Deformation component, container and refrigerator

Abstract

For example, a deformable member that can be suitably used for humidity adjustment is provided. The deformable member includes a first layer and a second layer laminated on the first layer and having a humidity expansion coefficient greater than that of the first layer. A laminated portion in which the first layer and the second layer are laminated has an elongated shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to deformable parts, containers, and refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the technology of mimicking and utilizing the various functions of living organisms, known as biomimetics, has attracted much attention.

[0003] Moreover, "Natural Technology" (registered trademark) is widely known as an example of applying such biomimetic technology to the manufacture of electrical products.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-008514 discloses a refrigerator equipped with a humidification unit that absorbs moisture generated by condensation inside a storage container in the vegetable compartment and releases the moisture back into the storage container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] As described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-008514, for example, a component capable of properly adjusting humidity in a refrigerator or similar appliance is required.

[0006] One objective of this disclosure is to provide, for example, a deformable component suitable for humidity adjustment.

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, the deformable component includes a first layer and a second layer stacked on the first layer, having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion greater than that of the first layer. The stacked portion having the first and second layers is elongated in shape.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, for example, it is possible to provide a deformable component that can be adapted for humidity adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the refrigerator.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the refrigerator.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of part III.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of part III with the baffle in the closed state.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a schematic 3D diagram of the baffle.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A schematic cross-sectional view of line VI-VI.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baffle in its deformed state.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front end of the opening / closing component in the first variation.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view of the deformed component in the second variation.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic top view of the deformed component in the third variation.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of the opening and closing component of the fourth variation.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the opening and closing component in the fifth variation. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail (see reference 1). Figure 1 Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to refer to components that have substantially common functions, and the description is also provided. The height direction H, width direction W, and depth direction D indicate the orientation within the refrigerator 1. The width direction W is the left-right direction as observed by a user standing in front of the refrigerator 1 (facing the opening of the cooling compartment). The depth direction D is the opening direction of the cooling compartment of the refrigerator 1. The height direction H is the direction perpendicular to both the width direction W and the depth direction D.

[0022] In this disclosure, "refrigerator" refers to any refrigerator having a cooling compartment. The cooling compartment may be, for example, a refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment, or an ice-cooling compartment that cools at a temperature range above 0°C. The refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment are, for example, cooling compartments with a set temperature range of 2°C or higher and 5°C or lower. The ice-cooling compartment is, for example, a cooling compartment with a set temperature range of 2°C or higher than 0°C. The cooling compartment may also be, for example, a freezer compartment or a portion of a freezer compartment that cools at a temperature range below 0°C. The freezer compartment is preferably, for example, a cooling compartment with a set temperature of -10°C or lower, more preferably a cooling compartment with a set temperature of -15°C or lower, and even more preferably a cooling compartment with a set temperature of -18°C or lower.

[0023] A refrigerator may have only one cooling compartment or multiple cooling compartments. A refrigerator may have a single type of cooling compartment or multiple types of cooling compartments. A cold storage unit may also have, for example, a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a vegetable compartment, and an ice-cold compartment.

[0024] (Refrigerator 1) Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of refrigerator 1. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of refrigerator 1. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of part III. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Part III is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the baffle in the closed state. Furthermore, the section lines of the cross-section are omitted in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 1 has a frame 10. Multiple cooling compartments 11 are provided on the frame 10. Among the multiple cooling compartments 11 is a vegetable compartment 11a. The vegetable compartment 11a is a cooling compartment suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits. The set temperature of the vegetable compartment 11a can be, for example, above 2°C and below 5°C. In order to keep vegetables, fruits, etc., fresh, the vegetable compartment 11a preferably has a higher humidity than the other cooling compartments 11.

[0026] The refrigerator 1 also has a cold air supply mechanism 30 that supplies cold air to multiple cooling compartments 11. The cold air supply mechanism 30 may include, for example, a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant circuit connecting the compressor and the condenser, and a fan that delivers air cooled by the condenser.

[0027] Multiple cooling chambers 11 are each oriented towards one side in the depth direction D, specifically towards the front opening. Multiple doors 12 are provided, capable of opening and closing the openings of these multiple cooling chambers 11. The doors 12 are, for example, rotatable relative to the frame 10. The doors 12 are, for example, displaceable relative to the frame 10 along the depth direction D. The multiple doors 12 include a door 12a for opening and closing the opening of the vegetable compartment 11a. The door 12a is displaceable between a closed position where the opening of the vegetable compartment 11a is closed and an open position relative to the closed position. When the door 12a is in the closed position, the opening of the vegetable compartment 11a is closed by the door 12a. When the door 12a is in the open position, the vegetable compartment 11a is released through the door 12a, allowing the cooled food to be removed and placed in.

[0028] (Vegetable Room 11a) exist Figure 2 The details of vegetable compartment 11a are shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the vegetable compartment 11a is constructed by being separated from the cooling compartment provided in the frame 10 by a partition plate 13. The partition plate 13 is provided in such a way that it substantially reaches the door 12a. The vegetable compartment 11a is substantially isolated from the other cooling compartments by the partition plate 13.

[0029] A shell 14 is provided in the vegetable compartment 11a. The shell 14 has a recess 14a that is recessed downwards. This recess 14a can accommodate vegetables, fruits, and other items that need to be cooled. In the refrigerator 1, the shell 14 and the divider 13 constitute a container 20. The container 20 has an opening 21 formed between the frame 14 and the divider 13. The opening 21 is connected to the internal space of the container 20 formed in the recess 14a through a gap 15 described later.

[0030] A handle portion 14b is provided on the front side of the housing 14. The handle portion 14b has a shape that allows the user to grip it. The user can grip the handle portion 14b and operate the housing 14 along the depth direction D.

[0031] Specifically, the housing 14 has a gap 15 formed between the handle portion 14b and the partition plate 13. This gap 15 connects the space within the recess 14a of the housing 14, i.e., the internal space 14a1, to other spaces. The length of the gap 15 along the height direction H is longer than, for example, the length of the gap along the height direction H between the rear and side portions of the housing 14 and the partition plate 13. Therefore, the flow of air into and out of the recess 14a mainly occurs through the gap 15.

[0032] As described above, the container 20 located in the vegetable compartment 11a is suitable for refrigerating and storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits. Air enters and exits the internal space 14a1 within the container 20 via the opening 21 and the gap 15. Preferably, condensation is suppressed in the internal space 14a1 by preventing excessive cooling, which could cause the temperature of the container 20 to become too low, the temperature of the internal space 14a1 to drop excessively, or the relative humidity to rise excessively. For example, if the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is too low, it is preferable to suppress the entry and exit of air into the internal space 14a1 via the opening 21 and the gap 15. Similarly, if the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is too high, it is preferable to exhaust the humid air from the internal space 14a1 to the outside of the container 20 via the opening 21 and the gap 15.

[0033] (Opening and closing components 50) like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, container 20 has an opening and closing component 50. The opening and closing component 50 is mounted on the container body 20a, which is composed of the outer shell 14 and the partition plate 13. Specifically, the opening and closing component 50 is mounted on the partition plate 13.

[0034] The opening / closing component 50 alters the ventilation resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1. While the opening / closing component 50 could also change the ventilation resistance by altering the opening area of ​​the opening 21, in the refrigerator 1, the ventilation resistance is changed by altering the flow path area of ​​a portion of the gap 15 connecting the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1. Specifically, the opening / closing component 50 changes the ventilation resistance by altering the opening area of ​​the inlet 15a on the internal space 14a1 side of the gap 15.

[0035] (Deformable part 60) Figure 5 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of baffle 70. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of line VI-VI.

[0036] Figures 2-5 As shown, the opening / closing member 50 has a deformable member 60 and a baffle 70. More specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the opening / closing member 50 has multiple deformable members 60. Each of the multiple deformable members 60 has one end (front end) connected to the baffle 70. Each of the multiple deformable members 60 has a fixing part 60a. Figure 3 As shown, multiple deformable parts 60 are respectively fixed to the partition plate 13, which is a fixed part, at the fixing part 60a. The method of fixing the fixing part 60a and the partition plate 13 is not particularly limited. For example, the fixing part 60a and the partition plate 13 can be fixed by fastening members such as bolts and nuts. For example, the fixing part 60a and the partition plate 13 can be fixed by adhesive materials, adhesives, adhesive / adhesive, adhesive tape, adhesive tape, adhesive / adhesive tape, etc. For example, the fixing part 60a and the partition plate 13 can be fixed by heat fusion, welding, etc.

[0037] The fixing part 60a is provided on the deformable member 60 at a portion different from the front end where the baffle 70 is mounted. In this embodiment, the fixing part 60a is provided on the side (rear side) of the deformable member 60 opposite to the side (front side) of the baffle 70. Specifically, the fixing part 60a is provided at the rear end of the deformable member 60.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the deformable member 60 has an elongated shape. More specifically, the deformable member 60 includes an elongated shape having a long side direction along the arrangement direction of the baffle 70 and the fixing part 60a.

[0039] The deformable component 60 is approximately flat at a predetermined relative humidity. The predetermined relative humidity can be appropriately set, for example, according to the relative humidity of the environment in which the opening / closing component 50 is used. The predetermined relative humidity can be appropriately set, for example, within a relative humidity range of 40% or higher and 70% or lower.

[0040] The deformable member 60 is humidity-responsive. The deformable member 60 reversibly deforms with changes in the relative humidity around it. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described where the deformable member 60 substantially as a whole reversibly deforms with changes in relative humidity. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, only a portion of the deformable member may reversibly deform with changes in relative humidity. That is, in this disclosure, the deformable member need only have a portion that reversibly deforms with changes in relative humidity.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the deformable component 60 has a laminated body 63 consisting of a first layer 61 and a second layer 62. In the deformable component 60, the laminated body 63 is a portion that reversibly deforms with changes in relative humidity. In this embodiment, the deformable component 60 is substantially entirely composed of the laminated body 63. The first layer 61 is substantially entirely laminated with the second layer 62.

[0042] Layer 61 and layer 62 are layers with different coefficients of humidity expansion. Here, "coefficient of humidity expansion" refers to the amount of expansion when the relative humidity changes by a unit of humidity (e.g., 1% RH). For example, when the relative humidity increases by 1% RH, the coefficient of humidity expansion is 10% / RH when the length changes by 110% in one direction and -10% / RH when the length changes by 90% in another direction. The coefficient of humidity expansion can be measured, for example, using a DC amplification dynamic strain gauge (model: DAS-406C) manufactured by Minebea Mitsumi Co., Ltd. For example, a 15cm × 1.5cm measuring piece with a thickness of 0.5mm is used in the measurement of the coefficient of humidity expansion. The coefficient of humidity expansion is measured at multiple points within the range of 30°C and 65% RH to 70% RH, and the average value (coefficient of linear expansion) over this humidity range is obtained.

[0043] Specifically, in the deformable component 60, the humidity expansion coefficient of the second layer 62 is greater than that of the first layer 61. The humidity expansion coefficient of the second layer 62 is preferably 1.2 times or more than that of the first layer 61, more preferably 2 times or more. The humidity expansion coefficient of the second layer 62 is preferably 5 / 6 times or less than that of the first layer 61, more preferably 1 / 2 times or less.

[0044] Furthermore, the magnitude of the humidity expansion coefficient is substantially proportional to the proportion of change in water absorption rate caused by changes in relative humidity. Therefore, the proportion of change in the water absorption rate of the measuring sheet when relative humidity changes can also be considered as the magnitude of the humidity expansion coefficient. The water absorption rate is the ratio of the weight of the measuring sheet placed in an environment with a predetermined relative humidity and temperature for 24 hours to the weight of a dry measuring sheet. A dry measuring sheet is obtained, for example, by placing it in a low-humidity environment at -20°C for 24 hours. The water absorption rates at multiple relative humidities, for example, with at least 65% and 70% RH, are measured and plotted on a coordinate system with relative humidity and water absorption rate as axes. An approximate curve is created from this plotted curve, with the slope of the approximate straight line set as the proportion of change in the water absorption rate of the measuring sheet at 65% to 70% RH. The magnitude of the humidity expansion coefficient can also be determined based on this proportional relationship.

[0045] For example, when the relative humidity increases, the expansion per unit length of the second layer 62 is greater than the expansion per unit length of the first layer 61. Therefore, the laminate 63 deforms into a concave shape towards the first layer 61. For example, when the relative humidity decreases, the expansion per unit length of the second layer 62 is less than the expansion per unit length of the first layer 61. Therefore, the laminate 63 deforms into a convex shape towards the first layer 61. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the baffle 70 in its deformed state. Figure 7 The state shown indicates that the relative humidity is from Figure 6 The state shown is a predetermined state of reduced relative humidity. When the relative humidity decreases, the second layer 62, which has a larger coefficient of humidity expansion, shrinks more than the first layer 61. Therefore, the deformable member 60, which is composed of the laminate 63, deforms in a manner that makes it convex toward the first layer 61. In the opening and closing member 50, the fixing part 60a provided at the rear end of the deformable member 60 is fixed to the partition plate 13, which is the fixed part. Therefore, the baffle 70 is displaced by the deformation of the deformable member 60. In this embodiment, the deformable member 60 has an elongated shape along the long side direction of the arrangement direction of the fixing part 60a and the baffle 70, so if the relative humidity decreases, for example, Figure 7 As shown, baffle 70 moves upward.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, when the relative humidity around the deformable member 60 (the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1) is a predetermined relative humidity, the deformable member 60 is flat, and the baffle 70 does not close the inlet 15a of the gap 15. Therefore, the internal space 14a1 and the external space of the container 20 are connected through the gap 15. Thus, for example, air in the internal space 14a1 can flow out to the outside, or external air can flow into the internal space 14a1. In addition, it is preferable that both the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 of the opening and closing member 50 are arranged to be in contact with the air in the internal space 14a1.

[0047] For example, suppose the relative humidity suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits is R1%. In this case, the predetermined relative humidity that allows the deformable member 60 to be flat is R2%, which is higher than R1%. In this case, the deformable member 60 is flat, and the state where the baffle 70 does not close the inlet 15a is a state where the relative humidity of the container 20 is higher than R1%, which is suitable for storing fresh foods. In this state, it is preferable to allow low-humidity air (with a relative humidity lower than that of the air in the internal space 14a1) to flow from the outside of the container 20 into the internal space 14a1, and to release the high-humidity air in the internal space 14a1 to the outside, thereby reducing the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 from R2% to R1%. In the container 20, as described above, at the predetermined relative humidity R2%, the deformable member 60 becomes flat, and the baffle 70 opens the inlet 15a. When the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is higher than R2%, the deformable member 60 deforms in a concave manner toward the first layer 61 side. Therefore, even when the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is greater than R2%, the baffle 70 will still open the inlet 15a. Thus, when the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is higher than R1%, the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is reduced. Therefore, the deterioration of fresh food stored in the internal space 14a1 due to excessive humidity is suppressed. Furthermore, condensation in the internal space 14a1 is effectively suppressed.

[0048] When the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 begins to decrease due to the airflow through the gap 15, the deformable component 60 deforms due to the change in relative humidity. Specifically, the smaller the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is compared to R2%, the more the deformable component 60 deforms towards the first layer 61, becoming convex, and the more the baffle 70 shifts upwards. In the container 20, when the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is R1%, which is suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits, such as... Figure 4As shown, the deformable component 60 is designed to close the inlet 15a and shut off the gap 15 by sealing the baffle 70. Therefore, if the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 drops to R1%, the inlet 15a closes, preventing airflow between the inside and outside of the internal space 14a1. This prevents the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 from dropping excessively below R1%. Therefore, by keeping the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 too low, for example, it is possible to effectively suppress the deterioration of fresh food caused by drying out.

[0049] Thus, by providing an opening and closing component 50 in the container 20, which has a laminate 63 consisting of a first layer 61 and a second layer 62, the deterioration of stored items such as fresh food stored in the internal space 14a1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, condensation in the internal space 14a1 can be effectively suppressed.

[0050] The first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may each be composed of, for example, resin, resin composition, metal, glass, ceramic, etc. The first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may be made of the same material or different materials. Both the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may be composed of resin or resin composition, for example. For example, the first layer 61 may be made of metal, and the second layer 62 may also be made of resin or resin composition. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example will be described where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are each composed of resin.

[0051] The first layer 61 preferably comprises a resin with a relatively low coefficient of moisture expansion. The first layer 61 preferably comprises at least one resin selected from acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyethylene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0052] The second layer 62 preferably comprises a resin with a relatively high coefficient of moisture expansion. The second layer 62 preferably comprises at least one resin selected from polyamide, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyester, ABS resin, vinyl chloride, EVOH resin (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), and cellulose resin. Preferably, the first layer 61 comprises polypropylene and the second layer 62 comprises polyamide. Polypropylene, polyamide, and other resins are readily available and inexpensive, thus facilitating the manufacture of the deformable part 60. Furthermore, the difference in the coefficients of hygroscopic expansion between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 can be increased.

[0053] In the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, the second layer 62 is more deformed with respect to the change in relative humidity, and the stress that causes the deformation of the deformation member 60 is mainly generated in the second layer 62. Therefore, it is preferable that the bending stress of the second layer 62 is higher than the bending stress of the first layer 61. The bending stress of the second layer 62 is preferably 1.1 times or more, more preferably 1.5 times or more, of the bending stress of the first layer 61. The bending stress of the second layer 62 is preferably 10 / 11 times or less, more preferably 2 / 3 times or less, of the bending stress of the first layer 61.

[0054] From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the thickness of the second layer 62 is thicker than the thickness of the first layer 61. The thickness of the second layer 62 is preferably 1.1 times or more, further preferably 1.5 times or more, of the thickness of the first layer 61. The thickness of the second layer 62 is preferably 10 / 11 times or less, more preferably 2 / 3 times or less, of the thickness of the first layer 61.

[0055] The thickness of the second layer 62 can be, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The thickness of the first layer 61 can be, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0056] In addition, the bending stress of the layer can be measured, for example, by a three-point bending test using a digital dynamometer (product number: ZTA50N) manufactured by Imada Co., Ltd.

[0057] In addition, the method of laminating the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, an example in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are laminated by direct bonding will be described. Examples of the direct bonding method include methods such as hot melt bonding and press bonding.

[0058] Next, a modification of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the above-described first embodiment are referred to by common reference numerals, and the description in the first embodiment is cited.

[0059] (First modification) Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front end side portion of the opening and closing member 50 in the first modification.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are directly bonded has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The laminate 63 that constitutes at least a part of the deformation member 60 may further include layers other than the first layer 61 and the second layer 62.

[0061] For example, as Figure 8As shown, in the first modified example, at least one third layer 64 is provided between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62. In the first modified example, the first layer 61, the third layer 64, and the second layer 62 are stacked sequentially.

[0062] In this case, it is preferable that the first layer 61 has the smallest coefficient of humidity expansion, the second layer 62 has the largest coefficient of humidity expansion, and the third layer 64 has a coefficient of humidity expansion that is greater than that of the first layer 61 and less than that of the second layer 62. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when the third layer 64 is thinner than the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, the coefficient of humidity expansion of the third layer 64 may be less than that of the first layer 61 or greater than that of the second layer 62. If the relationship between the coefficients of humidity expansion of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 is maintained, the deformable component 60 can exhibit the desired operation in response to changes in relative humidity.

[0063] The third layer 64 can be, for example, a cured adhesive used to bond the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, or an adhesive layer, adhesive tape, or adhesive strip.

[0064] Furthermore, at least one other layer may be laminated on the side of the first layer 61 opposite to the second layer 62, or at least one other layer may be laminated on the side of the second layer 62 opposite to the first layer 61. These layers may be, for example, protective layers. The coefficient of humidity expansion of the other layers laminated on the first layer 61 is preferably lower than or equal to the coefficient of humidity expansion of the first layer 61. The coefficient of humidity expansion of the other layers laminated on the second layer 62 is preferably higher than or equal to the coefficient of humidity expansion of the second layer 62.

[0065] (Second variation) Figure 9 This is a schematic top view of the deformed component 60 in the second variation.

[0066] In the above embodiments, an example was described where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are configured to have substantially the same area, and the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are joined over the entire surface. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0067] For example, in Figure 9 In the second modified example shown, the first layer 61 is configured to have a larger area than the second layer 62. The second layer 62 is located in the center of the first layer 61. In this way, a portion of the deformable member 60 can also be composed of components other than the laminate 63. Even in this case, the humidity responsiveness of the deformable member 60 can be achieved.

[0068] In addition, in the second variation, the entire second layer 62 is not joined to the first layer 61. Figure 9The first layer 61 is joined in a smaller joining region 62a than the second layer 62. Even in this case, humidity responsiveness of the deformable component 60 can be achieved.

[0069] Preferably, the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are joined in such a way that the area where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are joined is an elongated area.

[0070] (Second and Third Modifications) Figure 10 This is a schematic top view of the deformed component 60 in the third variation.

[0071] In the second variation described above, an example was given in which the long side direction of the first layer 61 and the long side direction of the second layer 62 are approximately parallel. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, in Figure 10 In the third variation shown, the long side direction of the first layer 61 and the long side direction of the second layer 62 are different from each other. Specifically, the long side direction of the first layer 61 and the long side direction of the second layer 62 are orthogonal to each other. In this case, the long side direction of the laminate 63, which is the part containing the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, is equal to the long side direction of the second layer 62. Therefore, when the relative humidity changes, the deformable member 60 moves along the long side direction of the laminate 63, that is, the long side direction of the second layer 62 (…). Figure 10 The deformation occurs (in the left-right direction of the paper). Therefore, in the third deformation example, it is preferable to deform in the long side direction of the laminate 63 (in the left-right direction). Figure 10 On the left-right direction of the paper (as described above), a baffle 70 is installed at the end of the deformable member 60. In this modified example, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can also be achieved.

[0072] Thus, since the deformable component 60 has a first layer 61 and a second layer 62 stacked together and the part that joins with each other is elongated and deforms along the long side of the part, it is preferable that a baffle 70 is installed at the end of the part that has the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 stacked together and is joined directly or indirectly.

[0073] (Fourth and Fifth Variations) Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of the opening and closing component 50 of the fourth variation. Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of the opening and closing component 50 of the fifth variation.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which both main surfaces (the surface of the first layer 61 and the surface of the second layer 62) of the deformable member 60 are flat. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible to... Figure 11 The fourth variation shown Figure 12As shown in the fifth modified example, a protrusion and a relief are provided on at least one of the two main surfaces of the deformable member 60 (the surface of the first layer 61 and the surface of the second layer 62). When a protrusion and a relief are provided on one of the two main surfaces of the deformable member 60, it is preferable to provide the protrusion and a relief on the surface of the second layer 62 opposite to the first layer 61. In this case, the area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 that contacts the internal space 14a1 can be increased. Therefore, the hygroscopicity of the second layer 62 can be improved, and the responsiveness of the deformable member 60 when absorbing moisture can be improved. Therefore, when the humidity of the internal space 14a1 changes, the deformable member 60 deforms in a short time, allowing the baffle 70 to open and close in a short time.

[0075] From the viewpoint of further improving the opening and closing responsiveness of the baffle 70, it is preferable that the surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 is greater than the surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the first layer 61. The surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 is preferably at least 1.1 times that of the exposed surface of the first layer 61, more preferably at least 1.2 times. The surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 is preferably at least 5 times that of the exposed surface of the first layer 61, more preferably at least 3 times.

[0076] In detail, Figure 11 In the fourth modified example shown, a plurality of protrusions 62b are provided on the surface of the second layer 62; on the other hand, in Figure 12 In the fifth variation shown, a plurality of recesses 62c are provided on the surface of the second layer 62. As shown in the fourth variation, by providing a plurality of protrusions 62b on the second layer 62, the average thickness of the second layer 62 is increased, which can increase the force generated on the second layer 62 when it contracts or expands according to changes in humidity. Therefore, it is more preferable, for example, to allow the baffle 70 to be appropriately displaced.

[0077] As shown in the fourth embodiment, in order to provide a plurality of protrusions 62b, it is preferable that the portion of the protrusions 62b capable of generating large stress extends along the arrangement direction of the fixing portion 60a and the baffle 70. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the plurality of protrusions 62b are preferably provided in such a way that they extend along the long side of the deformable member 60.

[0078] On the other hand, such as Figure 12 As shown, when multiple recesses 62c are provided on the surface of the second layer 62, it is preferable to provide the recesses 62c so that the thinned portion does not extend along the arrangement direction of the fixing part 60a and the baffle 70. Therefore, it is preferable that the multiple recesses 62c are provided along the width direction of the second layer 62.

[0079] Furthermore, the interface between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 can be either smooth or have at least one unevenness. For example, by forming the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 into flat plates, the interface can be made smooth, enabling the deformable member 60 to deform stably. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing the peeling of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, it is preferable to provide unevenness at the interface in order to increase the area of ​​the interface between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62.

[0080] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, an example of an opening / closing member 50 having a deformable member 60 and a baffle 70 has been described. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The opening / closing member 50 can be configured to allow changes in humidity in the area where the opening / closing member 50 is provided. Figure 2 The change in ventilation resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1 can be achieved by the change in ventilation resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1. Therefore, the opening and closing component 50 can also be configured, for example, to change the ventilation resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1 solely through the deformable component 60.

[0081] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims. Furthermore, structures obtained by combining the structures of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure includes a technical concept focused on loosening. Specifically, this disclosure includes a technical concept focused on loosened scales. That is, this disclosure relates to bionics.

Claims

1. A deformable component, characterized in that, It possesses: The first layer; and The second layer is stacked on top of the first layer, and its coefficient of humidity expansion is greater than that of the first layer. The stacked portion containing the first layer and the second layer has an elongated shape.

2. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the second layer has irregularities.

3. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second layer comprises at least one resin selected from polyamide, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyester, ABS resin, vinyl chloride, EVOH resin and cellulose resin.

4. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first layer contains at least one resin selected from acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyethylene, ABS resin and polytetrafluoroethylene.

5. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the second layer is greater than the thickness of the first layer.

6. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the second layer is less than or equal to the thickness of the first layer.

7. The deformable component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending stress of the second layer is higher than that of the first layer.

8. An opening and closing component, characterized in that, It has the following characteristics: The deformable member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the deformable member having a fixing portion, the fixing portion being fixed to the fixed member; and A baffle is installed on a portion of the deformable component that is different from the fixed portion.

9. A container, characterized in that, It possesses: The deformable component according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The container body has an opening and an internal space connected to the opening. The deformable component is configured to change the air resistance between the opening and the interior space according to changes in humidity.

10. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It possesses: The container as claimed in claim 9; and A cooling supply mechanism that supplies cooling air into the container.

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