Air door device

Abstract

An air door device does not need to erect a spring part between a frame and a baffle plate for preventing the baffle plate at a closed position from moving along an opening direction. A first output mechanism (24) connected to a first shutter (7) is provided with: a first output shaft constituting member (31) having a first output shaft (23); a first output gear constituting member (33) having a first output gear and supporting the first output shaft constituting member so as to be rotatable about an axis line along an axis line (L1) of the first output shaft; and a first spring member (34). The first output gear constituting member supports the first output shaft constituting member so as to be rotatable between a first rotational position (31A) and a second rotational position separated from the first rotational position (31A) in a second rotational direction (R2). The first spring member urges the first output shaft constituting member toward a first rotational position (31A). The second rotational direction (R2) is a direction in which the first shutter is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a damper device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a damper device for a refrigerator. The damper device described in this document includes a frame having an opening that forms part of a cold air passage; a baffle for opening and closing the opening; and a drive mechanism that rotates the baffle between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that separates the opening. The damper device also includes a torsion coil spring disposed between the baffle and the frame. When the baffle rotates toward the open position in an opening direction, the drive mechanism overcomes the force of the torsion coil spring to drive the baffle. When the baffle is in the closed position, the force of the torsion coil spring presses the baffle against the opening. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-200773 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the torsion coil spring is used to prevent the damper from opening when in the closed position. However, when the torsion coil spring is placed between the frame and the damper, it is easily accessible to the operator when assembling the damper device into the refrigerator. This can cause the torsion coil spring to fall out.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a damper device that does not require a spring member to be interposed between a frame and a damper for preventing the damper in a closed position from moving in an opening direction.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the damper device of the present invention comprises: a frame, which is provided with an opening portion; a baffle, which opens and closes the opening portion; and a driving mechanism, which rotates the baffle between a closed position closing the opening portion and an open position separated from the opening portion, the driving mechanism comprising: a driving source; a gear mechanism to which the driving force from the driving source is transmitted; and an output mechanism having an output shaft connected to the baffle and an output gear coaxial with the output shaft and to which the driving force from the gear mechanism is transmitted, the output mechanism comprising: an output shaft constituent member having the output shaft; an output gear constituent member having an output gear, and An output shaft component is supported so as to be rotatable around an axis along the axis of the output shaft; and a spring component is mounted between the output shaft component and the output gear component, and when the baffle is rotated in a closing direction from the open position toward the closed position, the rotation direction of the output shaft component around the axis is set to a first rotation direction, and when the opposite direction is set to a second rotation direction, the output gear component supports the output shaft component so as to be rotatable around the axis between a first rotation position and a second rotation position separated from the first rotation position along the second rotation direction, and the spring component applies force to the output shaft component toward the first rotation position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device with the damper in the closed position. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the damper device with the damper in the open position. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the damper device. Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism, the housing, and the second frame. Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the drive mechanism. Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the output mechanism. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the first output mechanism when viewed from the first output shaft side. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the first output mechanism as viewed from the first output gear side. Figure 9 It is a plan view of the first output mechanism when the baffle is in the closed position. Figure 10 It is a plan view of the first output mechanism when the baffle is in the open position. Figure 11This is an exploded perspective view of the gear mechanism and output mechanism. Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the gear mechanism and output mechanism. Figure 13 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the meshing between the second gear and the first output gear until the first flap moves from the first open position to the first closed position. Figure 14 This is a plan view of the drive mechanism housed in the housing body. Figure 15 It is a side view of the drive mechanism. Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the meshing of the second gear, the third gear, the first output gear, and the second output gear when the two shutters are opened and closed. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerator equipped with a damper device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a damper device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] (Overall structure) Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the damper device with the damper in the closed position. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the damper device with the damper in the open position. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the damper device. Figure 1 As shown, the damper device 1 includes a housing 2 and a first frame 3 and a second frame 4 provided on both sides of the housing 2. Figure 2 As shown, the first frame 3 has a rectangular first opening 5. The second frame 4 has a rectangular second opening 6. The damper device 1 further includes a first baffle 7 for opening and closing the first opening 5 and a second baffle 8 for opening and closing the second opening 6. Figure 3 As shown, the drive mechanism 9 is housed in the housing 2. The first flap 7 and the second flap 8 are driven by the drive mechanism 9 to rotate around a predetermined axis L1.

[0010] In the following description, the three directions orthogonal to each other are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. In addition, one side of the X-axis direction is defined as the X1 direction, and the other side of the X-axis direction is defined as the X2 direction. One side of the Y-axis direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the other side of the Y-axis direction is defined as the Y2 direction. One side of the Z-axis direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the other side of the Z-axis direction is defined as the Z2 direction. Figure 1 As shown, the axial direction along the axis L1 is the X-axis direction.

[0011] The first frame 3 is positioned in the X1 direction of the housing 2. The second frame 4 is positioned in the X2 direction of the housing 2. The first opening 5 and the second opening 6 penetrate the first frame 3 and the second frame 4 in the Y-axis direction. The first flap 7 rotates between a first closed position 7A, which stands upright in the Z1 direction, and a first open position 7B, which falls down in the Y1 direction. The second flap 8 rotates between a second closed position 8A, which stands upright in the Z1 direction, and a second open position 8B, which falls down in the Y1 direction.

[0012] like Figure 2 As shown, the first and second flaps 7 and 8 each include an opening and closing plate 10 made of resin and a sheet-like elastic member 11 made of polyurethane foam or the like adhered to the opening and closing plate 10. The first flap 7 seals the first opening 5 by bringing the elastic member 11 into contact with the edge of the first opening 5. The second flap 8 seals the second opening 6 by bringing the elastic member 11 into contact with the edge of the second opening 6.

[0013] The damper device 1 is driven by a drive mechanism 9 to rotate the first flapper 7 in a first rotational direction R1 toward the first closed position 7A and a second rotational direction R2 toward the first open position 7B. It also rotates the second flapper 8 in the first rotational direction R1 toward the second closed position 8A and the second rotational direction R2 toward the second open position 8B. The damper device 1 is driven by the drive mechanism 9 to rotate the first flapper 7 and the second flapper 8 in a predetermined sequence. This allows the damper device 1 to be in a state where both the first opening 5 and the second opening 6 are closed, a state where both the first opening 5 and the second opening 6 are open, or a state where one of the first opening 5 and the second opening 6 is open and the other is closed. In this embodiment, the first flapper 7 rotates at a 90° angle when moving between the first closed position 7A and the first open position 7B. The second flapper 8 rotates at a 90° angle when moving between the second closed position 8A and the second open position 8B.

[0014] The damper device 1 is placed, for example, inside a duct or the like that forms a cool air passage. Cool air flows through the first and second openings 5 ​​and 6 from the side opposite to the side where the first and second baffles 7 and 8 are located. Cool air may also flow through the first and second openings 5 ​​and 6 from the side opposite to the side where the first and second baffles 7 and 8 are located. Furthermore, the passage in which the damper device 1 is incorporated may also be a passage through which a medium other than cool air flows.

[0015] (case) Figure 4 : is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism 9, the housing 2 and the second frame. Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, the housing 2 includes: a rectangular box-shaped housing body 12 with an opening facing the X1 direction; and a plate-shaped first partition wall 13 that closes the opening of the housing body 12. The housing body 12 includes: a rectangular plate portion 14 opposite to the first partition wall 13; and a square tube portion 15 extending from the outer periphery of the plate portion 14 in the X1 direction. The first partition wall 13 is assembled by a hook to close the end of the square tube portion 15 from the X1 direction. Figure 3 As shown, the first partition wall portion 13 is connected to the end portion of the first frame 3 in the X2 direction and is formed integrally with the first frame 3. Figure 4 As shown, a flat plate 16 is superimposed on the X2-direction end face of the plate portion 14 of the housing body 12. The flat plate 16 is stacked on the plate portion 14 from the X2 direction via a hook. The flat plate 16 is connected to the X1-direction end of the second frame 4 and is formed integrally with the second frame 4.

[0016] Inside the housing body 12, a support shaft 17 is provided, projecting from the plate portion 14 in the X1 direction. The support shaft axis L2 of the support shaft 17 extends in the X-axis direction. The support shaft 17 rotatably supports a toothless gear among the multiple gears that comprise the drive mechanism 9. Furthermore, within the housing body 12, a stopper 18 is provided in the drive mechanism 9 to limit the rotational range of the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36. The first output gear 32 rotates the first output shaft 23 connected to the first flap 7, and the second output gear 36 rotates the second output shaft 25 connected to the second flap 8. When the first flap 7 reaches the open position, the first output gear abuts the stopper 18. When the second flap 8 reaches the open position, the second output gear abuts the stopper 18. Details of the first output shaft 23, the first output gear 32, the second output shaft 25, and the second output gear 36 will be described later.

[0017] (Drive mechanism) Figure 5 : is a three-dimensional diagram of the driving mechanism 9. Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism 9 includes a drive source 20, an output mechanism 21, and a gear mechanism 22 that transmits the driving force of the drive source 20 to the output mechanism 21. The output mechanism 21 includes a first output mechanism 24 having a first output shaft 23 connected to the first baffle 7, and a second output mechanism 26 having a second output shaft 25 connected to the second baffle 8. The first and second output mechanisms 24, 26 are coaxial and connected for relative rotation. The gear mechanism 22 transmits the driving force of the drive source 20 to the first and second output mechanisms 24, 26.

[0018] like Figure 3As shown, the first output shaft 23 of the first output mechanism 24 extends toward the first opening 5 along the X1 direction via the through hole 13a provided in the first partition wall 13. The first baffle 7 is connected to the first output shaft 23. Figure 4 As shown, the second output shaft 25 of the second output mechanism 26 passes through the through-hole 14a provided in the plate portion 14 and the through-hole 16a provided in the flat plate 16, extending along the X2 direction toward the second opening portion 6. The second output shaft 25 is connected to the second baffle 8. Axis L1 is the axis of the first output shaft 23 and the second output shaft 25.

[0019] (Drive source) The driving source 20 of the driving mechanism 9 is a gear motor. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the drive source 20 includes a motor body 27, a motor output shaft 28 protruding from the motor body 27 in the X1 direction, and a motor pinion 29 fixed to the motor output shaft 28. The motor body 27 houses the motor and a reduction gear train that transmits the motor's rotation to the motor output shaft 28. The drive source 20 rotates in both forward and reverse directions.

[0020] (Output mechanism) Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the output mechanism 21 . Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the first output mechanism 24 when viewed from the first output shaft 23 side. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the first output mechanism 24 when viewed from the side opposite to the first output shaft 23 . Figure 9 This is a plan view of the first output mechanism 24 as viewed from the first output shaft 23 side. Figure 10 It is a plan view of the first output mechanism 24 when the first flap 7 is located at the first closed position 7A. Figure 11 It is a plan view of the first output mechanism 24 when the first flap 7 is located at the first open position 7B.

[0021] like Figure 6 As shown, the first output mechanism 24 includes a first output shaft component 31, which includes the first output shaft 23. The first output mechanism 24 also includes: a first output gear component 33, which has a first output gear 32 and supports the first output shaft component 31 so that it can rotate around the axis of the first output shaft 23; and a first spring component 34, which is installed between the first output shaft component 31 and the first output gear component 33. The first output gear component 33 supports the first output shaft component 31 so that it can rotate around the axis in a first position (see Figure 9 ) and a second rotational position 31B away from the first rotational position 31A in the second rotational direction R2 (see Figure 10The first spring member 34 urges the first output shaft component 31 toward the first rotational position 31A.

[0022] The second output mechanism 26 includes a second output shaft component 35 having the second output shaft 25. The second output mechanism 26 further includes a second output gear component 37 having a second output gear 36 and supporting the second output shaft component 35 for rotation about an axis L1 along the second output shaft 25; and a second spring component 38 interposed between the second output shaft component 35 and the second output gear component 37. The second output gear component 37 supports the second output shaft component 35 for rotation about the axis between a first rotational position and a second rotational position spaced apart from the first rotational position in the second rotational direction R2. The second spring component 38 biases the second output shaft component 35 toward the first rotational position. The first output mechanism 24 and the second output mechanism 26 have corresponding structures. Therefore, the details of the first output mechanism 24 will be described below, while a detailed description of the second output mechanism 26 will be omitted.

[0023] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the first output shaft component 31 includes: a first disc portion 40; a first output shaft 23 protruding from the first disc portion 40 in the X1 direction; and a first shaft portion 41 protruding from the first disc portion 40 in the X2 direction. The first output shaft 23 has a first connecting portion 42 at its end in the X1 direction. The first connecting portion 42 has parallel surfaces that are parallel to each other with the axis L1 interposed therebetween. The first connecting portion 42 of the first output shaft 23 is connected to the first baffle 7. Figure 8 As shown, the first disc portion 40 includes a first protrusion 43 that protrudes toward the outer circumference. The first shaft portion 41 has parallel surfaces that are parallel to each other across the axis L1. When viewed from the axis L1, the first shaft portion 41 is generally rectangular.

[0024] The first output gear component 33 includes a first cylindrical portion 45 and a first output gear 32. The first output gear 32 protrudes radially outward from a portion of the circumference of the first cylindrical portion 45. Figure 7 As shown, the first cylindrical portion 45 includes a first shaft support portion 46 and a first connecting portion 47 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first shaft support portion 46, extending from the X1 direction side toward the X2 direction. The first shaft support portion 46 includes two first protrusions 48 projecting toward the inner circumference at positions 180 degrees apart. The inner diameter of the first connecting portion 47 is smaller than that of the first shaft support portion 46.

[0025] The first shaft portion 41 of the first output shaft component 31 is inserted into the first shaft support portion 46 of the first output gear component 33. As a result, the first output shaft component 31 can rotate in the first rotation position 31A (see FIG. Figure 9 ) and to the second rotation position 31B (see Figure 10 ) is supported on the first output gear component 33 in a state of rotation between the first closed position 7A and the first open position 7B. At the first rotational position 31A, the first shaft portion 41 abuts each first protrusion 48 from the rear in the first rotational direction R1. At the second rotational position 31B, the first shaft portion 41 abuts each first protrusion 48 from the rear in the second rotational direction R2. In this embodiment, the first output shaft component 31 can rotate within an angular range of 90° relative to the first output gear component 33. This angular range is the same as the rotation angle of the first baffle 7 between the first closed position 7A and the first open position 7B. Alternatively, this angular range may be larger than the rotation angle of the first baffle 7 between the first closed position 7A and the first open position 7B.

[0026] The first spring member 34 is a coil spring. The two ends of the coil spring are provided with bent portions 34a that are bent toward the outer circumference. The first spring member 34 is arranged on the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 45 of the first output gear component 33. Figure 9 As shown, one bent portion 34a of the first spring component 34 abuts the first protrusion 43 of the first output shaft component 31 from the rear of the first rotation direction R1, and the other bent portion 34a abuts the first output gear 32 from the rear of the second rotation direction R2. As a result, the first spring component 34 applies force to the first output shaft component 31 in the first rotation direction R1, and presses the first shaft portion 41 against the first protrusion 48 located in front of the first rotation direction R1. That is, the first spring component 34 presses the first output shaft component 31 to the first rotation position 31A. Therefore, when the first output gear component 33 rotates around the axis, the first output shaft component 31 rotates integrally with the first output gear component 33 while being pressed to the first rotation position 31A. In addition, as Figure 10 As shown, when the first output shaft component 31 moves from the first rotational position 31A to the second rotational position 31B, the first spring member 34 generates a biasing force F in a direction to return the first output shaft component 31 to the first rotational position 31A.

[0027] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the second output gear component 37 of the second output mechanism 26 includes a cylinder 49 protruding in the X2 direction as a second connecting portion. The cylinder 49 of the second output gear component 37 is inserted from the X2 direction side into the first connecting portion 47 of the first output gear component 33. As a result, the second output mechanism 26 is supported by the first output mechanism 24 in a state rotatable about its axis.

[0028] (Gear mechanism) Figure 11This is an exploded perspective view of the gear mechanism 22 and the output mechanism 21 when viewed from the X1 direction. Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the gear mechanism 22 and the output mechanism 21 when viewed from the X2 direction. Figure 5 As shown, the gear mechanism 22 includes: a first gear 51 that meshes with the motor pinion 29; a second gear 52 that transmits the rotation of the first gear 51; a third gear 53 that transmits the rotation of the second gear 52; and a torque limiter 54. The first gear 51 is a transmission gear that transmits the rotation of the motor pinion 29. The second gear 52 is a first preceding gear that meshes with the first output gear 32 of the first output mechanism 24. The third gear 53 is a second preceding gear that meshes with the second output gear 36 of the second output mechanism 26. The second gear 52 and the third gear 53 are both gears with missing teeth. In addition, the second gear 52 and the third gear 53 are both made of resin. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen that the first gear 51 , the second gear 52 and the third gear 53 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 17 of the housing 2 .

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the second gear 52 and the third gear 53 are supported by the support shaft 17 in a stacked state along the X-axis direction. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second gear 52 is located in the X1 direction of the third gear 53. Figure 12 As shown, the second gear 52 includes a first protrusion 55 that protrudes from a portion of the circumference of the first opposing surface facing the third gear 53. Figure 11 As shown, the third gear 53 includes a second protrusion 56 that protrudes from a portion of the circumference of the second opposing surface with the second gear 52. When the second gear 52 and the third gear 53 are stacked, the first protrusion 55 and the second protrusion 56 face each other in the circumferential direction. The first protrusion 55 presses the second protrusion 56 from one circumferential side or the other circumferential side, transmitting the rotation of the second gear 52 to the third gear 53.

[0030] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the third gear 53 includes a center hole 57 for inserting the support shaft 17, and a plurality of tongues 58 extending from the edge of the opening of the center hole 57 in the direction of the axis L1. Each tongue 58 includes a protrusion 58a projecting inwardly at its end in the X1 direction. When the support shaft 17 is inserted into the center hole 57, the tongues 58 contact the outer circumference of the support shaft 17 while elastically deforming outward. In this example, the third gear 53 has three tongues 58 spaced at equal angular intervals around the center hole 57.

[0031] The first gear 51 is located on the opposite side of the second gear 52 from the third gear 53. The first gear 51 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 17. The driving force from the first gear 51 to the second gear 52 is transmitted via the torque limiter 54. The torque limiter 54 is coaxially arranged with the first gear 51 and the second gear 52. The outer diameter of the first gear 51 is larger than the outer diameter of the second gear 52, the outer diameter of the third gear 53, and the outer diameter of the torque limiter 54.

[0032] Here, the torque limiter 54 includes a cylindrical portion 60 (see FIG. 1 ) protruding in the X2 direction from the surface of the first gear 51 facing the second gear 52. Figure 12 52 in the second gear from the support shaft 17 is inserted into the center hole 57 of the opening edge portion of the cylindrical shaft portion 61 protruding along the Xl direction (see Figure 11 ); a cylindrical barrel member 62 fitted onto the outer circumference of the shaft portion 61; and a coil spring 63 wound around the outer circumference of the barrel member 62. The barrel member 62 has cutouts 64 at two locations along the circumference of its end face in the X2 direction. The barrel member 62 fits with two fitting protrusions 65 provided on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 61 of the second gear 52. As a result, the barrel member 62 rotates together with the second gear 52.

[0033] like Figure 12 As shown, the cylindrical portion 60 of the first gear 51 is provided with a first slit 66 and a second slit 67 that are partially cut out in the circumferential direction. The first slit 66 and the second slit 67 are provided on opposite sides in the radial direction. The first slit 66 extends to the end of the cylindrical portion 60 in the X1 direction. The coil spring 63 has: a first spring end 68 that is bent radially outward from the end in the X1 direction; and a second spring end 69 that is bent radially outward from the end in the X2 direction. The first spring end 68 of the coil spring 63 is arranged in the first slit 66, and the second spring end 69 is arranged in the second slit 67. Here, as Figure 12 As shown, the cylindrical portion 60 includes a first abutment portion 70 that faces the first spring end 68 of the coil spring 63 from one circumferential side, and a second abutment portion 71 that faces the second spring end 69 of the coil spring 63 from the other circumferential side. The first abutment portion 70 is the edge of the first slit 66 in the CCW direction. The second abutment portion 71 is the edge of the second slit 67 in the CW direction.

[0034] The first slit 66 and the second slit 67 are arranged at angular positions 180° apart and have the same circumferential width. Meanwhile, the first spring end 68 and the second spring end 69 of the coil spring 63 are arranged at positions offset circumferentially from the angular position 180° apart. Therefore, in the first spring end 68, the circumferential distance between the CCW edge of the first slit 66 (the first abutment 70) and the first spring end 68 is smaller than the circumferential distance between the CCW edge of the first slit 66 and the first spring end 68. Furthermore, in the second spring end 69, the circumferential distance between the CW edge of the second slit 67 (the second abutment 71) and the second spring end 69 is smaller than the circumferential distance between the CCW edge of the second slit 67 and the second spring end 69.

[0035] The torque limiter 54 transmits rotation by winding the coil spring 63 around the cylindrical member 62 and rotating it together with the cylindrical member 62. When the first and second flappers 7 and 8 are rotated in the closing direction (first rotational direction R1), the drive mechanism 9 rotates the drive source 20 in the forward direction and rotates the first gear 51, which is meshed with the motor pinion 29, in the CCW direction. Consequently, the second abutment portion 71 provided on the cylindrical portion 60 presses the second spring end 69 in the CCW direction, causing the coil spring 63 and the cylindrical member 62 to rotate integrally in the CCW direction, and the second gear 52 to rotate in the CCW direction.

[0036] On the other hand, when the first flapper 7 and the second flapper 8 are rotated in the opening direction (second rotational direction R2), the drive source 20 is rotated in the opposite direction, causing the first gear 51 to rotate in the CW direction. As a result, the first contact portion 70 provided on the cylindrical portion 60 presses the first spring end 68 in the CW direction, causing the coil spring 63 and the cylindrical member 62 to rotate in the CW direction as a whole, and the second gear 52 to rotate in the CW direction.

[0037] Here, when the second output gear 36 reaches the rotational angle position that places the second flap 8 in the second open position 8B, it abuts against the stopper 18, preventing further rotation of the second output gear 36. In this state, rotation of the third gear 53 is prevented, and the first and second protrusions 55 and 56 abut circumferentially, thereby preventing rotation of the second gear 52. Furthermore, when the first output gear 32 reaches the rotational angle position that places the first flap 7 in the first open position 7B, it abuts against the stopper 18, preventing further rotation of the first output gear 32. When rotation of the second gear 52 is prevented, the torque limiter 54 switches to a state that does not transmit rotation.

[0038] Specifically, when rotation of the second gear 52 is blocked, the torque limiter 54 causes the first spring end 68 of the coil spring 63 to be pressed by the first abutment 70, or the second spring end 69 to be pressed by the second abutment 71. At this time, the pressing force applied to the first or second spring end 68, 69 acts in the direction of releasing the coil spring 63. The specifications of the coil spring 63 in the torque limiter 54 are set so that the pressing force (rotational torque) applied to the first or second spring end 68, 69 when rotation of the second gear 52 is blocked is greater than the necessary torque to release the coil spring 63 (i.e., the retaining torque required to wind the coil spring 63 and prevent it from slipping). Therefore, when rotation of the second gear 52 is blocked, the coil spring 63 releases, and the torque limiter 54 switches to a non-rotational state. When the torque limiter 54 switches to a non-rotational state, the first gear 51 idles without transmitting any rotation, preventing the gear motor serving as the drive source 20 from locking or losing steps.

[0039] (Locking mechanism) Here, a first locking mechanism 75 is provided between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32. The first locking mechanism 75 prevents the first output gear 32 from rotating when the meshing between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is released. In addition, a second locking mechanism 76 is provided between the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36. The second locking mechanism 76 prevents the second output gear 36 from rotating when the meshing between the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36 is released.

[0040] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second gear 52 is a toothless gear. The second gear 52 includes a first tooth portion 78 and a first disk portion 79. The first disk portion 79 includes a first outer peripheral surface 79a at a position adjacent to the first tooth portion 78 in the circumferential direction. The first outer peripheral surface 79a is curved along the first tooth tip circle of the first tooth portion 78 at a position closer to the outer circumference than the first tooth tip circle of the first tooth portion 78. In addition, the length of the first outer peripheral surface 79a of the first disk portion 79 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the tooth width of the first tooth portion 78. The first disk portion 79 includes a first end surface 79b facing the X1 direction at a position midway between the first tooth portion 78 and the axis L1. In this embodiment, in the second gear 52, the first disk portion 79 is provided on both circumferential sides of the first tooth portion 78.

[0041] On the other hand, the first output gear 32 is a sector gear. The first peripheral end teeth 80 located at the circumferential end of the first output gear 32 are notched at a portion facing the first outer peripheral surface 79a. Figure 12As shown, in this embodiment, each of the first peripheral end teeth 80 located at either circumferential end of the first output gear 32 is notched. This allows the first peripheral end teeth 80 to enter the inner circumference of the first tooth tip circle in the X1 direction of the first end surface 79b. Furthermore, when the first peripheral end teeth 80 enter the inner circumference of the first tooth tip circle, each of the first adjacent teeth 81 located adjacent to the first peripheral end teeth 80 in the first output gear 32 can abut against the outer circumferential surface 79a. The first disc portion 79 of the second gear 52, the first peripheral end teeth 80, and the first adjacent teeth 81 of the first output gear 32 constitute the first locking mechanism 75.

[0042] In addition, the third gear 53 is a toothless gear. The third gear 53 includes a second tooth portion 83 and a second disk portion 84. The second disk portion 84 includes a second outer peripheral surface 84a at a position adjacent to the second tooth portion 83 in the circumferential direction. The second outer peripheral surface 84a is curved along the second tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the second tooth tip circle of the second tooth portion 83. In addition, the length of the second outer peripheral surface 84a of the second disk portion 84 in the direction of the axis L1 is shorter than the tooth width of the second tooth portion 83. The second disk portion 84 includes a second end surface 84b facing the X1 direction at a position midway between the second tooth portion 83 in the direction of the axis L1. In this embodiment, in the third gear 53, the second disk portion 84 is provided on both circumferential sides of the second tooth portion 83.

[0043] On the other hand, the second output gear 36 is a sector gear. The portion of the second peripheral end teeth 85 located at the circumferential end of the second output gear 36 facing the second outer peripheral surface 84a is cut out. Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, each of the second peripheral end teeth 85 located at both circumferential ends of the second output gear 36 is notched. This allows the second peripheral end teeth 85 to enter the inner circumference of the second tooth tip circle in the X1 direction of the second end surface 84b. Furthermore, when the second peripheral end teeth 85 enter the inner circumference of the second tooth tip circle, the second adjacent teeth 86 of the second output gear 36 located next to the second peripheral end teeth 85 can abut against the second outer circumferential surface 84a. The second disc portion 84 of the third gear 53 and the second peripheral end teeth 85 and second adjacent teeth 86 of the second output gear 36 constitute the second locking mechanism 76.

[0044] Figure 13 7B is an explanatory diagram showing the engagement between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 until the first flap 7 moves from the first open position 7B to the first closed position 7A. Here, the first locking mechanism 75 and the second locking mechanism 76 have corresponding structures. Figure 13 , the meshing state of the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 in the first locking mechanism 75 will be described, and the description of the second locking mechanism 76 will be omitted.

[0045] Figure 13The leftmost figure in FIG is a plan view of the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 when the first flap 7 is in the open position. When the driving force of the driving source 20 is transmitted to the second gear 52 in this state, the second gear 52 rotates in the CCW direction. Figure 13 As shown in the second figure from the left, the teeth of the second gear 52 mesh with the first output gear 32, causing the first output gear 32 to rotate in the first rotational direction R1. Consequently, the first output shaft 23 and the first output gear 32 rotate integrally in the first rotational direction R1, causing the first flap 7 to move toward the first closed position 7A.

[0046] Afterwards, if Figure 13 As shown in the third figure from the left, when the first baffle 7 moves to the first closed position 7A, the engagement between the first output gear 32 and the first tooth portion 78 is released. At this time, the first peripheral end tooth 80 of the first output gear 32 enters the inner peripheral side of the first tooth top circle in the X1 direction of the first end surface 79b, and the first adjacent tooth 81 abuts against the first outer peripheral surface 79a, and the rotation of the first output gear 32 is restricted. Therefore, after the first baffle 7 moves to the first closed position 7A and the engagement between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is released, even if the second gear 52 rotates, the first output gear 32 can maintain the posture when the engagement is released. That is, after the engagement between the second gear 52 and the output gear is released, the first output gear 32 enters a locked state in which it does not rotate. Here, as shown Figure 13 As shown in the right end figure, even if the second gear 52 further rotates in the CCW direction, the posture of the first output gear 32 does not change. In other words, even if the second gear 52 further rotates in the CCW direction, the first output gear 32 does not rotate.

[0047] Here, in this embodiment, in the second gear 52, the first disc portion 79 is provided on both circumferential sides of the tooth portion. In addition, the two first circumferential end teeth 80 located at both circumferential ends of the first output gear 32 are respectively cut out. Therefore, even after the first baffle 7 reaches the first open position 7B and the meshing between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is released, the first output gear 32 maintains the posture at the time of meshing release. That is, as Figure 13 As shown in the leftmost figure, when the second gear 52 is disengaged from the first output gear 32, the first peripheral end tooth 80 of the first output gear 32 enters the inner circumference of the first addendum circle of the first end surface 79b in the X1 direction, and the first adjacent tooth 81 abuts against the first outer peripheral surface 79a, thereby restricting the rotation of the first output gear 32. Therefore, after the first flap 7 moves to the first open position 7B and the meshing between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is disengaged, the second output gear 36 is locked and does not rotate.

[0048] (Arrangement of the drive mechanism) Next, the arrangement of the drive mechanism 9 in the housing 2 will be described. Figure 14 This is a plan view of the drive mechanism 9 housed in the housing body 12 as viewed from the X1 direction side. Figure 15 This is a side view of the drive mechanism 9 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis L1 (Z1 direction). In this embodiment, the first gear 51 of the gear mechanism 22 meshing with the motor pinion 29 has a larger outer diameter than the coaxially arranged second gear 52, third gear 53 and torque limiter 54. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the X1 direction, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the torque limiter 54 overlap with the first gear 51. That is, when viewed from the X1 direction, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the torque limiter 54 are located inside the first gear 51. Furthermore, when viewed from the axis L1 direction, the motor body 27 of the gear motor serving as the drive source 20 partially overlaps with the first gear 51. When viewed from the axis L1 direction, the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36 also partially overlap with the first gear 51.

[0049] In addition, the drive source 20 (gear motor), the first output mechanism 24, and the second output mechanism 26 are located on one side (Z2 direction) of the support shaft 17 that supports the first gear 51, the second gear 52, and the third gear 53 in a direction perpendicular to the axis L. In addition, the angle θ1 formed by the first imaginary line N1 that is perpendicular to the axis L1 and connects the rotation center axis of the motor output shaft 28 and the support shaft axis L2 of the support shaft 17, and the second imaginary line N2 that is perpendicular to the axis L1 and connects the support shaft axis L2 and the axis L1 is less than 90 degrees. In addition, from Figure 5 and Figure 15 It can be seen that the motor body 27 overlaps with the second gear 52 , the first output gear 32 , the third gear 53 , and the second output gear 36 when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axis L1 .

[0050] (Baffle movement) Figure 16 1 is an explanatory diagram of the meshing of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36 when the two baffles are opened and closed. Figure 16In the figure, the open and closed states of the first baffle 7 and the second baffle 8 are shown in the center. In this example, the first baffle 7 and the second baffle 8 shift in the order of closed-closed position, open-closed position, open-open position, and closed-open position. In the figures other than the figure showing the states of the first baffle 7 and the second baffle, the upper figure shows the meshing state between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32, and the lower figure shows the meshing state between the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36. On the outer periphery of the closed-closed position, the left figure shows the origin position of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 36, while the right figure shows the start position of the opening action of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 36. On the outer peripheral side of the open-open position, the figure on the right shows the end position of the opening action of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36, and the figure on the left shows the end position of the closing action of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36.

[0051] At the origin position, the first flap 7 and the second flap 8 are located at the first closed position 7A and the second closed position 8A, and the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36 are located at the closed position 32A and the closed position 36A, respectively.

[0052] When the drive source 20 is driven from the origin position, causing the second gear 52 to rotate in the CW direction, and the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 is immediately before meshing with the first output gear 32, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 36 are positioned at the opening start position. At this point, the first output gear 32 slides on the first plate portion 79 of the second gear 52. Therefore, the first output gear 32 does not rotate from the closed position 32A. Furthermore, during this operation, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 does not press against the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53, and therefore, the third gear 53 does not rotate.

[0053] Next, the second gear 52 rotates further in the CW direction from the opening start position. At this point, the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 meshes with the first output gear 32 and rotates in the CW direction, causing the first output gear 32 to rotate in the second rotational direction R2 and reach the open position 32B. As a result, the first flap 7 rotates to the first open position 7B, and the first flap 7 and the second flap 8 are in the open-closed position. Here, when the first output gear 32 rotates to the open position 32B, the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 disengages from the first output gear 32, and the first output gear 32 enters a locked state. Furthermore, the first output gear 32 abuts the stopper 18. During this movement, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 does not press the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53. Therefore, the third gear 53 does not rotate. As a result, the second flap 8 stops in the second closed position 8A, while only the first flap 7 rotates from the first closed position 7A to the first open position 7B.

[0054] The second gear 52 then rotates further in the CW direction. During this time, the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 disengages from the first output gear 32, and the first output gear 32 slides on the first plate portion 79. Consequently, the first flapper 7 stops in the first open position 7B. Meanwhile, as the second gear 52 rotates in the CW direction, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 abuts the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53 in the CW direction, and the third gear 53 then rotates along with the second gear 52. As a result, the second output gear 36 rotates in the second rotational direction R2 to the open position 36B, and the second flapper 8 is positioned in the second open position 8B. Consequently, the first flapper 7 and the second flapper 8 enter the open-open position. When the second output gear 36 reaches the open position 36B, the second tooth portion 83 of the third gear 53 disengages from the second output gear 36, and the second output gear 36 enters the locked state. Furthermore, the second output gear 36 abuts the stopper 18. As a result, the second gear 52 , the third gear 53 , the first output gear 32 , and the second output gear 36 are located at the opening operation completion position.

[0055] Next, when the drive source 20 is driven from the opening operation end position, causing the second gear 52 to rotate in the CCW direction, and the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 is in a state immediately before meshing with the first output gear 32, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 36 are positioned at the closing operation start position. At this point, the first output gear 32 slides on the first plate portion 79 of the second gear 52. Therefore, the first output gear 32 does not rotate from the open position 32B. Furthermore, during this operation, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 does not press the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53, and therefore, the third gear 53 does not rotate.

[0056] At this time, the second gear 52 rotates further in the CCW direction. At this time, the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 meshes with the first output gear 32 and rotates in the CCW direction. Therefore, the first output gear 32 rotates in the first rotation direction R1 and reaches the closed position 32A. As a result, the first baffle 7 rotates to the first closed position 7A, and the first baffle 7 and the second baffle 8 become the closed-open position. In addition, when the first output gear 32 reaches the closed position 32A, the meshing of the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is immediately released, and the first output gear 32 is locked. During this action, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 does not press the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53, so the third gear 53 does not rotate. Therefore, the second baffle 8 stops in the second open position 8B.

[0057] Subsequently, as the second gear 52 rotates further in the CCW direction, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 36 return to their home positions. Specifically, as the second gear 52 rotates further in the CCW direction, the first tooth portion 78 of the second gear 52 disengages from the first output gear 32. Consequently, the first output gear 32 does not rotate but slides on the outer circumference of the first disk portion 79. Consequently, the first flapper 7 stops in the first closed position 7A. Meanwhile, as the second gear 52 rotates further in the CCW direction, the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 abuts the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53 in the CCW direction, causing the third gear 53 to rotate along with the second gear 52 in the CCW direction. During this time, the second tooth portion 83 of the third gear 53 meshes with and rotates the second output gear 36, causing the second output gear 36 to rotate in the first rotational direction R1 and reach the closed position 36A. Immediately thereafter, the meshing between the second tooth portion 83 of the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36 is released, and the second output gear 36 enters a locked state.

[0058] (refrigerator) Figure 17 Is assembled Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a refrigerator 100 with a damper device. In the refrigerator 100, the refrigerator body 110 includes a plurality of storage chambers 111 and a cold air duct 112 that supplies cold air to the plurality of storage chambers 111. The damper device 1 to which the present invention is applied is disposed, for example, at a cold air inlet 113 that connects the cold air duct 112 and the storage chambers 111, and opens and closes the cold air inlet 113. In addition, the refrigerator body 110 also includes a cooler 114 that generates cold air, a fan 115 that is disposed in the cold air duct 112, and a control device 120. The control device 120 controls the opening and closing action of the damper device 1 based on a signal from a sensor (not shown) provided in the storage chamber 111, and adjusts the timing and amount of cold air supplied to the storage chamber 111.

[0059] (Function and Effect) According to this embodiment, the first output mechanism 24 includes a first output shaft 23 connected to the first damper 7 and a first output gear 32 coaxial with the first output shaft 23. The driving force is transmitted from the gear mechanism 22 to the first output gear 32. The first output mechanism 24 includes a first output shaft component 31 having the first output shaft 23; a first output gear component 33 having the first output gear 32 and rotatably supporting the first output shaft component 31 about an axis L1 along the first output shaft 23; and a first spring member 34 interposed between the first output shaft component 31 and the first output gear component 33. The first output gear component 33 supports the first output shaft component 31 so that it can rotate about the axis L1 of the first output shaft 23 between a first rotational position 31A and a second rotational position away from the first rotational position 31A in the second rotational direction R2. The first spring member 34 biases the first output shaft component 31 toward the first rotational position 31A. Therefore, when the driving force of the drive source 20 is transmitted to the first output gear 32, the first output shaft component 31 rotates integrally with the first output gear component 33 while being biased toward the first rotational position 31A of the first output gear component 33. Furthermore, when the first baffle 7 is in the first closed position 7A, the force of the first spring component 34 prevents the first output shaft component 31 from moving in the opening direction (toward the second rotational position). Here, the first spring component 34 is not interposed between the frame and the first baffle 7. Therefore, when the damper device is assembled in the refrigerator, the operator's hand does not come into contact with the first spring component 34. Furthermore, the first spring component 34 is not interposed between the first output mechanism 24 and the frame, eliminating the need for a structure for attaching the first spring component 34 to the frame.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first output shaft component 31 connected to the first flapper 7 is biased toward the first rotational position 31A of the first output gear component 33 by the first spring member 34. Therefore, when the first flapper 7 is in the first closed position 7A, if the first flapper 7 is manually moved in the opening direction, the first flapper 7 returns to the first closed position 7A.

[0061] In this embodiment, the angular range within which the first output shaft component 31 can rotate relative to the first output gear component 33 is greater than the rotation angle of the first flapper 7 between the first closed position 7A and the first open position 7B. In this embodiment, this range is 90°. Thus, when the first flapper 7 is manually moved in the opening direction, it can rotate to the first open position 7B.

[0062] In this embodiment, the output mechanism 21 includes a first output mechanism 24 comprising a first output shaft 23 projecting in the X1 direction and a first output gear 32 coaxial with the first output shaft 23; and a second output mechanism 26 comprising a second output shaft 25 projecting on the other side of the axis L1 and a second output gear 36 coaxial with the second output shaft 25. The gear mechanism 22 includes a second gear 52 meshing with the first output gear 32 and a third gear 53 meshing with the second output gear 36. The dampers include a first damper 7 connected to the first output shaft 23 and a second damper 8 connected to the second output shaft 25. The frame includes a first opening opened and closed by the first damper 7 and a second opening opened and closed by the second damper 8. This allows for a dual-damper damper device having two dampers.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first output gear 32 is a sector gear. The second gear 52 (second gear 52) is a toothless gear and includes: a first tooth portion 78; and a first plate portion 79. The first plate portion 79 has a first outer peripheral surface 79a located circumferentially adjacent to the first tooth portion 78. The first outer peripheral surface 79a is curved along the first tooth tip circle of the first tooth portion at a position circumferentially closer to the first tooth tip circle. The length of the first outer peripheral surface 79a of the first plate portion 79 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the tooth width of the first tooth portion 78. The first plate portion 79 has a first end surface 79b facing the X1 direction at a position midway along the first tooth portion 78 in the direction of the axis L. The first circumferential end teeth 80 located at the circumferential end of the first output gear 32 are notched in a portion opposite the first outer peripheral surface 79a. This allows the first circumferential end teeth 80 to enter the inner circumference of the tooth tip circle of the first end surface 79b in the X1 direction. When the first peripheral end tooth 80 enters the inner circumference of the tooth tip circle, the first adjacent tooth 81 of the first output gear 32 located next to the first peripheral end tooth 80 abuts the first outer peripheral surface 79a. When the first output shaft 23 rotates due to the meshing between the first tooth portion 78 and the first output gear 32, and the first flapper 7 moves to the first closed position 7A, which closes the first opening, the meshing between the first output gear 32 and the first tooth portion 78 is disengaged. The first peripheral end tooth 80 enters the inner circumference of the first tooth tip circle in the X1 direction of the first end surface 79b, and the first adjacent tooth 81 abuts the first outer peripheral surface 79a, restricting the rotation of the first output gear 32. Therefore, after the first flapper 7 moves to the first closed position 7A and the meshing between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is disengaged, the first output gear 32 can maintain the posture it held at the time of disengagement. In other words, after the meshing between the second gear 52 and the first output gear 32 is disengaged, the first output gear 32 enters a locked state, preventing rotation.

[0064] The second output gear 36 is a sector gear. The third gear 53 (third gear 53) is a toothless gear and includes a second tooth portion 83 and a second plate portion 84. The second plate portion 84 has a second outer peripheral surface 84a located circumferentially adjacent to the second tooth portion 83. The second outer peripheral surface 84a is curved along the second tooth tip circle of the second tooth portion at a position circumferentially closer to the outer side than the second tooth tip circle of the second tooth portion. The length of the second outer peripheral surface 84a of the second plate portion 84 in the direction of the axis L1 is shorter than the tooth width of the second tooth portion 83. The second plate portion 84 has a second end surface 84b facing the X1 direction at a position midway along the second tooth portion 83 in the direction of the axis L1. The second circumferential end teeth 85 located at the circumferential end of the second output gear 36 are notched in the portion opposite the second outer peripheral surface 84a. This allows the second circumferential end teeth 85 to enter the inner circumference of the tooth tip circle of the second end surface 84b in the X1 direction. When the second peripheral end tooth 85 enters the inner circumference of the tooth tip circle, the second adjacent tooth 86 of the second output gear 36 located next to the second peripheral end tooth 85 abuts the second outer peripheral surface 84a. When the second output shaft 25 rotates due to the meshing between the second tooth portion 83 and the second output gear 36, and the second flap 8 moves to the second closed position, which closes the second opening, the meshing between the second output gear 36 and the second tooth portion 83 is disengaged. The second peripheral end tooth 85 enters the inner circumference of the second tooth tip circle in the X1 direction of the second end surface 84b, and the second adjacent tooth 86 abuts the second outer peripheral surface 84a, restricting the rotation of the second output gear 36. Therefore, after the second flap 8 moves to the second closed position and the meshing between the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36 is disengaged, the second output gear 36 maintains the posture it was in when the meshing was disengaged. In other words, after the meshing between the third gear 53 and the second output gear 36 is disengaged, the second output gear 36 enters a locked state, preventing rotation.

[0065] In this embodiment, a housing 2 is provided for housing the gear mechanism 22. A second gear 52 and a third gear 53 are rotatably supported in a stacked state in the direction of the axis L1 on a support shaft 17 that protrudes from the housing 2 in the direction of the axis L1. The second gear 52 includes a first protrusion 55 that protrudes from a portion of the circumference of a first surface facing the third gear 53. The third gear 53 includes a second protrusion 56 that protrudes from a portion of the circumference of a second surface facing the second gear 52. The first protrusion 55 and the second protrusion 56 are circumferentially opposed to each other. When the first protrusion 55 presses the second protrusion 56 from one or the other circumferential side, the rotation of the second gear 52 is transmitted to the third gear 53. This allows driving force to be transmitted between the second gear 52 and the third gear 53, which are stacked in the direction of the axis L1.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third gear 53 is made of resin and includes a center hole 57 for inserting the support shaft 17, and multiple tongues 58 extending from the edge of the opening of the center hole 57 in the direction of the axis L. When the support shaft 17 is inserted into the center hole 57, the multiple tongues 58 elastically deform toward the outer periphery and contact the outer circumference of the support shaft 17. Therefore, the load generated by the multiple tongues 58 contacting the outer circumference of the support shaft 17 prevents or suppresses the third gear 53 from rotating together with the second gear 52 when the first protrusion 55 of the second gear 52 is not pressing the second protrusion 56 of the third gear 53.

[0067] In this embodiment, the gear mechanism 22 includes a first gear 51 (transmission gear) that transmits the driving force of the drive source 20, and a torque limiter 54. The rotation of the first gear 51 is transmitted to the second gear 52 via the torque limiter 54. Therefore, when the rotation of the first output gear 32 connected to the first baffle 7 and the second output gear 36 connected to the second baffle 8 is restricted by the stopper, the transmission of the driving force of the drive source 20 is interrupted by the torque limiter 54 while the drive source 20 is being driven. This prevents the gear motor of the drive source 20 from losing synchronism.

[0068] In this embodiment, the drive source 20 is a gear motor comprising a motor body 27, a motor output shaft 28 protruding from the motor body 27 in the direction of the axis L1, and a motor pinion 29 mounted on the motor output shaft 28. A first gear 51 meshes with the motor pinion 29 and is rotatably supported by the support shaft 17 on the side of the second gear 52 opposite the third gear 53. A torque limiter 54 is coaxially arranged with the first gear 51 and the second gear 52. The outer diameter of the first gear 51 is larger than the outer diameters of the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the torque limiter 54. When viewed in the direction of the axis L1, the second gear 52, the third gear 53, and the torque limiter 54 are located inward of the first gear 51. When viewed in the direction of the axis L1, the motor body 27 partially overlaps with the first gear 51. The drive source 20 and the output mechanism 21 are located on one side of the support shaft 17 in a direction perpendicular to the axis L1. A first imaginary line, perpendicular to axis L1 and connecting the rotational center axis of the motor output shaft 28 and the support shaft axis L2 of the support shaft 17, and a second imaginary line, perpendicular to axis L1 and connecting the support shaft axis L2 and axis L1, intersect at an angle of less than 90°. Because the outer diameter of the first gear 51 meshing with the motor pinion 29 is larger than that of the other gears, the torque transmitted to the first output gear 32 and the second output gear 36 is easily increased. This facilitates the use of a small gear motor. Furthermore, the drive source 20 and the output mechanism 21 are located on one side of the support shaft 17 in a direction perpendicular to axis L1. The first imaginary line, connecting the rotational center axis of the motor output shaft 28 and the support shaft axis L2 of the support shaft 17, and the second imaginary line, connecting the support shaft axis L2 and axis L1, intersect at an angle of less than 90°. This facilitates the compact construction of the drive mechanism 9 in the direction in which the motor output shaft 28 and the first output shaft 23 are arranged.

[0069] In this embodiment, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis L1, the motor body 27 overlaps with the second gear 52, the first output gear 32, the third gear 53, and the second output gear 36. Therefore, the drive mechanism 9 can be compactly configured in the direction of the axis L1.

[0070] (Other embodiments) In this embodiment, when the first flapper 7 is in the first closed position 7A, the first output shaft component 31 can also separate from the first rotational position 31A in the second rotational direction R2. Furthermore, when the second flapper 8 is in the second closed position, the second output shaft component 35 can also separate from the first rotational position 31A in the second rotational direction R2. Thus, when the first flapper 7 is in the first closed position 7A, the first spring member 34 biases the first output shaft component 31 in the first rotational direction R1. Therefore, in the first closed position 7A, the first flapper 7 is pressed against the first opening. Furthermore, when the second flapper 8 is in the second closed position, the second spring member 38 biases the second output shaft component 35 in the first rotational direction R1. Therefore, in the second closed position, the second flapper 8 is pressed against the second opening.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a double-door damper device is shown in which two dampers are used to open and close two openings, but this embodiment can also be applied to a damper device in which one damper is used to open and close one opening.

[0072] (1) A damper device comprising: a frame having an opening; a damper for opening and closing the opening; and a drive mechanism for rotating the damper between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for separating the damper from the opening. The drive mechanism includes: a drive source; a gear mechanism to which the drive force from the drive source is transmitted; and an output mechanism having an output shaft connected to the baffle and an output gear coaxial with the output shaft and to which the drive force from the gear mechanism is transmitted. The output mechanism includes: an output shaft component having the output shaft; an output gear component having the output gear and supporting the output shaft component so as to be rotatable about an axis along the axis of the output shaft; and a spring component provided between the output shaft component and the output gear component. When the shutter is rotated in the closing direction from the open position toward the closed position, the rotation direction of the output shaft component about the axis is set as a first rotation direction, and the opposite direction is set as a second rotation direction, the output gear component supports the output shaft component so as to be rotatable about the axis between a first rotation position and a second rotation position separated from the first rotation position in the second rotation direction. The spring member urges the output shaft component toward the first rotational position.

[0073] (2) In the damper device of (1) above, when the damper is arranged in the closed position, the output shaft component separates from the first rotational position in the second rotational direction, and the spring member urges the output shaft component in the first rotational direction.

[0074] (3) In the damper device of (1) or (2) above, the angular range in which the output shaft component can rotate relative to the output gear component is greater than or equal to the rotation angle of the damper between the closed position and the open position.

[0075] (4) In the damper device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, The output gear is a sector gear, The preceding gear in the gear mechanism that meshes with the output gear is a toothless gear, comprising: a tooth portion; and a disc portion having an outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the outer peripheral surface being curved along the tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the tooth tip circle of the tooth portion. The length of the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the tooth portion, and the disc portion has an end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway between the teeth portion in the axial direction. The portion of the peripheral end teeth at the circumferential end of the output gear opposite to the outer peripheral surface is notched so that the peripheral end teeth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side of the axial direction of the end surface. When the peripheral end teeth enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the adjacent teeth of the output gear located next to the peripheral end teeth can abut against the outer peripheral surface. When the output shaft rotates due to the engagement between the tooth portion and the output gear and the baffle moves to the closed position, the engagement between the output gear and the tooth portion is released, the peripheral end teeth enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the end face, and the adjacent teeth abut against the outer peripheral surface, and the rotation of the output gear is restricted.

[0076] (5) In the damper device of any one of (1) to (4) above, The output mechanism includes: a first output mechanism having a first output shaft projecting toward one side of the axial direction and a first output gear coaxial with the first output shaft; and a second output mechanism having a second output shaft projecting toward the other side of the axial direction and a second output gear coaxial with the second output shaft. The gear mechanism includes: a first front-stage gear meshing with the first output gear; and a second front-stage gear meshing with the second output gear. The baffle includes: a first baffle connected to the first output shaft; and a second baffle connected to the second output shaft. The frame includes, as the opening, a first opening opened and closed by the first shutter plate, and a second opening opened and closed by the second shutter plate.

[0077] (6) In the damper device of (5) above, The first output gear is a sector gear, The first front-stage gear is a toothless gear, comprising: a first tooth portion; and a first disc portion, the first disc portion having a first outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the first tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the first outer peripheral surface being curved along the first tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the first tooth tip circle of the first tooth portion. The length of the first outer peripheral surface of the first disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the first tooth portion, and the first disc portion includes a first end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway between the first tooth portion and the axial direction. A portion of the first peripheral end tooth of the first output gear located at the circumferential end portion opposite to the first outer peripheral surface is cut out so that the first peripheral end tooth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the first end surface. When the first peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the first adjacent tooth of the first output gear located next to the first peripheral end tooth can abut against the first outer peripheral surface. When the first output shaft rotates due to the meshing between the first tooth portion and the first output gear and the first baffle moves to the first closed position closing the first opening, the meshing between the first output gear and the first tooth portion is released, the first peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the first tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the first end surface, and the first adjacent tooth abuts against the first outer peripheral surface, thereby restricting the rotation of the first output gear. The second output gear is a sector gear, The second front-stage gear is a toothless gear, comprising: a second tooth portion; and a second disc portion, the second disc portion having a second outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the second tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the second outer peripheral surface being curved along the second tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the second tooth tip circle of the second tooth portion. The length of the second outer peripheral surface of the second disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the second tooth portion, and the second disc portion has a second end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway along the second tooth portion in the axial direction. A portion of the second peripheral end tooth located at the circumferential end of the second output gear opposite to the second outer peripheral surface is cut out so that the second peripheral end tooth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the second end surface. When the second peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the second adjacent tooth of the second output gear located next to the second peripheral end tooth can abut against the second outer peripheral surface. When the second output shaft rotates due to the engagement between the second tooth portion and the second output gear and the second baffle moves to the second closed position that closes the second opening, the engagement between the second output gear and the second tooth portion is released, the second peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the second tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the second end face, and the second adjacent tooth abuts against the second outer peripheral face, and the rotation of the second output gear is restricted.

[0078] (7) In the damper device of (5) or (6) above, A housing for housing the gear mechanism is provided. The first front stage gear and the second front stage gear are rotatably supported by a support shaft protruding from the housing in the axial direction in a state of being stacked in the axial direction. The first front-stage gear includes a first convex portion protruding from a circumferential portion of a first opposing surface facing the second front-stage gear. The second front-stage gear includes a second convex portion protruding from a circumferential portion of a second opposing surface facing the first front-stage gear. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, The rotation of the first front-stage gear is transmitted to the second front-stage gear by the first convex portion pressing the second convex portion from one circumferential side or the other circumferential side.

[0079] (8) In the damper device of (7) above, The second front stage gear is made of resin and has a center hole for inserting the support shaft and a plurality of tongue portions extending from an opening edge of the center hole along the axial direction. When the support shaft is inserted into the center hole, the plurality of tongue portions come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft in a state of being elastically deformed toward the outer peripheral side.

[0080] (9) In the damper device of (7) above, The gear mechanism includes: a transmission gear to which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted; and a torque limiter, wherein the rotation of the transmission gear is transmitted to the first preceding stage gear via the torque limiter.

[0081] (10) In the damper device of (9) above, The drive source is a gear motor including: a motor body; a motor output shaft protruding from the motor body in the axial direction; and a motor pinion mounted on the motor output shaft. The transmission gear is engaged with the motor pinion and is rotatably supported by the support shaft on the side of the first front-stage gear opposite to the second front-stage gear. The torque limiter is coaxially arranged with the transmission gear and the first front stage gear. The outer diameter of the transmission gear is larger than the outer diameter of the first front stage gear, the outer diameter of the second front stage gear, and the outer diameter of the torque limiter. When viewed from the axial direction, the first front-stage gear, the second front-stage gear, and the torque limiter are located inside the transmission gear. When viewed from the axial direction, the motor body and the transmission gear partially overlap. The driving source and the output mechanism are located on one side of the support shaft in a direction orthogonal to the axis. The first imaginary line and the second imaginary line intersect at an intersection angle of less than 90°, the first imaginary line is orthogonal to the axis and connects the rotation center axis of the motor output shaft and the support shaft axis of the support shaft, and the second imaginary line is orthogonal to the axis and connects the support shaft axis and the axis.

[0082] (11) In the damper device of (10) above, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis, the motor body overlaps with the first front-stage gear, the first output gear, the second front-stage gear, and the second output gear.

[0083] Explanation of symbols 1…Damper, 2…Casing, 3…First frame, 4…Second frame, 5…First opening, 6…Second opening, 7…First damper, 7A…First closed position, 7B…First open position, 8…Second damper, 8A…Second closed position, 8B…Second open position, 9…Drive mechanism, 10…Opening and closing plate, 11…Elastic member, 12…Casing body, 13…First partition wall, 13a…Through hole, 14…Plate, 14a…Through hole, 15…Square tube, 16…Plate, 16a…Through hole, 17…Support shaft, 18…Stop, 20…Drive source, 21…Output mechanism, 22…Gear mechanism, 23…First output shaft, 24…First output mechanism structure, 25…second output shaft, 26…second output mechanism, 27…motor main body, 28…motor output shaft, 29…motor pinion, 31…first output shaft component, 31A…first rotational position, 31B…second rotational position, 32…first output gear, 32A…closed position, 32B…open position, 33…first output gear component, 34…first spring component, 34a…bend, 35…second output shaft component, 36…second output gear, 36A…closed position, 36B…open position, 37…second output gear component, 38…second spring component, 40…first disc portion, 41…first shaft portion, 42…first Connecting portion, 43…first protrusion, 45…first cylindrical portion, 46…first shaft support portion, 47…first connecting portion, 48…first protrusion, 49…cylinder, 51…first gear, 52…second gear, 53…third gear, 54…torque limiter, 55…first convex portion, 56…second convex portion, 57…center hole, 58…tongue portion, 58a…protrusion, 60…cylindrical portion, 61…shaft portion, 62…cylindrical portion, 64…cutout portion, 65…fitting protrusion, 66…first slit, 67…second slit, 68…first spring end portion, 69…second spring end portion, 70…first contact portion, 71…second contact portion, 75…first locking mechanism, 76…second Locking mechanism, 78…first tooth portion, 79…first disk portion, 79a…first outer peripheral surface, 79b…first end surface, 80…first peripheral end tooth, 81…first adjacent tooth, 83…second tooth portion, 84…second disk portion, 84a…second outer peripheral surface, 84b…second end surface, 85…second peripheral end tooth, 86…second adjacent tooth, 100…refrigerator, 110…refrigerator body, 111…storage chamber, 112…cold air duct, 113…cold air inlet, 114…cooler, 115…fan, 120…control device, L1…axis, L2…support shaft axis, N1…first imaginary line, N2…second imaginary line, R1…first rotation direction, R2…second rotation direction.

Claims

1. A damper device, characterized in that: The invention comprises: a frame having an opening; a baffle for opening and closing the opening; and a drive mechanism for rotating the baffle between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for separating the baffle from the opening. The drive mechanism includes: a drive source; a gear mechanism to which the drive force from the drive source is transmitted; and an output mechanism having an output shaft connected to the baffle and an output gear coaxial with the output shaft and to which the drive force from the gear mechanism is transmitted. The output mechanism includes: an output shaft component having the output shaft; an output gear component having the output gear and supporting the output shaft component so as to be rotatable about an axis along the axis of the output shaft; and a spring component provided between the output shaft component and the output gear component. When the shutter is rotated in the closing direction from the open position toward the closed position, the rotation direction of the output shaft component about the axis is set as a first rotation direction, and the opposite direction is set as a second rotation direction, the output gear component supports the output shaft component so as to be rotatable about the axis between a first rotation position and a second rotation position separated from the first rotation position in the second rotation direction. The spring member urges the output shaft component toward the first rotational position.

2. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that When the damper is located at the closed position, the output shaft component is separated from the first rotational position in the second rotational direction, and the spring member urges the output shaft component in the first rotational direction.

3. The damper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The output shaft component is rotatable relative to the output gear component over an angular range that is equal to or greater than an angle within which the shutter plate rotates between the closed position and the open position.

4. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein: The output gear is a sector gear, The preceding gear in the gear mechanism that meshes with the output gear is a toothless gear and includes: a tooth portion; and a disk portion having an outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the outer peripheral surface being curved along the tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the tooth tip circle of the tooth portion. The length of the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the tooth portion, and the disc portion has an end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway between the teeth portion in the axial direction. The portion of the peripheral end teeth at the circumferential end of the output gear opposite to the outer peripheral surface is notched so that the peripheral end teeth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side of the axial direction of the end surface. When the peripheral end teeth enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the adjacent teeth of the output gear located next to the peripheral end teeth can abut against the outer peripheral surface. When the output shaft rotates due to the engagement between the tooth portion and the output gear and the baffle moves to the closed position, the engagement between the output gear and the tooth portion is released, the peripheral end teeth enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the end face, and the adjacent teeth abut against the outer peripheral surface, and the rotation of the output gear is restricted.

5. The damper device according to claim 1, wherein: The output mechanism includes: a first output mechanism having a first output shaft projecting toward one side of the axial direction and a first output gear coaxial with the first output shaft; and a second output mechanism having a second output shaft projecting toward the other side of the axial direction and a second output gear coaxial with the second output shaft. The gear mechanism includes: a first front-stage gear meshing with the first output gear; and a second front-stage gear meshing with the second output gear. The baffle includes: a first baffle connected to the first output shaft; and a second baffle connected to the second output shaft. The frame includes, as the opening, a first opening opened and closed by the first shutter plate, and a second opening opened and closed by the second shutter plate.

6. The damper device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first output gear is a sector gear, The first front-stage gear is a toothless gear and includes: a first tooth portion; and a first plate portion, the first plate portion having a first outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the first tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the first outer peripheral surface being curved along the first tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the first tooth tip circle of the first tooth portion. The length of the first outer peripheral surface of the first disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the first tooth portion, and the first disc portion includes a first end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway between the first tooth portion and the axial direction. A portion of the first peripheral end tooth located at the circumferential end of the first output gear opposite to the first outer peripheral surface is cut out so that the first peripheral end tooth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the first end surface. When the first peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the first adjacent tooth of the first output gear located next to the first peripheral end tooth can abut against the first outer peripheral surface. When the first output shaft rotates due to the meshing between the first tooth portion and the first output gear and the first baffle moves to the first closed position closing the first opening, the meshing between the first output gear and the first tooth portion is released, the first peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the first tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the first end surface, and the first adjacent tooth abuts against the first outer peripheral surface, thereby restricting the rotation of the first output gear. The second output gear is a sector gear, The second front-stage gear is a toothless gear and includes: a second tooth portion; and a second plate portion, the second plate portion having a second outer peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the second tooth portion in the circumferential direction, the second outer peripheral surface being curved along the second tooth tip circle at a position closer to the outer circumference than the second tooth tip circle of the second tooth portion. The length of the second outer peripheral surface of the second disc portion in the axial direction is shorter than the tooth width of the second tooth portion, and the second disc portion has a second end surface facing one side in the axial direction at a position midway along the second tooth portion in the axial direction. A portion of the second peripheral end tooth located at the circumferential end of the second output gear opposite to the second outer peripheral surface is cut out so that the second peripheral end tooth can enter the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the second end surface. When the second peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the tooth top circle, the second adjacent tooth of the second output gear located next to the second peripheral end tooth can abut against the second outer peripheral surface. When the second output shaft rotates due to the engagement between the second tooth portion and the second output gear and the second baffle moves to the second closed position that closes the second opening, the engagement between the second output gear and the second tooth portion is released, the second peripheral end tooth enters the inner peripheral side of the second tooth top circle on one side in the axial direction of the second end face, and the second adjacent tooth abuts against the second outer peripheral face, and the rotation of the second output gear is restricted.

7. The damper device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: A housing for housing the gear mechanism is provided. The first front stage gear and the second front stage gear are rotatably supported by a support shaft protruding from the housing in the axial direction in a state of being stacked in the axial direction. The first front-stage gear includes a first convex portion protruding from a circumferential portion of a first opposing surface facing the second front-stage gear. The second front-stage gear includes a second convex portion protruding from a portion in the circumferential direction of a second opposing surface facing the first front-stage gear. The first convex portion and the second convex portion are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction, The rotation of the first front-stage gear is transmitted to the second front-stage gear by the first convex portion pressing the second convex portion from one circumferential side or the other circumferential side.

8. The damper device according to claim 7, characterized in that The second front stage gear is made of resin and includes: a center hole for inserting the support shaft; and a plurality of tongue portions extending from an opening edge of the center hole along the axial direction. When the support shaft is inserted into the center hole, the plurality of tongue portions come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft in a state of being elastically deformed toward the outer peripheral side.

9. The damper device according to claim 7, characterized in that The gear mechanism includes: a transmission gear to which the driving force of the driving source is transmitted; and a torque limiter. The rotation of the transmission gear is transmitted to the first front-stage gear via the torque limiter.

10. The damper device according to claim 9, characterized in that The drive source is a gear motor including: a motor body; a motor output shaft protruding from the motor body in the axial direction; and a motor pinion mounted on the motor output shaft. The transmission gear is engaged with the motor pinion and is rotatably supported by the support shaft on the side of the first front-stage gear opposite to the second front-stage gear. The torque limiter is coaxially arranged with the transmission gear and the first front stage gear. The outer diameter of the transmission gear is larger than the outer diameter of the first front stage gear, the outer diameter of the second front stage gear, and the outer diameter of the torque limiter. When viewed from the axial direction, the first front-stage gear, the second front-stage gear, and the torque limiter are located inside the transmission gear. When viewed from the axial direction, the motor body and the transmission gear partially overlap. The driving source and the output mechanism are located on one side of the support shaft in a direction orthogonal to the axis. The first imaginary line and the second imaginary line intersect at an intersection angle of less than 90°, the first imaginary line is orthogonal to the axis and connects the rotation center axis of the motor output shaft and the support shaft axis of the support shaft, and the second imaginary line is orthogonal to the axis and connects the support shaft axis and the axis.

11. The damper device according to claim 10, characterized in that When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis, the motor body overlaps with the first front-stage gear, the first output gear, the second front-stage gear, and the second output gear.

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