Damper device and refrigerator

Abstract

A damper device and a refrigerator improve the assembly of a damper device using a motor as a driving source. The damper device (1) has: a frame (2) provided with an opening portion (20) opened and closed by a baffle (4); and a housing (3) that houses a driving mechanism (6) between a partition wall (23) provided at an end portion of the frame. The housing is provided with: a bottom portion (31) and a side plate portion (32); a motor holding portion (36) provided on the inner side of the side plate portion; and a positioning rib (50) connecting the motor holding portion and the side plate portion. A first guide surface (53) that is inclined toward an X1 direction as it goes toward the motor holding portion side is provided at the front end of the positioning rib in an X2 direction. When assembling a gear motor (60) in the housing, the motor housing (63) is brought into contact with the first guide surface and the bottom portion of the motor housing is made to slide along the first guide surface, so that the motor housing falls inside the motor holding portion.

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 a resin housing. When using a resin housing, ribs are provided to ensure rigidity, and the drive mechanism is provided to maintain its shape. Therefore, when assembling the damper device, the motor housing can easily get stuck on the ribs or maintain its shape, resulting in difficulties in smooth assembly.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the objective of the present invention is to improve the assemblability of damper devices that use a motor as a drive source.

[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 portion opposite to the partition wall plate; a side plate portion extending from the outer edge of the bottom portion toward the partition wall plate; and a motor retainer. The motor has a holding portion that extends from the bottom toward the partition wall on the inner side of the side plate portion; and a rib that connects the motor holding portion and the side plate portion. The motor has a bottomed motor housing embedded in the inner side of the motor holding portion. When the direction from the partition wall portion toward the bottom is set as a first direction, a first guide surface is provided at the front end of the rib on the other side of the first direction. The first guide surface is inclined in a direction toward the first direction as it faces the motor holding portion. The first guide surface is located on the other side of the first direction than the motor holding portion.

[0009] In this invention, in an actuator that houses the drive mechanism between a housing and a partition wall, a first guide surface is provided at the front end of the rib connecting the side plate portion of the housing and the motor holding portion. The first guide surface is positioned further from the partition wall (on the other side of the first direction) than the motor holding portion and is inclined in a direction that is recessed towards the motor holding portion (towards the side of the first direction). With such a first guide surface, when assembling the motor to the housing, by abutting the bottom of the motor housing against the first guide surface and sliding the bottom of the motor housing along the first guide surface, the motor housing can fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion. Therefore, since the motor housing is less likely to get stuck on the structure outside the motor holding portion, the assemblability of the actuator is improved.

[0010] In this invention, preferably, the motor includes a terminal cover protruding to the outer periphery of the motor housing, and the motor holding portion includes: an arcuate portion along the outer periphery 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. A second guide surface is provided at the front end of each pair of connecting portions on the other side of the first direction. The second guide surface of one of the pair of connecting portions is inclined in a direction toward one side of the first direction as it faces the other of the pair of connecting portions, and the second guide surface of the other of the pair of connecting portions is inclined in a direction toward one side of the first direction as it faces the one of the pair of connecting portions. In this way, when assembling the motor to the housing, by abutting the bottom of the terminal cover against the second guide surface and sliding the bottom of the terminal cover along the second guide surface, the terminal cover can be allowed to fall between the pair of connecting portions. Therefore, since the terminal cover is less likely to get stuck on the structure outside the pair of connecting portions, the assemblability of the actuator is improved.

[0011] In this invention, preferably, the bottom of the terminal cover is located on the opposite side of the motor housing in the first direction. When the motor is installed onto the housing from the opposite side of the first direction, the bottom of the motor housing abuts against the first guide surface before the bottom of the terminal cover abuts against the second guide surface. The motor housing is guided along the first guide surface to the inner side of the arcuate portion. Then, the bottom of the terminal cover abuts against the second guide surface, and the terminal cover is guided along the second guide surface between the pair of connecting portions. This avoids the bottom of the motor housing abutting against the second guide surface first and being guided in the wrong direction.

[0012] In this invention, preferably, the side plate portion includes: a first side plate; and a second side plate disposed on the opposite side of the first side plate relative to the motor holding portion, wherein the ribs are respectively provided at a first connecting portion connecting the first side plate and the motor holding portion and a second connecting portion connecting the second side plate and the motor holding portion. In this way, since the plurality of first guide surfaces are disposed on the opposite side relative to the motor holding portion, the motor housing can be easily placed inside the motor holding portion.

[0013] In this invention, preferably, the motor includes a motor plate that blocks the end of the motor housing on the partition wall side. Two first protrusions protruding towards the first side plate and the second side plate are provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate. The first protrusions protruding towards the first side plate are fitted between two ribs provided in the first connecting portion, and the second protrusions protruding towards the second side plate are fitted between two ribs provided in the second connecting portion. In this way, by using the ribs for circumferential positioning of the motor as ribs for providing the first guide surface, the structure of the housing can be simplified.

[0014] In this invention, preferably, the partition wall panel includes a motor plate receiving portion protruding towards the housing side, and the first protrusion is pressed against the end face of the motor housing by the motor plate receiving portion. This suppresses motor wobbling between the housing and the partition wall panel. Therefore, since motor vibrations are less likely to be transmitted to the housing, noise caused by housing vibrations can be suppressed.

[0015] 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.

[0016] In this invention, in an actuator that houses the drive mechanism between a housing and a partition wall, a first guide surface is provided at the front end of the rib connecting the side plate portion of the housing and the motor holding portion. The first guide surface is positioned further from the partition wall (on the other side of the first direction) than the motor holding portion and is inclined in a direction that is recessed towards the motor holding portion (towards the side of the first direction). With such a first guide surface, when assembling the motor to the housing, by abutting the bottom of the motor housing against the first guide surface and sliding the bottom of the motor housing along the first guide surface, the motor housing can fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion. Therefore, since the motor housing is less likely to get stuck on the structure outside the motor holding portion, the assemblability of the actuator is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] Figure 2 Viewed from the side of the baffle Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the damper device shown.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the damper device shown.

[0020] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the partition wall panel, drive mechanism and housing.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of a gear-driven motor.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the gear-driven motor and its housing.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] Figure 11 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the damper device of a refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] (Overall structure)

[0030] 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 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. Figure 6 (a) is a top view of the housing 3 and the drive mechanism 6 as seen 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] (Drive mechanism)

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (case)

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the housing 3 has: a bottom 31 opposite to the partition wall 23 from 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 side (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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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)

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 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 inner circumferential surface of the arcuate portion 361.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 base 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.

[0054] 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 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.

[0055] (Positioning of the gear-driven motor relative to the housing)

[0056] 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 abuts against 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 toward 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 gently 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 can be easily inserted since it does not contact the motor bearing rib 363.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] (Reinforcing structure of the shell)

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] (refrigerator)

[0074] Figure 11 It has Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the damper device 1 of a refrigerator 100. Figure 11 In the refrigerator 100 shown, the refrigerator body 110 includes multiple storage compartments 111 and cold air ducts 112 that supply 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 ducts 112 and the storage compartments 111. Furthermore, the refrigerator body 110 includes a cooler 114 that generates cold air, a fan 115 disposed within the cold air ducts 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.

[0075] (The main effects of this implementation method)

[0076] 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 for opening and closing the opening 20; a drive mechanism 6 having a gear-driven motor 60 and an output member 69 for transmitting rotation of the gear-driven motor 60 to the baffle 4; and a housing 3 coupled to the partition wall plate 23 and housing the drive mechanism 6 between the housing 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; a motor holding portion 36 extending from the bottom 31 toward the partition wall plate 23 inside the side plate portion 32; and a rib (positioning rib 50) connecting the motor holding portion 36 and the side plate portion 32. The gear-driven motor 60 has a bottomed motor housing 63 embedded inside the motor holding portion 36. A first guide surface 53 is provided at the front end of the positioning rib 50 in the X2 direction (the other side of the first direction). The first guide surface 53 is inclined in the direction towards the X1 direction (the other side of the first direction) as it moves towards the motor holding part 36. The first guide surface 53 is located closer to the end face of the motor holding part 36 in the X2 direction (the other side of the first direction) than in the X2 direction (the other side of the first direction).

[0077] In this embodiment, in the damper device 1 that houses the drive mechanism 6 between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23, a gear-driven motor 60, which houses the rotor 7, stator 65, and gear train 621, is used as the motor constituting the drive mechanism 6. The motor housing 63 houses the gear-driven motor 60. A first guide surface 53 is provided on the front end of the rib (positioning rib 50) connecting the side plate portion 32 of the housing 3 and the motor holding portion 36. The first guide surface 53 is positioned closer to the partition wall 23 (in the X2 direction (the other side of the first direction)) than the upper end surface of the motor holding portion 36, and is inclined in a direction that is recessed towards the motor holding portion 36 (in the X1 direction (the side of the first direction)). With such a first guide surface 53, when assembling the gear-driven motor 60 onto the housing 3, by abutting the bottom of the motor housing 63 against the first guide surface 53 and sliding the bottom of the motor housing 63 along the first guide surface 53, the motor housing 63 can fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion 36. Thus, in this embodiment, by simply pressing the gear-driven motor 60 in the X1 direction, the motor housing 63 can fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion 36, therefore, the motor housing 63 is less likely to get stuck on the outer structure of the motor holding portion 36. Therefore, the damper device 1 has good assemblability.

[0078] In this embodiment, the gear-driven motor 60 includes a terminal cover 68 protruding towards the outer periphery of the motor housing 63. The motor holding portion 36 includes an arcuate portion 361 along the outer periphery 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 second guide surface 56 is provided at the front end of each pair of connecting portions 362 in the X2 direction (the other side of the first direction). In the pair of connecting portions 362 arranged in the Z direction, the second guide surface 56 of the connecting portion 362 on the Z1 side is inclined in the direction towards the X1 direction as it faces the connecting portion 362 on the Z2 side, and the second guide surface 56 of the connecting portion 362 on the Z2 side is inclined in the direction towards the X1 direction as it faces the connecting portion 362 on the Z1 side. With such a second guide surface 56, when assembling the geared motor 60 to the housing 3, the terminal cover 68 can be moved between the pair of connecting portions 362 by abutting the bottom of the terminal cover 68 against the second guide surface 56 and sliding the bottom of the terminal cover 68 along the second guide surface 56. Thus, in this embodiment, the terminal cover 68 can be moved between the pair of connecting portions 362 simply by pressing the geared motor 60 in the X1 direction, therefore, the terminal cover 68 is less likely to get stuck on the structure outside the pair of connecting portions 362. Therefore, the damper device 1 has good assemblability.

[0079] In this embodiment, the bottom of the terminal cover 68 is located further in the X2 direction than the bottom of the motor housing 63. Furthermore, when the geared motor 60 is mounted on the housing 3 in the X2 direction, the bottom of the motor housing 63 abuts against the first guide surface 53 before the bottom of the terminal cover 68 abuts against the second guide surface 56. As a result, the motor housing 63 is guided along the first guide surface 53 to the inside of the arcuate portion 361, and then the bottom of the terminal cover 68 abuts against the second guide surface 56, and the terminal cover 68 is guided along the second guide surface 56 between the pair of connecting portions 362. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the bottom of the motor housing 63 abutting against the second guide surface 56 first and being guided in the wrong direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the side plate portion 32 of the housing 3 includes a first side plate 321 and a second side plate 322 disposed on the side opposite to the first side plate 321 relative to the motor holding portion 36. Positioning ribs 50, each provided with a first guide surface 53, are respectively disposed on a first connecting portion 325 connecting the first side plate 321 and the motor holding portion 36 and a second connecting portion 326 connecting the second side plate 322 and the motor holding portion 36. Thus, in this embodiment, since the gear transmission motor 60 is guided by arranging multiple first guide surfaces 53 on opposite sides relative to the motor holding portion 36, the motor housing 63 can easily fall into the inner side of the motor holding portion 36.

[0081] In this embodiment, the gear-driven motor 60 includes a motor plate 64 that blocks the end of the motor housing 63 on the side of the partition wall 23. Two first protrusions 643 protruding towards the first side plate 321 and the second side plate 322 are provided on the outer periphery of the motor plate 64. The first protrusions 643 protruding towards the first side plate 321 are fitted between two positioning ribs 50 provided in the first connecting portion 325, and the first protrusions 643 protruding towards the second side plate 322 are fitted between two positioning ribs 50 provided in the second connecting portion 326. Thus, in this embodiment, since the positioning ribs 50 used for circumferential positioning of the motor plate 64 also serve as ribs for setting the first guide surface 53, it is not necessary to provide additional ribs for setting the first guide surface 53 at locations different from the positioning ribs 50. Therefore, the structure of the housing 3 can be simplified.

[0082] Alternatively, the ribs used to provide the first guide surface 53 may have a different structure than in this embodiment. That is, the ribs used to provide the first guide surface 53 may be located at a different position than the positioning ribs 50 used to position the first protrusion 643 in the circumferential direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the partition wall 23, which houses the drive mechanism 6 between itself and the housing 3, has a motor plate receiving portion 29 protruding towards the housing 3. The first protrusion 643 is pressed against the end face of the motor housing 63 by the motor plate receiving portion 29. This allows the geared motor 60 to be positioned in the X direction between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23, suppressing any wobbling of the geared motor 60 between the housing 3 and the partition wall 23. Therefore, since the vibration of the geared motor 60 is less likely to be transmitted to the housing 3, noise caused by the vibration of the housing 3 can be suppressed.

[0084] 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.

[0085] (Other implementation methods)

[0086] 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.

[0087] Symbol Explanation

[0088] 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 part; 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, which is rotatably supported on the frame and is used to open and close 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, which is opposite to the partition wall; and a side plate, which extends from the outer edge of the bottom toward the partition wall. A motor holding part that extends from the bottom toward the partition wall plate on the inner side of the side plate portion; And a rib that connects the motor retaining portion and the side plate portion. The motor has a bottomed motor housing that fits inside the motor retaining portion. When the direction from the partition wall panel toward the bottom is set as the first direction on one side, A first guide surface is provided at the front end of the rib on the other side of the first direction. The first guide surface is inclined in a direction toward the side of the first direction as it moves toward the motor holding part. The first guide surface is located on the opposite side of the motor holding portion in the first direction. The motor housing has: a base plate; a cylindrical portion; and a corner portion connecting the base plate and the cylindrical portion. The corner portion has a curved surface. When the motor housing is embedded inside the motor retaining portion, if the bottom of the motor housing abuts against the first guide surface, the curved surface contacts the first guide surface.

2. 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. 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. A second guide surface is provided at the front end of each of the pair of connecting portions on the other side of the first direction. The second guide surface of one of the pair of connecting portions is inclined toward the side facing the first direction as it moves toward the other of the pair of connecting portions. The second guide surface of the other of the pair of connecting portions is inclined toward the side of the first direction as it faces one of the pair of connecting portions.

3. The damper device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the terminal cover is located on the opposite side in the first direction than the bottom of the motor housing. When the motor is mounted to the housing from the other side of the first direction. Before the bottom of the terminal cover abuts against the second guide surface, the bottom of the motor housing abuts against the first guide surface, and the corner slides along the first guide surface, guiding the motor housing along the first guide surface to the inside of the arcuate portion. Then, the bottom of the terminal cover abuts against the second guide surface, and the terminal cover is guided along the second guide surface between the pair of connecting portions.

4. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate portion includes: a first side plate; and a second side plate disposed on the side opposite to the first side plate relative to the motor holding portion. The ribs are respectively disposed at the first connecting portion connecting the first side plate and the motor holding portion, and at the second connecting portion connecting the second side plate and the motor holding portion.

5. The damper device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The motor includes a motor plate that blocks the end of the motor housing on the side of the partition wall. The outer periphery of the motor plate is provided with two first protrusions that protrude toward the first side plate and the second side plate. The first protrusion, which protrudes toward the first side plate, fits between the two ribs located at the first connecting portion. The first protrusion, which protrudes toward the second side plate, fits between the two ribs located in the second connecting portion.

6. The damper device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The partition wall panel has a motor plate bearing portion protruding towards the housing side. The first protrusion is pressed against the end face of the motor housing by the motor plate bearing portion.

7. A refrigerator comprising a damper device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It has a cooling unit and a storage room supplied with cold air generated by the cooling unit. The damper device is located at the cold air intake of the storage compartment.

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