Deformable member, container and refrigerator

Abstract

For example, a deformable member that can be suitably used to adjust humidity 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. The laminated portion where the first layer and the second layer are laminated has an elongated shape.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deformable member, a container, and a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, attention has been focused on biomimetics, a technology that mimics and utilizes the diverse functions of living organisms. Nature Technology (registered trademark) is known as an example of a manufacturing company that uses biomimetic technology in electrical products and other products.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator provided with a humidifying unit that absorbs moisture generated by condensation inside a storage container provided in a vegetable compartment and releases the moisture into the storage container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-008514 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for a member that can suitably adjust humidity in, for example, a refrigerator.

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a deformable member that can be suitably used for adjusting humidity, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, 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. The laminated portion where the first layer and the second layer are laminated has an elongated shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, for example, a deformable member that can be suitably used to adjust humidity can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a refrigerator. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a refrigerator. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part III in FIG. 2, showing the shutter in a closed state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a shutter. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shutter in a deformed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tip end portion of an opening / closing member in a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a deformable member in a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a deformable member in a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an opening / closing member in a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an opening / closing member in a fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A refrigerator 1 (see FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description will be incorporated herein by reference. The height direction H, width direction W, and depth direction D refer to directions in the installed refrigerator 1. The width direction W is the left-right direction as seen by a user standing in front of the installed refrigerator 1 (facing the opening of the cooling compartment). The depth direction D is the direction of the opening of the cooling compartment of the refrigerator 1. The height direction H is a direction perpendicular to each of the width direction W and the depth direction D.

[0011] In the present disclosure, the term "refrigerator" refers to a general term for anything that has a cooling compartment that is cooled. The cooling compartment may be, for example, a refrigerator compartment, vegetable compartment, chilled compartment, or the like that is cooled to a temperature range higher than 0°C. The refrigerator compartment and vegetable compartment are each, for example, cooling compartments with a set temperature range of 2°C or higher and 5°C or lower. The chilled compartment is, for example, a cooling compartment with a set temperature range higher than 0°C and lower than 2°C. The cooling compartment may be, for example, a freezer compartment or partial compartment that is cooled to a temperature range lower than 0°C. The freezer compartment is, for example, preferably 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.

[0012] For example, a refrigerator may have only one cooling compartment or may have multiple cooling compartments. For example, a refrigerator may have a single type of cooling compartment or may have multiple types of cooling compartments. For example, a refrigerator may have a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a vegetable compartment, a chilled compartment, etc.

[0013] (Refrigerator 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of refrigerator 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of refrigerator 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of portion III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of portion III in FIG. 2 with the shutter in a closed state. Note that hatching of cross sections has been omitted in the drawings accompanying this specification.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, refrigerator 1 has a housing 10. Housing 10 is provided with a plurality of cooling compartments 11. The plurality of cooling compartments 11 includes a vegetable compartment 11a. Vegetable compartment 11a is a cooling compartment suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits. The set temperature of vegetable compartment 11a may be, for example, 2°C or higher and 5°C or lower. In order to store vegetables, fruits, etc. fresh, vegetable compartment 11a preferably has a higher humidity than the other cooling compartments 11.

[0015] The refrigerator 1 further includes a cold air supply mechanism 30 that supplies cold air to the multiple cooling compartments 11. The cold air supply mechanism 30 may include, for example, a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant circuit that connects the compressor and a condenser, and a fan that blows air cooled by the condenser.

[0016] Each of the multiple cooling compartments 11 opens toward one side in the depth direction D, specifically the front side. Multiple doors 12 are provided that can open and close the openings of the multiple cooling compartments 11. Door 12 may be provided, for example, rotatable relative to housing 10. Door 12 may be provided, for example, displaceable in the depth direction D relative to housing 10. The multiple doors 12 include door 12a that opens and closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11a. Door 12a is provided displaceable between a closed position in which the opening of vegetable compartment 11a is closed and an open position forward of the closed position. When door 12a is in the closed position, door 12a closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11a. When door 12a is in the open position, door 12a opens vegetable compartment 11a, allowing items to be cooled to be put in and taken out.

[0017] (Vegetable compartment 11a) Fig. 2 shows details of vegetable compartment 11a. As shown in Fig. 2, vegetable compartment 11a is configured by dividing a cooling compartment provided in housing 10 with partition plate 13. Partition plate 13 is provided so as to substantially reach door 12a. Partition plate 13 substantially separates vegetable compartment 11a from the other cooling compartments.

[0018] The vegetable compartment 11a is provided with a case 14. The case 14 has a recess 14a that is recessed downward. Foods to be cooled, such as vegetables and fruits, can be stored in this recess 14a. In the refrigerator 1, the case 14 and the partition plate 13 form a container 20. The container 20 has an opening 21 formed between the case 14 and the partition plate 13. The opening 21 is connected to the internal space of the container 20 formed in the recess 14a by a gap 15, which will be described later.

[0019] A handle portion 14b is provided on the front portion of the case 14. The handle portion 14b has a shape that can be gripped by a user. The user can grip the handle portion 14b to operate the case 14 along the depth direction D.

[0020] A gap 15 is formed in the case 14, more specifically, between the handle portion 14b and the partition plate 13. This gap 15 connects the internal space 14a1, which is the space within the recess 14a of the case 14, to other spaces. The length of the gap 15 in the height direction H is longer than, for example, the length of the gap between the rear or side portion of the case 14 and the partition plate 13 in the height direction H. Therefore, air flows in and out of the recess 14a mainly via the gap 15.

[0021] As described above, the container 20 provided in the vegetable compartment 11a is suitable for refrigerating fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits. Air flows in and out of the internal space 14a1 provided within the container 20 via the opening 21 and the gap 15. It is preferable to prevent condensation in the internal space 14a1 due to excessive supply of cold air to the internal space 14a1, which could result in an excessive drop in the temperature of the container 20, an excessive drop in the temperature of the internal space 14a1, or an excessive increase in the relative humidity. For example, if the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is too low, it is preferable to prevent air from flowing in and out of the internal space 14a1 via the opening 21 and the gap 15. For example, if the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 is too high, it is preferable to discharge humid air from the internal space 14a1 to the outside of the container 20 via the opening 21 and the gap 15.

[0022] (Opening and closing member 50) 2 and 3, the container 20 has an opening / closing member 50. The opening / closing member 50 is attached to a container body 20a that is configured by the case 14 and the partition plate 13. Specifically, the opening / closing member 50 is attached to the partition plate 13.

[0023] The opening / closing member 50 changes the airflow resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1. The opening / closing member 50 may change the airflow resistance by changing the opening area of ​​the opening 21, but in the refrigerator 1, the opening / closing member 50 changes the airflow resistance by changing the flow path area of ​​a part of the gap 15 connecting the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1. In detail, the opening / closing member 50 changes the airflow resistance by changing the opening area of ​​the entrance 15a of the gap 15 on the internal space 14a1 side.

[0024] (deformable member 60) Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the shutter 70. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the opening / closing member 50 has a deformable member 60 and a shutter 70. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the opening / closing member 50 has a plurality of deformable members 60. One side end (front end) of each of the plurality of deformable members 60 is connected to the shutter 70. Each of the plurality of deformable members 60 has a fixing portion 60a. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of deformable members 60 are fixed to a partition plate 13, which serves as a fixed member, at the fixing portion 60a. The method for fixing the fixing portion 60a to the partition plate 13 is not particularly limited. The fixing portion 60a to the partition plate 13 may be fixed by fastening members such as bolts and nuts. The fixing portion 60a to the partition plate 13 may be fixed by, for example, an adhesive, a tacky adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, a sticky adhesive tape, or a sticky adhesive tape. The fixing portion 60a to the partition plate 13 may be fixed by, for example, fusion or welding.

[0026] The fixed portion 60a is provided at a portion of the deformable member 60 different from the front end portion to which the shutter 70 is attached. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 60a is provided at a portion of the deformable member 60 on the opposite side (rear side) from the shutter 70 side (front side). Specifically, the fixed portion 60a is provided at the rear end portion of the deformable member 60.

[0027] 5, the deformable member 60 has an elongated shape. Specifically, the deformable member 60 has an elongated shape with a longitudinal direction that is aligned with the arrangement direction of the shutter 70 and the fixed portion 60a.

[0028] The deformable member 60 is substantially flat at a predetermined relative humidity. The predetermined relative humidity can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the relative humidity of the environment in which the opening / closing member 50 is used. The predetermined relative humidity can be set appropriately within a relative humidity range of, for example, 40 RH% or more and 70 RH% or less.

[0029] The deformable member 60 is humidity responsive. The deformable member 60 reversibly deforms in response to changes in the relative humidity around the deformable member 60. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which substantially the entire deformable member 60 reversibly deforms in response to changes in relative humidity. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, only a portion of the deformable member may reversibly deform in response to changes in relative humidity. In other words, in the present disclosure, it is sufficient for the deformable member to have a portion that reversibly deforms in response to changes in relative humidity.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 6, the deformable member 60 has a laminate 63 in which a first layer 61 and a second layer 62 are laminated. The laminate 63 is the portion of the deformable member 60 that reversibly deforms in response to a change in relative humidity. In this embodiment, substantially the entire deformable member 60 is made up of the laminate 63. The second layer 62 is laminated over substantially the entire first layer 61.

[0031] The first layer 61 and the second layer 62 have different coefficients of humidity expansion. Here, "humidity expansion coefficient" refers to the amount of expansion when the relative humidity changes by a unit humidity (e.g., 1 RH%). For example, when the relative humidity increases by 1 RH%, the humidity expansion coefficient is 10% / RH% when the length in one direction changes to 110%, and the humidity expansion coefficient is -10% / RH% when the length in one direction changes to 90%. The humidity expansion coefficient can be measured, for example, using a MinebeaMitsumi DC amplification type dynamic strain meter (product number: DAS-406C). For example, a test piece measuring 15 cm x 1.5 cm and 0.5 mm thick is used to measure the humidity expansion coefficient. The humidity expansion coefficient is measured at multiple points at 30°C and in the range of 65 to 70 RH%, and the average value (linear expansion coefficient) over that humidity range is used.

[0032] Specifically, in the deformable member 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, and more preferably 2 times or more, the humidity expansion coefficient of the first layer 61. The humidity expansion coefficient of the second layer 62 is preferably 5 / 6 times or less, and more preferably 1 / 2 times or less, the humidity expansion coefficient of the first layer 61.

[0033] The magnitude of the humidity expansion coefficient is basically proportional to the rate of change in water absorption when the relative humidity is changed. Therefore, the rate of change in the water absorption of a test piece when the relative humidity is changed can be considered to be the humidity expansion coefficient. The water absorption is the ratio of the weight of a test piece left in an environment with a predetermined relative humidity and a predetermined temperature for 24 hours to the weight of a dried test piece. A dried test piece can be obtained by leaving it in a low-humidity environment, for example, at -20°C for 24 hours. For example, the water absorption at multiple relative humidities, including at least the water absorption at 65% RH and the water absorption at 70% RH, is measured and plotted on a coordinate system with the relative humidity and water absorption as axes. An approximation curve is created for this plotted graph, and the slope of the approximation line is taken as the rate of change in the water absorption of the test piece from 65% RH to 70% RH. The humidity expansion coefficient can be determined based on the magnitude of this ratio.

[0034] For example, when the relative humidity increases, the amount of expansion per unit length of the second layer 62 becomes larger than the amount of expansion per unit length of the first layer 61. As a result, the laminate 63 deforms to become concave toward the first layer 61. For example, when the relative humidity decreases, the amount of expansion per unit length of the second layer 62 becomes smaller than the amount of expansion per unit length of the first layer 61. As a result, the laminate 63 deforms to become convex toward the first layer 61. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shutter 70 in a deformed state. The state shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the relative humidity has decreased from the predetermined relative humidity state shown in FIG. 6. When the relative humidity decreases, the second layer 62, which has a larger humidity expansion coefficient, contracts more than the first layer 61. As a result, the deformable member 60 formed by the laminate 63 deforms to become convex toward the first layer 61. In the opening / closing member 50, a fixing portion 60a provided at the rear end of the deformable member 60 is fixed to the partition plate 13, which serves as a fixed portion. Therefore, the shutter 70 is displaced due to deformation of the deformable member 60. In this embodiment, the deformable member 60 has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction aligned with the arrangement direction of the fixed portion 60a and the shutter 70. Therefore, when the relative humidity decreases, the shutter 70 is displaced upward, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0035] 3 and 4, 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 shutter 70 does not close the entrance 15a of the gap 15. Therefore, the internal space 14a1 is connected to the space outside the container 20 through the gap 15. For this reason, for example, air in the internal space 14a1 may flow out to the outside, or external air may flow into the internal space 14a1. Note that the opening / closing member 50 is preferably provided so that both the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 come into contact with the air in the internal space 14a1.

[0036] For example, assume that the relative humidity suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits is R1%. In this case, the predetermined relative humidity at which the deformable member 60 becomes flat can be R2%, which is higher than R1%. In this case, when the deformable member 60 is flat and the shutter 70 is not closing the entrance 15a, the relative humidity of the container 20 is higher than R1%, which is the value suitable for storing fresh foods. In this state, it is preferable to lower the relative humidity of the internal space 14a1 from R2% to approach R1% by allowing low-humidity air, which has a lower relative humidity than the air in the internal space 14a1, to flow into the internal space 14a1 from outside the container 20 and simultaneously releasing the high-humidity air in the internal space 14a1 to the outside. In the container 20, as described above, when the predetermined relative humidity is R2%, the deformable member 60 becomes flat and the shutter 70 opens the entrance 15a. When the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 is greater than R2%, the deformable member 60 deforms to become concave toward the first layer 61. Therefore, even when the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 is greater than R2%, the shutter 70 opens the entrance 15a. Therefore, when the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 is greater than R1%, the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 decreases. This prevents the fresh food stored in the internal space 14a1 from deteriorating due to excessive humidity. Furthermore, condensation in the internal space 14a1 is effectively prevented.

[0037] When the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 begins to decrease due to the flow of air through the gap 15, the deformable member 60 deforms due to the change in relative humidity. Specifically, as the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 decreases below R2%, the deformable member 60 deforms convexly toward the first layer 61, displacing the shutter 70 upward. In the container 20, the deformable member 60 is designed so that, when the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 reaches R1%, a relative humidity suitable for storing fresh foods such as vegetables and fruits, the shutter 70 closes the inlet 15a and closes the gap 15, as shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, when the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 decreases to R1%, the inlet 15a closes, preventing air from flowing between the inside and outside of the internal space 14a1. This prevents the relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 from excessively decreasing to a relative humidity of R1% or less. Therefore, deterioration of fresh food caused by, for example, drying of fresh food due to too low relative humidity in the internal space 14a1 is effectively suppressed.

[0038] In this way, the container 20 is provided with the opening / closing member 50 having the laminate 63 of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, which can prevent deterioration of stored items such as fresh food stored in the internal space 14a1. Also, it can effectively prevent condensation from occurring in the internal space 14a1.

[0039] The first layer 61 and the second layer 62 can each be made of, for example, a resin, a resin composition, a metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. The first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may be made of the same type of material or different types of materials. Both the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may be made of, for example, a resin or a resin composition. For example, the first layer 61 may be made of a metal, and the second layer 62 may be made of a resin or a resin composition. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are each made of a resin will be described.

[0040] The first layer 61 preferably contains a resin having a relatively low coefficient of humidity expansion, such as at least one resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyethylene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin), and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0041] The second layer 62 preferably contains a resin having a relatively high coefficient of humidity expansion, such as at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyester, ABS resin, vinyl chloride, EVOH resin (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), and cellulose resin.

[0042] It is particularly preferable that the first layer 61 contains polypropylene and the second layer 62 contains polyamide. Resins such as polypropylene and polyamide are readily available and inexpensive, so using these resins makes it easier to manufacture the deformable member 60. In addition, the difference in humidity expansion coefficient between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 can be increased.

[0043] Of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, it is the second layer 62 that deforms most in response to changes in relative humidity, and the stress that deforms the deformable member 60 is mainly generated in the second layer 62. For this reason, it is preferable that the bending stress of the second layer 62 be 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, and more preferably 1.5 times or more, the bending stress of the first layer 61. The bending stress of the second layer 62 is preferably 10 / 11 times or less, and more preferably 2 / 3 times or less, the bending stress of the first layer 61.

[0044] 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, and more preferably 1.5 times or more, the thickness of the first layer 61. The thickness of the second layer 62 is preferably 10 / 11 times or less, and more preferably 2 / 3 times or less, the thickness of the first layer 61.

[0045] The thickness of the second layer 62 can be set to, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The thickness of the first layer 61 can be set to, for example, 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0046] The bending stress of the layer can be measured by a three-point bending test using, for example, a digital force gauge manufactured by Imada Corporation (product number: ZTA50N).

[0047] The method for laminating the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are laminated by being directly bonded to each other. Examples of the direct bonding method include heat fusion and pressure bonding.

[0048] Modifications of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and the description of the first embodiment will be used.

[0049] (First Modification) FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tip end portion of the opening / closing member 50 in the first modified example.

[0050] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are directly bonded to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The laminate 63 constituting at least a part of the deformable member 60 may further include layers other than the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, for example.

[0051] 8, in a first modified example, at least one third layer 64 is provided between a first layer 61 and a second layer 62. In the first modified example, the first layer 61, the third layer 64, and the second layer 62 are stacked in this order.

[0052] In this case, it is preferable that the first layer 61 has the smallest humidity expansion coefficient, the second layer 62 has the largest humidity expansion coefficient, and the third layer 64 has a humidity expansion coefficient equal to or greater than that of the first layer 61 and equal to or less than that of the second layer 62. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the third layer 64 is thinner than the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, the humidity expansion coefficient of the third layer 64 may be less than that of the first layer 61 or greater than that of the second layer 62. As long as the humidity expansion coefficient relationship between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 is maintained, the deformable member 60 can exhibit desired behavior in response to changes in relative humidity.

[0053] The third layer 64 may be, for example, a cured product of an adhesive for bonding the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 together, or may be an adhesive layer, adhesive tape, or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.

[0054] Furthermore, at least one other layer may be laminated on the surface of the first layer 61 opposite to the second layer 62, and at least one other layer may be laminated on the surface of the second layer 62 opposite to the first layer 61. These layers may be, for example, protective layers. The humidity expansion coefficient of the other layer laminated on the first layer 61 is preferably equal to or less than the humidity expansion coefficient of the first layer 61. The humidity expansion coefficient of the other layer laminated on the second layer 62 is preferably equal to or greater than the humidity expansion coefficient of the second layer 62.

[0055] (Second Modification) FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a deformable member 60 in the second modified example.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are configured to have substantially the same area and are bonded over the entire surfaces of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration.

[0057] For example, in a second modified example shown in Fig. 9, the first layer 61 has 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 may be made of a material other than the laminate 63. Even in this case, the humidity responsiveness of the deformable member 60 can be achieved.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second modified example, the entire second layer 62 is not bonded to the first layer 61. As shown in Fig. 9, the second layer 62 is bonded to the first layer 61 in a bonding area 62a that is smaller than the second layer 62. Even in this case, the humidity responsiveness of the deformable member 60 can be achieved.

[0059] It is preferable that the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are joined together so that the region where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are joined together forms an elongated region.

[0060] (Second and third modified examples) FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a deformable member 60 in the third modified example.

[0061] In the second modified example described above, the longitudinal direction of the first layer 61 and the longitudinal direction of the second layer 62 are substantially parallel. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, in a third modified example shown in FIG. 10 , the longitudinal direction of the first layer 61 and the longitudinal direction of the second layer 62 are different from each other. Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the first layer 61 and the longitudinal direction of the second layer 62 are perpendicular to each other. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the laminate 63, which is the portion where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are stacked, is the same as the longitudinal direction of the second layer 62. Therefore, when the relative humidity changes, the deformable member 60 deforms along the longitudinal direction of the laminate 63, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the second layer 62 (the left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 10 ). Therefore, in the third modified example, it is preferable that a shutter 70 be attached to the end of the deformable member 60 in the longitudinal direction of the laminate 63 (the left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 10 ). This modification also provides substantially the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0062] In this way, the deformable member 60 is made up of a first layer 61 and a second layer 62 stacked together, and the portion where they are joined has an elongated shape, so that it deforms along the longitudinal direction of that portion. Therefore, it is preferable that the shutter 70 be attached to the longitudinal end of the portion where the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 are stacked and directly or indirectly joined.

[0063] (Fourth Modification, Fifth Modification) Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the opening / closing member 50 in the fourth modified example. Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the opening / closing member 50 in the fifth modified example.

[0064] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which both main surfaces of the deformable member 60 (the surface of the first layer 61 and the surface of the second layer 62) are flat. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. As in a fourth modified example shown in FIG. 11 and a fifth modified example shown in FIG. 12, at least one of the main surfaces of the deformable member 60 (the surface of the first layer 61 and the surface of the second layer 62) may be provided with irregularities. When one of the main surfaces of the deformable member 60 is provided with irregularities, it is preferable that the surface of the second layer 62 opposite the first layer 61 be provided with irregularities. In this case, the area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 that is in contact with the internal space 14a1 can be increased. This can improve the moisture absorption of the second layer 62 and the responsiveness of the deformable member 60 during moisture absorption. Therefore, when the humidity in the internal space 14a1 changes, the deformable member 60 deforms in a short time, allowing the shutter 70 to open and close in a short time.

[0065] From the viewpoint of further improving the opening and closing responsiveness of the shutter 70, it is preferable that the surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the second layer 62 be larger 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 1.1 times or more, and more preferably 1.2 times or more, 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 5 times or less, and more preferably 3 times or less, the surface area of ​​the exposed surface of the first layer 61.

[0066] 11, multiple protrusions 62b are provided on the surface of the second layer 62, while in the fifth modification shown in FIG. 12, multiple recesses 62c are provided on the surface of the second layer 62. By providing multiple protrusions 62b on the second layer 62 as in the fourth modification, the average thickness of the second layer 62 is increased, thereby increasing the force acting on the second layer 62 when the second layer 62 contracts or expands in response to changes in humidity. This is therefore more preferable as it allows the shutter 70 to be displaced in a suitable manner, for example.

[0067] As in the fourth embodiment, in order to provide a plurality of protrusions 62b, it is preferable that the portions where the protrusions 62b are provided and where large stress may be generated extend along the arrangement direction of the fixed portion 60a and the shutter 70. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11, it is preferable that the plurality of protrusions 62b are each provided so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the deformable member 60.

[0068] 12, when a plurality of recesses 62c are provided on the surface of the second layer 62, it is preferable that the thinned portion where the recesses 62c are provided does not extend along the arrangement direction of the fixed portion 60a and the shutter 70. Therefore, it is preferable that the plurality of recesses 62c are each provided along the width direction of the second layer 62.

[0069] The interface between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 may be smooth or may have at least one irregularity. For example, by making each of the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 flat and smoothing the interface, the deformable member 60 can be deformed stably. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing peeling between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62, it is preferable to provide irregularities at the interface between the first layer 61 and the second layer 62 in order to increase the area of ​​the interface.

[0070] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the opening / closing member 50 includes the deformable member 60 and the shutter 70. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The opening / closing member 50 only needs to be configured to be able to change the airflow resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1 shown in FIG. 2 when the humidity in the area in which the opening / closing member 50 is provided changes. Therefore, the opening / closing member 50 may be configured to be able to change the airflow resistance between the opening 21 and the internal space 14a1, for example, by using only the deformable member 60.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0072] This disclosure includes a technical idea focusing on pine cones. Specifically, this disclosure includes a technical idea focusing on pine cone scales. In other words, this disclosure relates to biomimetics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Refrigerator 10: Housing 11: Cooling room 11a: Vegetable compartment 12: Door 13: Partition board 14: Case 14a: recess 14a1:Internal space 14b: Handle 15: Gap 15a: Entrance 20: Container 20a: Container body 21 :Aperture 30: Cool air supply mechanism 50: Opening and closing member 60: Deformable member 60a: Fixed part 61: 1st layer 62: 2nd layer 62a:Joint area 62b: Convex part 62c: recess 63: Laminate 64:Third layer 70: Shutter

Claims

1. The first layer, a second layer laminated on the first layer and having a humidity expansion coefficient greater than that of the first layer; Equipped with A deformable member, wherein a laminated portion formed by laminating the first layer and the second layer has an elongated shape.

2. The deformable member according to claim 1 , wherein the second layer has a surface with irregularities.

3. The deformable member according to claim 1 , wherein the second layer contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polyamide, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyester, ABS resin, vinyl chloride, EVOH resin, and cellulose resin.

4. 2. The deformable member according to claim 1, wherein the first layer contains at least one resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyethylene, ABS resin, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

5. The deformable member according to claim 1 , wherein the second layer has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first layer.

6. The deformable member of claim 1 , wherein the second layer is thicker but less than or equal to the thickness of the first layer.

7. The deformable member according to claim 1 , wherein the bending stress of the second layer is higher than the bending stress of the first layer.

8. A deformable member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having a fixing portion that is fixed to a fixed member; a shutter attached to a portion of the deformable member different from the fixed portion; An opening and closing member having the same.

9. A deformable member according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a container body having an opening and an internal space connected to the opening; Equipped with The deformable member is configured to change the airflow resistance between the opening and the internal space in response to a change in humidity.

10. A container according to claim 9; a cold air supply mechanism for supplying cold air into the container; A refrigerator equipped with:

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