Damper device and refrigerator

Abstract

A damper device and a refrigerator that reduce noise caused by vibration of a motor. The damper device has a frame (2) that has an opening portion (20) opened and closed by a shutter (4), and a housing (3) that houses a drive mechanism (6) between a partition wall (23) provided at an end portion of the frame. The housing has a bottom portion (31) and a side plate portion (32), and a motor holding portion (36) provided inside the side plate portion (32). The motor (61) has a motor housing (63) that is embedded inside the motor holding portion (36), and a motor plate (64) that blocks an end portion of the motor housing (63) on the partition wall (23) side. The motor (61) is fitted to the housing by a first protruding portion (643) provided at an outer peripheral edge of the motor plate (64), and is positioned in the housing by a motor plate receiving portion (29) that protrudes from the partition wall (23) toward the housing side pressing the first protruding portion (643) toward the housing side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a damper device and a refrigerator with a motor as the drive source. Background Technology

[0002] A damper device installed in the cold air duct of a refrigerator, etc., includes: a frame with an opening; a baffle rotatably supported on the frame; and a drive mechanism for driving the baffle, the drive mechanism being housed inside a housing located at the end of the frame. The drive mechanism includes: a stepper motor disposed inside the housing; and a gear train that transmits rotation of the stepper motor to the baffle. A sector gear located at the final stage of the gear train is connected to the baffle.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211195 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the damper device described in Patent Document 1, the drive mechanism is held inside the housing. When driving the damper device, if the vibration of the motor is easily transmitted to the housing, there is a problem of increased noise caused by the vibration.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the objective of the present invention is to reduce the noise caused by the vibration of damper devices that use motors as drive sources.

[0008] To address the aforementioned issues, the damper device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a frame having a frame portion surrounding an opening and a partition wall plate disposed at an end of the frame portion; a baffle plate rotatably supported on the frame and for opening and closing the opening; a drive mechanism having a motor and an output component for transmitting rotation of the motor to the baffle plate; and a housing coupled to the partition wall plate and housing the drive mechanism between the housing and the partition wall plate, the housing comprising: a bottom opposite to the partition wall plate; and a side plate portion extending from the outer edge of the bottom towards the partition wall plate. The motor includes: a partition wall extending therefrom; and a motor retaining portion extending from the bottom toward the partition wall on the inner side of the side plate portion. The motor includes: a motor housing embedded in the inner side of the motor retaining portion; and a motor plate blocking the end of the motor housing on the partition wall side. A first protrusion protruding toward the outer periphery of the motor plate is provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate. The partition wall includes a motor plate receiving portion protruding toward the housing side. The first protrusion engages with a motor plate positioning portion provided on the housing and is pressed toward the housing side by the motor plate receiving portion.

[0009] In this invention, the outer peripheral end (first protrusion) of the motor plate, which blocks the end of the motor housing, is fitted into the housing for positioning. Therefore, motor wobbling inside the housing can be suppressed. Furthermore, the first protrusion, used for positioning the motor and housing, is pressed towards the housing side by a protrusion (motor plate bearing portion) provided on the partition wall, thereby achieving positioning. This suppresses motor wobbling between the housing and the partition wall. Therefore, motor vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the housing, thus suppressing noise caused by housing vibration.

[0010] In this invention, preferably, the first protrusion is sandwiched between the front end of the motor plate bearing portion and the end face of the motor housing. Thus, if the first protrusion is pressed at a position supported by the end face of the motor housing, the motor housing can be positioned using the pressing force from the motor plate bearing portion, easily suppressing motor housing wobbling. Therefore, motor vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the housing.

[0011] In this invention, it is preferable that the partition wall panel has a hook that extends along the outer peripheral surface of the side panel and engages with a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface. This allows the housing and the partition wall panel to be elastically joined, thereby suppressing any shaking of the housing and the partition wall panel.

[0012] In this invention, it is preferable that the frame and the housing are made of resin. Since resin components are easily flexible, they can be elastically joined. Therefore, swaying between the housing and the partition wall panel can be suppressed. Furthermore, since complex shapes can be easily formed on the partition wall panel and the housing, the manufacture of the partition wall panel with the motor plate bearing portion and the housing with the motor plate positioning portion is easy.

[0013] In this invention, preferably, when the direction opposite to the bottom of the partition wall is set as the first direction, a motor bearing rib is provided, protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the motor holding portion and extending in the first direction. The motor housing is pressed into the inner side of the motor holding portion and positioned in a direction intersecting the first direction by the motor bearing rib. In this way, it is possible to suppress the motor from swaying relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0014] In this invention, preferably, the motor includes a terminal cover protruding to the outer periphery of the motor housing, and a second protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate. This second protrusion is disposed at the end of the terminal cover on the partition wall side, and the motor plate bearing portion presses against the second protrusion and the first protrusion respectively. This allows for positioning by pressing multiple portions of the motor plate, thereby further reducing motor wobbling. Furthermore, since the second protrusion, provided for covering the terminal cover, is used for positioning, the component shape can be simplified.

[0015] In this invention, preferably, when the direction opposite to the bottom of the partition wall is designated as the first direction, the direction intersecting the first direction is designated as the second direction, and the direction intersecting both the first and second directions is designated as the third direction, the terminal cover protrudes from the motor housing towards the side in the second direction, and the first protrusion is disposed at two locations at both ends of the third direction of the motor plate. Thus, if pressure is applied at the three locations, with two of the three locations being radially opposite outer peripheral ends, the wobbling of the motor relative to the housing can be further reduced.

[0016] In this invention, preferably, the motor holding portion includes: an arcuate portion along the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing; and a pair of connecting portions connecting the arcuate portion and the side plate portion on both sides of the terminal cover in the circumferential direction. Motor plate positioning portions are respectively disposed on the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion connects the side plate portion and the arcuate portion on one side of the arcuate portion in the third direction, and the second connecting portion connects the side plate portion and the arcuate portion on the other side of the arcuate portion in the third direction. In this way, the side plate portion and the motor holding portion are connected by the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the pair of connecting portions, thereby improving the rigidity of the housing. Therefore, motor vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the housing, thus suppressing noise caused by housing vibrations.

[0017] The damper device of the present invention can be used in a refrigerator having a cooler and a storage compartment supplied with cold air generated by the cooler, the damper device being disposed at the cold air inlet of the storage compartment.

[0018] In this invention, the outer peripheral end (first protrusion) of the motor plate, which blocks the end of the motor housing, is fitted into the housing for positioning. Therefore, motor wobbling inside the housing can be suppressed. Furthermore, the first protrusion, used for positioning the motor and housing, is pressed towards the housing side by a protrusion (motor plate bearing portion) provided on the partition wall, thereby achieving positioning. This suppresses motor wobbling between the housing and the partition wall. Therefore, motor vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the housing, thus suppressing noise caused by housing vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device to which the present invention is applied, viewed from the direction opposite to the baffle.

[0020] Figure 2 Viewed from the side of the baffle Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the damper device shown.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1An exploded perspective view of the damper device shown.

[0022] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the partition wall panel, drive mechanism and housing.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of a gear-driven motor.

[0024] Figure 6 These are top views of the housing and drive mechanism viewed from the partition panel side, and top views of the housing after the drive mechanism has been removed, viewed from the partition panel side.

[0025] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the gear-driven motor and its housing.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the first guide surface and the second guide surface (in... Figure 7 (A sectional view cut off at position AA) and a side view of the gear-driven motor.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an XZ sectional view of the partition wall panel, gear-driven motor, and housing (in... Figure 6 (a) Sectional view cut off at position BB.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a YZ sectional view of the partition wall panel, gear-driven motor, and housing (in Figure 9 (Cross-sectional view cut off at the CC position).

[0029] Figure 11 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the damper device of a refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings of the refrigerator damper device to which the present invention is applied. In this specification, X, Y, and Z are mutually orthogonal directions. The direction along the rotation axis L of the baffle is defined as the X direction. The opening of the baffle faces the Z direction. The X direction is the first direction, the Y direction is the second direction, and the Z direction is the third direction. Furthermore, one side of the X direction is designated X1, the other side of the X direction is designated X2, one side of the Y direction is designated Y1, the other side of the Y direction is designated Y2, one side of the Z direction is designated Z1, and the other side of the Z direction is designated Z2 for the description.

[0031] (Overall structure)

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device 1 using the present invention, viewed from the side opposite to the baffle 4. Figure 2 Viewed from the four sides of the baffle Figure 1A perspective view of the damper device 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the damper device 1 shown. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the partition wall panel 23, the drive mechanism 6, and the housing 3. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the gear-driven motor 60. Figure 6 (a) is a top view of the housing 3 and drive mechanism 6 viewed from the partition wall 23 side. Figure 6 (b) is a top view of the housing 3 after the drive mechanism 6 has been removed, viewed from the side of the partition panel 23. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the gear-driven motor 60 and the housing 3.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the damper device 1 includes: a frame 2 having an opening 20 in the Z direction; a baffle 4 rotatably supported on the frame 2; and a housing 3 connected to the frame 2. The frame 2 and the housing 3 are made of resin. The baffle 4 rotates about a rotation axis L extending in the X direction, thereby opening and closing the opening 20.

[0034] The frame 2 includes: a frame portion 21 with an opening 20; a cylindrical main body portion 22 protruding from the outer edge of the frame portion 21 in the Z1 direction; and a partition wall plate 23 integrally formed with a side plate portion in the X1 direction of the main body portion 22. The housing 3 is opposite to the partition wall plate 23 in the X1 direction. The housing 3 and the partition wall plate 23 are joined together by hooks 24 extending from the edge of the partition wall plate 23 in the X1 direction and engaging with protrusions 30 formed on the side of the housing 3. The partition wall plate 23 and the housing 3 constitute a cuboid frame for housing the drive mechanism 6 of the drive baffle 4.

[0035] The frame 2 has a side plate 25 disposed at the X2 side end of the frame portion 21, opposite to the partition wall plate 23 in the X direction. Additionally, the frame 2 has a sealing portion 10 that protrudes from the edge of the opening 20 in the frame portion 21 toward the side where the baffle 4 is located (Z1 direction). A heater (not shown) surrounding the sealing portion 10 is installed in the frame portion 21. The damper device 1 heats up the heater by energizing it, thereby preventing the baffle 4 from becoming immobile due to icing.

[0036] The baffle 4 is rotatably supported between the partition wall 23 and the side plate 25. A cylindrical portion 41 protruding towards the X1 side and a cylindrical portion 42 protruding towards the X2 side are formed on the edge of the baffle 4 on the Y2 side. A connecting hole (not shown) is formed at the front end of the cylindrical portion 41, into which the front end of the shaft portion 691 of the output component 69 protruding from the shaft hole 27 through the partition wall 23 toward the baffle 4 is inserted. A shaft portion 44 is formed at the front end of the cylindrical portion 42, engaging with the shaft hole (not shown) formed in the side plate 25. Therefore, the baffle 4 is rotatably supported on the frame 2 about the axis of rotation L connecting the center of the shaft hole 27 of the partition wall 23 and the center of the shaft hole of the side plate 25.

[0037] The baffle 4 has: a resin-made opening / closing plate 45 larger than the opening 20; and a sheet-like elastic member 46 made of foamed polyurethane or the like, adhered to the surface of the opening / closing plate 45 on the side of the opening 20. The baffle 4 is driven by the drive mechanism 6 (described later) to rotate about the rotation axis L, moving to a closed position that closes the opening 20 and an open position that opens the opening 20. In the closed position, the elastic member 46 contacts the sealing part 10.

[0038] The damper device 1 is disposed, for example, inside a duct or the like that forming a cold air passage. Cold air flows through the opening 20 from the side opposite to the side where the baffle 4 is disposed relative to the opening 20. Cold air can also flow through the opening 20 from the side where the baffle 4 is disposed relative to the opening 20.

[0039] (Drive mechanism)

[0040] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the drive mechanism 6 is housed between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23. The drive mechanism 6 includes a geared motor 60 and an output component 69 driven by the geared motor 60. The output component 69 includes a shaft portion 691 that engages with a shaft support portion 35 provided on the housing 3; and a sector gear 692 extending radially from the shaft portion 691. The output component 69 is supported by the shaft support portion 35 of the housing 3 and is rotatable. As described above, the front end of the shaft portion 691 of the output component 69, extending in the X2 direction, passes through a shaft hole 27 provided on the partition wall 23 and is connected to the baffle 4.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the gear-driven motor 60 includes a motor 61 and a gear transmission mechanism 62 that transmits the rotation of the motor 61 to an output component 69. The motor 61 includes: a bottomed cylindrical metal motor housing 63; a metal motor plate 64 that blocks the opening of the motor housing 63; a cylindrical stator 65 disposed inside the motor housing 63; and a rotor 71 (see reference 64) disposed inside the stator 65. Figure 9); and a partition member 66 disposed between the motor plate 64 and the stator 65. The motor 61, which is a stepper motor, is composed of the motor housing 63, the rotor 71 and the stator 65.

[0042] The gear transmission mechanism 62 includes: a gear train 621 consisting of a plurality of gears disposed between the separator 66 and the motor plate 64; and an output wheel 622 driven via the gear train 621. The rotation of the rotor 71 is reduced in speed by the gear train 621 and transmitted to the output wheel 622. The output wheel 622 has: a gear 623 that meshes with the last gear of the gear train 621; a shaft portion 624 that extends from the center of the gear 623 in the X2 direction; and a gear 625 that connects to the front end of the shaft portion 624, which passes through the shaft support portion 641 disposed on the motor plate 64 and protrudes in the X2 direction. The gear 625 meshes with the sector gear 692 of the output member 69.

[0043] The stator 65 comprises: a stator coil 651; an insulator 652 wound around the stator coil 651; and an inner stator core 653 covering the insulator 652 (see reference). Figure 9 In this embodiment, the motor housing 63 also serves as the outer stator core of the stator 65. On the outer periphery of the rotor 71, pole teeth (not shown) formed by cutting open the base plate 631 of the motor housing 63 and pole teeth 654 formed in the inner stator core 653 (see reference 654) are also present. Figure 8 They are arranged alternately along the circumference.

[0044] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the motor housing 63 has a circular base plate 631 and a cylindrical portion 632 extending in the X direction from the outer edge of the base plate 631. A terminal block 67, integrally formed with an insulator 652, is disposed in a cutout 633 extending from the Y1 side edge of the cylindrical portion 632 to a point near the base plate 631. A terminal cover 68 covering the terminal block 67 is fixed to the motor housing 63. The terminal cover 68 protrudes in the Y1 direction from the cutout 633 of the motor housing 63. A plurality of connector terminals 70 are held on the terminal block 67. The plurality of connector terminals 70 are bent radially outward in the X1 direction from the terminal block 67 and extend in the X1 direction within the gap between the terminal block 67 and the terminal cover 68. A stator coil 651 is electrically connected to the connector terminals 70.

[0045] The motor plate 64 includes: a circular plate body 642 with a shaft support portion 641; two first protrusions 643 protruding from the plate body 642 toward the Z1 and Z2 sides; a second protrusion 644 protruding from the plate body 642 toward the Y1 side; and a third protrusion 645 protruding from the plate body 642 toward the Y2 side of the shaft support portion 641. The second protrusion 644 is disposed in a cutout 633 in the motor housing 63, covering the terminal cover 68. The two first protrusions 643 and the third protrusion 645 respectively engage with a recess 634 provided at the open end of the cylindrical portion 632. The motor plate 64 is fixed to the motor housing 63 by riveting the outer periphery of the plate body 642 to the open end of the cylindrical portion 632.

[0046] (case)

[0047] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the housing 3 has: a bottom 31 opposite to the partition wall 23 on the opposite side (X1 direction) of the frame portion 21; and a cylindrical side plate portion 32 protruding from the bottom 31 toward the partition wall 23 (X2 direction). When viewed from the X direction, the bottom 31 and the side plate portion 32 are quadrilaterals with their long sides extending along the Y direction and their short sides extending along the Z direction. Figure 3 As shown, the side panel portion 32 has: a first side panel 321 and a second side panel 322 opposite to each other in the Z direction; and a third side panel 323 and a fourth side panel 324 opposite to each other in the Y direction. The third side panel 323 connects to the Y2 side ends of the first side panel 321 and the second side panel 322. The fourth side panel 324 connects to the Y1 side ends of the first side panel 321 and the second side panel 322. Protrusions 30 that engage with hooks 24 of the partition wall panel 23 are formed on the first side panel 321 and the second side panel 322.

[0048] A connector insertion port 33 is provided on the housing 3, which exposes the connector terminals 70 of the motor 61 towards the side opposite to the partition wall 23. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the connector insertion port 33 is a structure in which the corner connecting the fourth side plate 324 and the bottom 31 is cut off. If the other side connector is inserted into the connector insertion port 33, the connector terminal 70 of the motor 61 can be connected to the external wiring connected to the other side connector, and the drive signal can be provided to the motor 61.

[0049] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 As shown, the housing 3 has a cylindrical boss 34 extending in the Z direction along the inner surfaces of the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. The boss 34 protrudes from the bottom 31 in the X2 direction and connects to the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. When the partition wall plate 23 and the housing 3 are combined, a protrusion 28 protruding from the partition wall plate 23 in the X1 direction (see reference) Figure 4It fits into the boss portion 34.

[0050] The housing 3 includes a cylindrical shaft support 35 and a motor holding portion 36 disposed inside the side plate portion 32. The shaft support 35 and the motor holding portion 36 protrude from the bottom 31 toward the side where the partition wall plate 23 is located (in the X2 direction). Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 As shown in (b), the shaft support 35 and the motor retaining part 36 are disposed at the center of the housing 3 in the Z direction. The shaft support 35 is disposed at the end of the housing 3 on the third side plate 323 side (Y2 direction). The motor retaining part 36 is disposed at the end of the housing 3 on the fourth side plate 324 side.

[0051] like Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 (b) Figure 7 As shown, the motor retaining part 36 includes: an arcuate portion 361 surrounding the outer periphery of the motor housing 63; and a pair of connecting portions 362 surrounding the circumferential sides of the terminal cover 68. The arcuate portion 361 is shaped to cut out the portion (Y1 side) where the terminal cover 68 is disposed. The pair of connecting portions 362 extend from both sides of the cutout of the arcuate portion 361 in the Y1 direction and connect to the circumferential sides of the connector insertion port 33 of the fourth side plate 324 (see reference). Figure 6 (b)

[0052] like Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 (b) Figure 7 As shown, the housing 3 includes a first connecting portion 325 protruding inward from the first side plate 321 (Z2 side) and a second connecting portion 326 protruding inward from the second side plate 322 (Z1 side). The first connecting portion 325 and the second connecting portion 326 are connected to the arcuate portion 361. At the center of the circumference of the first connecting portion 325 and the second connecting portion 326, a groove 327 is provided that radially penetrates the arcuate portion 361 and opens on the inner circumferential surface of the arcuate portion 361.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the height of the arcuate portion 361 of the motor holding portion 36 in the X direction is lower than that of the side plate portion 32. The first connecting portion 325 and the second connecting portion 326 each have a pair of positioning ribs 50 protruding in the X2 direction from the upper end face (end face in the X2 direction) of the arcuate portion 361 on both sides of the groove portion 327 in the circumferential direction. The positioning rib 50 provided in the first connecting portion 325 protrudes in the Z2 direction from the first side plate 321 and extends to the position of the inner circumferential surface of the arcuate portion 361. The positioning rib 50 provided in the second connecting portion 326 protrudes in the Z1 direction from the second side plate 322 and extends to the position of the inner circumferential surface of the arcuate portion 361.

[0054] like Figure 6As shown in (a), in the first connecting portion 325 and the second connecting portion 326, the first protrusion 643 of the motor plate 64 is fitted between a pair of positioning ribs 50. That is, the pair of positioning ribs 50 are motor plate positioning portions that position the motor plate 64 relative to the housing 3 in the circumferential direction of the gear transmission motor 60.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper end face 51 (end face in the X2 direction) of each positioning rib 50 is located on the same surface as the upper end face of the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. Furthermore, the side end face 52 of each positioning rib 50 is located on the same surface as the inner circumferential surface of the arcuate portion 361. Each of the four positioning ribs 50 has a first guide surface 53 formed by obliquely cutting away the corner where the upper end face 51 and the side end face 52 connect. The first guide surface 53 is an inclined surface that slopes towards the side end face 52 (inner circumferential side of the arcuate portion 361) and towards the bottom plate 311 (X1 side). The four first guide surfaces 53 are located on the X2 side of the arcuate portion 361 and are distributed circumferentially along the arcuate portion 361.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the height of the pair of connecting portions 362 in the motor holding portion 36 in the X direction is higher than that of the arc portion 361. The upper end surface 54 of each connecting portion 362 is located further to the X1 side than the upper end surfaces of the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. The connecting portion 362 has a second guide surface 56 formed by obliquely cutting off the corner of the side surface 55 of the connecting terminal cover 68 side and the upper end surface 54. The second guide surface 56 is an inclined surface that is inclined in the direction towards the bottom plate 311 side (X1 side) as it faces the terminal cover 68 side. Therefore, the two second guide surfaces 56 provided on the pair of connecting portions 362 are inclined in opposite directions and are opposite each other in the Z direction. The upper end surface 54 of the connecting portion 362 is located lower than the upper end surface 51 of the positioning rib provided with the first guide surface 53 (X1 side), therefore, the second guide surface 56 is located closer to the bottom 31 side (X1 side) than the first guide surface 53.

[0057] (Positioning of the gear-driven motor relative to the housing)

[0058] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the first guide surface 53 and the second guide surface 56 (in... Figure 7 A cross-sectional view cut off at position AA) and a side view of the gear-driven motor 60. In this embodiment, relative to the housing 3 along... Figure 8 The gear-driven motor 60 is assembled in the direction indicated by the arrow. As described above, the height of the arcuate portion 361 into which the motor housing 63 is embedded in the X direction is lower than that of the side plate portion 32. A first guide surface 53 is provided above the opening end of the arcuate portion 361 (X2 side) (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 8Therefore, the bottom of the motor housing 63 contacts the first guide surface 53 before contacting the upper end surface of the arc portion 361. If the bottom of the motor housing 63 contacts the first guide surface 53, the corner where the bottom plate 631 of the motor housing 63 connects to the cylindrical portion 632 can slide along the first guide surface 53. As a result, the motor housing 63 moves towards the center of the arc portion 361, and the bottom of the motor housing 63 falls into the inner side of the four positioning ribs 50.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the bottom surface of the terminal cover 68 is located further X2 than the bottom surface of the motor housing 63. Therefore, when the geared motor 60 is assembled into the housing 3, the bottom of the terminal cover 68 will not contact the first guide surface 53, while the bottom of the motor housing 63 will definitely contact the first guide surface 53. Therefore, as described above, the first guide surface 53 can be used to guide the motor housing 63, allowing the bottom of the motor housing 63 to fall inside the four positioning ribs 50.

[0060] Next, as the bottom of the motor housing 63 enters the inner side of the four positioning ribs 50 along the X1 direction, the bottom of the terminal cover 68 contacts the second guide surface 56, which is located at a position lower than the first guide surface 53 (the position on the X1 side). By sliding the corner where the bottom plate 681 of the terminal cover 68 connects to the circumferential side plate 682 along the second guide surface 56, the terminal cover 68 moves towards the pair of connecting portions 362. At this time, the motor housing 63 rotates circumferentially with its end in the X1 direction inside the four positioning ribs 50.

[0061] Using the second guide surface 56, when the terminal cover 68 reaches a position where it can enter between a pair of connecting portions 362 in the X1 direction, the motor housing 63 is further lowered in the X1 direction inside the four positioning ribs 50 while the terminal cover 68 is lowered between the pair of connecting portions 362. Thus, the motor housing 63 can be guided by the positioning ribs 50 while falling inside the arcuate portion 361.

[0062] Thus, in this embodiment, the motor housing 63 is guided to the center of the arcuate portion 361 using the first guide surface 53, and then the terminal cover 68 is guided to the space between the pair of connecting portions 362 using the second guide surface 56. This allows the motor housing 63 and the terminal cover 68 to easily fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion 36.

[0063] like Figure 6 (b) Figure 7As shown, a motor bearing rib 363 extending in the Z direction is formed on the inner surface of the arcuate portion 361 of the motor holding portion 36. In this embodiment, the motor bearing rib 363 is arranged at four circumferentially separated locations. The outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 63 contacts the front end of the motor bearing rib 363 and is lightly pressed into the inner side of the arcuate portion 361. The motor bearing rib 363 does not extend to the upper end of the arcuate portion 361. Therefore, when the bottom of the motor housing 63 is inserted into the inner side of the upper part of the arcuate portion 361, it does not contact the motor bearing rib 363, and thus can be easily inserted.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the motor plate 64 that blocks the opening of the motor housing 63, as described above, has two first protrusions 643 protruding towards the outer periphery of the motor housing 63. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the first protrusion 643 on the Z1 side is embedded between a pair of positioning ribs 50 of the first connecting portion 325. Additionally, the first protrusion 643 on the Z2 side is embedded between a pair of positioning ribs 50 of the second connecting portion 326. That is, the pair of positioning ribs 50 function as motor plate positioning portions that position the motor plate 64 relative to the housing 3 in the circumferential direction of the gear-driven motor 60.

[0065] The gear-driven motor 60 is positioned relative to the housing 3 in the Y and Z directions by flattening the front end of the motor bearing rib 363 while gently pressing the motor housing 63 into the inner side of the arc portion 361. Additionally, it is positioned relative to the housing 3 in the circumferential direction by inserting the first protrusion 643 of the motor plate 64 between a pair of positioning ribs 50.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, on the partition wall 23, motor plate bearing portions 29 protrude in the X1 direction from a position opposite to the motor plate 64 of the gear-driven motor 60. When the partition wall 23 is joined to the housing 3, the motor plate bearing portions 29 abut against the motor plate 64 from the X2 side, pressing the motor plate 64. As a result, the gear-driven motor 60 is positioned in the X direction.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the three motor plate bearing portions 29 each include: a pressing portion 291 extending linearly along the outer edge of the partition wall plate 23; and a reinforcing portion 292 protruding from the side of the pressing portion 291. A step is provided between the front end face of the reinforcing portion 292 and the front end face of the pressing portion 291, and the front end face of the reinforcing portion 292 does not contact the motor plate 64.

[0068] Figure 9 This is an XZ sectional view of the partition wall panel 23, the gear-driven motor 60, and the housing 3 (in Figure 6 (a) Sectional view cut off at position BB. Figure 10This is a YZ sectional view of the partition wall panel 23, the gear-driven motor 60, and the housing 3 (in Figure 9 (A cross-sectional view cut off at the CC position). For example... Figure 10 As shown, three motor plate bearing portions 29 press against two first protrusions 643 and one second protrusion 644 provided on the motor plate 64. The pressing portions 291 of the two motor plate bearing portions 29 that press against the first protrusions 643 extend in the Y direction. The pressing portion 291 of the motor plate bearing portion 29 that presses against the second protrusion 644 extends in the Z direction and presses against the circumferential center of the second protrusion 644.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, the motor plate receiving portion 29 is positioned opposite the pressing portion 291 in the X direction on the X2 side end face of the motor housing 63. Therefore, the first protrusion 643 is sandwiched between the motor plate receiving portion 29 and the X2 side end face of the motor housing 63, and the motor housing 63 is pressed via the first protrusion 643.

[0070] (Reinforcing structure of the shell)

[0071] The motor retaining part 36 is disposed at the end of the fourth side plate 324 of the housing 3, and is connected to the first side plate 321, the second side plate 322 and the fourth side plate 324, but separates from the third side plate 323. Therefore, a first rib 37 extending in the Z direction, a second rib 38 extending in the Y direction and a third rib 39 are disposed between the motor retaining part 36 and the third side plate 323, thereby providing a reinforcing structure composed of ribs.

[0072] The first rib 37 is connected to the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. The second rib 38 is disposed at two locations on the Z1 and Z2 sides of the shaft support portion 35, intersecting with the first rib 37. The two second ribs 38 are respectively connected to the motor holding portion 36 and the third side plate 323. The third rib 39 extends along the Y direction between the motor holding portion 36 and the shaft support portion 35, connecting the two. The shaft support portion 35 is connected to the third side plate 323 via a fourth rib 40 extending to the side opposite to the third rib 39.

[0073] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the bottom 31 of the housing 3 includes: a base plate 311 at the X1 direction end of the blocking motor holding part 36; and a partition plate 312 located on the partition wall plate 23 side (X2 side) relative to the base plate 311. Figure 10As shown, the partition plate 312 is located approximately at the center of the housing 3 in the X direction. The bottom plate 311 and the partition plate 312 are plate-shaped with the X direction as their normal. The partition plate 312 connects the outer surface of the motor holding part 36 to the inner surface of the side plate parts 32 (first side plate 321, second side plate 322, third side plate 323, and fourth side plate 324). Therefore, on the outer periphery of the motor holding part 36, the space for housing the drive mechanism 6 is separated from the external space by the partition plate 312. The first rib 37, second rib 38, third rib 39, and fourth rib 40 are connected to the partition plate 312 and protrude from the partition plate 312 in the X2 direction.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom 31 of the housing 3 is reinforced by a first outer surface rib 313 and a second outer surface rib 314 protruding from the partition plate 312 in the X1 direction. The first outer surface rib 313 extends in the Z direction between the motor holding part 36 and the third side plate 323, and connects with the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322. The second outer surface rib 314 extends in the Y direction and intersects with the first outer surface rib 313. Three second outer surface ribs 314 are arranged at equal intervals, connecting the motor holding part 36 and the third side plate 323. The front end faces of the first outer surface rib 313 and the second outer surface rib 314 in the X1 direction, the front end face of the side plate part 32 in the X1 direction, and the bottom plate 311 are located on the same plane.

[0075] (refrigerator)

[0076] Figure 11 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the refrigerator 100 with the damper device 1 shown. Figure 11 The refrigerator 100 shown includes a main body 110 with multiple storage compartments 111 and a cold air duct 112 supplying cold air to the multiple storage compartments 111. A damper device 1, incorporating the present invention, is provided at a cold air inlet 113 connecting the cold air duct 112 and the storage compartments 111. The main body 110 also includes a cooler 114 that generates cold air; a fan 115 disposed within the cold air duct 112; and a control device 120. The control device 120 controls the opening and closing of the damper device 1 based on signals from sensors (not shown) disposed in the storage compartments 111, thereby adjusting the timing and amount of cold air supplied to the storage compartments 111.

[0077] (The main effects of this implementation method)

[0078] As described above, the damper device 1 of this embodiment includes: a frame 2 having a frame portion 21 surrounding the opening 20 and a partition wall plate 23 disposed at the end of the frame portion 21; a baffle 4 rotatably supported on the frame 2 to open and close the opening 20; a drive mechanism 6 having a motor 61 and an output member 69 that transmits the rotation of the motor 61 to the baffle 4; and a housing 3 connected to the partition wall plate 23, housing the drive mechanism 6 between the housing 3 and the partition wall plate 23. The housing 3 includes: a bottom 31 opposite to the partition wall plate 23; a side plate portion 32 extending from the outer edge of the bottom 31 toward the partition wall plate 23; and a motor holding portion 36 extending from the bottom 31 toward the partition wall plate 23 on the inner side of the side plate portion 32. The gear-driven motor 60 includes: a motor housing 63 embedded inside the motor holding portion 36; and a motor plate 64 blocking the end of the motor housing 63 on the partition wall plate 23 side. A first protrusion 643 protruding towards the outer periphery of the motor plate 64 is provided. The partition wall plate 23 has a motor plate receiving portion 29 protruding towards the housing 3. The first protrusion 643 of the gear-driven motor 60 is fitted between a pair of positioning ribs 50 provided in the housing 3, and the first protrusion 643 is pressed towards the housing 3 by the motor plate receiving portion 29, thereby positioning the gear-driven motor 60 within the housing 3.

[0079] In this embodiment, in the damper device 1 where the drive mechanism 6 is housed between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23, a geared motor 60, which houses the rotor 7, stator 65, and gear train 621, is used as the motor constituting the drive mechanism 6. On the housing 3 housing the geared motor 60, a pair of positioning ribs 50, functioning as a motor plate positioning portion, protrude from the inside of the housing 3 towards the motor holding portion 36, allowing the outer peripheral end (first protrusion 643) of the motor plate 64 to be fitted between the pair of positioning ribs 50 for positioning. Therefore, the wobbling of the geared motor 60 within the housing 3 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the first protrusion 643, used for positioning the geared motor 60 and the housing 3, is pressed towards the housing 3 by a protrusion (motor plate bearing portion 29) provided on the partition wall 23, thereby achieving positioning. This further suppresses the wobbling of the geared motor 60 between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23. Therefore, since the vibration of the gear-driven motor 60 is not easily transmitted to the housing 3, the noise caused by the vibration of the housing 3 can be suppressed.

[0080] Alternatively, the motor plate positioning part may have a different structure than that in this embodiment. For example, a cutout formed by cutting the upper end face of the arc portion 361 may be provided at different positions in the circumferential direction from the first connecting part 325 and the second connecting part 326, so that the first protrusion 643 can be fitted.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 643 is sandwiched between the front end of the motor plate bearing portion 29 and the end face of the motor housing 63. Thus, if the first protrusion 643 is pressed at a position supported by the end face of the motor housing 63, the motor housing 63 can be positioned using the pressing force from the motor plate bearing portion 29, easily suppressing any shaking of the motor housing 63. Therefore, vibrations from the gear-driven motor 60 are less likely to be transmitted to the housing 3.

[0082] In this embodiment, the partition wall panel 23 has a hook 24 that extends along the outer peripheral surface of the side panel portion 32 and engages with a protrusion 30 provided on the outer peripheral surface. In this way, the partition wall panel 23 and the housing 3 can be elastically joined together, thereby suppressing the shaking of the housing 3 and the partition wall panel 23.

[0083] In this embodiment, the frame 2 and the housing 3 are made of resin. Since resin components are easily flexible, they can be elastically joined. Therefore, the shaking of the housing 3 and the partition wall 23 can be suppressed. In addition, since complex shapes can be easily formed on the partition wall 23 and the housing 3, the manufacturing of the partition wall 23 with the motor plate bearing portion 29 and the housing 3 with the positioning rib 50 (motor plate positioning portion) is easy.

[0084] In this embodiment, a motor bearing rib 363 is provided, protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the motor holding portion 36 and extending in the X direction (first direction). The motor housing 63 is pressed into the inside of the motor holding portion 36 and positioned in the Y and Z directions (i.e., directions intersecting the X direction) by the motor bearing rib 363. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the wobbling of the geared motor 60 relative to the housing 3 in the Y and Z directions.

[0085] In this embodiment, the geared motor 60 includes a terminal cover 68 protruding to the outer periphery of the motor housing 63. A second protrusion 644 is provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate 64, and this second protrusion 644 is disposed at the end of the terminal cover 68 on the side of the partition wall 23. The motor plate receiving portion 29 presses down on the second protrusion 644 and the first protrusion 643 respectively. In this way, by pressing down on multiple parts of the motor plate 64 for positioning, the wobbling of the geared motor 60 can be further reduced. In addition, since the second protrusion 644, which is provided to cover the terminal cover 68, is used for positioning, the component shape can be simplified.

[0086] In this embodiment, the terminal cover 68 protrudes from the motor housing 63 in the Y1 direction (one side of the second direction), and the first protrusion 643 is provided at two locations at both ends of the motor plate 64 in the Z direction (the third direction). Thus, by pressing down on the three locations and setting two of the three locations as radially opposite outer peripheral ends, the motor plate 64 can be stably positioned. Therefore, the wobble of the gear-driven motor 60 relative to the housing 3 can be further reduced.

[0087] In this embodiment, the motor holding part 36 includes: an arcuate portion 361 along the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 63; and a pair of connecting portions 362 connecting the arcuate portion 361 and the side plate portion 32 on both sides of the terminal cover 68 in the circumferential direction. A pair of positioning ribs 50, functioning as motor plate positioning portions, are respectively provided on the first connecting portion 325 connecting the first side plate 321 and the arcuate portion 361 on the Z1 side of the arcuate portion 361 and the second connecting portion 326 connecting the second side plate 322 and the arcuate portion 361 on the Z2 side of the arcuate portion. Thus, by connecting the side plate portion 32 and the motor holding part 36 using the first connecting portion 325, the second connecting portion 326, and the pair of connecting portions 362, the rigidity of the housing 3 can be improved. Therefore, vibrations of the gear-driven motor 60 are less likely to be transmitted to the housing 3, thereby suppressing noise caused by vibrations of the housing 3. Furthermore, since the structures that improve the rigidity of the housing 3 (the first connecting portion 325 and the second connecting portion 326) also serve as positioning portions, the structure of the housing 3 can be simplified.

[0088] The damper device 1 of this embodiment can be used in a refrigerator 100, which has a cooler 114 and a storage compartment 111 supplied with cold air generated by the cooler 114. The damper device 1 is disposed at the cold air inlet 113 of the storage compartment 111.

[0089] (Other implementation methods)

[0090] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the damper device 1 of the above embodiments is used in a refrigerator, but this invention is not limited to damper devices used in refrigerators. In addition, the motor constituting the drive mechanism 6 may also have a structure in which the gear train 621 is arranged outside the motor housing 63 and the motor plate 64.

[0091] Symbol Explanation

[0092] 1…Damper device; 2…Frame; 3…Housing; 4…Baffle; 6…Drive mechanism; 10…Sealing part; 20…Opening part; 21…Frame part; 22…Main body part; 23…Partition wall panel; 24…Hook; 25…Side plate; 27…Shaft hole; 28…Protrusion; 29…Motor plate support part; 30…Protrusion; 31…Bottom; 32…Side plate part; 33…Connector insertion port; 34…Boss part; 35…Shaft support part; 36…Motor holding part; 37…First rib; 38…Second rib; 39…Third rib; 40…Fourth rib; 41, 42… 44…Cylindrical part; 45…Shaft part; 46…Opening and closing plate; 50…Elastic component; 51…Positioning rib; 51…Upper end face; 52…Side end face; 53…First guide surface; 54…Upper end face; 55…Side side; 56…Second guide surface; 60…Gear-driven motor; 61…Motor; 62…Gear transmission mechanism; 63…Motor housing; 64…Motor plate; 65…Stator; 66…Separating component; 67…Terminal block; 68…Terminal cover; 69…Output component; 70…Connector terminal; 71…Rotor; 100…Refrigerator; 110…Refrigerator body ; 111…Storage compartment; 112…Air conditioning duct; 113…Air conditioning inlet; 114…Cooler; 115…Fan; 120…Control device; 291…Pressing part; 292…Reinforcing part; 311…Base plate; 312…Divider plate; 313…First outer surface rib; 314…Second outer surface rib; 321…First side plate; 322…Second side plate; 323…Third side plate; 324…Fourth side plate; 325…First connecting part; 326…Second connecting part; 327…Groove; 361…Arc part; 362…Connecting part; 363…Motor bearing rib; 621…Gear train; 622…Output wheel; 623…Gear; 624…Shaft; 625…Gear; 631…Base plate; 632…Cylinder; 634…Recess; 641…Shaft support; 642…Plate body; 643…First protrusion; 644…Second protrusion; 645…Third protrusion; 651…Stator coil; 652…Insulator; 653…Inner stator core; 654…Pole teeth; 681…Base plate; 682…Side plate; 691…Shaft; 692…Sector gear; L…Rotation axis.

Claims

1. A damper device, characterized in that, have: A frame having a frame portion surrounding an opening and partition wall panels disposed at the ends of the frame portion; A baffle that is rotatably supported on the frame and opens and closes the opening; A drive mechanism comprising a motor and an output component that transmits rotation of the motor to the baffle; and A housing, which is combined with the partition wall panel, and houses the drive mechanism between the housing and the partition wall panel. The housing includes: a bottom opposite to the partition wall; a side plate extending from the outer edge of the bottom toward the partition wall; and a motor retaining portion extending from the bottom toward the partition wall on the inner side of the side plate. The motor includes: a motor housing embedded inside the motor retaining portion; and a motor plate that blocks the end of the motor housing on the side of the partition wall. A first protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate, protruding toward the outer periphery of the motor housing. The partition wall panel has a motor plate bearing portion protruding towards the housing side. The first protrusion engages with the motor plate positioning portion disposed on the housing and is pressed toward the housing side by the motor plate bearing portion.

2. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protrusion is sandwiched between the front end of the motor plate bearing portion and the end face of the motor housing.

3. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition panel has a hook that extends along the outer peripheral surface of the side panel and engages with a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface.

4. The damper device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame and the shell are made of resin.

5. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the direction of the partition wall panel relative to the bottom is set as the first direction, It has a motor bearing rib that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the motor holding part and extends in the first direction. The motor housing is pressed into the inside of the motor retainer and positioned in a direction intersecting the first direction by the motor bearing rib.

6. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor has a terminal cover that protrudes to the outer periphery of the motor housing. A second protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate, and the second protrusion is disposed at the end of the terminal cover on the partition wall side. The motor plate bearing portion presses against the second protrusion and the first protrusion respectively.

7. The damper device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the direction opposite to the bottom of the partition wall is defined as the first direction, the direction intersecting the first direction is defined as the second direction, and the direction intersecting both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction,... The terminal cover protrudes from the motor housing to the side in the second direction. The first protrusion is located at two locations at both ends of the motor plate in the third direction.

8. The damper device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The motor retaining portion includes: an arcuate portion along the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing; and a pair of connecting portions connecting the arcuate portion and the side plate portion on both sides of the terminal cover in the circumferential direction. The motor plate positioning parts are respectively disposed on the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The first connecting part connects the side plate part and the arc part on one side of the arc part in the third direction. The second connecting part connects the side plate part and the arc part on the other side of the arc part in the third direction.

9. A refrigerator comprising a damper device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The device includes a cooler and a storage chamber supplied with cold air generated by the cooler, with the damper device disposed at the cold air intake of the storage chamber.

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