Damper device and refrigerator

Abstract

A damper device and a refrigerator, which avoid a state in which an opening portion cannot be completely closed due to repulsion of an elastic member. The damper device opens and closes an opening portion (20) of a frame (2) by a shutter (4). The shutter has an elastic member (46) that abuts against a seal portion (10) provided at an edge of the opening portion. In the seal portion, a first seal portion (11) closer to a rotation axis of the shutter than a second seal portion (12) is brought into contact with the elastic member before the second seal portion, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first seal portion across the opening portion. A protruding height (H1) of an end portion (a first corner portion 15 connected to the second seal portion) of the second seal portion on a drive mechanism (6) side is greater than a protruding height (H2) of an end portion (a second corner portion 16 connected to the second seal portion) on a side away from the drive mechanism, and the first corner portion is brought into abutment with the elastic member before the second corner portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a damper device for opening and closing an opening in a frame and to a refrigerator. 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 for transmitting rotation of the stepper motor to the baffle. Such a damper device is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a protrusion (sealing plate portion) protruding towards the baffle side is provided along the edge of the opening of the frame. An elastic member made of foam is disposed on the surface of the baffle on the opening side. When the baffle is rotated towards the opening side, the elastic member is pressed by the protrusion (sealing plate portion) provided at the edge of the opening and blocks the opening.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211195 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In Patent Document 1, an elastic member is disposed on the surface of the baffle. The deformation of the elastic member absorbs dimensional deviations around the opening and dimensional deviations of the baffle, thereby sealing the opening. However, when the baffle is rotated about a rotation axis extending along the edge of the baffle, the maximum pressing force exerted by the free end of the baffle on the edge of the opening is smaller at the end away from the rotation axis and the portion closer to the rotation axis compared to the portion closer to the rotation axis.

[0008] In addition, considering that the baffle is made of resin and is prone to flexing around the rotation axis, the maximum pressing force that presses the elastic member toward the edge of the opening is smaller in the front end part, which is furthest from the drive mechanism, and the part closer to the drive mechanism, compared with the part closer to the drive mechanism.

[0009] Thus, if the maximum pressing force is not constant in different parts of the baffle and there are varying degrees of maximum pressing force due to the shape of the baffle or the support structure, if the part with the weaker maximum pressing force contacts the edge of the opening first, the repulsive force from the elastic component that is first crushed at the initial contact point will exceed the maximum pressing force before the elastic component contacts the edge of the opening on the whole circumference. This may prevent the baffle from rotating to the point where the opening is completely sealed.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the objective of the present invention is to reduce the possibility that the opening cannot be completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member.

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the damper device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a frame having an opening; a baffle rotatably supported on the frame and opening and closing the opening; and a drive mechanism disposed on one side of the baffle relative to the opening along its rotation axis and driving the baffle. The frame includes a sealing portion that surrounds the opening circumferentially. The baffle includes an opening / closing plate; and an elastic member disposed on one side of the opening / closing plate and abutting against the sealing portion when the baffle blocks the opening. The sealing portion includes a first sealing portion that extends along the rotation axis of the baffle. A rotating axis; a second sealing portion opposite to the first sealing portion across the opening; a third sealing portion connecting one end of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion; and a fourth sealing portion connecting the other end of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion. When the first sealing portion is closer to the rotating axis than the second sealing portion and the third sealing portion is closer to the drive mechanism than the fourth sealing portion, when the baffle rotates towards the opening, the first corner where the third sealing portion and the second sealing portion are connected abuts against the elastic member before the second corner where the fourth sealing portion and the second sealing portion are connected.

[0012] In this invention, when opening and closing the opening provided in the frame, considering that the pressing force of the elastic member provided on the surface of the baffle towards the edge of the opening varies depending on the distance of each part of the baffle from the drive mechanism, the elastic member of each part of the baffle abuts against the edge of the opening at an appropriate time. That is, the configuration is such that the part closest to the drive mechanism (the first corner) abuts first, and the front part furthest from the drive mechanism (the second corner) abuts last. This avoids the situation where the part with the weakest maximum pressing force (the second corner) contacts the elastic member first, resulting in the repulsive force of the elastic member exceeding the maximum pressing force at the second corner, preventing the baffle from rotating to the first corner to abut against the elastic member. Therefore, the possibility of the opening not being completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member can be reduced.

[0013] In this invention, it is preferable that, when the baffle rotates toward the opening, the first sealing portion abuts against the elastic member before the second sealing portion. This allows the elastic members of each part of the baffle to abut against the edge of the opening at an appropriate time, taking into account the difference in pressing force between the portion near and away from the rotation axis. That is, it avoids a situation where the portion with the weakest maximum pressing force (the second sealing portion) contacts the edge of the opening first, resulting in a state where the repulsive force of the elastic member exceeds the maximum pressing force, preventing the baffle from rotating until the opening is completely sealed (i.e., until the elastic member contacts the first sealing portion). Therefore, the possibility of the opening not being completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member can be reduced.

[0014] In this invention, the elastic member abuts against the second corner portion before the repulsive force exerted by the elastic member, which has been pressed and crushed against the sealing portion, on its attempt to return to its shape before contacting the sealing portion exceeds the driving force applied from the drive mechanism to the baffle. This allows the baffle to rotate until the first corner portion reliably abuts against the elastic member. Therefore, the opening can be completely sealed.

[0015] In this invention, preferably, the sealing portion is a protrusion extending toward the side where the baffle is located, and the elastic member abuts against the front end of the protrusion. This way, because the contact area between the sealing portion and the elastic member is small, the pressing pressure can be concentrated. Therefore, even without increasing the driving force, the crushing amount of the elastic member can be increased, thus reducing the likelihood that the opening cannot be completely sealed.

[0016] In this invention, it is preferable that the protrusion height of the first corner of the protrusion is higher than the protrusion height of the second corner. This allows for a configuration where the portion closest to the drive mechanism (the first corner) abuts against the elastic member first, and the front portion furthest from the drive mechanism (the second corner) abuts against the elastic member subsequently.

[0017] In this invention, it is preferable that the opening is rectangular with the direction of the rotation axis as its long side. With such an opening shape, the deviation in pressing force caused by the distance from the drive mechanism is large. Therefore, by differentiating the timing of the contact between the first and second corners and the elastic member, the possibility of the baffle not being able to rotate to the point where the opening is completely sealed can be reduced.

[0018] In this invention, the baffle is made of resin. When the baffle is made of resin, the deviation in pressing force caused by the flexing of the baffle is large. Therefore, by differentiating the timing of the elastic member abutting against the edge of the opening in easily flexible and difficult-to-flexible areas, the possibility of the baffle not being able to rotate to the point where the opening is completely sealed can be reduced.

[0019] Next, the damper device of the present invention is characterized by having: a frame having an opening; a baffle rotatably supported on the frame and opening and closing the opening; and a drive mechanism disposed on one side of the baffle along the rotation axis direction relative to the opening and driving the baffle. An elastic member is disposed on the frame along the edge of the opening circumferentially. A sealing portion is provided on the baffle, which abuts against the elastic member when the baffle blocks the opening. The sealing portion includes: a first sealing portion along the rotation axis of the baffle; and a second sealing portion that, when closed by the baffle... The opening is opposite to the first sealing part across the opening; the third sealing part connects one end of the first sealing part and the second sealing part; and the fourth sealing part connects the other end of the first sealing part and the second sealing part. When the first sealing part is closer to the rotation axis than the second sealing part and the third sealing part is closer to the drive mechanism than the fourth sealing part, when the baffle rotates towards the opening side, the first corner of the sealing part where the third sealing part and the second sealing part are connected abuts against the elastic member before the second corner of the sealing part where the fourth sealing part and the second sealing part are connected.

[0020] Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a structure in which the elastic member is positioned at the edge of the opening instead of on the partition, and a sealing portion abutting against the elastic member is provided on the partition. That is, it can be configured such that the sealing portion and the elastic member abut first at the portion closest to the drive mechanism (first corner), and then at the front end portion furthest from the drive mechanism (second corner). This avoids the situation where the portion with the weakest maximum pressing force (second corner) contacts the elastic member first, resulting in the repulsive force of the elastic member exceeding the maximum pressing force at the second corner, preventing the baffle from rotating to the first corner to abut against the elastic member. Therefore, the possibility of the opening not being completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member can be reduced.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In this invention, when opening and closing the opening provided in the frame, considering that the pressing force of the elastic member provided on the surface of the baffle towards the edge of the opening varies depending on the distance of each part of the baffle from the drive mechanism, the elastic member of each part of the baffle abuts against the edge of the opening at an appropriate time. That is, the configuration is such that the part closest to the drive mechanism (the first corner) abuts first, and the front part furthest from the drive mechanism (the second corner) abuts last. This avoids the situation where the part with the weakest maximum pressing force (the second corner) contacts the elastic member first, resulting in the repulsive force of the elastic member exceeding the maximum pressing force at the second corner, preventing the baffle from rotating to the first corner to abut against the elastic member. Therefore, the possibility of the opening not being completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device of the present invention as viewed from the side opposite to the baffle.

[0024] Figure 2 Viewed from the side of the baffle Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the damper device shown.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the damper device shown.

[0026] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the partition wall panel, drive mechanism and housing.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of a gear-driven motor.

[0028] Figure 6 These are top and side views of the sealing part.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of the baffle closing.

[0030] Figure 8 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the damper device of a refrigerator.

[0031] Figure 9 This is an illustration of a method in which elastic components are arranged at the edge of the opening and a sealing part is provided on the baffle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] 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.

[0033] (Overall structure)

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device 1 of the present invention, viewed from the opposite side of the baffle 4. Figure 2 Viewed from the four sides of the baffle Figure 1 A 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The frame 2 includes 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 includes a cylindrical sealing portion 10 protruding from the edge of the opening 20 toward the side where the baffle 4 is located (Z1 direction) within the frame portion 21. 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.

[0038] 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 a straight line 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 as the axis of rotation L.

[0039] 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 and move to the open position 4A of the open opening 20 (see reference). Figure 7 (a) and the closed position 4B of the closed opening 20 (refer to) Figure 7 (c)). In the closed position 4B, the elastic member 46 contacts the sealing part 10.

[0040] 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.

[0041] (Drive mechanism)

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As 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.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the geared 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 motor plate 64 that blocks the opening of the motor housing 63; a cylindrical stator 65 disposed inside the motor housing 63; a rotor (not shown) disposed inside the stator 65; and a partition member 66 disposed between the motor plate 64 and the stator 65. The motor housing 63, the rotor, and the stator 65 constitute a stepper motor 61.

[0044] 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 is slowed down 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.

[0045] The motor 61 includes: a terminal block 67 disposed in a cutout 631 of the motor housing 63; and a terminal cover 68 covering the terminal block 67. The terminal block 67 is disposed radially outside an insulator 652 on which a stator coil 651 is wound, and is integrally formed with the insulator 652. A plurality of connector terminals 70 are held on the terminal block 67. The plurality of connector terminals 70 are bent radially outside the terminal block 67 in the X1 direction and extend in the X1 direction in the gap between the terminal block 67 and the terminal cover 68. The stator coil 651 is electrically connected to the connector terminals 70.

[0046] (case)

[0047] The housing 3 has: a bottom 31, which faces the partition wall 23 from the opposite side (X1 direction) of the frame portion 21; and a cylindrical side plate portion 32, which protrudes 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 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 4 It fits into the boss portion 34.

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

[0051] When the gear-driven motor 60 is assembled into the housing 3, the motor housing 63 is disposed inside the generally cylindrical motor holding portion 36. A motor bearing rib 363 extending in the Z direction is formed on the inner surface of the motor holding portion 36. The outer peripheral surface of the motor housing 63 contacts the front end of the motor bearing rib 363 and is gently pressed into the inner side of the motor holding portion 36.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, a motor plate bearing portion 29 is provided on the partition wall plate 23, which protrudes in the X1 direction from a position opposite to the motor plate 64 of the gear-driven motor 60. When the partition wall plate 23 is combined with the housing 3, the motor plate bearing portion 29 abuts against the motor plate 64 of the gear-driven motor 60 from the X2 side.

[0053] On the inner side of the housing 3, as described above, a generally cylindrical rib shape is provided as the motor holding part 36. Figure 3 As shown, the motor retaining part 36 is disposed at the end of the fourth side plate 324 of the housing 3 and 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.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom 31 of the housing 3 has: a bottom plate 311 that blocks the X1 end of the motor holding portion 36; and a partition plate 312 located on the partition wall 23 side (X2 side) relative to the bottom plate 311. The partition plate 312 connects the outer side of the motor holding portion 36 and the inner side of the side plate portion 32. Therefore, on the outer periphery of the motor holding portion 36, the space for housing the drive mechanism 6 is separated from the external space by the partition plate 312.

[0055] In this embodiment, the partition plate 312 is located approximately at the center of the housing 3 in the X direction. Figure 3 The first rib 37, second rib 38, third rib 39, and fourth rib 40 shown protrude from the partition plate 312 in the X2 direction. The bottom 31 of the housing 3 is reinforced by the first outer surface rib 313 and the second outer surface rib 314 protruding from the partition plate 312 in the X1 direction. Figure 4 As shown, the first outer surface rib 313 extends along 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 along the Y direction and intersects with the first outer surface rib 313.

[0056] (Sealing section)

[0057] Figure 6 (a) is a top view of the sealing part 10, which is a top view of the frame 2 viewed from the side of the baffle 4. Figure 6(b) is a side view of the sealing part 10, which is... Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of frame 2 cut off at position AA in (a). Figure 6 As shown in (a), in the frame portion 21 of the frame 2, the sealing portion 10 includes: a first sealing portion 11 along the rotation axis L of the baffle 4; a second sealing portion 12 opposite to the first sealing portion 11 across the opening portion 20; a third sealing portion 13 connecting the X1 side ends of the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12; and a fourth sealing portion 14 connecting the X2 side ends of the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12.

[0058] In this embodiment, the opening 20 is a rectangle with the X direction (which is the axis of rotation) as its long side and the direction intersecting the axis of rotation as its short side. The first sealing part 11 is located on the edge of the opening 20 closest to the axis of rotation L, and the second sealing part 12 is located on the edge furthest from the axis of rotation L. Furthermore, the third sealing part 13 is located on the edge of the opening 20 closest to the drive mechanism 6, and the fourth sealing part 14 is located on the edge furthest from the drive mechanism 6. The sealing parts 10 surround the opening 20 throughout its circumference. Therefore, when the baffle 4 is closed, the sealing parts 10 are pressed circumferentially by the elastic member 46, sealing the opening 20.

[0059] The portion of baffle 4 near the rotation axis L contacts the first sealing portion 11. The free end portion away from the rotation axis L contacts the second sealing portion 12. The portion of baffle 4 near the drive mechanism 6 contacts the third sealing portion 13. The portion away from the drive mechanism 6 contacts the fourth sealing portion 14. Here, when closing baffle 4, the pressing force that pushes each portion of baffle 4 towards the sealing portion 10 is greater near the rotation axis L than away from the rotation axis L. Furthermore, the force is greater near the drive mechanism 6 than away from the drive mechanism 6.

[0060] If the portion of the baffle 4 with the lower pressing force against the sealing portion 10 contacts the sealing portion 10 first, the repulsive force from the elastic member 46 at the initial contact point may exceed the pressing force (i.e., the torque of the drive mechanism 6 that rotates the baffle 4) before the last contact portion abuts against the sealing portion 10, potentially preventing the baffle 4 from rotating further. In this case, a gap will be generated between the elastic member 46 and the sealing portion 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the Z-direction position of the front end of the sealing portion 10 is determined such that the portion of the baffle 4 with the higher pressing force against the sealing portion 10 abuts against the sealing portion 10 first.

[0061] Specifically, in the sealing portion 10 of this embodiment, the first corner 15 where the third sealing portion 13 connects to the second sealing portion 12 is pressed by the baffle 4 with a greater pressing force than the second corner 16 where the fourth sealing portion 14 connects to the second sealing portion 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the sealing portion 10 at the first corner 15 protruding from the frame portion 21 is higher than the protrusion height H2 of the sealing portion 10 at the second corner 16 protruding from the frame portion 21. As a result, the first corner 15 contacts the elastic member 46 before the second corner 16.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), the protrusion heights H1 and H2 of the first corner portion 15 and the second corner portion 16 are protrusion heights that protrude from the same surface (i.e., protrusion heights that protrude from the surface of the frame portion 21), and therefore, they contact the elastic member 46 in an order corresponding to the size of the protrusion heights H1 and H2. The premise of this structure is that the thickness of the elastic member 46 of each part of the baffle 4 is constant, and the surface of the elastic member 46 on the opening 20 side is flat.

[0063] Here, the position of the rotation axis L of the baffle 4 in the Z direction is taken as the reference position P. The timing of contact between the elastic member 46 and each part of the sealing part 10 can be determined by the distance from the reference position P in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the distance D1 of the first corner portion 15 from the reference position P in the Z direction is smaller than the distance D2 of the second corner portion 16 from the reference position P in the Z direction. Since the distances of the first corner portion 15 and the second corner portion from the reference position P in the Y direction are the same, the portion with the smaller distance in the Z direction contacts the elastic member 46 first. Therefore, the first corner portion 15 contacts the elastic member 46 before the second corner portion 16.

[0064] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process of closing the baffle 4. Figure 7 (a) shows the state where the baffle 4 is in the open position 4A. Figure 7 (b) shows the initial contact state between the sealing part 10 and the elastic member 46. Figure 7 (c) shows the baffle 4 in the closed position 4B. The baffle 4 moves about the rotation axis L between the open position 4A along the Z direction and the closed position 4B along the Y direction. Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the baffle 4 is rotated toward the opening 20, in the sealing part 10, the first sealing part 11 provided at the edge near the rotation axis L contacts the elastic member 46 before the second sealing part 12 provided at the edge away from the rotation axis L.

[0065] In this embodiment, the protrusion height H3 of the first sealing portion 11 is constant and does not change with its position in the X direction. The protrusion height H3 of the first sealing portion 11 is lower than the protrusion height of the second sealing portion 12. As described above, the protrusion height of the second sealing portion 12 is highest at its end on the X1 side (first corner 15) and lowest at its end on the X2 side (second corner 16). Therefore, the second sealing portion 12 tilts in the direction in which its protrusion height decreases as it moves toward the X1 side. The protrusion height H3 of the first sealing portion 11 is lower than the protrusion height H2 of the second corner 16 and lower than the protrusion height H1 of the first corner 15. In addition, the distance D3 of the first sealing portion 11 from the reference position P in the Z direction is greater than the distances D1 and D2 of the first corner 15 and the second corner 16 from the reference position P in the Z direction.

[0066] For example, in this embodiment, the distance D3 of the first sealing portion 11 from the reference position P in the Z direction is 5.3 mm. Furthermore, in the second sealing portion 12, the distance D2 of the second corner portion 16 from the reference position P in the Z direction is 5.0 mm, and the distance D1 of the first corner portion 15 from the reference position P in the Z direction is 4.7 mm. The dimensional tolerance of each part of the sealing portion 10 is 0.05 mm. With this shape, the result of the sealing performance test based on the opening 20 of the baffle 4 shows that the baffle 4 can be rotated to the closed position 4B, and it can be confirmed that no air leakage occurs from the opening 20.

[0067] (refrigerator)

[0068] Figure 8 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the refrigerator 100 with the damper device 1 shown. Figure 8 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.

[0069] (The main effects of this implementation method)

[0070] As described above, the damper device 1 of this embodiment includes: a frame 2 having an opening 20; a baffle 4 rotatably supported on the frame 2 and opening and closing the opening 20; and a drive mechanism 6 disposed on the X1 side (i.e., the side in the direction of the rotation axis of the baffle 4) relative to the opening 20 and driving the baffle 4. The frame 2 has a sealing portion 10 that surrounds the opening 20 around its entire circumference. The baffle 4 has an opening / closing plate 45 and an elastic member 46 disposed on one side of the opening / closing plate 45 and abutting against the sealing portion 10 when the baffle 4 blocks the opening 20. The sealing portion 10 includes: a first sealing portion 11 along the rotation axis L of the baffle 4; a second sealing portion 12 opposite to the first sealing portion 11 across the opening 20; a third sealing portion 13 connecting the X1-side ends of the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12; and a fourth sealing portion 14 connecting the X2-side ends of the first sealing portion 11 and the second sealing portion 12. The first sealing portion 11 is closer to the rotation axis L than the second sealing portion 12, and the third sealing portion 13 is closer to the drive mechanism 6 than the fourth sealing portion 14. When the baffle 4 rotates toward the opening 20, the first corner 15 where the third sealing portion 13 is connected to the second sealing portion 12 abuts against the elastic member 46 before the second corner 16 where the fourth sealing portion 14 is connected to the second sealing portion 12.

[0071] In this embodiment, when opening and closing the opening 20 provided on the frame 2, considering that the pressing force of the elastic member 46 provided on the surface of the baffle 4 against the edge of the opening 20 varies depending on the distance of each part of the baffle 4 from the drive mechanism 6, the elastic member 46 of each part of the baffle 4 abuts against the edge of the opening 20 at an appropriate time. That is, the part closest to the drive mechanism 6 (first corner 15) abuts first, and the front part furthest from the drive mechanism 6 (second corner 16) abuts later. As a result, it is possible to avoid the part with the weakest maximum pressing force (second corner 16) contacting the elastic member 46 first, and the state at the second corner 16 where the repulsive force of the elastic member 46 exceeds the maximum pressing force, making it impossible for the baffle 4 to rotate until the first corner 15 abuts against the elastic member 46. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the gap being generated at the first corner 15 due to the repulsive force of the elastic member 46, and thus the possibility of not being able to completely seal the opening 20 is small.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the baffle 4 rotates toward the opening 20, the first sealing part 11 abuts against the elastic member 46 before the second sealing part 12. Therefore, considering the difference in pressing force between the part near the rotation axis L and the part away from the rotation axis L, the elastic members 46 of each part of the baffle 4 can abut against the edge of the opening 20 at an appropriate time. That is, it is possible to avoid the part with the weakest maximum pressing force (the second sealing part 12) contacting the edge of the opening 20 first, resulting in a state where the repulsive force of the elastic member 46 exceeds the maximum pressing force, making it impossible for the baffle 4 to rotate until the opening 20 is completely sealed (i.e., until the elastic member 46 contacts the first sealing part 11). Therefore, the possibility of the opening 20 not being completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member 46 is small.

[0073] In this embodiment, the repulsive force on the elastic member 46, which has been crushed by the sealing part 10, to return to its shape before contacting the sealing part 10 exceeds the driving force applied to the baffle 4 by the driving mechanism 6, causes the elastic member 46 to abut against the second corner 16. This allows the baffle 4 to rotate until the first corner 15 reliably abuts against the elastic member 46. Therefore, the opening 20 can be completely sealed.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sealing portion 10 is a protrusion extending toward the side where the baffle 4 is located, and is a rib extending along the edge of the opening 20. Therefore, since the elastic member 46 abuts against the front end of the protrusion (rib), the contact area between the sealing portion 10 and the elastic member 46 is small. A small contact area allows for concentrated pressing pressure, increasing the crushing amount of the elastic member 46 even with a small driving force. Therefore, the possibility of not being able to completely seal the opening 20 is low.

[0075] In this embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the first corner portion 15 protruding from the frame portion 21 is higher than the protrusion height H2 of the second corner portion 16 protruding from the frame portion. In this way, the portion closest to the drive mechanism 6 (the first corner portion 15) abuts against the elastic member 46 first, and the front portion furthest from the drive mechanism 6 (the second corner portion 16) abuts against the elastic member 46 afterwards.

[0076] In this embodiment, the opening 20 is preferably rectangular with the rotation axis direction (X direction) as its long side. In such an opening shape, the deviation in pressing force caused by the distance from the drive mechanism 6 is large. In this embodiment, by making the timing of the first corner 15 and the second corner 16 abutting against the elastic member 46 different, the possibility of the baffle 4 not being able to rotate to the point where the opening 20 is completely sealed is reduced.

[0077] In this embodiment, the baffle 4 is made of resin. When the baffle 4 is made of resin, the deviation in pressing force caused by the bending of the baffle 4 is large. Therefore, as in this embodiment, by differentiating the timing of the elastic member 46 abutting against the edge of the opening 20 in easily bendable and difficult-to-bend areas, the possibility of not being able to rotate the baffle 4 to the point where the opening 20 is completely sealed is reduced.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (Other implementation methods)

[0080] 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 embodiment is used in a refrigerator, but this invention is not limited to damper devices for refrigerators. Furthermore, the sealing portion 10 of the above embodiment is a rib, but the sealing portion may not be a rib. For example, a sheet may be mounted along the edge of the opening 20. In this case, the range and thickness of the mounted sheet can be adjusted according to the timing of the contact between the elastic member 46 and the rib.

[0081] In addition, in the above embodiment, the elastic member 46 provided on the baffle 4 is pressed against the sealing part 10 provided on the edge of the opening 20, but the configuration of the elastic member and the sealing part can also be reversed. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing that an elastic member 46A is arranged on the edge of the opening 20 and a sealing part 10A is provided on the baffle 4. Figure 9 (a) is a top view of the baffle 4 with sealing part 10A. Figure 9 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the baffle 4 and the frame 2, showing the state in which the baffle 4 closes the opening 20.

[0082] Figure 9 The structure is the same as the embodiment described above, and is applicable to a damper device having a frame 2 with an opening 20, a baffle 4 rotatably supported on the frame 2 and capable of opening and closing the opening 20, and a drive mechanism 6 positioned relative to the opening 20 on one side of the baffle 4 along its axis of rotation and driving the baffle 4. On the frame 2, an elastic member 46A is arranged circumferentially along the edge of the opening 20. A sealing portion 10A is provided on the baffle 4, which abuts against the elastic member 46A and surrounds the opening 20 circumferentially when the baffle 4 blocks the opening 20. The sealing portion 10A is a square-cylindrical protrusion protruding from the opening / closing plate 45 of the baffle 4 toward the side where the opening 20 is located.

[0083] like Figure 9As shown in (a), the sealing portion 10A includes: a first sealing portion 11A along the rotation axis L of the baffle 4; a second sealing portion 12A opposite to the first sealing portion 11A across the opening 20 when the baffle 4 closes the opening 20; a third sealing portion 13A connecting one end of the first sealing portion 11A and the second sealing portion 12A; and a fourth sealing portion 14A connecting the other ends of the first sealing portion 11A and the second sealing portion 12A. The first sealing portion 11A is closer to the rotation axis L than the second sealing portion 12A, and the third sealing portion 13A is closer to the drive mechanism 6 than the fourth sealing portion 14A.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the baffle 4 rotates toward the opening 20, the first corner 15A of the sealing portion 10A, where the third sealing portion 13A is connected to the second sealing portion 12A, abuts against the elastic member 46A before the second corner 16A, where the fourth sealing portion 14A is connected to the second sealing portion 12A. For example, in the sealing portion 10A, if the height of the first corner 15A protruding from the opening / closing plate 45 is greater than the height of the second corner 16A protruding from the opening / closing plate 45, the first corner 15A abuts against the elastic member 46A before the second corner 16A. Furthermore, when the baffle 4 rotates toward the opening 20, the first sealing portion 11A abuts against the elastic member 46A before the second sealing portion 12A.

[0085] Therefore, similar to the embodiment described above, it is possible to avoid a situation where the baffle 4 cannot rotate until the opening 20 is completely sealed due to the repulsive force of the elastic member 46A. Thus, the possibility of the opening 20 not being completely sealed is small.

[0086] Symbol Explanation

[0087] 1: Damper device; 2: Frame; 3: Housing; 4: Baffle; 4A: Open position; 4B: Closed position; 6: Drive mechanism; 10, 10A: Sealing part; 11, 11A: First sealing part; 12, 12A: Second sealing part; 13, 13A: Third sealing part; 14, 14A: Fourth sealing part; 15, 15A: First corner; 16, 16A: Second corner; 20: Opening; 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; 30: Protrusion; 31: Bottom; 32: Side plate; 33: Connector insertion port; 34: Boss; 35: Shaft support; 36: Motor holding part; 37: First rib; 38: Second rib; 39: Third rib; 40: Fourth rib; 41, 42: Cylindrical part; 44: Shaft; 45: Opening and closing plate; 46, 46A: Elastic component; 60: Gear-driven motor 61: Motor; 62: Gear transmission mechanism; 63: Motor housing; 64: Motor board; 65: Stator; 66: Separator component; 67: Terminal block; 68: Terminal cover; 69: Output component; 70: Connector terminal; 100: Refrigerator; 110: Refrigerator body; 111: Storage compartment; 112: Cold air duct; 113: Cold air inlet / outlet; 114: Cooler; 115: Fan; 120: Control device; 311: Base plate; 312: Separator 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; 363: Motor bearing rib; 621: Gear train; 622: Output wheel; 623: Gear; 624: Shaft; 625: Gear; 641: Shaft support; 651: Stator coil; 652: Insulator; 691: Shaft; 692: Sector gear; L: Rotation axis; P: Reference position.

Claims

1. A damper device, characterized by, Having: a frame provided with an opening portion; a shutter supported on the frame in a rotatable manner and opening and closing the opening portion; and a drive mechanism disposed on one side of the shutter in a direction of an axis of rotation of the shutter with respect to the opening portion and driving the shutter, the frame has a seal portion surrounding the opening portion on the entire circumference, the shutter has: a shutter plate; and an elastic member disposed on one face of the shutter plate and abutting against the seal portion when the shutter blocks the opening portion, the seal portion has: a first seal portion along the axis of rotation of the shutter; a second seal portion opposite the first seal portion across the opening portion; a third seal portion connecting one end of the first seal portion and the second seal portion; and a fourth seal portion connecting the other end of the first seal portion and the second seal portion, in a case where the first seal portion is closer to the axis of rotation than the second seal portion and the third seal portion is closer to the drive mechanism than the fourth seal portion, when the shutter rotates toward the opening portion side, a first corner portion at which the third seal portion and the second seal portion are connected abuts against the elastic member before a second corner portion at which the fourth seal portion and the second seal portion are connected.

2. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein when the shutter rotates toward the opening portion side, the first seal portion abuts against the elastic member before the second seal portion.

3. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member abuts against the second corner portion before a repulsive force of the elastic member pressed against the seal portion and crushed to recover to a shape before coming into contact with the seal portion exceeds a driving force applied from the drive mechanism to the shutter.

4. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the seal portion is a protruding portion protruding toward a side on which the shutter is present, the elastic member abuts against a front end of the protruding portion.

5. The damper device according to claim 4, wherein a protruding height of the first corner portion of the protruding portion is higher than a protruding height of the second corner portion.

6. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the opening portion is a rectangular shape with a direction of the axis of rotation as a long side direction.

7. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein the shutter is composed of resin.

8. A damper device characterized by comprising: Having: a frame provided with an opening portion; a shutter supported on the frame in a rotatable manner and opening and closing the opening portion; and a drive mechanism disposed on one side of the shutter in a direction of an axis of rotation of the shutter with respect to the opening portion and driving the shutter, on the frame, an elastic member is disposed on the entire circumference along an edge of the opening portion, on the shutter, a seal portion is provided which abuts against the elastic member when the shutter blocks the opening portion, the seal portion has: a first seal portion along the axis of rotation of the shutter; a second seal portion that opposes the first seal portion across the opening portion when the opening portion is closed by the shutter; a third seal portion that connects one end of the first seal portion and the second seal portion, and a fourth seal portion that connects the other end of the first seal portion and the second seal portion, in a case where the first seal portion is closer to the rotation axis than the second seal portion and the third seal portion is closer to the drive mechanism than the fourth seal portion, in a case where the shutter rotates toward the opening portion side, among the seal portions, a first corner portion at which the third seal portion and the second seal portion are connected abuts against the elastic member earlier than a second corner portion at which the fourth seal portion and the second seal portion are connected.

9. A refrigerator provided with the damper device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a cooling machine and a storage room to which cold air generated by the cooling machine is supplied are provided, the damper device is disposed at a cold air intake port of the storage room.

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