portion 82, and the intermediate surface portion 83 are each flat.

The first surface portion 81 is provided with a first hole portion 81a that engages with the first protrusion portion 35c of the first connection terminal 35, and a second hole portion 81b that engages with the second protrusion portion 71c of the second connection terminal 71. By soldering the first hole portion 81a and the second hole portion 81b so that they engage with the first protrusion portion 35c and the second protrusion portion 71c, a firm electrical connection can be made, thereby preventing poor contact.
The flexible wiring board 80 has a structure in which an adhesive layer is formed on a film (resin substrate) having a thickness of, for example, about 12 μm to 50 μm, and a conductor having a thickness of, for example, about 12 μm to 50 μm is printed or attached on the adhesive layer.
The film is made of an insulating resin material such as polyimide or polyester.
The conductor is made of a metal material such as copper.
The adhesive layer is made of epoxy resin or acrylic resin.
Such a flexible wiring board 80 is a board that can be restored to its original shape even if it is bent at an angle of 90 degrees or more.

In addition, the first surface 81 of the flexible wiring board 80 is provided with three conductive lines for electrically connecting the three second connection terminals 71 to the three lead-out portions (lead-out portion 73a, first lead-out portion 73b, and second lead-out portion 73c) of the conductive portion 72 of the sensor substrate 70 shown in Figure 6, and lands 81c are provided at the ends of the conductive lines for solder connection to the three lead-out portions (lead-out portion 73a, first lead-out portion 73b, and second lead-out portion 73c) of the conductive portion 72 of the sensor substrate 70.

Therefore, the second connection terminal 71 and the sensor substrate 70 are connected by the flexible wiring board 80, so there is no need to crimp the second connection terminal 71 to the sensor substrate 70, and damage to the sensor substrate 70 that would otherwise occur during the crimping process is not caused.

In addition, even if the second connection terminal 71 or the sensor substrate 70 vibrates due to vibrations of a vehicle such as an automobile, the flexible wiring substrate 80 will change shape (or absorb the vibrations) before strong stress is applied to the solder connection between the flexible wiring substrate 80 and the sensor substrate 70, preventing strong stress from being applied to the solder connection and preventing cracks or damage to the solder connection.

In addition, from the perspective of preventing damage to the sensor substrate 70 and poor electrical connections between the sensor substrate 70 and the second connection terminal 71, it is not necessary to electrically connect the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 using the flexible wiring substrate 80, as in this embodiment.

However, as explained below, it is preferable to use the flexible wiring board 80 to also electrically connect the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30.

For example, it would be possible to connect the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 individually using lead wires, but doing so would be time-consuming and increase manufacturing costs because the lead wires are thin and easily damaged and difficult to handle.

On the other hand, the flexible wiring board 80 can be formed by forming a conductive pattern all at once by printing or other means on a flexible substrate from which a large number of flexible wiring boards 80 can be cut out, and then cutting each individual flexible wiring board 80 all at once using a press cutter or the like. Therefore, even if it is manufactured as having an electrical connection between the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30, there is almost no increase in manufacturing costs. In addition, since it is easier to handle than lead wires, the connection work does not require much effort, making it possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the second surface 82 of the flexible wiring board 80, which is connected to the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30, also has a hole 82a that engages with the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30. By soldering the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 so that this hole 82a engages with the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30, a secure electrical connection can be made, and a higher level of electrical connection stability can be achieved compared to connecting with lead wires.

Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to electrically connect the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 using the flexible wiring board 80.

In this embodiment, the first surface 81 and the second surface 82 form a predetermined angle with the intermediate surface 83 interposed therebetween.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, an intermediate surface 83 connecting the first surface 81 and the second surface 82 of the flexible wiring board 80 is provided with a bent portion 83a that positions the first surface 81 and the second surface 82 so that they are approximately perpendicular to each other, and the shape of the bent portion 83a is also a bent portion with a folded structure.
Instead of providing the folded portion 83a with a folded structure, a curved structure may be provided.
In the illustrated example, the extending direction of the first surface portion 81 and the extending direction of the second surface portion 82 intersect with each other at the bent portion 83a.
This bent portion 83a is located midway from the first connection terminal 35 to the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 (see Figure 3), and changes the angle (bent angle) formed by the first surface portion 81 and the second surface portion 82 in response to vibration, etc., and exhibits spring properties.

For example, if the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30 are connected as linearly as possible by the flexible wiring board 80, when the motor 30 or the first connection terminal 35 vibrates due to vehicle vibrations, tensile stress is likely to be applied to the connection between the flexible wiring board 80 and the first connection terminal 35 and the connection between the motor terminal 33 and the flexible wiring board 80, which could result in poor connection or breakage of the flexible wiring board 80.

In this embodiment, therefore, a bent portion 83a is interposed between the first connection terminal 35 and the motor terminal 33 of the motor 30. The bent portion 83a has a folded structure that deforms so that the bending angle changes in response to vibrations, etc., and exhibits spring properties (resilience).

In this way, the bent portion 83a provided with the folded structure deforms so that the bent angle changes in response to vibrations or the like, and exhibits springiness (restoring force).
Therefore, the bent portion 83a prevents tensile stress and the like from being applied to the connection portion between the first connection terminal 35 and the flexible wiring board 80 and the connection portion between the motor terminal 33 and the flexible wiring board 80, thereby suppressing the occurrence of poor connections and also suppressing the occurrence of breaks in the flexible wiring board 80 itself.

However, even if the bent portion 83a is configured with only a single bend without a folded structure, there will be excess length compared to when the wiring is as straight as possible, and the effects of tensile stress, etc. can be reduced, so such a bent portion is acceptable. However, as in this embodiment, a bent portion 83a with a folded structure is preferable, as it is less susceptible to the effects of tensile stress, etc.

Therefore, as in this embodiment, by providing a bent portion 83a with a folded structure on the flexible wiring board 80, the reliability of the rotating device 10 can be improved.

In addition, when the intermediate surface portion 83 has a folded portion 83a with a folded structure, as in this embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the conductive pattern formed on the flexible wiring board 80 is provided on the side from which the motor terminal 33 protrudes when the motor terminal 33 is passed through the hole 82a. Furthermore, when the protrusions (first protrusion 35c and second protrusion 71c) of the first connection terminal 35 and the second connection terminal 71 are passed through the holes (first hole 81a and second hole 81b), the protrusions (first protrusion 35c and second protrusion 71c) are provided on the side from which they protrude. This also has the effect of improving workability when soldering.

The rotating device 10 as described above is used in, for example, an air conditioning system for a vehicle such as an automobile, and the case where it is used in an air conditioning system for a vehicle will be briefly described below.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an air conditioning system 100 including the rotating device 10 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a vehicle including the air conditioning system 100 of FIG.

As shown in Figure 8, the air conditioning system 100 includes a blower fan 101, an evaporator 102, a heater 103, and a louver 104, which are arranged in the front portion FR of the vehicle (see Figure 9).

More specifically, a blower fan 101 is disposed on the suction port 100a side of the air conditioning system 100, and an evaporator 102 that cools the air sent out from the blower fan 101 is disposed downstream in the air flow direction.

Furthermore, a heater 103 is positioned downstream of the evaporator 102 in the air flow direction, and a louver 104 is positioned between the evaporator 102 and the heater 103. The louver 104 controls the amount of air flowing from the evaporator 102 side to the heater 103 side, thereby adjusting the air temperature to an appropriate level.

The air adjusted to an appropriate temperature is then supplied to the interior of the vehicle through an air outlet provided in the vehicle cabin via a duct or the like. In the above-mentioned air conditioning system 100, for example, the rotating shaft 104a of the louver 104 is connected to the engaging portion 50a (see Figure 4) of the output gear 50 of the above-mentioned rotating device 10.
Therefore, as described above, the rotation of the louvers 104 is controlled by the rotating device 10 (see the double-headed arrow in FIG. 8) so that the louvers 104 are brought into a predetermined state.

Note that the above is merely an example of the rotating device 10 in the air conditioning system 100. For example, the air conditioning system 100 may switch the air flow path (duct path) between circulating air inside the vehicle cabin and taking in air from outside the vehicle into the vehicle cabin, and louvers are also provided at the switching points.
Therefore, the rotation device 10 can be suitably used to control the louvers provided at this switching portion.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.
In the above embodiment, the sensor substrate 70 is positioned to detect the rotation angle of the output gear 50, and a conductive brush 51 is provided on the output gear 50. However, the detection of the rotation angle is not limited to the output gear 50.

For example, if the relationship between the rotation angle of one of the multiple transmission gears 40 and the driving state of the louver (not shown) is determined, the rotation angle of that transmission gear can be detected, and the rotation of the motor 30 can be controlled based on that rotation angle, thereby controlling the driving of the louver (not shown).
Therefore, the sensor board 70 for detecting the rotation angle may be arranged to detect the rotation angle of one of the transmission gears 40, and a conductive brush 51 may be provided on the gear for detecting the rotation angle.

In the above embodiment, the rotation angle of the output gear 50 was detected by a sensor, but this is not limited to this. As long as the rotation angle of the output gear 50 can be controlled, the sensor may detect the rotation angle of another gear instead of the rotation angle of the output gear 50.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the intermediate surface portion 83 is provided with a bent portion 83a that positions the first surface portion 81 and the second surface portion 82 so that they are approximately perpendicular to each other. However, this is not limited to this, and the intermediate surface portion 83 may be provided with a bent portion 83a that intersects the extending direction of the first surface portion 81 and the extending direction of the second surface portion 82.

The DC motor may be a brushed motor. The main body 31 of the brushed motor may include brushes, a commutator, a bracket on which the brushes and commutator are mounted, a rotor, and a stator.

As such, it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, which is clear to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Several embodiments are described below.
When input/output terminals are fixed to a circuit board by crimping or the like, the circuit board may be damaged during the crimping process.
Furthermore, if input/output terminals are fixed directly to the circuit board, stress is applied to the connection between the circuit board and the terminal due to the effects of vehicle vibrations, etc., and if such stress is applied over a long period of time, the connection may become fatigued, leading to cracks or breaks, which may result in a poor connection.

One embodiment addresses the above-mentioned situation as an example of a problem, and aims to provide a rotation device that can prevent damage to the sensor board used to detect the rotation angle and poor connections between the sensor board and terminals, and to provide a vehicle with an air conditioning system that includes such a rotation device.

To achieve this purpose, the following configuration is adopted.
(1) In one embodiment, a rotating device includes a motor, a plurality of gears that transmit the rotation of the motor to the outside, a plurality of first connection terminals that are electrically connected to a plurality of motor terminals of the motor, a sensor substrate having a conductive portion, a conductive brush that is provided on the gear and contacts the conductive portion of the sensor substrate, a plurality of second connection terminals that are electrically connected to the conductive portion of the sensor substrate, and a flexible wiring substrate that electrically connects the conductive portion of the sensor substrate and the second connection terminals.

(2) In the configuration of (1) above, the motor is a DC motor, and the multiple gears include an output gear and a transmission gear.

(3) In the configuration of (2) above, the conductive brush is provided on the output gear.

(4) In any one of the configurations (1) to (3) above, a housing is provided that houses the motor, the gear, the sensor substrate, the flexible wiring substrate, the first connection terminal, and the second connection terminal, the housing has a connection terminal holding portion that holds the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal have an external connection terminal portion and a flat portion connected to the external connection terminal portion, the connection terminal holding portion holds the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal in parallel, and the flat portions of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal face each other.

(5) In the configuration of (4) above, the connection terminal holding portion has a plurality of recesses in which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are respectively arranged, the flat portion of the second connection terminal has a second protrusion protruding from the recess, and the flexible wiring board has a second hole portion that engages with the second protrusion.

(6) In the configuration of (5) above, the flat portion of the first connection terminal is provided with a first protrusion protruding from the recess, and the flexible wiring board has a first surface portion connected to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, a second surface portion connected to the motor terminal, and an intermediate surface portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion, the first surface portion having a first hole portion that engages with the second hole portion and the first protrusion portion of the first connection terminal, and the second surface portion having a plurality of holes connected to a plurality of the motor terminals.

(7) In the configuration of (6) above, the intermediate surface portion has a bent portion.

(8) In the configuration of (7) above, the bending portion has a folded-back structure.

(9) In any one of the configurations (1) to (8) above, the conductive portion of the sensor substrate constitutes a variable resistance portion whose resistance value changes in response to displacement of the contact position of the conductive brush.

(10) In any one of the configurations (1) to (9) above, the first connection terminal is located closer to the motor than the second connection terminal.

(11) In any one of the configurations (1) to (10) above, the shapes of the multiple first connection terminals and/or the shapes of the multiple second connection terminals are the same.

(12) In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a rotation device having any one of the configurations (1) to (11) above, and a louver controlled by the rotation device.

The above makes it possible to provide a rotation device that can prevent damage to the sensor board used to detect the rotation angle and poor connections between the sensor board and terminals, and to provide a vehicle with an air conditioning system equipped with such a rotation device.

10...rotation device, 20...housing, 21...first surface portion, 22...first side wall portion, 22a...engagement hole, 22b...engagement portion, 23...first housing, 25...second surface portion, 25a...opening portion, 26...second side wall portion, 26a...engagement protrusion, 27...second housing, 30...motor, 31...main body portion, 31a...first end surface, 31b...second end surface, 32...rotation shaft, 33...motor terminal, 35...first connection terminal, 35a... External connection terminal portion, 35b...flat plate portion, 35c...first protrusion portion, 40...transmission gear, 41...worm gear, 42...first double gear, 42a...large diameter gear, 42b...small diameter gear, 43...second double gear, 43a...large diameter gear, 43b...small diameter gear, 50...output gear, 50a...engagement portion, 50b...surface, 51...conductive brush, 51a...through hole, 51b... Contact point, 52... projection, 60... gear, 70 sensor substrate, 70a... through hole, 71... second connection terminal, 71a... external connection terminal portion, 71b... flat plate portion, 71c... second protrusion portion, 72... conductive portion, 72a... output portion, 72aa... ring portion, 72b... resistance portion, 72ba... arc-shaped portion, 73a... lead-out portion, 73b... first lead-out portion, 73c... second lead-out portion, 80... flexible wiring substrate, 81... First surface portion, 81a...first hole portion, 81b...second hole portion, 81c...land, 82...second surface portion, 82a...hole portion, 83...intermediate surface portion, 83a...folded portion, 90...connection terminal holder portion, 91...recess, 100...air conditioning system, 101...blower fan, 102...evaporator, 103...heater, 104...louver, 104a...rotating shaft, A, B, C, D...mounting portion, FR...front portion

Claims (6)

a motor having motor terminals;
a gear that transmits the rotation of the motor to the outside;
a plurality of connection terminals to be connected to an external connector;
a position sensor or a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the gear ;
a film having a conductor;
a housing that houses the motor , the gear , the plurality of connection terminals, and the position sensor or a sensor that detects a rotation angle of the gear ;
Equipped with
The motor and the gear are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the motor,
the motor terminal extends in a direction of a rotation axis of the motor,
the plurality of connection terminals extend in a radial direction of the motor,
the housing includes a terminal portion disposed alongside the motor in a radial direction of the motor,
the plurality of connection terminals are provided in the terminal portion,
In a radial direction of the motor, the film having the conductor includes a first surface portion formed of a resin material, a second surface portion formed of a resin material, and an intermediate surface portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion,
the intermediate surface portion is formed of a resin material,
a portion of the connection terminal extending in a radial direction of the motor is electrically connected to a first surface portion of the film;
the motor terminal extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the motor is electrically connected to the second surface portion of the film;
The intermediate surface portion of the film has a folded portion having a folded structure or a curved structure,
The bending portion changes its bending angle and exhibits spring properties. a motor having motor terminals;
a gear that transmits the rotation of the motor to the outside;
a plurality of connection terminals to be connected to an external connector;
a position sensor or a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the gear ;
a film having a conductor;
a housing that houses the motor , the gear , the plurality of connection terminals, and the position sensor or a sensor that detects a rotation angle of the gear ;
Equipped with
The motor and the gear are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the motor,
the housing includes a terminal portion disposed alongside the motor in a radial direction of the motor,
the plurality of connection terminals are provided in the terminal portion,
In a radial direction of the motor, the film having the conductor includes a first surface portion formed of a resin material, a second surface portion formed of a resin material, and an intermediate surface portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion,
the intermediate surface portion is formed of a resin material,
the connection terminal is electrically connected to the first surface of the film;
the motor terminal is electrically connected to the second surface of the film;
The intermediate surface portion of the film has a folded portion having a folded structure or a curved structure,
The bending portion changes its bending angle and exhibits spring properties. The rotating device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor has a first end face, a rotation shaft extending from the first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, and the motor terminal provided on the second end face. The rotating device described in claim 3, wherein the gear comprises a worm gear fixed to the rotating shaft. the motor is a DC motor,
5. The rotating device according to claim 1, wherein the gear comprises an output gear and a transmission gear. A rotation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
and a louver controlled by the rotating device.