Door opening and closing mechanism

Abstract

The aim is to provide a door opening and closing structure that miniaturizes components while maintaining the door in an open position and allowing the door to be closed with moderate force from the open position. [Solution] In a door opening and closing mechanism according to one embodiment, the first cam 30 has a first cam surface that contacts the second cam 20, and the second cam 20 has a second cam surface that contacts the first cam surface. One of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a protrusion 24, and the other of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a first recess 34 into which the protrusion 24 fits when the door is closed to open, and a second recess 36 into which the protrusion 24 fits when the door is in an intermediate state from the state where the door is closed to open to fully open. The depth of the second recess 36 is shallower than the depth of the first recess 34.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door opening and closing mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a door opening and closing support device. The opening and closing support device supports the opening and closing door of a refrigerator. The opening and closing support device has a hinge plate protruding from the lower end of the main body of the refrigerator, a hinge pin protruding upward from the hinge plate, a cylindrical first cam member formed on the upper surface of the hinge plate, and a cylindrical second cam member formed on the lower end of the opening and closing door. Each of the first cam member and the second cam member has convex portions and concave portions arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

[0003] Each of the convex portion and the concave portion has a first inclined cam surface and a second inclined cam surface. When the opening and closing door is closed, the first inclined cam surface of the second cam member contacts the second inclined cam surface of the first cam member, and the convex portion of the second cam member floats from the concave portion of the first cam member. As a result, a rotational force in the closing direction further acts on the opening and closing door when the opening and closing door is closed. As a result, the closed state of the opening and closing door becomes reliable.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a hinge structure of a door. A bearing for supporting the door to be opened and closed is provided at the upper part of this door, and a hinge is provided on the outer side of the lower part of the door. The hinge includes a fixed-side hinge member attached to the storage side of the refrigerator and a movable-side hinge member attached to the door side. The fixed-side hinge member has three fixed-side cam protrusions, and the movable-side hinge member has three movable-side cam protrusions. In a state where the door is closed, the movable-side cam protrusion engages with the fixed-side cam protrusion.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a door hinge structure. The door hinge mechanism comprises a hinge plate attached to the lower end of the side edge of the opening of the storage compartment, a lower spacer attached to the hinge plate, and an upper spacer fixed to the lower end of the side edge of the door that opens and closes the opening of the storage compartment. The hinge plate has a hinge pin that protrudes upward. The lower spacer has a hole through which the hinge pin is inserted and a first cam portion located around the hole. The upper spacer has a hole through which the hinge pin is inserted and a second cam portion located around the hole and which engages with the first cam portion.

[0006] Patent Document 4 describes a door opening and closing mechanism. In this mechanism, the door is rotatably connected to the main body housing by an upper hinge portion and a lower hinge portion located above and below the door. The lower hinge portion has a hinge pin that protrudes upward and a seating surface located around the lower end of the hinge pin. The upper hinge portion has a seating surface that contacts the seating surface of the lower hinge portion. The seating surfaces of the upper hinge portion and the lower hinge portion have irregularities arranged in the direction of rotation. When the upper hinge portion rotates relative to the lower hinge portion, the irregularities on the seating surface of the upper hinge portion come into contact with the irregularities on the seating surface of the lower hinge portion, causing the door to move up and down relative to the main body housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3421204 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7122554 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7235613 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-24460 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In the aforementioned door opening and closing mechanisms, it is sometimes necessary to arrange many parts in a limited space. Therefore, miniaturization of parts is required. Furthermore, in door opening and closing mechanisms equipped with doors that open and close the opening and closing section of a box, it is necessary to maintain a temporarily open state in order to put things in and take them out of the storage space inside the box, and to be able to close the door with a moderate amount of force from the open state.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a door opening and closing structure that miniaturizes components and allows the door to be closed with moderate force while maintaining the open position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) A door opening and closing mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a door that rotatably connects to a box body having a storage space capable of accommodating objects, the door opening and closing opening of the box body about an axis extending along one side of the box body. The door opening and closing mechanism comprises a first cam attached to the door and rotating with the box body together with the door, and a second cam attached to the box body and aligned with the first cam along the axis. The first cam has a first cam surface that contacts the second cam, and the second cam has a second cam surface that contacts the first cam surface. One of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a convex portion, and the other of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a first recess into which the convex portion fits when the door is closed and the opening is closed, and a second recess into which the convex portion fits when the door is in an intermediate state from the closed state to the fully open state. The depth of the second recess is shallower than the depth of the first recess.

[0011] This door opening and closing mechanism has a first cam attached to the door and rotating relative to the box body about an axis, and a second cam attached to the box body and aligned with the first cam along the axis. The first cam has a first cam surface that contacts the second cam, and the second cam has a second cam surface that contacts the first cam surface, and one of the first and second cam surfaces has a convex portion. The other of the first and second cam surfaces has a first recess into which the convex portion fits when the door closes the opening of the box body, and a second recess into which the convex portion fits when the door is in an intermediate state from a closed state to a fully open state, and the depth of the second recess is shallower than the depth of the first recess. By forming a shallow second recess, the size of the first cam can be suppressed, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the parts. In other words, when forming multiple deep recesses, it is assumed that the first cam must be made larger in order to maintain strength, but when forming shallow recesses, this is not necessary, so the size of the first cam can be suppressed. When the door is partially open, the protrusion fits into the second recess of the first cam surface, allowing the door to be maintained in a partially open position. Furthermore, because the second recess is shallower than the first recess, the door can be closed with moderate force from that partially open position. In other words, if the second recess is deep, a strong force may be required to close the door from a partially open position, whereas if the second recess is shallow, the door can be closed easily with little force.

[0012] (2) In (1) above, the first cam may be located above the second cam. The second cam surface may have a convex portion, and the first cam surface may have a first recess and a second recess. In this case, the second cam surface located below has a convex portion, and the first cam surface located above has a first recess and a second recess. Therefore, the rotation of the first cam surface relative to the second cam surface can be made more stable.

[0013] (3) In (2) above, the door opening and closing mechanism may include a stopper that extends downward from the first cam and contacts the lower part of the second cam when the first cam rotates by a certain angle relative to the second cam, thereby maintaining the door in a fully open position. The first cam surface may have a first upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion when the door transitions from a closed position to an intermediate position, and a second upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion from the intermediate position until the door is fully open. The second cam surface may have two protrusions and a lower recess located between the two protrusions. When the door is fully open, the second upper protrusion may retract into the lower recess. In this case, the height of the first cam relative to the second cam can be reduced by the second upper protrusion retracting into the lower recess when the door is fully open. By reducing the height of the first cam when the door is fully open, the stopper extending downward from the first cam can be made to contact more reliably. If a stopper that extends far downwards is provided, it can be brought into contact with the bottom of the second cam, but this may cause the stopper to interfere with something below the door. On the other hand, if the height of the first cam is kept low when the door is fully open, the stopper can be brought into contact with the bottom of the second cam even without a stopper that extends far downwards, thus contributing to miniaturization of the stopper.

[0014] (4) In (3) above, the length of the lower recess in the rotational direction, which is the direction in which the first cam rotates relative to the second cam, may be longer than the sum of the length of the first upper protrusion in the rotational direction and the length of the second upper protrusion in the rotational direction. In this case, the first upper protrusion and the second upper protrusion will not ride up onto the protrusion when the door is fully open, and the stopper will not move upward.

[0015] (5) In any of (2) to (4) above, the first cam surface may have a first upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion when the door transitions from a closed state to an intermediate state. The length of the first upper protrusion in the rotational direction, which is the direction in which the first cam rotates relative to the second cam, may be longer than the length of the protrusion in the rotational direction. In this case, by making the length of the first upper protrusion in the rotational direction longer than the length of the protrusion in the rotational direction, the contact area of ​​the first upper protrusion with the protrusion can be increased. As a result, tilting of the door during opening and closing can be suppressed.

[0016] (6) In any one of (2) to (5) above, the second cam surface may have two convex portions arranged along the thickness direction of the door in a state where the door closes the opening. The height of the convex portion located on the side opposite to the box body among the two convex portions may be higher than the height of the convex portion located on the box body side among the two convex portions. In this case, due to the higher height of the convex portion located on the side opposite to the box body when the door is closed, a force in the direction of further closing the door can be applied when the door is closed. Therefore, the closed state of the door can be maintained more reliably.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, while miniaturizing the components, the door can be closed with an appropriate force from the opened state while maintaining the opened state of the door.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator which is an example of a box body provided with a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 and a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first cam of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first cam surface of the first cam of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second cam of a hinge mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second cam surface of the second cam of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where the door closes the opening. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing the positional relationship among the first cam, the second cam, and the stopper in the state of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a door in a transitional state from a state where the opening is closed to an intermediate state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the positional relationship between the first cam, the second cam, and the stopper in the state shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the intermediate state of the door from when the opening is closed to when the door is fully open. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the positional relationship between the first cam, the second cam, and the stopper in the state shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the door in the fully open position. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the positional relationship between the first cam, the second cam, and the stopper in the state shown in Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The following describes embodiments of the door opening and closing mechanism relating to this disclosure. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. For the sake of ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated, and the dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a refrigerator 1 equipped with a door opening and closing mechanism 10. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator 1 has a box body 2 and a door 5 rotatably attached to the box body 2. The box body 2 has a top surface 2b that faces vertically upward and a side surface 2c that faces horizontally. For example, the refrigerator 1 has a base plate cover 3 provided on the top surface 2b and a side duct 4 provided on the side surface 2c.

[0021] Refrigerator 1, as an example, has a first drawer 6, a second drawer 7, and a third drawer 8 arranged vertically. The first drawer 6, the second drawer 7, and the third drawer 8 are arranged in this order from top to bottom. For example, refrigerator 1 has adjustable legs 9 located at the lower end of the box body 2. The above describes an example of the configuration of refrigerator 1. However, the configuration of refrigerator 1 is not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] The box body 2 has an internal storage space capable of accommodating items. For example, the storage space of the box body 2 is a refrigerator compartment for storing food. The box body 2 has an opening 2f that is opened and closed by a door 5, and items are put in and taken out of the storage space of the box body 2 through the opening 2f. The door 5 is opened and closed by hand. In the following description, closing the opening 2f of the box body 2 by the door 5 may be referred to as "closing the door 5," and opening the opening 2f of the box body 2 may be referred to as "opening the door 5." The refrigerator 1 has a door opening and closing mechanism 10 that rotatably supports the door 5 relative to the box body 2.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of door 5 seen from below. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of door opening / closing mechanism 10A. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the door opening / closing mechanism 10 includes a door opening / closing mechanism 10A located at the lower end of door 5 and a door opening / closing mechanism 10B located at the upper end of door 5. Door 5 has a front surface 5b extending in a first direction D1, which is the short side of door 5, and a third direction D3, which is the longitudinal side of door 5; a side surface 5c extending in a second direction D2, which is the thickness direction of door 5, and a third direction D3; and a bottom surface 5d extending in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The door opening / closing mechanism 10 connects door 5 to the box body 2 so that it can rotate around an axis X extending along one side of the box body 2. In this embodiment, one side of the box body 2 is located on the right side of the box body 2 as seen from a person facing door 5, and extends along the third direction D3 on the right side of the box body 2.

[0024] The door opening / closing mechanism 10A includes, for example, a stopper 40 attached to the door 5, a first cam 30 attached to the door 5 and rotating with the door 5 relative to the box body 2, a second cam 20 attached to the box body 2 and aligned with the first cam 30 along the axis X, and a hinge 11 having a hole 11c into which a hinge pin 12b is inserted. The door opening / closing mechanism 10B has a hinge similar to that of the hinge 11 and, like the door opening / closing mechanism 10A, rotatably supports the door 5.

[0025] In the door opening and closing mechanism 10A, the stopper 40, the first cam 30, the second cam 20, and the hinge 11 are arranged in this order along the axis X. The stopper 40 is made of metal, for example. The stopper 40 may be manufactured by sheet metal processing. For example, the second cam 20 and the first cam 30 are made of resin. The stopper 40 and the first cam 30 are attached to the door 5, and the second cam 20 and the hinge 11 are attached to the box body 2. The door 5 opens and closes relative to the box body 2 as the stopper 40 and the first cam 30 rotate about the axis X relative to the second cam 20 and the hinge 11.

[0026] The hinge 11 has a first plate-like portion 11b that contacts the second cam 20. The first plate-like portion 11b extends in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 and has thickness in a third direction D3. The first plate-like portion 11b has a hole 11c through which a hinge pin 12b passes, and the hole 11c penetrates the first plate-like portion 11b in the third direction D3. The first plate-like portion 11b has, for example, a projection 11j at the end of the first plate-like portion 11b in the second direction D2 that protrudes in the first direction D1.

[0027] The second cam 20 has a plate-like portion 21 that contacts the hinge 11 (first plate-like portion 11b), and a projection 22 that protrudes downward from the plate-like portion 21. The plate-like portion 21 extends in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 and has thickness in a third direction D3. The plate-like portion 21 has a hole 21c through which the hinge pin 12b passes, and the hole 21c penetrates the plate-like portion 21 in the third direction D3. The hole 21c is, for example, circular in shape. The projection 22 has, for example, a recess 22b at the end of the plate-like portion 21 in the first direction D1 that is further recessed in the first direction D1.

[0028] The recess 22b allows the projection 11j of the hinge 11 to be fitted into it from below. The hinge 11 is attached to the second cam 20 by the projection 11j fitting into the recess 22b. When the hinge 11 is attached to the second cam 20, rotation of the hinge 11 about the axis X relative to the second cam 20 is restricted. The second cam 20 has a second cam surface 23 that contacts the first cam 30. The second cam surface 23 is formed to surround the hole 21c. The second cam surface 23 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The hinge 11 has, for example, a second plate-like portion 11h that protrudes from a first plate-like portion 11b in a first direction D1. The second plate-like portion 11h extends in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 and has thickness in the second direction D2. The second plate-like portion 11h has mounting holes 11d, 11f, and 11g that penetrate through the second plate-like portion 11h. The mounting holes 11d, 11f, and 11g are aligned along the first direction D1. The mounting holes 11d, 11f, and 11g penetrate the second plate-like portion 11h in the second direction D2. For example, the hinge 11 is attached to the box body 2 by inserting screws into the mounting holes 11d, 11f, and 11g.

[0030] The first cam 30 and stopper 40 are attached to the door 5 by screws 12c and 12d. For example, the first cam 30 and stopper 40 are fixed to the door 5 by fitting into a recess 5f that is recessed upward on the lower surface 5d of the door 5. The first cam 30 has a plate-shaped portion 31 that contacts the stopper 40 and a projection 32 that protrudes downward from the plate-shaped portion 31. The plate-shaped portion 31 extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and has thickness in the third direction D3.

[0031] The plate-like portion 31 has a hole 31b through which a screw 12d passes and a hole 31c through which a hinge pin 12b passes, and the holes 31b and 31c penetrate the plate-like portion 31 in a third direction D3. The hole 31c is, for example, circular in shape. The projection 32 is located at the end of the plate-like portion 31 in a first direction D1. The projection 32 has a hole 32b through which a screw 12c passes, and the hole 32b penetrates the projection 32 in a third direction D3. The first cam 30 has a first cam surface 33 that contacts the second cam 20. The first cam surface 33 is formed to surround the hole 31c. The first cam surface 33 will be described in detail later.

[0032] The stopper 40 has a plate-shaped portion 41 that contacts the first cam 30, and a contact portion 42 that protrudes downward from the plate-shaped portion 41. The plate-shaped portion 41 extends in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, and has thickness in a third direction D3. The plate-shaped portion 41 has a hole 41c through which a screw 12c passes, and the hole 41c penetrates the plate-shaped portion 41 in the third direction D3. The plate-shaped portion 41 has a hole (not shown) through which a screw 12d passes, and this hole also penetrates the plate-shaped portion 41 in the third direction D3. For example, the length of the plate-shaped portion 41 in the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the plate-shaped portion 41 in the second direction D2. The contact portion 42 protrudes out of the plane of the plate-shaped portion 41 from the long side of the plate-shaped portion 41. The contact portion 42 protrudes downward from the long side of the plate-shaped portion 41. For example, the contact portion 42 is plate-shaped. The contact portion 42 extends in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, and has thickness in the second direction D2.

[0033] When the door opening / closing mechanism 10 is attached to the door 5, the door 5 rotates with the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20 in contact with the first cam surface 33 of the first cam 30, causing the door 5 to move vertically (along the third direction D3). When the door 5 is fully open, the stopper 40 (contact portion 42) contacts the lower part of the second cam 20, maintaining the fully open state of the door 5. In other words, the door 5 will not open any further. Hereinafter, "the state in which the door 5 is fully open" and "the state in which the door 5 is fully open" may be simply referred to as "the fully open state".

[0034] The stopper 40 (contact portion 42) extends downward from the first cam 30. The stopper 40 maintains the door 5 in a fully open position by contacting the lower part of the second cam 20 when the first cam 30 rotates a certain angle relative to the second cam 20. "The door is fully open" means that the door is opened to its maximum extent and cannot be opened any further. For example, "the door is fully open" is achieved when the stopper 40 (contact portion 42) contacts the lower part of the second cam 20. "The lower part of the second cam" may be the lower part of the second cam, or it may be a component located below the second cam. In this embodiment, "the lower part of the second cam" is the lower part of the second cam 20 and the hinge 11.

[0035] For example, the lower end of the stopper 40 (contact portion 42) is positioned at the height from the lower end of the hinge 11 to the upper end of the second cam 20 (plate-shaped portion 21). This ensures that the stopper 40 contacts the lower part of the second cam 20 when the door 5 is fully open. Even if the lower end of the stopper 40 is extended below the lower end of the hinge 11, the stopper 40 can still be reliably brought into contact with the lower part of the second cam 20 when the door 5 is fully open. However, if the lower end of the stopper 40 is extended below the lower end of the hinge 11, the stopper 40 may interfere with parts below the door 5, such as the first drawer 6. In contrast, when the lower end of the stopper 40 is positioned at the height from the lower end of the hinge 11 to the upper end of the second cam 20, the stopper 40 can be reliably brought into contact with the lower part of the second cam 20, while avoiding interference between the stopper 40 and parts below the door 5.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first cam 30. Figure 5 is a magnified perspective view of the first cam surface 33 of the first cam 30. In Figures 4 and 5, the orientation in which the first cam 30 is mounted is reversed. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the first cam surface 33 is located at the end of the first cam 30 in the first direction D1. The first cam surface 33 protrudes downward (upward in Figures 4 and 5) from the plate-like portion 31. When viewed along the thickness direction of the plate-like portion 31 (vertical direction, third direction D3), the first cam surface 33 is annular in shape.

[0037] The first cam surface 33 has, for example, a first recess 34, a first upper protrusion 35, a second recess 36, and a second upper protrusion 37. The first cam 30 is attached to the door 5 such that the center of the hole 31c coincides with the axis X. The first recess 34, the first upper protrusion 35, the second recess 36, and the second upper protrusion 37 are aligned in this order along the rotational direction D4, which is the circumferential direction of a virtual circle centered on the axis X.

[0038] The first cam 30 has a pair of first recesses 34 that are symmetrically positioned with respect to the axis X. The first recesses 34 are defined by a bottom surface 34b, an inclined surface 34c extending diagonally downward from one end of the bottom surface 34b in the rotational direction D4, and an inclined surface 34d extending diagonally downward from the other end of the bottom surface 34b in the rotational direction D4. The bottom surface 34b is flush with, for example, the lower surface 31d of the plate-like portion 31. That is, the height of the bottom surface 34b is the same as the height of the lower surface 31d.

[0039] The bottom surface 34b extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The bottom surface 34b, the inclined surface 34c, and the inclined surface 34d are, for example, flat surfaces. The boundaries between the bottom surface 34b and the inclined surface 34c, and the boundaries between the bottom surface 34b and the inclined surface 34d are, for example, rounded. For example, the length of the first recess 34 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the length of the second recess 36 in the rotational direction D4, and is also longer than the length of the second upper protrusion 37 in the rotational direction D4.

[0040] The first cam 30 has a pair of first upper protrusions 35 positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis X. The first upper protrusions 35 include an inclined surface 35b extending from the inclined surface 34c of the first recess 34, a top surface 35c extending in the rotational direction D4 from the lowest part of the inclined surface 35b, and an inclined surface 35d extending diagonally upward from the top surface 35c. The inclined surfaces 35b, top surface 35c, and inclined surface 35d are, for example, flat surfaces. The boundaries between the inclined surface 35b and the top surface 35c, and the boundaries between the top surface 35c and the inclined surface 35d, may be rounded.

[0041] The top surface 35c extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The height difference between the first upper protrusion 35 (top surface 35c) and the first recess 34 (bottom surface 34b) (the position difference in the third direction D3) is, for example, 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less (2.5 mm as an example). In this case, the first upper protrusion 35 protrudes downward from the first recess 34 by 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. For example, the length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the length of the second recess 36 in the rotational direction D4, and is also longer than the length of the second upper protrusion 37 in the rotational direction D4.

[0042] The first cam 30 has a pair of second recesses 36 that are symmetrically positioned with respect to the axis X. The second recesses 36 are defined by an inclined surface 36b extending from the inclined surface 35d of the first upper protrusion 35, a bottom surface 36c extending in the rotational direction D4 from the top of the inclined surface 36b, and an inclined surface 36d extending diagonally downward from the bottom surface 36c. The depth of the second recesses 36 is shallower than the depth of the first recesses 34.

[0043] The height of the base surface 36c (position in the third direction D3) is lower than the height of the first recess 34 (base surface 34b) and higher than the height of the first upper protrusion 35 (top surface 35c). The difference in height between the second recess 36 and the height of the first upper protrusion 35 (the amount of recess of the second recess 36 relative to the first upper protrusion 35) is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 2 mm or less (1 mm as an example). The base surface 36c extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The inclined surface 36b, the base surface 36c, and the inclined surface 36d are, for example, flat surfaces. The boundary between the base surface 36c and the inclined surface 36b, and the boundary between the base surface 36c and the inclined surface 36d are, for example, rounded. For example, the length of the second recess 36 in the rotation direction D4 is longer than the length of the second upper protrusion 37 in the rotation direction D4.

[0044] The first cam 30 has a pair of second upward projections 37 positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis X. For example, the height of the second upward projection 37 relative to the first recess 34 is the same as the height of the first upward projection 35 relative to the first recess 34. The second upward projection 37 includes an inclined surface 37b extending from the inclined surface 36d of the second recess 36, a top surface 37c located at the bottom of the inclined surface 37b, and an inclined surface 37d extending diagonally upward from the top surface 37c. The inclined surfaces 37b, 37c, and 37d are, for example, flat surfaces. The top surface 37c may be curved so as to project downward toward the center in the rotational direction D4 of the second upward projection 37. The boundary between the top surface 37c and the inclined surface 37b, and the boundary between the top surface 37c and the inclined surface 37d are, for example, rounded.

[0045] In the door opening and closing mechanism 10 according to this embodiment, the door 5 transitions between a closed state, a self-closing start state, a normally open state, an intermediate state, and a fully open state. When the door 5 is closed, the inclination angle of the door 5 with respect to the box body 2 (the opening surface of the opening 2f of the box body 2) is 0°. The inclination angle of the door 5 is the angle of the open door 5 with respect to the box body 2, that is, the angle at which the door 5 is open. The "self-closing start state" refers to the state in which the door 5 automatically closes when the hand is released from the door 5 while it is open.

[0046] In the self-closing initiation state, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 10° or more and 20° or less (20° as an example). At this time, the inclined surface 35b of the first upper protrusion 35 of the first cam surface 33 contacts the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20. The "normally open state" refers to the state between the self-closing initiation state and the intermediate states. In the normally open state, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 20° or more and 80° or less. At this time, the top surface 35c of the first upper protrusion 35 of the first cam surface 33 contacts the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20.

[0047] The "intermediate state" refers to the intermediate state from when door 5 is closed until it is fully open. In the intermediate state, the inclination angle of door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 80° or more and 100° or less (90° as an example). In the intermediate state, the second recess 36 of the first cam surface 33 contacts the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20. In the fully open state, the inclination angle of door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 130° or more and 150° or less (140° as an example). In the fully open state, the first recess 34 of the first cam surface 33 contacts the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20. For example, the inclination angle of door 5 relative to the box body 2 in the fully open state is adjustable.

[0048] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the second cam 20. Figure 7 is a magnified perspective view of the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20. The second cam 20 has a second cam surface 23 that contacts the first cam surface 33. As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 7, the plate-like portion 21 has an upper surface 21d oriented vertically upward, a first end surface 21g oriented in a first direction D1 and extending in a second direction D2 and a third direction D3, and a second end surface 21f oriented in a second direction D2 and extending in a first direction D1 and a third direction D3. The second cam surface 23 protrudes upward from the upper surface 21d. The second cam surface 23 is formed, for example, at a corner of the upper surface 21d.

[0049] When viewed along the thickness direction (vertical direction, third direction D3) of the plate-shaped portion 21, the second cam surface 23 is annular. The second cam surface 23 has, for example, a convex portion 24 and a lower recess 25. The second cam 20 is attached to the hinge 11 such that the center of the hole 21c coincides with the axis X. The convex portion 24 and the lower recess 25 are aligned along the circumferential direction D5 of a virtual circle centered on the axis X. The circumferential direction D5 coincides, for example, with the rotation direction D4 described above.

[0050] The second cam 20 has a pair of protrusions 24 positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis X. Each protrusion 24 includes a top surface 24b, an inclined surface 24c extending diagonally downward from one end of the top surface 24b in the circumferential direction D5, and an inclined surface 24d extending diagonally downward from the other end of the top surface 24b in the circumferential direction D5. The top surface 24b extends, for example, in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The top surface 24b, the inclined surfaces 24c and 24d are, for example, flat surfaces. The boundaries between the top surface 24b and the inclined surfaces 24c, and between the top surface 24b and the inclined surfaces 24d, are, for example, rounded. For example, the length of the protrusion 24 in the circumferential direction D5 is shorter than the length of the lower recess 25 in the circumferential direction D5.

[0051] The second cam 20 has a pair of lower recesses 25 positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis X. The lower recesses 25 include an inclined surface 25b extending from the inclined surface 24c of the convex portion 24, a bottom surface 25c extending in the circumferential direction D5 from the lowest part of the inclined surface 25b, and an inclined surface 25d extending diagonally upward from the bottom surface 25c. The inclined surfaces 25b, bottom surface 25c, and inclined surface 25d are, for example, flat surfaces. The boundaries between the inclined surface 25b and the bottom surface 25c, and the boundaries between the bottom surface 25c and the inclined surface 25d, may be rounded. The bottom surface 25c extends in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The height difference between the lower recesses 25 (bottom surface 25c) and the convex portion 24 (top surface 24b) is, for example, 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less (2.5 mm as an example). In this case, the protrusion 24 protrudes upward from the lower recess 25 by a distance of 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0052] Next, the dimensional relationship between the second cam surface 23 and the first cam surface 33 will be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the length of the lower recess 25 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the sum of the length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotational direction D4 and the length of the second upper protrusion 37 in the rotational direction D4. The length of the lower recess 25 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the distance in the rotational direction D4 from the end of the first upper protrusion 35 on the side of the first recess 34 to the end of the second upper protrusion 37 on the side opposite to the second recess 36. The length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the length of the protrusion 24 in the rotational direction D4. In addition, the height of the protrusion 24 located on the side opposite to the box body 2 (the front side in Figure 7) may be higher than the height of the protrusion 24 located on the side of the box body 2 (the back side in Figure 7).

[0053] Next, the operation of each part of the door opening and closing mechanism 10 in the following states: when the door 5 is closed, when it has started to close, when it is normally open, in an intermediate state, and when the door 5 is fully open. Figure 8 is a view from above of the door 5 in the closed state. Figure 9 is a schematic side view of the door opening and closing mechanism 10 in the closed state of the door 5. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the door 5 is closed, the protrusion 24 is inserted into the first recess 34. The inclined surface 35b of the first upper protrusion 35 of the first cam 30 is in contact with the inclined surface 24c of the protrusion 24 of the second cam 20, and the top surface 35c of the first upper protrusion 35 is separated upward from the bottom surface 25c of the lower recess 25.

[0054] As a result, when door 5 is closed, door 5 is raised above the box body 2. At this time, the height H1 of the first upper protrusion 35 (top surface 35c) relative to the lower recess 25 (bottom surface 25c) is, for example, 0.5 mm. When door 5 is closed, a gap is formed between the lower recess 25 and the first upper protrusion 35, which causes a further closing force to act on door 5. This ensures that door 5 is securely closed. For example, when door 5 moves 5° further in the closing direction (opposite to the rotation direction D4) from the closed position, the top surface 35c comes into contact with the bottom surface 25c.

[0055] Figure 10 is a view from above of the door 5 in the self-closing start state. Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the door opening and closing mechanism 10 in the self-closing start state. As mentioned above, in the self-closing start state, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 10° or more and 20° or less. In the self-closing start state, the first upper protrusion 35 of the first cam 30 is riding on the protrusion 24. When you release your hand from the door 5 while a part of the first upper protrusion 35 is riding on the protrusion 24, the weight of the door 5 causes the first upper protrusion 35 to slide down the inclined surface 24c of the protrusion 24, and the door 5 closes.

[0056] When the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 exceeds the self-closing start state and transitions to the normally open state, the first upper protrusion 35 is on top of the protrusion 24, and the door 5 is raised from the box body 2. For example, even if you release your hand in the normally open state, the door 5 will not move. However, in the normally open state, the door 5 is supported by the frictional force of the top surface 24b of the protrusion 24, so the door 5 may rotate unintentionally. In the normally open state, the height H2 of the first upper protrusion 35 relative to the lower recess 25 is, for example, 2.5 mm.

[0057] Figure 12 is a view from above of the intermediate state. Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the door opening / closing mechanism 10 in the intermediate state. In the intermediate state, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 80° or more and 100° or less. In the intermediate state, the protrusion 24 of the second cam 20 fits into the second recess 36 of the first cam 30. When the door 5 transitions from the closed state to the intermediate state, the first upper protrusion 35, which was in contact with the protrusion 24, moves in the rotation direction D4, and the protrusion 24 fits into the second recess 36. When the door 5 transitions from the fully open state to the intermediate state, the second upper protrusion 37, which was in contact with the protrusion 24, moves in the opposite direction to the rotation direction D4, and the protrusion 24 fits into the second recess 36.

[0058] In the intermediate state, the door 5 is raised from the box body 2. At this time, the height H3 of the first upper protrusion 35 relative to the lower recess 25 is, for example, 1.5 mm. The height H3 in the intermediate state is lower than the height H2 in the normally open state. Therefore, the door 5 will lower when transitioning from the normally open state to the intermediate state. Even if you release your hand from the door 5 in the intermediate state, the protrusion 24 remains engaged in the second recess 36. Therefore, the door 5 remains open. In the intermediate state, since the protrusion 24 is engaged in the second recess 36, the possibility of the door 5 rotating unintentionally is reduced. Furthermore, because the second recess 36 is shallower than the first recess 34, the door 5 can be rotated with little force in the intermediate state.

[0059] Figure 14 is a view from above of the door 5 in the fully open position. Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the door opening and closing mechanism 10 in the fully open position of the door 5. In the fully open position, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is, for example, 130° or more and 150° or less. In the fully open position, the second upper protrusion 37 fits into the lower recess 25. When transitioning from an intermediate position to the fully open position, the second upper protrusion 37, which was in contact with the protrusion 24, moves in the rotational direction D4 and fits into the lower recess 25.

[0060] When door 5 is fully open, it is lower than it is in the intermediate position. At this time, the height of the first upper protrusion 35 relative to the lower recess 25 is, for example, 0 mm. That is, the first upper protrusion 35 is in contact with the lower recess 25. Door 5 rises once and then lowers to transition from the intermediate position to the fully open position. When fully open, the contact portion 42 of the stopper 40 comes into contact with the lower part of the second cam 20 (for example, the hinge 11). Even if you release your hand from door 5 when it is fully open, the state in which the protrusion 24 is inserted into the first recess 34, and the state in which the first upper protrusion 35 and the second upper protrusion 37 are inserted into the lower recess 25 are maintained. Therefore, door 5 remains fully open.

[0061] Next, the effects obtained from the door opening and closing mechanism 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The door opening and closing mechanism 10 has a first cam 30 attached to the door 5 and rotating relative to the box body 2 about axis X, and a second cam 20 attached to the box body 2 and aligned with the first cam 30 along axis X. The first cam 30 has a first cam surface 33 that contacts the second cam 20, and the second cam 20 has a second cam surface 23 that contacts the first cam surface 33, and the second cam surface 23 has a protrusion 24. The first cam surface 33 has a first recess 34 into which the protrusion 24 fits when the door 5 closes the opening 2f of the box body 2, and a second recess 36 into which the protrusion 24 fits when the door 5 is in an intermediate state from the closed state to the fully open state, and the depth of the second recess 36 is shallower than the depth of the first recess 34. By forming a shallow second recess 36, the size of the first cam 30 can be suppressed, thus contributing to miniaturization of the parts. In other words, when forming multiple deep recesses, it is assumed that the first cam 30 must be made larger to maintain strength, but when forming a shallow second recess 36, this is unnecessary, and therefore the size of the first cam 30 can be suppressed.

[0062] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the door 5 is partially open, the protrusion 24 fits into the second recess 36 of the first cam surface 33, allowing the door 5 to be maintained in a partially open position. Furthermore, because the second recess 36 is shallower than the first recess 34, the door 5 can be closed with moderate force from this partially open position. In other words, if the second recess 36 is deep, a strong force may be required to close the door from a partially open position, whereas if the second recess 36 is shallow, the door 5 can be easily closed with little force.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the door 5 relative to the box body 2 is 80° or more and 100° or less in an intermediate state. In this case, the door 5 is maintained in an open state of 80° or more and 100° or less. Therefore, it is possible to access the inside of the box body 2 with the door 5 stopped at a moderately open position. For example, items can be easily put in and taken out of the box body 2 with the door 5 of the refrigerator 1 moderately open. When the door 5 is fully open, it can get in the way. In contrast, when the door 5 is maintained in an open state of 80° or more and 100° or less, the open door 5 can be made less likely to get in the way.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first cam 30 is located above the second cam 20. In this case, the lower second cam surface 23 has a convex portion 24, and the upper first cam surface 33 has a first recess 34 and a second recess 36. Therefore, the rotation of the first cam surface 33 relative to the second cam surface 23 can be made more stable.

[0065] In this embodiment, the door opening and closing mechanism 10 includes a stopper 40 that extends downward from the first cam 30 and maintains the door 5 in a fully open position by contacting the lower part of the second cam 20 when the first cam 30 rotates by a certain angle (e.g., 140°) relative to the second cam 20. The first cam surface 33 has a first upper protrusion 35 that contacts the protrusion 24 when the door 5 transitions from a closed state to an intermediate state, and a second upper protrusion 37 that contacts the protrusion 24 from the intermediate state until the door 5 is fully open. The second cam surface 23 has two protrusions 24 and a lower recess 25 located between the two protrusions 24. When the door 5 is fully open, the second upper protrusion 37 enters the lower recess 25.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15, when the door 5 is fully open, the second upper protrusion 37 fits into the lower recess 25, thereby reducing the height of the first cam 30 relative to the second cam 20. By reducing the height of the first cam 30 when the door 5 is fully open, the stopper 40 extending downward from the first cam 30 can be made to contact more reliably. If a stopper that extends further downward than the stopper 40 (for example, a stopper that extends further downward than the hinge 11) is provided, it can be made to contact the lower part of the second cam 20, but there is a possibility that the stopper will interfere with something below the door 5. In contrast, when the height of the first cam 30 is reduced when the door 5 is fully open, the stopper 40 can be made to contact the lower part of the second cam 20 even without the above-mentioned stopper that extends further downward, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the stopper 40.

[0067] In this embodiment, the length of the lower recess 25 in the rotation direction D4, which is the direction in which the first cam 30 rotates relative to the second cam 20, is longer than the sum of the length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotation direction D4 and the length of the second upper protrusion 37 in the rotation direction D4. In this case, the first upper protrusion 35 and the second upper protrusion 37 are prevented from riding up onto the protrusion 24 when the door 5 is fully open, and the stopper 40 is prevented from moving upward.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first cam surface 33 has a first upper protrusion 35 that contacts the protrusion 24 when the door 5 transitions from a state where the opening 2f is closed to an intermediate state. The length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the length of the protrusion 24 in the rotational direction D4. In this case, because the length of the first upper protrusion 35 in the rotational direction D4 is longer than the length of the protrusion 24 in the rotational direction D4, the contact area of ​​the first upper protrusion 35 with respect to the protrusion 24 can be increased, thereby suppressing the tilt of the door 5 during opening and closing.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second cam surface 23 has two protrusions 24 aligned along the thickness direction (second direction D2) of the door 5 when the door 5 is closed over the opening 2f. The height of the protrusion 24 located on the side opposite the box body 2 may be greater than the height of the protrusion 24 located on the side of the box body 2. In this case, the greater height of the protrusion 24 on the side opposite the box body 2 when the door 5 is closed allows for an additional force to be applied in the closing direction of the door 5. Therefore, the closed state of the door 5 can be maintained more reliably.

[0070] The embodiments of the door opening and closing mechanism described herein have been explained above. However, the door opening and closing mechanism described herein is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified within the scope of the gist described in the claims. That is, the shape, size, material, number, and arrangement of each part of the door opening and closing mechanism can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist described above.

[0071] For example, in the embodiment described above, a first cam 30 having a first upper protrusion 35 with a flat top surface 35c extending in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 was described, as shown in Figure 5. However, a first cam 30 may also have a first upper protrusion 35 with an inclined top surface. If the inclined surface becomes higher as it moves away from the second upper protrusion 37, a further closing force can be applied to the door 5, so that the door 5 can be closed securely. Thus, the shapes of the first recess 34, the first upper protrusion 35, the second recess 36, and the second upper protrusion 37 of the first cam surface 33 of the first cam 30 can be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the protrusion 24 and the lower recess 25 of the second cam surface 23 of the second cam 20.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the first cam 30 is located above the second cam 20, the second cam surface 23 has a convex portion 24, and the first cam surface 33 has a first recess 34 and a second recess 36. However, the first and second cams may be reversed in orientation. That is, the first cam may be located below the second cam. Furthermore, the first cam surface may have a convex portion, and the second cam surface may have a first recess and a second recess.

[0073] In the embodiments described above, a door opening and closing mechanism 10 provided in a refrigerator 1 having a box 2 and a door 5 was described. However, the door opening and closing mechanism may be provided in a device other than a refrigerator. Thus, the door opening and closing mechanism according to this disclosure can be applied to various devices having a box and a door. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1…Refrigerator, 2…Box body, 2b…Top, 2c…Side, 2f…Opening, 3…Baseboard cover, 4…Side dial, 5…Door, 5b…Front, 5c…Side, 5d…Bottom, 5f…Recess, 6…First pull-out, 7…Second pull-out, 8…Third pull-out, 9…Adjustable foot, 10, 10A, 10B…Door opening and closing mechanism, 11…Hinge, 11b…First plate-like part, 11c…Hole , 11d...Access and access hole, 11f...Access and access hole, 11g...Access and access hole, 11h...The second plate-shaped part, 11j...Protruding part, 12b...ヒンジピン, 12c...ビス, 12d...ビス, 20...The second カム, 21...plate-shaped part, 21c...hole, 21d...upper surface, 21f...second end face, 21g...first end face, 22...projection, 22b...recessed part, 23...second surface, 24...convex part, 24b... Top surface, 24c, 24d…sloping surface, 25…recessed portion, 25b…sloping surface, 25c…bottom surface, 25d…sloping surface, 30…first cam, 31…plate-like portion, 31b, 31c…hole, 31d…bottom surface, 32…protrusion, 32b…hole, 33…first cam surface, 34…first recessed portion, 34b…bottom surface, 34c, 34d…sloping surface, 35…first upper convex portion, 35b…sloping surface, 35c …Top surface, 35d…Inclined surface, 36…Second recess, 36b…Inclined surface, 36c…Bottom surface, 36d…Inclined surface, 37…Second upper protrusion, 37b…Inclined surface, 37c…Top surface, 37d…Inclined surface, 40…Stop, 41…Plate-shaped part, 41c…Hole, 42…Connection part, D1…First direction, D2…Second direction, D3…Third direction, D4…Returning direction, D5…Circumferential direction, X…Axis.

Claims

1. A door opening and closing mechanism that rotatably connects a door to a box-shaped body having a storage space capable of accommodating objects, the door opening and closing the opening of the box-shaped body about an axis extending along one side of the box-shaped body, A first cam is attached to the door and rotates with the door relative to the box body, A second cam is attached to the aforementioned box and is aligned with the first cam along the axis, Equipped with, The first cam has a first cam surface that contacts the second cam, The second cam has a second cam surface that contacts the first cam surface, One of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a convex portion, The other of the first cam surface and the second cam surface has a first recess into which the protrusion fits when the door is closed to the opening, and a second recess into which the protrusion fits when the door is in an intermediate state from the state in which the opening is closed to the state in which the door is fully open. The depth of the second recess is shallower than the depth of the first recess. Door opening and closing mechanism.

2. The first cam is located above the second cam. The second cam surface has the convex portion, The first cam surface has a first recess and a second recess, The door opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The door is provided with a stopper that extends downward from the first cam and contacts the lower part of the second cam when the first cam rotates by a certain angle relative to the second cam, thereby maintaining the door in a fully open position. The first cam surface has a first upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion when the door transitions from a closed state to an intermediate state, and a second upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion from the intermediate state until the door is fully open. The second cam surface has two protrusions and a lower recess located between the two protrusions. When the door is fully open, the second upper protrusion fits into the lower recess. The door opening and closing mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The length of the lower recess in the rotational direction, which is the direction in which the first cam rotates relative to the second cam, is longer than the sum of the length of the first upper protrusion in the rotational direction and the length of the second upper protrusion in the rotational direction. The door opening and closing mechanism according to claim 3.

5. The first cam surface has a first upper protrusion that contacts the protrusion when the door transitions from a state where the opening is closed to an intermediate state, The length of the first upper protrusion in the rotational direction, which is the direction in which the first cam rotates relative to the second cam, is longer than the length of the protrusion in the rotational direction. The door opening and closing mechanism according to claim 2 or claim 3.

6. The second cam surface has two protrusions that are aligned along the thickness direction of the door when the door is closed to the opening, The height of the protrusion on the opposite side of the box body is greater than the height of the protrusion on the side of the box body. The door opening and closing mechanism according to claim 2 or claim 3.

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