Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an example of a known linear reciprocating-motion apparatus that is utilized in vehicles. The linear reciprocating-motion apparatus comprises a housing, a lock shaft, a latch, a pawl, and a switch.

The lock shaft is one example of a movable member. The lock shaft is supported by the housing; is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in a range that includes (between) a first position, a second position, and a third position, which is separated (spaced apart) from the first position more than the second position; and is biased toward the first position.

The latch is coupled to a linearly-movable shaft, which is a portion of the lock shaft, and is pivotably supported by the housing. A latching surface is formed on the latch. The pawl is supported by the housing. The pawl is pivotable between a blocking position, at which it engages the latching surface and prohibits the lock shaft from moving from the second position to the first position, and a nonblocking position, at which it is spaced apart from the latching surface and permits the lock shaft to move from the second position to the first position. The pawl is biased toward the blocking position and is displaced to the nonblocking position by an electric actuator that is energized by a control apparatus when induced by a specific operation for moving the lock shaft to the first position, i.e. a manual operation that moves the lock shaft held at the second position to the third position.

The switch is provided on the housing. Each time the manual operation that moves the lock shaft to the third position is repeated, the switch is pressed by a first contact piece of the latch, which interacts with the linear reciprocating motion of the lock shaft, and is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state.

In this known linear reciprocating-motion apparatus, the control apparatus ascertains that the switching of the switch was caused by the manual operation that moves the lock shaft to the third position, and only when the switch has switched from the disconnected state to the connected state under specific conditions, executes control so as to energize the electric actuator. Then, when the pawl is displaced to the nonblocking position by the energized electric actuator, the lock shaft is displaced to the first position.

However, with the above-described known linear reciprocating-motion apparatus, it is necessary for the control apparatus to ascertain the switching of the switch and determine whether the switch has switched from the disconnected state to the connected state under the specific conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to simplify the electrical circuitry for the switch, and the electronic control program tends to become complicated. Furthermore, in the event that a so-called bug in the program occurs, there is a risk that the control apparatus might make an erroneous determination with respect to the switch, thereby possibly causing the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus to malfunction.

<CIT> describes a linear reciprocating-motion apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM> used in a lid-body opening/closing apparatus, wherein a switch linear reciprocating-motion apparatus indicates the open or closed state of the lid body using an ON or OFF status of its own.

Accordingly, one non-limiting object of the present teachings is to disclose a linear reciprocating-motion apparatus that can further improve reliability by simplifying the electrical circuitry for the switch.

This object is achieved by the invention according to claim <NUM>. Further developments of the present invention are presented in the dependent claims.

In one aspect of the present teachings, a linear reciprocating-motion apparatus comprises:.

With the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of this aspect of the present teachings, the intermittent mechanism has the above-mentioned configuration. Therefore, when the movement of the movable member to the third position is repeated, once every two times the switch is switched from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state. Owing to such intermittent switching of the switch, there is no need to interpose complex electrical circuitry, such as a control apparatus; for example, it is possible to energize the electric actuator so as to displace the stopper to the nonblocking position; it is possible to switch the power ON and OFF to a light that illuminates the vicinity of the housing; and the like. That is, because mechanical control (actuation) is used in the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of the above-mentioned aspect, malfunctions due to bugs in electronic control programs do not readily occur.

Accordingly, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of this aspect of the present teachings can further improve reliability by enabling the electrical circuitry for the switch to be simplified.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that the intermittent mechanism comprises: a first intermittent-guide part that is displaceably supported by the housing and on which is formed a first intermittent profile, which includes a fourth position and a fifth position; and a first interacting mechanism that is displaceably supported by the housing, includes a first guided part, which is guided by the first intermittent profile, and is adapted/configured to displace (move) the first guided part by interacting with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member. Furthermore, it is preferable that, each time the first intermittent-guide part is repetitively moved by the movable member moving to the third position, the first intermittent-guide part guides the first guided part alternately to the fourth position or to the fifth position. The point in time at which the first guided part has been guided to the fifth position is defined as the specific state.

Because the intermittent mechanism of the above-mentioned aspect comprises the first intermittent-guide part and the first interacting mechanism, it is possible to reliably perform the action of switching the switch from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state once every two times.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that the first intermittent profile includes a maximum separation position that is most separated (spaced apart) from the fourth position and the fifth position, and an intermediate stopping position that is positioned between the maximum separation position and a range that includes the fourth position and the fifth position. It is preferable that the first intermittent-guide part is biased so as to displace (move) the fourth position and the fifth position of the first intermittent profile in a direction (leading) away from the first interacting mechanism, and the fourth position is spaced apart from the first interacting mechanism farther than the fifth position. It is preferable that the first guided part is adapted/configured to cycle (move) around, in order, the maximum separation position, the fourth position, the intermediate stopping position, and the fifth position. Furthermore, it is preferable that a restricting part is formed on the first intermittent profile and is disposed between the maximum separation position and the fourth position. The restricting part restricts (blocks) a change in path of the first guided part toward the intermediate stopping position as the first guide part is being guided from the maximum separation position to the fourth position.

In such an embodiment, it is noted that, after the first guided part has been guided to the fifth position and it is time to be guided to the fourth position by the next movement of the movable member to the third position, there are situations in which: (i) the movable member moves at a slow speed from the first position, passes the second position, and moves to the third position; (ii) the movable member moves from the first position, passes the second position, immediately thereafter halts and is held at the second position, and thereafter moves from the second position to the third position; or the like. In these situations, if no countermeasures are taken, when the movable member passes the second position, the first intermittent-guide part would, by being biased, adversely (undesirably) displace in the direction that separates (spaces apart) the fourth position and the fifth position of the first intermittent profile from the first interacting mechanism. Therefore, there is a risk of the problem that the first guided part will skip the turn of the fourth position and will be adversely (undesirably) guided to the fifth position via the intermediate stopping position. In this regard, because the restricting part of the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of this aspect restricts (blocks) the first guided part from changing its path of movement (i.e. to an undesirable path of movement), such a problem can be prevented with high reliability.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that, when guided to the intermediate stopping position, the first guided part is held at the intermediate stopping position by being pressed against a guide wall that extends from the fifth position on the first intermittent profile toward the maximum separation position.

In such an embodiment, the strength of the guide wall can be easily increased, so that the guide wall can reliably receive (support) the first guided part guided to the intermediate stopping position. Therefore, not only can the first guided part be reliably held at the intermediate stopping position, but damage to the first intermittent-guide part can be minimized or avoided.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that an island part is formed in the center of the first intermittent profile and includes the restricting part and a recessed part that is recessed toward the maximum separation position on the fifth-position side of the restricting part. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first guided part is held at the intermediate stopping position by entering the recessed part of the island part when being guided to the intermediate stopping position.

In such an embodiment, the recessed part of the island part can reliably receive (support) the first guided part that is being guided to the intermediate stopping position, and therefore the first guided part can be reliably held at the intermediate stopping position.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that the intermittent mechanism comprises: a second intermittent-guide part that is non-displaceably provided on the housing and on which is formed a second intermittent profile, which includes a sixth position and a seventh position; and a second interacting mechanism that is displaceably supported by the housing, includes a second guided part, which is guided by the second intermittent profile, and is adapted/configured to displace the second guided part by interacting with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member. Furthermore, it is preferable that, each time the movable member repeatedly performs the action of moving (repeatedly moves) to the third position, the second intermittent-guide part guides the second guided part alternately between the sixth position and the seventh position. The point in time at which the second guided part has been guided to the seventh position is defined as the specific state.

Because the intermittent mechanism of this aspect comprises the second intermittent-guide part and the second interacting mechanism, it is possible to reliably perform the action of switching the switch from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state once every two times.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus is used in a vehicle and is provided between an opening on a vehicle body and a lid body that is capable of opening/closing (adapted/configured to open and close) the opening. It is preferable that the lid body is displaceable in a (pivot) range that includes (between): an open position at which the opening is open, a closed position at which the opening is closed, and a pressed-in position at which the lid body is pressed in from the closed position to the side opposite the open position. It is preferable that, in the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus, the housing is provided on the vehicle body. It is preferable that the movable member extends centered on an axial center passing through the opening and is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axial center in a (linear) range that includes (between): the first position corresponding to the open position, the second position corresponding to the closed position, and the third position corresponding to the pressed-in position. Furthermore, the specific operation is a manual opening operation for displacing the lid body to the open position.

In such an embodiment, because the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus is used in vehicles, the electrical circuitry for the switch can be simplified and further improvements in reliability can be achieved.

According to the invention, because the stopper is adapted/configured to be displaced to the nonblocking position by the electric actuator, the manual opening operation performed by the user can be simplified, and therefore the holding of the lid body can be easily released.

In another aspect of the present teachings, it is preferable that the movable member comprises: a linearly-movable shaft that extends centered on the axial center, is supported by the housing such that it is nonrotatable around the axial center and is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axial center in the (linear) range that includes (between): the first position, the second position, and the third position, and is biased toward the first position; and a rotary shaft that extends centered on the axial center, is supported by the linearly-movable shaft such that it is rotatable around the axial center and capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in the direction of the axial center, is rotatable to a latched position that latches the lid body when the linearly-movable shaft is disposed in the second position or the third position and is rotatable to an unlatched position that does not latch the lid body when the linearly-movable shaft is disposed in the first position.

Owing to the movable member having such a specific configuration, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus according to the above-mentioned aspect can be suitably used in a vehicle or industrial machinery.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention should be clear from embodiments explained in the following description and shown in the attached drawings, from the illustrations shown in these drawings, and from the concept or gist of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM> according to the present teachings are explained below, with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> show a specific embodiment of a linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> for use in vehicles according to Working Example <NUM> of the present teaching. The linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> is designed to be utilized, e.g., in a vehicle such as an automobile, a bus, an industrial vehicle, or the like. <FIG> show a rear-side portion on the right-side surface of a vehicle body <NUM> of the vehicle.

The front and rear directions shown in <FIG> are based on the front and rear directions of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle-inside direction and the vehicle-outside direction shown in <FIG> are based on the perspective of a person sitting inside the vehicle cabin, where the right-side surface of the vehicle is the vehicle outer side, and the opposite side is the vehicle inner side, i.e. the cabin side. Furthermore, the direction coming out of the plane of the paper in <FIG> is the upper side of the vehicle, i.e. the roof side, whereas the direction going back from the plane of the paper in <FIG> is the lower side of the vehicle, i.e. the floor side. The front-rear direction, the vehicle inside-outside direction, and the up-down direction in <FIG> and thereafter are shown corresponding to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle body <NUM> has a body panel 9A and an inner panel 9B. The body panel 9A constitutes a right-side exterior surface of the vehicle body <NUM>. The inner panel 9B is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle relative to the body panel 9A and partitions off adjacent vehicle compartments such as the trunk.

An opening <NUM> is provided on the body panel 9A of the vehicle body <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is a recessed part that is formed such that one portion of the body panel 9A recesses toward the inner side of the vehicle from the right-side surface of the vehicle body <NUM> and is open toward the right-side surface of the vehicle body <NUM>. The opening <NUM> has a bottom wall 8B and a support wall <NUM>.

The bottom wall 8B extends substantially planarly in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, forming the bottom surface of the opening <NUM>. A fuel-filling hole <NUM> is disposed in the center of the bottom wall 8B. In electric vehicles, the fuel-filling hole <NUM> is replaced with a charging port.

The support wall <NUM> extends substantially planarly in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction at a location rearward of the bottom wall 8B and on the vehicle outer side, forming a portion of the inner-wall surface of the opening <NUM>. A through hole <NUM> is formed so as to pass through the support wall <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> is a round hole centered on axial center X10. Axial center X10 extends in the vehicle inside-outside direction and passes through the opening <NUM>.

A substantially planar lid body <NUM> is supported on the body panel 9A of the vehicle body <NUM> such that it is pivotable about opening/closing axial center X5. Opening/closing axial center X5 extends in the up-down direction along an opening edge on the front side of the opening <NUM>. The lid body <NUM> is pivotable in a (pivot) range that includes (between): an open position shown in <FIG>, a closed position shown in <FIG>, and a pressed-in position shown in <FIG>. Although the term "lid body" is utilized herein for the structure <NUM> that opens and closes the opening <NUM>, other terms may be utilized, such as fuel door, fuel door cover, fuel lid, charging port cover, charging port door, charging port lid, etc. All of these terms are intended to be synonymous.

<FIG> shows, in solid line and chain double-dashed line, respectively, two exemplary open positions of the lid body <NUM>. By pivoting to an open position, the lid body <NUM> is displaced (moved) to a position where its rearward end is farther outward of the vehicle than the outer surface of the body panel 9A, thus opening the opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, by pivoting to the closed position, the outer surface of the lid body <NUM> is flush with the outer surface of the body panel 9A, thus constituting a portion of the design surface of the vehicle body <NUM>, and also closing the opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, by pivoting to the pressed-in position, the lid body <NUM> is displaced (moved, pivoted) such that its rearward end is disposed farther toward the inner side of the vehicle than the outer surface of the body panel 9A, and is thus pressed inwardly of the body panel 9A on the side opposite the open position.

As shown in <FIG>, a lid-body latching part <NUM>, which includes a pair of latching flanges 4A, 4B, is fixed on the surface of the lid body <NUM> on the rearward end that faces the inner side of the vehicle. The front latching flange 4A and the rear latching flange 4B each protrude toward the inner side of the vehicle and then bend, extending so as to approach each other in the front-rear direction.

The tip of the front latching flange 4A and the tip of the rear latching flange 4B oppose one other with a prescribed spacing between them in the front-rear direction. When the lid body <NUM> is in the closed position, axial center X10 passes through an intermediate position between the tip of the front latching flange 4A and the tip of the rear latching flange 4B.

A maintenance opening <NUM> and an opening cover 9N are provided in/on the inner panel 9B of the vehicle body <NUM>. The maintenance opening <NUM> is formed in the inner panel 9B rearward of the fuel-filling hole <NUM>. The maintenance opening <NUM> passes through the inner panel 9B and is sized such that the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> can pass through the maintenance opening <NUM>.

The opening cover 9N is removably mounted on the inner panel 9B, thereby closing the maintenance opening <NUM>. The opening cover 9N is removable, e.g., by an assembler at the time of attaching the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> during the manufacture of the vehicle or by a mechanic when attaching or removing the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> for work such as maintenance or repair work. Thereby, it is possible to perform the above-described work easily by inserting a hand into the space between the body panel 9A and the inner panel 9B via the opened maintenance opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> is provided between the opening <NUM> and the lid body <NUM> and is configured/adapted for opening and closing the lid body <NUM>.

The linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a linearly-movable shaft <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a rotary shaft <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a compression-coil spring <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a stopper <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a compression-coil spring <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> are representative, non-limiting examples of "movable members" according to the present teachings.

In addition, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> comprises an electric actuator <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and a switch SW1 and an intermittent mechanism <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is provided on the vehicle body <NUM> by being fastened to fixing members (not shown) disposed between the body panel 9A and the inner panel 9B of the vehicle body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a housing body <NUM> and a housing case (housing cover) <NUM>.

The housing body <NUM> is a substantially box-shaped body and has an open side on the surface that faces the inner side of the vehicle. A tubular guide 91A is formed on a front portion of the surface of the housing body <NUM> facing the outer side of the vehicle. The tubular guide 91A has a circular-tube shape centered on axial center X10 and protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner-circumferential surface of the tubular guide 91A serves as a guide surface <NUM> for enabling the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> to undergo linear reciprocating motion in the direction of axial center X10. In addition, a guide protrusion 91J is formed on the inner side of the housing body <NUM> and enables the rotary shaft <NUM> to be rotatable about axial center X10.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing case <NUM> is assembled (mounted) on the open side of the housing body <NUM> having the surface that faces the inner side of the vehicle. The housing case <NUM>, together with the housing body <NUM>, partitions off (encloses) a storage space of (within) the housing <NUM>.

Stored within the storage space of the housing <NUM> are: the portions of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> that are located on the inner side of the vehicle (within the body panel 9A), as well as the compression-coil spring <NUM>, the stopper <NUM>, the compression-coil spring <NUM>, the electric actuator <NUM>, the intermittent mechanism <NUM>, and the switch SW1.

As shown in <FIG>, a shaft-shaped guide 92A is formed on (extends from) the front portion of the housing case <NUM> and enables the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to undergo linear reciprocating motion in the direction of axial center X10. The shaft-shaped guide 92A has a circular-cylindrical shaft shape centered on an axial center that extends parallel to axial center X10, i.e. the axial center of the shaft-shaped guide 92A is offset relative to axial center X10. Furthermore, the shaft-shaped guide 92A protrudes within the housing <NUM> toward the outer side of the vehicle.

Although omitted from <FIG>, the compression-coil spring <NUM> shown in <FIG> is mounted around the shaft-shaped guide 92A. In addition, although omitted from the figures, holding (support) parts are formed on the housing case <NUM> to respectively hold (support) the stopper <NUM>, the compression-coil spring <NUM>, the electric actuator <NUM>, the intermittent mechanism <NUM>, and the switch SW1, which are shown in <FIG>, together with the housing body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a slot <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the housing case <NUM> such that it passes through in the vehicle inside-outside direction. The slot <NUM> is covered by a rubber cap 92C as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> comprises a linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> and a hook block <NUM>.

The linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> is a substantially circular-cylindrical shaft that extends centered on axial center X10. The linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> includes a base-end portion <NUM>, which is one end portion of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> that is located on the side opposite to the lid body <NUM> in the direction of axial center X10, i.e. on the inner side of the vehicle. A terminal end (tip) of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> is the other end portion of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> that is located on the lid body <NUM> side in the direction of axial center X10, i.e. toward the outer side of the vehicle.

A flange part 11F is formed on (at) the terminal end portion (tip) of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>. The flange part 11F protrudes in the radial direction of axial center X10 more than other portions of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>.

In addition, a cushioning part <NUM> and a sealing part <NUM> are provided on the terminal end portion (tip) of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>. The cushioning part <NUM> and the sealing part <NUM> are made of elastic materials, for example, rubber, elastomers, soft resins, or the like, that are softer (more elastic) than the polymer (resin) materials constituting the other (rigid) portions of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>.

The cushioning part <NUM> protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle from the flange part 11F, i.e. toward the lid body <NUM>. The sealing part <NUM> is formed in a ring shape around axial center X10 toward the inner side of the vehicle from the flange part 11F.

The hook block <NUM> is a substantially block-shaped member made of polymer (resin) that is fixed to the base-end portion <NUM> of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> and that is movable integrally with the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM>, an engagement part <NUM>, and an actuating part <NUM> are formed in/on the hook block <NUM>.

The shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM> is a round hole that passes, in a direction parallel to axial center X10, through a portion of the hook block <NUM> that is offset downward and forward of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>.

Although omitted from the figures, by inserting the shaft-shaped guide 92A shown in <FIG> through the shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM> such that it can undergo linear reciprocating motion in (along) the direction of axial center X10.

In addition, because the shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM> and the shaft-shaped guide 92A are offset relative to axial center X10 (i.e. offset relative to the tubular guide 91A, in which the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> are inserted), the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM> such that it is nonrotatable around axial center X10.

When the shaft-shaped guide 92A shown in <FIG> is inserted through the shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM>, one end of the compression-coil spring <NUM> makes contact with the hook block <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Thereby, the compression-coil spring <NUM> biases the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> toward the outer side of the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the engagement part <NUM> is a tilted surface that faces the outer side of the vehicle and is formed on a portion of the hook block <NUM> that is offset rearward from the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>. The engagement part <NUM> is tilted such that it inclines toward the inner side of the vehicle as it extends in the rearward direction.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the actuating part <NUM> is a protruding part (protrusion) that protrudes rearward from a portion of the hook block <NUM> that is offset downward from the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotary shaft <NUM> is a polymer (resin) member that extends in a substantially circular-tube shape centered on axial center X10. A helical groove 30J is defined as a recess or slot in an outer-circumferential surface of the rotary shaft <NUM>. The helical groove 30J extends in a helical shape, centered on axial center X10.

A terminal end (tip) of the rotary shaft <NUM> is an end part located on the lid body <NUM> side of the rotary shaft <NUM> in the direction of axial center X10, i.e. toward the outer side of the vehicle, and has a diameter smaller than the other portions of the rotary shaft <NUM>. Latch protrusions 34A, 34B are formed on (at) the terminal end portion (tip) of the rotary shaft <NUM>. The latch protrusions 34A, 34B are substantially plate-shaped protrusions that protrude, from the terminal end portion of the rotary shaft <NUM>, outward in the radial direction of axial center X10 such that they are spaced apart from one other.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> is inserted through the rotary shaft <NUM>, the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> supports the rotary shaft <NUM> such that it is rotatable around axial center X10. Because the flange part 11F of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> and the hook block <NUM> sandwich the rotary shaft <NUM> in the vehicle inside-outside direction, the rotary shaft <NUM> is kept (blocked) from falling out of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM>. Because the ring-shaped sealing part <NUM> of the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> makes annular contact with the interior of the rotary shaft <NUM>, the gap between the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> is sealed, thereby inhibiting (blocking) the ingress of foreign matter into the housing <NUM> via this gap.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted through the interior of the tubular guide 91A of the housing <NUM> with the rotary shaft <NUM> mounted around the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>. Although not shown in the figures, the guide protrusion 91J of the housing <NUM> projects into the helical groove 30J of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

Because the outer-circumferential surface of the rotary shaft <NUM> is guided along (via) the guide surface <NUM> of the tubular guide 91A, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> are supported by the housing <NUM> such that they can undergo linear reciprocating motion in the direction of axial center X10.

Furthermore, as was described above, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is supported on the housing <NUM> by the shaft-shaped guide insertion hole <NUM> and the shaft-shaped guide 92A such that it can undergo linear reciprocating motion in the direction of axial center X10, but it is nonrotatable about axial center X10.

On the other hand, because the rotary shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by the linearly-movable-shaft main body <NUM> and the guide protrusion 91J that protrudes into the helical groove 30J, the rotary shaft <NUM> can undergo linear reciprocating motion in the direction of axial center X10 together with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and also the rotary shaft <NUM> is supported on the housing <NUM> such that it is rotatable about axial center X10.

Therefore, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is reciprocally moveable in a linear range that includes (between) a first position shown in <FIG>, a second position shown in <FIG>, and a third position shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first position of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> corresponds to an open position of the lid body <NUM>. When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is disposed in the first position, it protrudes outward from the outermost surface of the vehicle body (i.e. the outermost surface of the body panel 9A). The linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is also shown in the first position in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second position of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> corresponds to the closed position of the lid body <NUM>. When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is disposed in the second position, it has retracted toward the inner side of the vehicle, with the terminal end (tip) of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> entering between the latching flanges 4A, 4B of the lid-body latching part <NUM>. This causes the cushioning part <NUM> to make contact with the surface of the lid body <NUM> in the closed position that faces the inner side of the vehicle. The linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is also shown in the second position in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the third position of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> corresponds to the pressed-in position of the lid body <NUM>. When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is disposed in the third position, the cushioning part <NUM>, which is located at the terminal end (tip) of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, remains in contact with the surface of the lid body <NUM> in the pressed-in position that faces the inner side of the vehicle while retracting even deeper toward the inside of the opening <NUM> than in the second position. The linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is also shown in the third position in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is biased (urged) in the vehicle outward direction by the compression-coil spring <NUM> shown in <FIG> toward the first position shown in <FIG>.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is moved to the second position or the third position, the rotary shaft <NUM> is simultaneously rotated to the latched position shown in <FIG> and <FIG> owing to the interaction between the guide protrusion 91J of the housing <NUM> and the helical groove 30J of the rotary shaft <NUM>. When the rotary shaft <NUM> is in the latched position, the latch protrusion 34A protrudes forward and latches the latching flange 4A of the lid-body latching part <NUM>, and the latch protrusion 34B protrudes rearward and latches the latching flange 4B of the lid-body latching part <NUM>. Thus, when the rotary shaft <NUM> is in the latched position, the lid body <NUM> is latched in the closed position or the pressed-in position. The rotary shaft <NUM> is also shown in the latched position by solid lines in <FIG>.

On the other hand, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is moved to the first position, the rotary shaft <NUM> is simultaneously rotated to the unlatched position shown in <FIG> owing to the interaction between the guide protrusion 91J of the housing <NUM> and the helical groove 30J of the rotary shaft <NUM>. When the rotary shaft <NUM> is in the unlatched position, the latch protrusion 34A is caused to protrude upward and be spaced apart from the latching flange 4A of the lid-body latching part <NUM>. Furthermore, although not shown, the latch protrusion 34B is caused to protrude downward and be spaced apart from the latching flange 4B of the lid-body latching part <NUM>. Thus, when the rotary shaft <NUM> is in the unlatched position, the lid body <NUM> is no longer latched. The rotary shaft <NUM> is also shown in the unlatched position by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is a polymer (resin) member that includes a pivot-axis part <NUM>, a fan-shaped (arcuate) gear <NUM>, a stopper surface (engagement surface) <NUM>, a manual-operation part (tab) <NUM>, and a spring-seat part <NUM> that are all integrally formed as a single component, i.e. the stopper <NUM>.

The pivot-axis part <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM> such that the stopper <NUM> is pivotable around pivot-axis center X50 that extends in the up-down direction.

Gear teeth are formed on the fan-shaped gear <NUM> and extend along an arc of a fan-shaped portion that protrudes from an upper portion of the pivot-axis part <NUM> toward the inner side of the vehicle.

The stopper surface <NUM> is formed on a substantially block-shaped portion that protrudes from a lower portion of the pivot-axis part <NUM> toward the inner side of the vehicle. The stopper surface <NUM> is a curved surface that faces the inner side of the vehicle while curving such that it traces an arc centered on pivot-axis center X50.

The manual-operation part <NUM> is connected to a region shifted upward and rearward of the stopper surface <NUM> on the substantially block-shaped portion that protrudes from the lower portion of the pivot-axis part <NUM> toward the inner side of the vehicle. The manual-operation part <NUM> extends toward the inner side of the vehicle while curving in a crank shape.

As shown in <FIG>, the terminal end (tip) of the manual-operation part <NUM> passes through the slot <NUM> of the housing case <NUM>, protrudes outside of the housing <NUM>, and is covered by the rubber cap 92C as shown in <FIG>. When the user moves the manual-operation part <NUM> by pushing on the rubber cap 92C, it becomes possible to manually pivot the stopper <NUM>. That is, the manual-operation part <NUM> is provided such that it is operable (manually pushable) from the outside of the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the spring-seat part <NUM> is formed at a position that is spaced apart from the pivot-axis part <NUM> toward the inner side of the vehicle and rearward. The spring-seat part <NUM> protrudes toward the outer side of the vehicle. The spring-seat part <NUM> latches in the end part of the compression-coil spring <NUM> (<FIG>) that is on the inner side of the vehicle. The compression-coil spring <NUM> biases the stopper <NUM> in the direction of displacing (pivoting) the stopper surface <NUM> forward.

The stopper <NUM> is pivotable in a (pivot) range that includes (between) a blocking position shown by solid lines in <FIG> and a nonblocking position shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

When the stopper <NUM> is in the blocking position shown by solid lines in <FIG>, the stopper surface <NUM> engages (contacts) the engagement part <NUM> formed on the hook block <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> in the second position, thereby prohibiting (blocking) the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> from moving from the second position to the first position. The stopper <NUM> is also shown in the blocking position in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

When the stopper <NUM> is in the nonblocking position shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>, the stopper surface <NUM> is separated (spaced apart) from the engagement part <NUM> formed on the hook block <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> in the second position, thereby permitting the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to move from the second position to the first position. The stopper <NUM> is also shown in the nonblocking position in <FIG>.

The stopper <NUM> is biased toward the blocking position by the compression-coil spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the electric actuator <NUM> comprises an electric motor <NUM> and a worm gear <NUM>, which are housed inside the housing <NUM>. Power supply wiring for the electric motor <NUM> is routed, via a wire harness W1 shown in <FIG>, to a power supply circuit of a control part (<FIG>) installed inside the vehicle, e.g., to an electronic control unit (ECU) or other type of processor/controller. As shown in <FIG>, the worm gear <NUM> is connected to a drive shaft of the electric motor <NUM> so as to be rotatable therewith. The worm gear <NUM> meshes with the fan-shaped gear <NUM> of the stopper <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the switch SW1 is housed within a rear portion of the housing <NUM> and is disposed downward of the electric motor <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM>.

The switch SW1 comprises a movable protrusion (lever) SW1A that is displaceable in the front-rear direction. The switch SW1 is switched to a disconnected state when the movable protrusion SW1A protrudes forward from a front surface of the switch SW1. On the other hand, the switch SW1 is switched to a connected state when the movable protrusion SW1A is displaced from the position shown in <FIG> rearward as shown in <FIG>.

The power supply wiring for the electric motor <NUM> is wired so as to transit the switch SW1 along the way, i.e. the switch SW1 is arranged in the power supply circuit to the electric motor <NUM> and thus is adapted/configured to turn the electric motor <NUM> ON and OFF. Therefore, when the switch SW1 is switched to the connected state, the electric motor <NUM> is electrically connected to the power supply circuit of the control part and thus is energized. On the other hand, when the switch SW1 is switched to the disconnected state, the electric motor <NUM> is electrically disconnected from the power supply circuit of the control part and thus is no longer energized.

That is, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the connected state of the switch SW1 and the rotation of the electric motor <NUM>, and a one-to-one correspondence between the disconnected state of the switch SW1 and the halting (stoppage) of the electric motor <NUM>. Consequently, the present circuit design eliminates the need for a complex electrical circuit and/or program for the control part to control the electric motor <NUM>.

When the electric motor <NUM> is energized in response to the switch SW1 having been switched to the connected state, the electric actuator <NUM> transmits the driving force (rotation) of the electric motor <NUM> to the stopper <NUM> via the worm gear <NUM> and the fan-shaped gear <NUM> and pivots the stopper <NUM>, against the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>, from the blocking position shown with solid lines in <FIG> to the nonblocking position shown with chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

Then, when the switch SW1 switches to the disconnected state and the electric motor <NUM> is no longer energized, the holding force will no longer act on the worm gear <NUM>, and therefore the electric actuator <NUM> will permit the stopper <NUM> to return to the blocking position owing to the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as will be further explained below.

As shown in <FIG>, the intermittent mechanism <NUM> is disposed inside the housing <NUM> downward of the electric motor <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM>. The intermittent mechanism <NUM> comprises a transmitting lever <NUM> and a first intermittent-guide part <NUM>. The transmitting lever <NUM> is one non-limiting example of a "first interacting mechanism" according to the present teachings.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the transmitting lever <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM> such that it is pivotable around pivot-axis center X130 extending in the up-down direction. The transmitting lever <NUM> is a polymer (resin) member, in which a driven part <NUM> and a first guided part <NUM> are integrally molded.

The driven part <NUM> is a protrusion that protrudes toward the outside of the vehicle and forward at a position separated (spaced apart) forward from pivot-axis center X130. The tip of the driven part <NUM> is rounded in a semicircular-arc shape.

As shown in <FIG>, the first guided part <NUM> is a circular-cylindrical shaft that protrudes upward at a position separated (spaced apart) rearward from pivot-axis center X130.

The transmitting lever <NUM> is biased by a torsion coil spring <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the counterclockwise direction around pivot-axis center X130 in the plane of the paper of <FIG> and <FIG>.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is disposed in the first position shown in <FIG>, the actuating part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is most separated (spaced apart) from the driven part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM>.

As the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the first position shown in <FIG> toward the second position shown in <FIG>, the actuating part <NUM> approaches the driven part <NUM> and eventually makes contact with the driven part <NUM>. Then, the torsion coil spring <NUM> biases the transmitting lever <NUM> such that the driven part <NUM> is pressed against the actuating part <NUM>. Thereby, the driven part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM> engages with the actuating part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, and the transmitting lever <NUM> interacts with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>.

Then, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> passes the second position shown in <FIG> and displaces toward the third position shown in <FIG>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> causes the transmitting lever <NUM> to pivot clockwise in <FIG> against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring <NUM>.

Therefore, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> approaches and then reaches the third position shown in <FIG> from the first position shown in <FIG>, the transmitting lever <NUM> displaces the first guided part <NUM> toward the outside of the vehicle and forward around pivot-axis center X130.

On the other hand, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> to the first position shown in <FIG>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> permits the transmitting lever <NUM> to be pivoted by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction of <FIG>. Then, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> has passed the second position, the actuating part <NUM> separates from the driven part <NUM>. As a result, the driven part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM> no longer engages with the actuating part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, and the transmitting lever <NUM> no longer interacts with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>.

Thus, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> approaches and then reaches the first position shown in <FIG> from the third position shown in <FIG>, the transmitting lever <NUM> displaces the first guided part <NUM> toward the inside of the vehicle and backward around pivot-axis center X130.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> is supported by the housing <NUM> so as to be pivotable around pivot-axis center X110 that extends in the up-down direction at a position that is separated (spaced apart) from the pivot-axis center X130 toward the inner side of the vehicle and rearward. The first intermittent-guide part <NUM> is a polymer (resin) member having a first intermittent profile <NUM>.

The first intermittent-guide part <NUM> comprises a guide-part main body 110A that extends toward the outside of the vehicle and forward from pivot-axis center X110. As the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> pivots around pivot-axis center X110, the guide-part main body 110A displaces between a first position that is separated (spaced apart) from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 in the direction toward pivot-axis center X130, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and a second position at which the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 is pressed rearward, thereby causing the switch SW1 to be placed (set) into the connected state, as shown in <FIG>.

The first intermittent-guide part <NUM> is biased by a torsion coil spring <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the counterclockwise direction in the plane of the paper in <FIG> and <FIG> around pivot-axis center X110, so as to move away from pivot-axis center X130 toward the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first intermittent profile <NUM> is formed in the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> in order to guide the movement of the first guided part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM> when the transmitting lever <NUM> is being pivoted by the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> or the torsion spring <NUM>. The first intermittent profile <NUM> is a groove recessed upward from the bottom surface of the guide-part main body 110A.

The first intermittent profile <NUM> includes fourth position P4, fifth position P5, maximum separation position PM1, and intermediate stopping position PM2.

Fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 are, respectively, substantially cul-de-sac-shaped on the side of the end that is farthest away from pivot-axis center X110 in the guide-part main body 110A. Fourth position P4 is separated (spaced apart) more from pivot-axis center X130 of the transmitting lever <NUM> than is fifth position P5. In other words, fourth position P4 is at a position closer to the switch SW1 than is fifth position P5.

The first intermittent-guide part <NUM> is biased by the torsion coil spring <NUM> so as to displace in a direction in which fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile <NUM> separate (move away) from pivot-axis center X130 of the transmitting lever <NUM> toward the switch SW1 side.

Maximum separation position PM1 is substantially cul-de-sac-shaped on the side of pivot-axis center X110 of the guide-part main body 110A. Maximum separation position PM1 is the position most separated (spaced apart) from fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 on the side of pivot-axis center X110.

Intermediate stopping position PM2 is positioned between maximum separation position PM1 and a range that includes fourth position P4 and fifth position P5.

When the transmitting lever <NUM> interacts with the linear reciprocal motion of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, the first intermittent profile <NUM> causes the first guided part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM> to cycle around these positions in order, i.e. from maximum separation position PM1, to fourth position P4, to intermediate stopping position PM2, to fifth position P5 and then back again to maximum separation position PM1.

In other words, as shown in <FIG>, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is in the first position, the first guided part <NUM> is disposed in (at) maximum separation position PM1.

Then, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the first position shown in <FIG> to the third position shown in <FIG>, passing through the second position shown in <FIG>, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from maximum separation position PM1 (<FIG>) to fourth position P4 (<FIG>).

Then, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> to the second position shown in <FIG>, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from fourth position P4 (<FIG>) to intermediate stopping position PM2 (<FIG>).

Then, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the second position shown in <FIG> to the third position shown in <FIG>, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from intermediate stopping position PM2 (<FIG>) to fifth position P5 (<FIG>).

Finally, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> back to the first position shown in <FIG>, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from fifth position P5 (<FIG>) to maximum separation position PM1 (<FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to cause the first guided part <NUM> to reliably cycle around, in order, the positions of maximum separation position PM1, fourth position P4, intermediate stopping position PM2, and fifth position P5, a restricting part <NUM> and a guide wall <NUM> are formed on the first intermittent profile <NUM>, and a reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> is also provided.

The restricting part <NUM> is formed substantially island-shaped in the center of the first intermittent profile <NUM> and is disposed between maximum separation position PM1 and fourth position P4. The restricting part <NUM> protrudes toward fourth position P4 at a position that is offset from a branching apex part PD1, where fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 branch, toward fourth position P4.

As the first guided part <NUM> is being guided from maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG> to fourth position P4 shown in <FIG>, the restricting part <NUM> makes contact with the first guided part <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and restricts (blocks) the first guided part <NUM> from changing its path toward intermediate stopping position PM2.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide wall <NUM> extends from fifth position P5 to maximum separation position PM1 while facing the branching apex part PD1 and the restricting part <NUM> with a gap therebetween.

While being guided from fourth position P4 shown in <FIG> to intermediate stopping position PM2 shown in <FIG> and passing between the branching apex part PD1 and the restricting part <NUM>, the first guided part <NUM> is pressed against the guide wall <NUM>, upon which the biasing force of the torsion coil spring <NUM> acts, and is thus held at intermediate stopping position PM2.

As shown in <FIG>, the reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> is pivotably supported by a shaft hole <NUM> that passes through the guide-part main body 110A on the side opposite the restricting part <NUM> with the guide wall <NUM> interposed therebetween. The reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> is biased by a torsion coil spring <NUM> in the clockwise direction in the plane of the paper of <FIG> and <FIG> such that it protrudes between the restricting part <NUM> and the guide wall <NUM>.

As the first guided part <NUM> is being guided from fifth position P5 shown in <FIG> to maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG>, the reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> is pressed against the first guided part <NUM> and pivots against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring <NUM> so as to open a space between the restricting part <NUM> and the guide wall <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, thus permitting the passage of the first guided part <NUM> between the restricting part <NUM> and the guide wall <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> is not pivoting despite being pressed against the first guided part <NUM> as the first guided part <NUM> is being guided from maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG> to fourth position P4 shown in <FIG>, reverse motion of the first guided part <NUM> is restricted (blocked).

In this manner, the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> alternately guides the first guided part <NUM> between fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 while the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> pivots during the action of repeatedly moving to the third position, and, when the first guided part <NUM> is guided to fifth position P5, presses the movable protrusion SW1A and switches the switch SW1 to the connected state.

The linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> having the above-described configuration opens and closes the lid body <NUM> as described below. The following explanation will begin starting from the state in which the lid body <NUM> is in the open position, where the opening <NUM> is open, as shown by the chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

In this state, as shown in <FIG>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is in the first position, the first guided part <NUM> is in (at) maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG>, and the guide-part main body 110A is spaced apart from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, with the switch SW1 in the disconnected state.

If the user then pushes in the lid body <NUM> shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG> toward the inner side of the vehicle to the state (position) indicated by solid lines in <FIG>, then the terminal end (tip) of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> in the first position and the terminal end (tip) of the rotary shaft <NUM> in the unlatched position enter into the lid-body latching part <NUM> of the lid body <NUM>, and the cushioning part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> makes contact with the surface of the lid body <NUM> that faces the inner side of the vehicle, thus absorbing the impact.

If the user then further pushes the lid body <NUM> against the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM> toward the inner side of the vehicle, the lid body <NUM> will pass the closed position shown in <FIG> and reach the pressed-in position shown in <FIG>. At this time, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> passes the second position and reaches the third position. The rotary shaft <NUM> moves linearly together with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> while rotating from the unlatched position to the latched position, thus latching the latch protrusions 34A, 34B to the lid-body latching part <NUM> and thereby latching the lid body <NUM>.

In addition, at this time, as shown in <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> is pushed in the rearward direction by a rear-end surface of the hook block <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and thereby pivots from the blocking position to the nonblocking position against the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM>. Therefore, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is permitted to pass through the second position to the third position.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> has passed the second position and approaches the third position, the stopper <NUM> is pivoted back to the blocking position by the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM>. At this time, the stopper surface <NUM> opposes, from the outer side of the vehicle, the engagement part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, with a gap between them as shown in <FIG>.

Thereafter, when the user takes their hand off the lid body <NUM>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position back to the second position owing to the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM> as shown in solid lines in <FIG>. Then, because the stopper surface <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> is disposed in the blocking position where it engages with (blocks movement of) the engagement part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is held at the second position. As a result, the lid body <NUM> is held at the closed position shown in <FIG>.

If the user performs the manual closing operation of closing the lid body <NUM> as described above and subsequently takes their hand off the lid body <NUM>, then the first guided part <NUM> displaces from maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG> to fourth position P4 shown in <FIG> and then displaces from fourth position P4 to intermediate stopping position PM2 shown in <FIG>. During this period, too, the guide-part main body 110A is spaced apart from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, so that the switch SW1 is (remains) in the disconnected state. For this reason, the electric motor <NUM> of the electric actuator <NUM> is not energized.

To pivot the lid body <NUM> held at the closed position shown in <FIG> to the open position shown in <FIG>, the user performs a manual opening operation by pressing in the lid body <NUM> from the closed position to the pressed-in position shown in <FIG>. That is, the specific operation for moving the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to the first position is performed. Thereby, as shown in <FIG>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> moves from the second position and reaches the third position while the stopper <NUM> remains in the blocking position.

At this time, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from intermediate stopping position PM2 shown in <FIG> to fifth position P5 shown in <FIG>, and the guide-part main body 110A presses the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, thereby causing the switch SW1 to switch to the connected state. For this reason, the electric motor <NUM> of the electric actuator <NUM> is energized and causes the stopper <NUM> to pivot to the nonblocking position shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

That is, in response to the manual opening operation for displacing the lid body <NUM> to the open position, i.e. the specific operation, the electric actuator <NUM> is energized, and the stopper <NUM> is displaced to the nonblocking position. In addition, the intermittent mechanism <NUM> is put into a specific state once out of every two times the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> repeats the operation of moving (movement) to the third position, that is, into the state in which the first intermittent profile <NUM> of the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> guides the first guided part <NUM> to fifth position P5. Then, the switch SW1 switches from the disconnected state to the connected state when the specific state has been achieved.

When the stopper <NUM> has been pivoted to the nonblocking position (as shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>) such that the stopper surface <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> is separated (spaced apart) from the engagement part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is permitted to pass the second position and displaces to the first position shown in <FIG> owing to the biasing force of the compression spring <NUM>. Consequently, the lid body <NUM> passes the closed position shown in <FIG> and pivots to the open position shown by solid lines in <FIG>.

At this time, the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates from the latched position shown in <FIG> to the unlatched position shown in <FIG> while moving linearly together with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>. The rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> causes the latch protrusions 34A, 34B to separate from the lid-body latching part <NUM>, and thereby the lid body <NUM> is no longer latched. As a result, the user can pivot the lid body <NUM> farther to the open position shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

During this time period, the first guided part <NUM> displaces from fifth position P5 shown in <FIG> to maximum separation position PM1 shown in <FIG>, passing the reverse-motion preventing member <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the guide-part main body 110A separates from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, thereby causing the switch SW1 to switch to the disconnected state. For this reason, the energizing of the electric motor <NUM> halts and the stopper <NUM> returns to the blocking position due to the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM>.

It is noted that, in the event that the electric actuator <NUM> does not operate, for example during repair work or at the time of an anomaly, such as when the battery is disconnected or completely discharged, there are situations in which the user must pivot the lid body <NUM> held at the closed position shown in <FIG> to the open position shown in <FIG>. In these situations, the user may press the manual-operation part <NUM> rearward to manually pivot the stopper <NUM> from the blocking position to the nonblocking position, and thereby the lid body <NUM> is pivotable to the open position shown in <FIG>.

With the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Example <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, to repeatedly perform the action of moving the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to the third position, the manual closing operation (in which the user presses in the lid body <NUM> from the open position to the pressed-in position in order to hold the lid body <NUM> at the closed position) and the manual opening operation (in which the user presses in the lid body <NUM> from the closed position to the pressed-in position in order to displace the lid body <NUM> to the open position) are performed alternately.

As was noted above, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> includes the intermittent mechanism <NUM> configured as described above and as shown in <FIG>. Therefore, when the action of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> moving to the third position is repeated, once every two times the guide-part main body 110A presses the movable protrusion SW1A to cause the switch SW1 to switch from the disconnected state to the connected state as shown in <FIG>, because the first guided part <NUM> of the transmitting lever <NUM> is alternately guided to fourth position P4 or fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile <NUM> and only when guided toward fifth position P5, the guide-part main body 110A presses the movable protrusion SW1A.

By utilizing such intermittent switching of the switch SW1, when the user performs the manual closing operation to close the lid body <NUM>, the electric actuator <NUM> is not energized and it is not necessary to utilize complex electrical circuitry for the control part to control the electric motor <NUM>. On the other hand, when the user performs the manual opening operation to open the lid body <NUM>, the electric actuator <NUM> is energized and the stopper <NUM> is displaced to the nonblocking position. That is, because mechanical control is used in the above-described linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, the occurrence (possibility) of malfunctions caused by a bug in an electronic control program can be reduced.

Accordingly, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> according to Working Example <NUM> makes it possible to simplify the electrical circuitry for the switch SW1 and to further increase reliability.

In addition, because the intermittent mechanism <NUM> of the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> comprises the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> and the transmitting lever <NUM> configured as described above, it is possible to reliably switch the switch SW1 from the disconnected state to the connected state once out of every two times that the lid body <NUM> is pressed to the pressed-in position.

Furthermore, in this linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> is biased such that fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile <NUM> displace in a direction (leading) away from the transmitting lever <NUM>, and fourth position P4 is spaced apart from pivot-axis center X130 of the transmitting lever <NUM> more than fifth position P5. Therefore, the first guided part <NUM> cycles (moves) around the positions of maximum separation position PM1, fourth position P4, intermediate stopping position PM2, and fifth position P5 in that order. Furthermore, the restricting part <NUM> is disposed between maximum separation position PM1 and fourth position P4 and restricts (blocks) a change of path of the first guided part <NUM> toward intermediate stopping position PM2 as the first guided part <NUM> is being guided from maximum separation position PM1 to fourth position P4.

In the above-described linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, after the first guided part <NUM> has been guided to fifth position P5 and it is time to be guided to fourth position P4 by the next movement of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to the third position, there are situations in which: (i) the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> moves at a slow speed from the first position shown in <FIG>, passes the second position shown in <FIG>, and moves to the third position shown in <FIG>; (ii) the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> moves from the first position shown in <FIG>, passes the second position shown in <FIG>, immediately thereafter halts and is held at the second position, and thereafter moves from the second position to the third position; or the like. In these situations, if the restricting part <NUM> was not (hypothetically) provided in the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> passes the second position, the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> would (owing to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring <NUM>) displace (in an undesired manner) in the direction that fourth position P4 and fifth position P5 of the first intermittent profile <NUM> are separated from the transmitting lever <NUM>. Therefore, there is a risk that a problem will occur in which the first guided part <NUM> skips the turn of fourth position P4 and is adversely guided to fifth position P5 via intermediate stopping position PM2. However, because the restricting part <NUM> of the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> restricts (blocks) the first guided part <NUM> from changing its path, such a problem can be prevented with high reliability.

In addition, with the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, when the first guided part <NUM> is guided to intermediate stopping position PM2, it is pressed against the guide wall <NUM> of the first intermittent profile <NUM> and therefore is held at intermediate stopping position PM2. By virtue of this configuration, the guide wall <NUM>, whose strength can be easily increased, reliably receives (support) the first guided part <NUM> as it is being guided to intermediate stopping position PM2; therefore, not only can the first guided part <NUM> be reliably held at intermediate stopping position PM2, but damage to the first intermittent-guide part <NUM> can be avoided or minimized.

In addition, because this linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> includes the stopper <NUM> that is displaced to the nonblocking position by the electric actuator <NUM>, which is energized only when the first guided part <NUM> is guided to fifth position P5 in response to the manual opening operation, the manual opening operation performed by the user can be simplified to the action of simply pressing in the lid body <NUM> to the pressed-in position, and therefore the holding (latching) of the lid body <NUM> can be easily released.

In addition, with this linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM>, the lid body <NUM> can be suitably opened/closed owing to the configuration that comprises the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of Working Example <NUM>, an island part <NUM> is formed in the center of the first intermittent profile <NUM>. The island part <NUM> includes the restricting part <NUM> of the first intermittent profile <NUM> according to the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Example <NUM> and a recessed part <NUM> that is recessed toward maximum separation position PM1 on the fifth position P5 side of the restricting part <NUM>. Furthermore, in Working Example <NUM>, intermediate stopping position PM2 of Working Example <NUM> is changed to intermediate stopping position PM2A.

The first guided part <NUM> is held at intermediate stopping position PM2A by entering the recessed part <NUM> of the island part <NUM> when being guided to intermediate stopping position PM2A.

Other structural members of Working Example <NUM> are the same as those of Working Example <NUM>. For this reason, structural members that are identical to those in Working Example <NUM> are assigned the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted or abbreviated.

With the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of Working Example <NUM> having such a configuration, in the same manner as the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Example <NUM>, the electrical circuitry for the switch SW1 can be simplified and further improvements in reliability can be achieved.

In addition, with this linear reciprocating-motion apparatus, the recessed part <NUM> of the island part <NUM> can reliably receive (support) the first guided part <NUM> as it is being guided to intermediate stopping position PM2A, and therefore the first guided part <NUM> can be reliably held at intermediate stopping position PM2A.

As shown in <FIG>, the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of Working Example <NUM> includes an intermittent mechanism <NUM> that differs from the intermittent mechanism <NUM> of the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Example <NUM>. Other structural members of Working Example <NUM> are the same as those of Working Example <NUM>. For this reason, structural members that are identical to those in Working Example <NUM> are assigned the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted or abbreviated.

The intermittent mechanism <NUM> comprises a second intermittent-guide part <NUM>, a transmitting lever <NUM>, and a transmitting rod <NUM>. The transmitting lever <NUM> and the transmitting rod <NUM> are a representative, non-limiting example of a "second interacting mechanism" of the present teachings.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transmitting lever <NUM> is supported on the housing <NUM> such that it is pivotable around pivot-axis center X230 that extends in the up-down direction. The transmitting lever <NUM> is a polymer (resin) member that is formed integrally with a driven part <NUM>. The driven part <NUM> is a protruding part formed at a position separated (spaced apart) forward from pivot-axis center X230.

The transmitting lever <NUM> is biased by a torsion coil spring (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction in the plane of the paper of <FIG> and <FIG> around pivot-axis center X230.

The transmitting rod <NUM> is a rod-shaped body extending in the vehicle inside-outside direction. The end part of the transmitting rod <NUM> on the inner side of the vehicle is linked to a rear-end part of the transmitting lever <NUM>. The end part of the transmitting rod <NUM> on the outer side of the vehicle is bent and protrudes upward, and the portion that protrudes upward thereof is called a second guided part <NUM>.

Then, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the first position shown in <FIG> toward the third position shown in <FIG>, the driven part <NUM> is pressed, starting from a point along the way, against the actuating part <NUM>, and thereby the transmitting lever <NUM> engages (becomes operably engaged) with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>. Therefore, after this engaging, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> moves toward the third position, the transmitting lever <NUM> interacts with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, and pivots (rotates) in the clockwise direction of <FIG> against the biasing force of a torsion coil spring (not shown).

Thereafter, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> approaches and then reaches the third position, the transmitting lever <NUM> causes the second guided part <NUM> of the transmitting rod <NUM> to displace toward the outer side of the vehicle.

On the other hand, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> to the first position shown in <FIG>, the interaction (engaging) of the transmitting lever <NUM> with the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> causes the transmitting lever <NUM> to pivot (rotate) in the counterclockwise direction of <FIG> due to the biasing force of a torsion coil spring (not shown). Thereafter, the driven part <NUM> separates from the actuating part <NUM> of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>.

Then, as the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> approaches and then reaches the first position, the transmitting lever <NUM> causes the second guided part <NUM> of the transmitting rod <NUM> to displace toward the inner side of the vehicle.

Because the second guided part <NUM> of the transmitting rod <NUM> is guided by a (below described) second intermittent profile <NUM>, the second guided part <NUM> is displaceable between a position spaced apart from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 as shown in <FIG>, and a position at which it presses the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1 rearward and puts the switch SW1 into the connected state, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second intermittent-guide part <NUM> is a flat plate part that extends forward of the switch SW1 from a support wall supporting the switch SW1 within the housing <NUM> and extends in the vehicle inside-outside direction. That is, the second intermittent-guide part <NUM> is provided on the housing <NUM> such that it is non-displaceable (stationary) relative to the housing <NUM>.

The second intermittent profile <NUM> for guiding the second guided part <NUM> of the transmitting rod <NUM> is formed on/in the second intermittent-guide part <NUM>. The second intermittent profile <NUM> is a groove that is recessed upward from the bottom surface of the second intermittent-guide part <NUM>.

The second intermittent profile <NUM> includes sixth position P6, seventh position P7, maximum separation position PM3, and intermediate stopping position PM4.

Sixth position P6 and seventh position P7 are each substantially cul-de-sac-shaped on the end-edge side of the second intermittent-guide part <NUM> on the outer side of the vehicle. Seventh position P7 is at a position nearer to the switch SW1 than sixth position P6.

Maximum separation position PM3 has a shape recessed toward the inner side of the vehicle at a position farthest away on the inner side of the vehicle from sixth position P6 and seventh position P7 on the second intermittent-guide part <NUM>.

Intermediate stopping position PM4 is positioned between maximum separation position PM3 and a range that includes sixth position P6 and seventh position P7.

When the transmitting lever <NUM> interacts with the linear reciprocating motion of the linearly-movable shaft <NUM>, the second intermittent profile <NUM> causes the second guided part <NUM> of the transmitting rod <NUM> to cycle (move) around, in order, the positions of the maximum separation position PM3, sixth position P6, intermediate stopping position PM4, and seventh position P7.

That is, as shown in <FIG>, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is in the first position, the second guided part <NUM> is in (at) maximum separation position PM3.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the first position shown in <FIG> to the third position shown in <FIG>, passing the second position, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from maximum separation position PM3 to sixth position P6.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> to the second position shown in <FIG>, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from sixth position P6 to intermediate stopping position PM4.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the second position shown in <FIG> to the third position shown in <FIG>, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from intermediate stopping position PM4 to seventh position P7.

When the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> displaces from the third position shown in <FIG> to the first position shown in <FIG>, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from seventh position P7 to maximum separation position PM3.

As shown in <FIG>, in order for the second guided part <NUM> to be caused to reliably cycle (move) around, in order, maximum separation position PM3, sixth position P6, intermediate stopping position PM4, and seventh position P7, an island part <NUM> and reverse-motion preventing steps 225A, 225B, 225C, 225D are formed on the second intermittent profile <NUM>.

The island part <NUM> is formed in the center of the second intermittent profile <NUM>. The island part <NUM> includes a recessed part <NUM>. The recessed part <NUM> is recessed toward maximum separation position PM3 between sixth position P6 and seventh position P7.

When the second guided part <NUM> is guided to intermediate stopping position PM4, it is held at intermediate stopping position PM4 by entering the recessed part <NUM> of the island part <NUM>.

The reverse-motion preventing step 225A restricts (blocks) the reverse motion of the second guided part <NUM> from maximum separation position PM3 to seventh position P7. The reverse-motion preventing step 225B restricts (blocks) the reverse motion of the second guided part <NUM> from sixth position P6 to maximum separation position PM3. The reverse-motion preventing step 225C restricts (blocks) the reverse motion of the second guided part <NUM> from intermediate stopping position PM4 to sixth position P6. The reverse-motion preventing step 225D restricts (blocks) the reverse motion of the second guided part <NUM> from seventh position P7 to intermediate stopping position PM4.

In this manner, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> repeatedly performs the action of moving to the third position, the second intermittent-guide part <NUM> guides the second guided part <NUM> alternately to sixth position P6 and seventh position P7, and when the second guided part <NUM> is guided to seventh position P7, the second guided part <NUM> presses the movable protrusion SW1A to cause the switch SW1 to switch to the connected state.

With the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of Working Example <NUM>, the operation of opening/closing the lid body <NUM> is performed in the same manner as with the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Example <NUM>.

More specifically, when the user performs a manual closing operation for closing the lid body <NUM> and thereafter removes their hand from the lid body <NUM>, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from maximum separation position PM3 shown in <FIG> to sixth position P6 shown in <FIG> and thereafter displaces from sixth position P6 to intermediate stopping position PM4 shown in <FIG>. During this period, too, the second guided part <NUM> separates from the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, and the switch SW1 is put into the disconnected state. For this reason, the electric motor <NUM> of the electric actuator <NUM> is not energized.

In order to pivot the lid body <NUM> held at the closed position shown in <FIG> to the open position, the user performs a manual opening operation by pressing in the lid body <NUM> from the closed position to the pressed-in position shown in <FIG>; that is, the user performs the specific operation for moving the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> to the first position. Thereby, while the stopper <NUM> is disposed in the blocking position, the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> is moved from the second position to the third position as shown in <FIG>.

At this time, the second guided part <NUM> displaces from intermediate stopping position PM4 shown in <FIG> to seventh position P7 shown in <FIG>, and the second guided part <NUM> presses the movable protrusion SW1A of the switch SW1, thereby causing the switch SW1 to switch to the connected state. As a result thereof, the electric motor <NUM> of the electric actuator <NUM> is energized and pivots the stopper <NUM> to the nonblocking position shown by chain double-dashed lines in <FIG>.

That is, the electric actuator <NUM> is energized in response to the manual opening operation for displacing the lid body <NUM> to the open position (i.e. the specific operation), and thereby displaces the stopper <NUM> to the nonblocking position. In addition, when the linearly-movable shaft <NUM> repeatedly performs the action of moving to the third position, the intermittent mechanism <NUM> enters the specific state once every two times, that is, the state in which the second intermittent profile <NUM> of the second intermittent-guide part <NUM> has guided the second guided part <NUM> to seventh position P7. Then, the switch SW1 switches from the disconnected state to the connected state when the specific state has been achieved.

With the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus of Working Example <NUM> configured as described above, the electrical circuitry for the switch SW1 can be simplified and a further improvement in reliability can be achieved in the same manner as with the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus <NUM> of Working Examples <NUM> and <NUM>.

In addition, because the linear reciprocating-motion apparatus includes the intermittent mechanism <NUM>, which comprises the second intermittent-guide part <NUM>, the transmitting lever <NUM>, and the transmitting rod <NUM>, it can reliably perform the action of switching the switch SW1 from the disconnected state to the connected state once every two times that the lid body <NUM> is manually pressed to the pressed-in position.

Although the present invention was described above based on Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and of course is applicable when changed appropriately within a scope that does not depart from the gist thereof.

[<NUM>] For example, in Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, two exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the intermittent mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> were explained in detail. Of course, these intermittent mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may be modified in a variety of ways without departing from the scope or spirit of the present teachings as long as the structure(s) of the intermittent mechanism remain(s) capable of interacting with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member and is (are) put into a specific state, as described above, once out of every two times that the movable member repeats the operation (movement) of moving to the third position. All such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present teachings.

In Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, the switch is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state upon achieving the specific state, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the switch may also be switched from the connected state to the disconnected state upon achieving the specific state. In addition, for example, the switching of the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state upon achieving the specific state also may be used to switch the power ON and OFF to a light that illuminates the vicinity of the housing.

In Working Examples <NUM> and <NUM>, the first interacting mechanism is the transmitting lever <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first interacting mechanism may also be constituted by a plurality of link members.

In Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, the wiring for energizing the electric motor <NUM> is wired so as to transit the switch SW1 along the way, and therefore the connected state of the switch SW1 has a one-to-one correspondence with the rotation of the electric motor <NUM>, and the disconnected state of the switch SW1 has a one-to-one correspondence with the halting of the electric motor <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the wiring for energizing the electric motor <NUM> and the wiring of the switch SW1 may be separately routed to a control part (<FIG>), and a simple relay circuit or the like on the control-part side may perform simple control. At this time, the simple control may incorporate the ON/OFF operation of other switches, sensors, or the like, and may control the energizing of the electric motor <NUM>.

In Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, the fuel-filling hole <NUM> is disposed inside the opening <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a charging connector (electronic charging port for an electric vehicle) or the like may instead be disposed inside the opening. In addition, in Working Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, electrical connection to the control part is achieved via the wire harness W1 that extends from the housing <NUM>, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, an electrical connector may be provided in the housing and that electrical connector may be connected to a matching electrical connector provided inside the vehicle body.

The present invention may be utilized in, for example, a vehicle, such as an automobile, bus, or industrial vehicle, or in industrial machinery, and the like.

Furthermore, it is noted that the fan-shaped gear <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM> are preferably designed to provide a "backdriving" worm gear (pinion) arrangement, in which rotation of the fan-shaped gear <NUM> (driven component) caused by an external load (e.g., the compression-coil spring <NUM> that biases/urges the stopper <NUM> to pivot towards the blocking position) is applied to the worm gear <NUM> (driving component, also known as a pinion) when the electric motor <NUM> is not being energized to drive the worm gear <NUM>. That is, a "backdriving" operation occurs when the fan-shaped gear (arcuate gear) <NUM> actively drives (rotates) the worm gear (pinion) owing to the fact that the worm gear <NUM> is free to rotate when the electric motor <NUM> is not being driven (energized). Such an arrangement is known as a non-self-locking worm gear (pinion) arrangement and may be constructed by appropriately designing the outer diameter of the worm gear (pinion) <NUM>, the thread lead of the worm gear <NUM>, the resulting thread angle of the worm gear <NUM>, as well as providing low friction surface finishes (low coefficient of friction) on the fan-shaped gear <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM>. For example, the thread angle of the worm gear <NUM> is preferably equal to or greater than <NUM>°. The worm gear <NUM> and/or fan-shaped gear <NUM> may be lubricated to further reduce friction. Thus, referring to <FIG>, energization (driving) of the electric motor <NUM> causes the worm gear <NUM> to rotate and pivot the fan-shaped gear <NUM> (and thus the stopper <NUM>) in the counterclockwise direction toward the nonblocking position of the stopper <NUM>. When the energization is stopped, the worm gear <NUM> is free to rotate in the opposite rotational direction, so that the fan-shaped gear <NUM> (and thus the stopper <NUM>) pivot in the clockwise direction toward the blocking position of the stopper <NUM> owing to the biasing force of the compression-coil spring <NUM> that is normally biasing (pivoting) the stopper <NUM> toward the blocking position. Generally speaking, a non self-locking worm gear arrangement can be designed by setting the lead angle of the worm gear <NUM> to be greater than the friction angle, which is the arc tangent of the coefficient of friction of the contacting surfaces of the worm gear <NUM> and the fan-shaped gear <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A linear reciprocating-motion apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is supported by the housing (<NUM>), is capable of undergoing linear reciprocating motion in a range that includes: a first position, a second position, and a third position that is separated from the first position more than the second position, and is biased toward the first position;
a stopper (<NUM>) that: (i) is supported by the housing (<NUM>), (ii) is displaceable between a blocking position at which movement of the movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the second position to the first position is prohibited and a nonblocking position at which movement of the movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the second position to the first position is permitted, (iii) is biased toward the blocking position, and (iv) is displaced to the nonblocking position in response to a specific operation for moving the movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the first position, the specific operation being a manual opening operation;
an intermittent mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) that interacts with the linear reciprocating motion of the movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and assumes a specific state once every two times when the movable member (<NUM>, <NUM>) repeats the action of moving to the third position;
a switch (SW1) that is provided in the housing (<NUM>), and
an electric actuator (<NUM>) that is provided in the housing (<NUM>) and is operably connected to the stopper (<NUM>);
characterized in that,
when the specific state is assumed, the switch (SW1) is switched by the intermittent mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) from one of a disconnected state and a connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state; and
the electric actuator (<NUM>) displaces the stopper (<NUM>) to the nonblocking position when energized in response to the switch (SW1) being switched by the manual opening operation from one of the disconnected state and the connected state to the other of the disconnected state and the connected state.