Motor unit and drive device

A motor assembly includes an output shaft disposed along a central axis extending in one direction, a motor that rotates the output shaft, a circuit board electrically connected to the motor, a power supply that supplies power to the motor and the circuit board, and a case having a tubular shape that extends in an axial direction and accommodates the motor, the circuit board, and the power supply. A substrate surface of the circuit board and the power supply are disposed to face each other in a predetermined direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. national stage of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2018/001146, filed on Jan. 17, 2018, and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) and 35 U.S.C. § 365(b) is claimed from Japanese Application No. 2017-008550, filed Jan. 20, 2017; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a motor unit and a drive device.

BACKGROUND

Motor units have been known to have a tubular casing extending in one direction. For example, Japanese Patent No. 4060207 describes a motor unit for a shutter device as an example of such a motor unit. The motor unit of Japanese Patent No. 4060207 has a control board housed in a casing. In Japanese Patent No. 4060207, the control board is arranged in line with components of the motor unit inside the casing, which has a tubular shape, in an extending direction of the casing.

The control board as described above is enlarged so that many electronic components can be mounted thereon, for example, according to multifunctionalization of the motor unit, or the like. Here, in the case where the control board is arranged in line with the components of the motor unit in the extending direction of the casing as in Japanese Patent No. 4060207, the casing needs to be elongated in the extending direction according to the enlargement of the control board, which causes enlargement of the whole motor unit.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide motor assemblies each including a circuit board and a structure capable of preventing enlargement of the motor assembly even when the circuit board is enlarged, and a drive device including such a motor assembly.

One example embodiment of a motor assembly of the present disclosure includes an output shaft disposed along a central axis extending in one direction, a motor that rotates the output shaft, a circuit board electrically connected to the motor, a power supply that supplies power to the motor and the circuit board, and a case having a tubular shape that extends in an axial direction and accommodates the motor, the circuit board, and the power supply. A substrate surface of the circuit board and the power supply are disposed to face each other in a predetermined direction that is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the axial direction.

One example embodiment of a drive device of the present disclosure includes the motor assembly described above, and a rotary cylinder having a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction and disposed radially outwardly from the case, and the rotary cylinder is connected to the output shaft and is rotated according to rotation of the output shaft.

One example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a motor assembly including a circuit board and a structure capable of preventing enlargement of the motor assembly even when the circuit board is increased in size, and a drive device including such a motor assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, a Z-axis direction is a vertical direction. An X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction are horizontal directions orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, and are directions orthogonal to each other. In the following description, a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction is referred to as a “vertical direction Z”, and a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction is referred to as a “front-rear direction Y”. A positive side in the Z-axis direction is referred to as an “upper side”, and a negative side in the Z-axis direction is referred to as a “lower side”. A positive side in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a “rear side”, and a negative side in the Y-axis direction is referred to as a “front side”. In the present example embodiment, the vertical direction Z corresponds to a predetermined direction. The upper side corresponds to one side in the predetermined direction. The lower side corresponds to the other side in the predetermined direction. Note that the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, the upper side, and the lower side simply describe the relative position of each component, and the actual position or the like may include positions other than those indicated by these wordings.

As shown inFIG. 1, a drive device10of the present example embodiment is a drive device for a shutter device1. The shutter device1includes a drive device10and a shutter80that is moved up and down by the drive device10. The drive device10includes a motor assembly10a, a rotary cylinder11, a connection member12, and a bearing70.

The motor assembly10ahas a cylindrical shape extending in one direction as a whole. One end of the motor assembly10ais fixed to a wall W through a fixing member Wa. The motor assembly10aincludes an output shaft34, a case20, a motor30, a reduction gear32, a brake device33, a connection switching assembly60, a circuit board50, a plurality of electronic components51,52, and a power supply device40.

The output shaft34is disposed along a central axis J extending in one direction. In the present example embodiment, the central axis J extends in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction among horizontal directions. In the following description, a direction parallel to the central axis J, that is, a direction parallel to the X-axis direction is referred to as an “axial direction X”, a radial direction centering on the central axis J is simply referred to as a “radial direction”, and a circumferential direction around the central axis J is simply referred to as a “circumferential direction”. Further, in the description of arrangement of the components of the motor assembly10a, an end where the motor assembly10ais fixed to the wall W in the axial direction X, that is, the negative side in the X-axis direction is referred to as a “base end side”, and an end opposite to the base end side, that is, the positive side in the X-axis direction is referred to as a “tip end side”.

The case20extends in the axial direction X. As shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, the case20has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis J in the present example embodiment. In the present specification, the description that the case has a cylindrical shape includes the structure that the case has a substantially cylindrical shape in addition to the structure that the case has an exact cylindrical shape. The structure that the case has a substantially cylindrical shape includes the structure that an outer peripheral surface of the case is partly flat, or the like. The case20accommodates the motor30, the reduction gear32, the brake device33, the connection switching assembly60, the circuit board50, the electronic components51,52, and the power supply device40.

As shown inFIG. 2, the case20includes an upper case21, a lower case22, and a lid23. As shown inFIG. 4, the upper case21has an upper curved portion21aand a pair of upper flat portions21b. The upper curved portion21ais a plate-shaped member that extends in the axial direction X and curves in the circumferential direction. The upper curved portion21ahas a shape of a semicircular arc curved upward as viewed in the axial direction X. The pair of upper flat portions21bare flat-shaped portions extending toward the lower side from both ends of the upper curved portion21ain the circumferential direction, that is, lower ends of the upper curved portion21ain the present example embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, the upper flat portions21bextend in the axial direction X from one end on the base end side to the other end on the tip end side of the upper curved portion21a. Note thatFIG. 3omits the upper case21.

As shown inFIG. 4, the lower case22has a lower curved portion22aand a pair of lower flat portions22b. The lower curved portion22ais a plate-shaped member that extends in the axial direction X and curves in the circumferential direction. The lower curved portion22ahas a shape of a semicircular arc curved downward as viewed in the axial direction X. The pair of lower flat portions22bare flat-shaped portions extending toward the upper side from both ends of the lower curved portion22ain the circumferential direction, that is, upper ends of the lower curved portion22ain the present example embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the lower flat portions22bextend in the axial direction X from one end on the base end side to the other end on the tip end side of the lower curved portion22a. One of the lower flat portions22bhas a projecting flat portion22cdisposed so as to project radially inwardly from the other portions of the lower flat portion22b. In the present example embodiment, the projecting flat portion22cis disposed on the rear side of the other portions of the lower flat portion22b.

As shown inFIG. 4, the lower case22has board support parts22d,22e. Each of the board support parts22d,22eis a plate-shaped member that protrudes along the front-rear direction Y toward the inside of the case20from a radially inside surface of the lower curved portion22a. The board support part22dis disposed on the radially inside surface of the lower curved portion22aat a position on the front side of the central axis J. The board support part22eis disposed on the radially inside surface of the lower curved portion22aat a position on the rear side of the central axis J. A plurality of the board support parts22dand a plurality of the board support parts22eare arranged in the axial direction X, for example. The plurality of board support parts22dand the plurality of board support parts22eare disposed to face each other in the front-rear direction Y with gaps therebetween. In the present example embodiment, each of the board support parts22d,22eis configured by cutting and raising part of the lower curved portion22a.

Each of the upper flat portions21band corresponding one of the lower flat portions22bare overlapped in the radial direction and are screwed together. Thereby, the upper case21and the lower case22are fixed together, which configures a cylindrical part having a cylindrical shape and having openings on both sides in the axial direction X. The upper flat portions21bare disposed radially outwardly from the lower flat portions22b, respectively. The radially inside surface of each of the lower flat portions22bis a flat surface that forms part of the inside surface of the case20. The inside surface of the case20has a flat part20bincluding one of the radially inside surfaces of the lower flat portions22b.

As shown inFIG. 3, the lid23is a disk-shaped member. The lid23is disposed inside the cylindrical part, which is formed by the upper case21and the lower case22, at one end on the base end side thereof. The lid23closes one of the openings of the cylindrical part on the base end side. The lid23is screwed to an inside surface of the lower case22. As shown inFIG. 1, the lid23is fixed to the fixing member Wa.

The motor30is disposed inside the case20at a position on the tip end side. The motor30has a motor shaft31. The motor shaft31extends in the axial direction X centered on the central axis J, for example. The motor shaft31is connected to the reduction gear32. An end on the tip end side of the motor30is fixed to an end on the base end side of the reduction gear32. In the present example embodiment, the motor30is disposed radially inwardly away from the inside surface of the case20.

The reduction gear32is disposed inside the case20at an end on the tip end side thereof. The reduction gear32closes the other one of the openings of the cylindrical part, which is formed by the upper case21and the lower case22, on the tip end side. The reduction gear32is fixed to the inside surface of the case20. The reduction gear32is connected with the output shaft34. The motor shaft31is joined to the output shaft34through the reduction gear32. The rotation of the motor shaft31is decelerated through the reduction gear32and transmitted to the output shaft34. Thus, the motor30rotates the output shaft34through the motor shaft31.

The brake device33is fixed to an end on the base end side of the motor30. In the present example embodiment, the brake device33is disposed radially inwardly away from the inside surface of the case20. The brake device33brakes the rotation of the motor30.

In the present example embodiment, the motor30is not directly fixed to the case20, but is fixed to the case20through the reduction gear32. Further, the brake device33is not directly fixed to the case20, but is fixed to the case20through the motor30and the reduction gear32. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the relative positional relationship between the motor30, the reduction gear32, and the brake device33, even in the case where the case20is deformed, for example.

As shown inFIG. 3, the connection switching assembly60switches between a connected state in which the output shaft34and the motor shaft31are connected to each other and a disconnected state in which the output shaft34and the motor shaft31are disconnected from each other. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the connection switching assembly60includes a housing61, an operation unit68, a switching shaft69, a link64, and a lock pin65.

As shown inFIG. 5, the housing61has a shape of a bottomed rectangular box having an opening toward the front side. As shown inFIG. 4, the housing61is fixed to the flat part20b. This ensures that the housing61is stably and firmly fixed to the case20. More specifically, the housing61is screwed to a radially inside surface of the projecting flat portion22cof the flat part20b.

As shown inFIG. 5, the housing61has a recess62and a cam63. The recess62is recessed toward the rear side from an inside surface61athat is one of the inside surfaces of the housing61and faces the front side. The cam63protrudes toward the front side from a bottom surface of the recess62at a center thereof. With this configuration, the recess62has an annular shape surrounding the cam63. In the following description, an inner edge side of the annular-shaped recess62is simply referred to as an “inner edge side”, and an outer edge side of the annular-shaped recess62is simply referred to as an “outer edge side”. As shown inFIG. 6, the recess62has a substantially heart-shape as viewed in the front-rear direction Y. A side surface on the outer edge side of the recess62has an apex Q5projecting toward the inner edge side.

The recess62has a first portion62a, a second portion62b, a third portion62c, and a fourth portion62d. The first portion62ahas a curved shape extending diagonally downward toward the base end side from an end on the tip end side of the first portion62a. The end on the tip end side of the first portion62ais an upper end of the recess62. The first portion62ahas a shape of a substantially arc that is projected diagonally upward toward the base end side. A first bottom66a, which is the bottom of the first portion62a, changes its position in the front-rear direction Y toward the front side from the end on the tip end side to the other end on the base end side of the first portion62a.

The second portion62bis connected to a lower part of the end on the base end side of the first portion62a. The position in the front-rear direction Y of a second bottom66b, which is the bottom of the second portion62b, is situated on the rear side from the end on the base end side of the first bottom66a. This configuration provides a first step portion67aat the connection between the first bottom66aand the second bottom66b.

The third portion62cis connected to the tip end side of the second portion62b. The position in the front-rear direction Y of a third bottom66c, which is the bottom of the third portion62c, is situated on the rear side from the second bottom66b. This configuration provides a second step portion67bat the connection between the second bottom66band the third bottom66c. The apex Q5of the recess62is an endpoint on the outer edge side of the connection between the second portion62band the third portion62c.

The fourth portion62dis connected to a diagonally lower portion on the tip end side of the third portion62c. The fourth portion62dextends upward slightly diagonally toward the tip end side from the lower end of the fourth portion62d. The lower end of the fourth portion62dis the lower end of the recess62. The upper end of the fourth portion62dis connected to the end on the tip end side of the first portion62a. The position in the front-rear direction Y of the lower end of a fourth bottom66d, which is the bottom of the fourth portion62d, is situated on the rear side from the third bottom66c. This configuration provides a third step portion67cat the connection between the third bottom66cand the fourth bottom66d. The fourth bottom66dchanges its position in the front-rear direction Y toward the front side from the lower end to the upper end of the fourth bottom66d. The position in the front-rear direction Y of the upper end of the fourth bottom66d, which is connected to the end on the tip end side of the first bottom66a, is the same as the position of the end on the tip end side of the first bottom66a.

As viewed in the front-rear direction Y, the cam63has a substantially heart shape with apexes Q1, Q2, Q3and a concave apex Q4. As viewed in the front-rear direction Y, the concave apex Q4is situated between the apex Q2and the apex Q3along the outer periphery of the cam63. A wall surface of the cam63connecting the apex Q1and the apex Q2constitutes a side wall on the inner edge side of the first portion62a. A wall surface63aof the cam63connecting the apex Q2and the concave apex Q4constitutes part of a side wall on the inner edge side of the third portion62c. A wall surface63bof the cam63connecting the concave apex Q4and the apex Q3constitutes part of the side wall on the inner edge side of the third portion62c. A wall surface of the cam63connecting the apex Q3and the apex Q1constitutes a side wall on the inner edge side of the fourth portion62d.

The apex Q2is an endpoint on the inner edge side of the connection between the first portion62aand the second portion62b, and also an endpoint on the inner edge side of the connection between the second portion62band the third portion62c. That is, the first portion62a, the second portion62b, and the third portion62care connected to one another at the apex Q2. The apex Q3is an endpoint on the inner edge side of the connection between the third portion62cand the fourth portion62d.

As viewed in the front-rear direction Y, the first bottom66ahas a first projecting portion66eprojecting toward the second portion62bfrom a first imaginary line L1, that is, projecting toward the lower side. The first imaginary line L1is a line connecting the apex Q2and an endpoint on the outer edge side of the connection between the first portion62aand the second portion62b. The projecting amount of the first projecting portion66eincreases relatively largely toward the outer edge side from the apex Q2, and then decreases relatively gently toward an endpoint on the outer edge side of the first imaginary line L1. A step surface of the first step portion67athat is parallel to the front-rear direction Y is a side surface of the first projecting portion66eon the second bottom66bside.

As viewed in the front-rear direction Y, the second bottom66bhas a second projecting portion66fprojecting toward the third portion62cfrom a second imaginary line L2, that is, projecting toward the tip end side. The second imaginary line L2is a line connecting the apex Q2and the apex Q5. The projecting amount of the second projecting portion66fincreases relatively largely toward the inner edge side from the apex Q5, and then decreases relatively gently toward the apex Q2. A step surface of the second step portion67bthat is parallel to the front-rear direction Y is a side surface of the second projecting portion66fon the third bottom66cside.

As viewed in the front-rear direction Y, the third bottom66chas a third projecting portion66gprojecting toward the fourth portion62dfrom a third imaginary line L3, that is, projecting diagonally downward on the tip end side. The third imaginary line L3is a line connecting the apex Q3and an endpoint on the outer edge side of the connection between the third portion62cand the fourth portion62d. The projecting amount of the third projecting portion66gincreases relatively largely toward the outer edge side from the apex Q3, and then decreases relatively gently toward an endpoint of the third imaginary line L3on the outer edge side. A step surface of the third step portion67cthat is parallel to the front-rear direction Y is a side surface of the third projecting portion66gon the fourth bottom66dside.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the operation unit68has a hook part68a, an operation wire68b, a covering tube68c, and a connection wire68d. As shown inFIG. 5, the hook part68ais a plate-shaped member extending in the axial direction X. An end on the base end side of the hook part68ais inserted into the housing61. The hook part68ais supported by the housing61in a movable manner in the axial direction X. An end on the tip end side of the hook part68ais connected with an end on the base end side of the connection wire68d.

The operation wire68bis connected to an end on the base end side of the hook part68a. The operation wire68bextends toward the base end side from the hook part68a, and is pulled out of the case20as shown inFIG. 3. The operation wire68bpulled out of the case20is pulled downward from the drive device10as shown inFIG. 1, and constitutes a pull switch68e.

As shown inFIG. 3, the covering tube68cis connected to the housing61. The covering tube68cextends toward the base end side from the housing61and is pulled out of the case20. The operation wire68bis passed through the covering tube68c. The connection wire68dextends toward the tip end side from the hook part68aand is connected to the switching shaft69.

The switching shaft69is attached to the reduction gear32. Although not shown, the switching shaft69is fixed to part of a connecting component that connects the motor shaft31and the output shaft34in the reduction gear32. The switching shaft69is movable in the axial direction X. Along with the movement of the switching shaft69in the axial direction X, the connecting component fixed to the switching shaft69also moves in the axial direction X. An elastic force is applied to the hook part68a, the operation wire68b, the connection wire68dand the switching shaft69toward the tip end side by an elastic member (not shown).

As shown inFIG. 5, the link64is connected to the end on the base end side of the hook part68ain a rotatable manner around an axis parallel to the front-rear direction Y. The lock pin65is connected to an end on the base end side of the link64. The lock pin65is disposed in the recess62. The lock pin65moves within the annular-shaped recess62in accordance with operation of the operation unit68.

When an operator pulls the pull switch68e, the operation wire68bis pulled toward the base end side, and the switching shaft69is moved toward the base end side through the hook part68aand the connection wire68d. Thereby, the connecting component fixed to the switching shaft69moves toward the base end side, and the connection between the output shaft34and the motor shaft31is released. As a result, the output shaft34and the motor shaft31are placed in a disconnected state. At this time, the lock pin65moves from a first position P1to a second position P2, as shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIG. 6. The first position P1is within an upper end portion of the first portion62a, and the second position P2is within the second portion62b.

When an operator releases the pulling force of the pull switch68e, the operation wire68b, the hook part68a, the connection wire68dand the switching shaft69move toward the tip end side by a restoring force of the elastic member (not shown). At this time, the lock pin65moves from the second position P2to a third position P3. The third position P3is within the third portion62c. At the third position P3, the lock pin65comes into contact with the wall surface63bof the cam63, which prevents movement of the lock pin65toward the tip end side. As a result, movement of the operation wire68b, the hook part68a, the connection wire68d, and the switching shaft69toward the tip end side is prevented, which maintains the disconnected state where the connection between the output shaft34and the motor shaft31is released. In the disconnected state, the output shaft34is freely rotatable regardless of the state of the motor shaft31, so that the operator can manually raise and lower the shutter80.

When the operator further pulls the pull switch68ein the disconnected state, the lock pin65moves toward the base end side from the third position P3. However, since the second step portion67bis provided, the lock pin65is prevented from returning to the second portion62b, and moves along the step surface of the second step portion67band the side surface on the outer edge side of the recess62. Then, the lock pin65moves to a fourth position P4. The fourth position P4is within a lower end portion of the fourth portion62d. When the operator releases the pulling force of the pull switch68ein this state, the lock pin65returns to the first position P1along the fourth portion62d. Thereby, each of the switching shaft69and the connecting component returns to the position for connecting the output shaft34to the motor shaft31, and the output shaft34and the motor shaft31are placed in the connected state again.

When moving from the second position P2to the third position P3, the lock pin65is in contact with the step surface of the first step portion67a. Therefore, the lower end of the first bottom66ahaving the step surface of the first step portion67agradually wears away with operation of the operation unit68. Here, for example, if the first bottom66agradually wears away and an endpoint on the inner edge side of the step surface of the first step portion67ais closer to the first portion62athan the apex Q2is, the apex Q2may inhibit the movement of the lock pin65on the way from the second position P2to the third position P3. This inhibits normal operation of the connection switching assembly60.

On the other hand, according to the present example embodiment, the first bottom66ais provided with the first projecting portion66elocated closer to the second portion62bthan the first imaginary line L1having the apex Q2as the endpoint on the inner edge side. This configuration prevents the endpoint on the inner edge side of the step surface of the first step portion67afrom being closer to the first portion62athan the apex Q2until the first projecting portion66eis completely worn out. Accordingly, the inhibition of the movement of the lock pin65can be suppressed as the endpoint on the inner edge side of the step surface of the first step portion67ais prevented from being closer to the first portion62athan the apex Q2. Therefore, the present example embodiment can suppress the inhibition against normal operation of the connection switching assembly60.

In the same manner as the first projecting portion66edescribed above, the second projecting portion66fcan suppress the inhibition against the movement of the lock pin65from the third position P3to the fourth position P4. In addition, in the same manner as the first projecting portion66edescribed above, the third projecting portion66gcan suppress the inhibition against the movement of the lock pin65from the fourth position P4to the first position P1. Therefore, the inhibition against normal operation of the connection switching assembly60can be suppressed.

As shown inFIG. 3, the circuit board50is disposed inside the case20on the base end side. The circuit board50has a shape of a rectangular plate extending in the axial direction X. A substrate surface50aof the circuit board50lies at right angles to the vertical direction Z. The substrate surface50ais the upper surface of the circuit board50. Printed wiring (not shown) is provided on the substrate surface50a.

As shown inFIG. 4, the circuit board50is disposed on the upper surfaces of the board support parts22d,22e. In the present example embodiment, the circuit board50is screwed to one of the board support parts22ddisposed closest to the tip end side, and screwed to one of the board support parts22edisposed closest to the base end side. That is, the circuit board50is screwed to the case20at diagonally arranged two portions. The circuit board50is disposed at the lower side of a center of the case20. In the present example embodiment, the center of the case20coincides with the central axis J. Although not shown, the circuit board50is electrically connected to the motor30.

The power supply device40supplies electric power to the motor30and the circuit board50. The power supply device40is connected to an external power source (not shown) through a power supply cable44shown inFIG. 2. The power supply device40is, for example, a transformer configured to convert a voltage of electric power supplied from the external power source. As shown inFIG. 1, the power supply device40is disposed inside the case20closer to the base end side.

The substrate surface50aand the power supply device40are disposed to face each other in the vertical direction Z that is orthogonal to the axial direction X. Therefore, the size of the case20accommodating the circuit board50and the power supply device40can be reduced in the axial direction X, as compared with the structure in which the circuit board50and the power supply device40are arranged side by side in the axial direction X. In other words, there is no need to change the size of the case20in the axial direction X even when the circuit board50is enlarged in the axial direction X by the amount equivalent to the space for the power supply device40in the case of arranging the circuit board50and the power supply device40side by side in the axial direction X. That is, the circuit board50can be enlarged in the axial direction X without enlarging the case20in the axial direction X. Therefore, the present example embodiment can suppress enlargement of the motor assembly10aeven when the circuit board50is enlarged.

In the present example embodiment, the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other in the vertical direction Z with a gap therebetween, as shown inFIG. 4. The power supply device40is fixed to the case20through the housing61. In the present example embodiment, the housing61serves as a spacer fixed to an inner side surface of the case20. That is, the motor assembly10aincludes the housing61as a spacer.

For example, consider that the power supply device40is directly fixed to the case20. In such a case, if the case20has a cylindrical shape as in the present example embodiment, positioning of the power supply device40inside the case20may be limited. Specifically, for example, when the power supply device40is directly fixed to the flat part20b, the upper end of the power supply device40interferes with the upper curved portion21a, which necessitates the power supply device40being located lower than the position thereof shown inFIG. 4. In this case, as the position of the power supply device40is lowered, the position of the circuit board50also needs to be lowered. However, since the size in the front-rear direction Y of the case20becomes smaller toward the lower side, it is necessary to reduce the size of the circuit board50in the front-rear direction Y when the circuit board50is disposed lower than the position thereof shown inFIG. 4. Therefore, there is a problem that an area for mounting the circuit board50is reduced.

On the other hand, according to the present example embodiment, the power supply device40is fixed to the case20through the housing61that serves as a spacer, thus the position of the power supply device40can be easily adjusted inside the case20. Specifically, the position of the power supply device40in the front-rear direction Y can be disposed closer to the center of the case20because of the housing61. The upper curved portion21ais positioned higher in the vertical direction Z as it approaches the center of the case20, and thus the power supply device40can be disposed at a higher position by being disposed closer to the center of the case20. This allows the circuit board50to be disposed at a higher position inside the case20, which enables the circuit board50to have a larger size in the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, the power supply device40is fixed to the case20through the housing61according to the present example embodiment, which ensures a larger area for mounting the circuit board50in the present example embodiment.

In the present example embodiment, the power supply device40is fixed to the lower case22through the housing61. Further, the circuit board50is also fixed to the lower case22as described above. That is, both the power supply device40and the circuit board50are fixed to the lower case22. As the power supply device40and the circuit board50are electrically connected to each other, the motor assembly10acan be assembled easily by fixing the power supply device40and the circuit board50to the same lower case22.

The housing61serving as a spacer in the present example embodiment is part of the connection switching assembly60. That is, the spacer includes at least part of the connection switching assembly60. In this manner, since at least part of the connection switching assembly60is used as a spacer in the present example embodiment, it is not necessary to additionally provide a spacer. This can suppress increase in the number of components of the motor assembly10a, which can suppress increase in time and effort for assembly and the manufacturing cost of the motor assembly10a.

The power supply device40is fixed to a surface on the rear side of the housing61. The power supply device40and the housing61are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction Y. As described above, the predetermined direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other is the vertical direction Z in the present example embodiment. That is, the predetermined direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other is a direction intersecting the direction in which the power supply device40and the housing61are arranged.

For example, in the case where the predetermined direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other is parallel to the direction in which the power supply device40and the housing61are arranged, the power supply device40, the circuit board50, and the housing61are arranged in the same direction. In this case, it is necessary to closely arrange the power supply device40and the circuit board50so that the housing61can be arranged next to them. Therefore, for example, the circuit board50needs to be disposed at a lower position, which requires the circuit board50to be reduced in size in the front-rear direction Y. This may reduce the area for mounting the circuit board50.

On the other hand, according to the present example embodiment, the power supply device40and the housing61can be arranged side by side in a direction different from the direction in which the power supply device40and the circuit board50are arranged. This increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the power supply device40and the circuit board50in the predetermined direction, and suppresses reduction in the area for mounting the circuit board50. In addition, the space in the case can be effectively used in the direction intersecting the predetermined direction. Specifically, in the present example embodiment, the space in the front-rear direction Y in the case20can be effectively used as a space for disposing the housing61. The above-described effect can be magnified particularly when the predetermined direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other is orthogonal to the direction in which the power supply device40and the housing61are arranged, as in the present example embodiment.

As viewed in the axial direction X, a center C of the power supply device40is disposed higher than the center of the case20, that is, the central axis J in the present example embodiment. Therefore, the circuit board50can be easily disposed closer to the center of the case20in the vertical direction Z, and thus the area for mounting the circuit board50can be secured easily. Further, the circuit board50is disposed lower than the center of the case20, which can increase a distance between the upper surface of the circuit board50, that is, the substrate surface50aand the upper end of the case20. With this configuration, an electronic component having a large size in the vertical direction Z can be disposed easily on the substrate surface50a.

The power supply device40and the housing61are screwed together to the case20. Therefore, the power supply device40and the housing61can be simultaneously fixed to the case20, which can simplify the assembly of the motor assembly10a.

The power supply device40includes a main body41, an upper protrusion42, and a lower protrusion43. The main body41, the upper protrusion42, and the lower protrusion43are rectangular solid parts. The upper protrusion42is connected to the upper end of the main body41. The lower protrusion43is connected to the lower end of the main body41. The size of the upper protrusion42in the front-rear direction Y is smaller than the size of the main body41in the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, in the case20having a cylindrical shape, it is easy to dispose the upper protrusion42higher than the main body41. Thereby, the power supply device40can be easily disposed at a higher position. The size of the lower protrusion43in the front-rear direction Y is smaller than the size of the main body41in the front-rear direction Y. As shown inFIG. 3, the size of the upper protrusion42in the axial direction X is smaller than the size of the main body41in the axial direction X. Although not shown in the figure, the size of the lower protrusion43in the axial direction X is smaller than the size of the main body41in the axial direction X.

As shown inFIG. 1, the plurality of electronic components51,52are attached to the circuit board50. The electronic component51is attached to the substrate surface50aat a position different from the power supply device40in the axial direction X. In the present example embodiment, the electronic component51is attached to the substrate surface50aon the tip end side of the power supply device40. The electronic component51is a component having a relatively large size in the vertical direction Z. The electronic component51overlaps the power supply device40in the axial direction X. That is, at least part of the plurality of electronic components is attached to the substrate surface50aat a position different from the position of the power supply device40in the axial direction X, and overlaps the power supply device40in the axial direction X. Therefore, a component having a relatively large size in the vertical direction Z, such as the electronic component51, can be mounted on the circuit board50.

For example, the electronic component51is a component for wireless communication. The electronic component51is, for example, an electronic component that allows the motor assembly10ato receive a signal transmitted from the outside. This enables remote control of the motor assembly10a. The substrate surface50ahas a relatively large space for installing components for wireless communication. Therefore, the above described effect that can suppress the increase in size of the motor assembly10awhile enlarging the circuit board50is largely exerted in the case where the components for wireless communication are mounted on the circuit board50.

The electronic component52is disposed on the substrate surface50aat a position facing the power supply device40. That is, at least part of the plurality of electronic components is disposed on the substrate surface50aat a position facing the power supply device40. Therefore, the space on the substrate surface50acan be effectively used. The electronic component52is a component whose size in the vertical direction Z is relatively small as compared to that of the electronic component51. In the case where the sizes of the electronic components mounted on the circuit board50vary in the vertical direction Z as in the present example embodiment, electronic components having a relatively small size in the vertical direction Z are disposed on the substrate surface50aat a position facing the power supply device40, and electronic components having a relatively large size in the vertical direction Z are disposed on the substrate surface50aat a position different from that of the power supply device40in the axial direction X, so that a larger number of electronic components can be suitably disposed on the circuit board50.

The rotary cylinder11extends in the axial direction X, and has a cylindrical shape disposed radially outwardly from the case20. The rotary cylinder11has, for example, the central axis J as a center. The rotary cylinder11extends from the end of the motor assembly10aon the base end side toward the tip end side (+X side) beyond the other end on the tip end side of the motor assembly10a. One end of the rotary cylinder11on one side in the axial direction X (−X side) is joined to the case20through the bearing70. Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the rotary cylinder11on the other side in the axial direction X (+X side) is rotatably supported by the wall. Thus, the rotary cylinder11is supported at both ends thereof in the axial direction X in a rotatable manner around the central axis J.

The rotary cylinder11is joined to the output shaft34through the connection member12. As shown inFIG. 2, the connection member12is a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape and fixed to the output shaft34. As shown inFIG. 1, the connection member12is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotary cylinder11. Thus, when the output shaft34rotates, the rotary cylinder11also rotates through the connection member12. That is, the rotary cylinder11rotates according to the rotation of the output shaft34. The drive device10of the present example embodiment equipped with such a rotary cylinder11can be used as a drive device for a shutter device as in the present example embodiment, a drive device for a transport roller, or the like.

Specifically, in the drive device10used for the shutter device1of the present example embodiment, the rotary cylinder11is rotated to wind the shutter80around the rotary cylinder11, so that the shutter80can be raised. Further, the rotary cylinder11is rotated in the reverse direction to unwind the shutter80that has been wound around the rotary cylinder11, so that the shutter80can be lowered.

In the case where the motor assembly10ais provided in the drive device10in which the rotary cylinder11is provided as in the present example embodiment, the space of the case20can be enlarged by forming the case20of the motor assembly10ain a cylindrical shape as compared to the case20formed in a rectangular tubular shape. That is, a motor assembly10asuitable for the drive device10including the rotary cylinder11can be provided by forming the case20in a cylindrical shape.

In the shutter device1, for example, other devices are disposed inside the rotary cylinder11avoiding the position where the motor assembly10ais accommodated. Therefore, enlargement of the motor assembly10ain the axial direction X causes a problem that the other devices cannot be disposed. In view of this, the above described effect that can suppress enlargement of the motor assembly10ais favorable particularly to the drive device10used for the shutter device1.

In addition, since enlargement of the motor assembly10acan be suppressed, it is possible to manufacture a shutter device with a new function by replacing only the circuit board in the existing shutter device, for example, even in the case where a circuit board is enlarged by adding a new function to the shutter device. This facilitates manufacture of a shutter device added with a new function.

The other devices provided in the shutter device1include, for example, a coil spring and the like that applies an elastic force to the rotary cylinder11in a direction in which the shutter80is wound among the rotation directions around the central axis J. The rotation torque necessary for rotating the rotary cylinder11is maximized in the state in which the shutter80is fully unwound, that is, the shutter80is closed, and is minimized in the state in which the shutter80is fully wound, that is, the shutter80is opened. When the shutter80is closed, a relatively large elastic force is applied to the rotary cylinder11by the coil spring. The elastic force applied to the rotary cylinder11decreases as the shutter80opens. In this manner, the coil spring can assist the rotation of the rotary cylinder11by the motor assembly10a. Therefore, the rotation torque of the motor assembly10acan be reduced, which contributes to miniaturization of the motor30. Further, the rotary cylinder11can be rotated with an appropriate rotation torque according to the open/close state of the shutter80, thereby stabilizing the upward and downward movement of the shutter80.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example embodiment, and other configurations may be adopted. The circuit board50and the power supply device40may be in contact with and face each other. Moreover, as long as part of the power supply device40faces the substrate surface50a, the other part of the power supply device40may not face the substrate surface50a. Further, the predetermined direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other is not particularly limited as long as it is orthogonal to the axial direction X, and may be a direction other than the vertical direction Z.

Moreover, the spacer is part of the connection switching assembly60in the above example embodiment, but is not limited thereto. The spacer may include another portion in addition to part of the connection switching assembly60, or may not include the connection switching assembly60. In addition, the direction in which the power supply device40and the spacer are arranged may be parallel to the direction in which the substrate surface50aand the power supply device40face each other. Furthermore, the spacer may not be provided. Moreover, the case20is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have an elliptic tubular shape or a rectangular tubular shape. The center of the case20may not coincide with the central axis J.

Further, the application of the motor assembly10aaccording to the above example embodiment is not limited, and the motor assembly10amay be mounted on any device in addition to the drive device10for the shutter device1. Moreover, the drive device10of the above example embodiment may be mounted on any device in addition to the shutter device1. Moreover, each structure mentioned above can be combined suitably within the range that they are not mutually inconsistent.