JP2016080228A - Door driving device for refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a door driving device for a refrigerator capable of smoothly switching driving by a driving portion and manual operation to a door.SOLUTION: In a door driving device 10, an engagement mechanism 7 for engaging a driving member 8 with a driven member 9 is disposed in a driving force transmission passage from a driving portion 6 to a door 3, and the engagement mechanism 7 disengages the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 up to a middle position of the door 3 between an opening position and a closing position, and engages the driving member 8 with the driven member 9 from the middle position to the closing position. Thus the door 3 can be manually opened and closed in a state that the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are disengaged, and the door 3 can be driven by the driving portion 6 in a state that the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are engaged. Here, each of the driving portion 6, the driving member 8, the engagement mechanism 7 and the driven member 9 is disposed in the main body 2 (refrigerator body). Thus, accuracy in positional relationship of the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 is high.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator door driving device for driving a refrigerator door at least in a closing direction.

  In recent years, in order to improve usability, a refrigerator including a refrigerator door driving device that drives a door by an urging member, a motor, or the like has been proposed. Here, there are many opportunities to open and close the refrigerator manually. Therefore, an engagement mechanism is provided between the door driving device for the refrigerator provided on the refrigerator body side and the door, and the door is engaged with the door driving device for the refrigerator until the middle position from the open position to the closed position. There has been proposed a configuration in which the door is engaged with the refrigerator door driving device from the midway position to the closed position (see Patent Document 1). According to this configuration, in the section where the engagement between the refrigerator door driving device and the door is released, the door can be freely opened and closed manually, and the refrigerator door driving device and the door are engaged. In the interval, the door can be driven by the refrigerator door driving device.

JP 2005-127527 A

  However, when the engagement mechanism is provided between the door driving device for the refrigerator provided on the refrigerator main body side and the door, the engagement mechanism may not be able to smoothly engage or disengage. Cheap. For example, when the door is attached to the refrigerator main body so as to be rotatable around the axis, the position of the door is set with priority given to the positional relationship and sealing properties when viewed from the front. For this reason, misalignment is likely to occur between the door driving device for the refrigerator provided on the refrigerator body side and the door. In that case, the engagement between the door driving device for the refrigerator provided on the refrigerator body side and the door The engagement cannot be released smoothly.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator door driving device capable of smoothly switching between driving by a driving unit for a door and manual operation.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a refrigerator door driving device that drives a door of a refrigerator in at least a closing direction, and includes a driving unit on one side of the refrigerator main body and the door, and the driving unit. And a driven member that is connected to the drive member via an engagement mechanism and moves in conjunction with the door. In the engagement mechanism, the door is closed from an open position. The engagement between the driving member and the driven member is released until the middle position reaches the position, the driving member and the driven member are engaged from the middle position to the closed position, The drive member is driven in one direction corresponding to the closing direction of the door while the drive member and the driven member are engaged with each other.

In the present invention, the drive force transmission path from the drive unit to the door is provided with an engagement mechanism for engaging the drive member and the driven member, and in this engagement mechanism, the door reaches from the open position to the closed position. The engagement between the driving member and the driven member is released up to the middle position, and the driving member and the driven member are engaged from the middle position to the closed position. For this reason, when the door in the open state is manually closed to an intermediate position, it is not necessary to move the door to the driving member, so that the door can be closed with a small force. Further, since the drive member and the driven member are engaged from the midway position to the closed position, the drive member can be driven in one direction (direction corresponding to the door closing direction in the drive member) by the drive unit. it can. Therefore, even if the hand is released from the door, the door can be automatically moved to the closed position. Here, since the drive unit, the drive member, the engagement mechanism and the driven member are all provided on one side of the refrigerator main body and the door, even if there is a misalignment between the refrigerator main body and the door, In the engagement mechanism, engagement and release are smoothly performed. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between driving by the driving unit for the door and manual operation.

  In the present invention, the engagement mechanism is provided on one of the drive member and the driven member, and on the other of the drive member and the driven member, and is engageable with the engagement groove. And an engagement shaft. According to such a configuration, although it is a simple configuration, the engagement mechanism can smoothly perform engagement and release in accordance with the movement of the drive member and the driven member. Further, if the engagement groove and the engagement shaft are used, both transmission of the driving force from the driving member to the driven member and transmission of the driving force from the driven member to the driving member can be facilitated.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the driving member and the driven member are supported by the same supporting member. According to this configuration, since the positional relationship between the driving member and the driven member is highly accurate, the engagement mechanism can smoothly engage and release.

  In the present invention, the support member is preferably made of metal. According to such a configuration, since the rigidity of the support member is large, the positional relationship between the driving member and the driven member is highly accurate. Therefore, in the engagement mechanism, engagement and release can be performed smoothly.

  In the present invention, the drive member is rotatably supported by a first support shaft supported by the support member, and the driven member is rotatably supported by a second support shaft supported by the support member. A configuration can be adopted.

  In this invention, the said drive part is provided with the urging member which urges | biases the said drive member, and the said urging member is the said one direction when the said door moves from the said open position to the said closed position. It is possible to employ a configuration in which the driving member is urged in the other direction opposite to the one direction until it is moved in the middle, and the driving member is urged in the one direction from the middle. According to this configuration, the door can be driven in the closing direction using the biasing force of the biasing member.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said drive part is equipped with the damper which generate | occur | produces the resistance with respect to the movement of the said drive member with respect to the said drive member. According to this configuration, even when the door is driven by the urging force of the urging member, the door is unlikely to move rapidly.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the driving unit includes a motor that drives the driving member in the other direction. According to this configuration, motor drive can be used to move the door from the closed state to the open state.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said drive part is equipped with the torque limiter in the middle of the drive force transmission path | route from the said motor to the said drive member. According to such a configuration, even when the door is manually moved in the opening direction or the closing direction while the door is being moved from the closed state to the open state by driving the motor, the load is transmitted to the motor side. It can be blocked by a torque limiter.

  In the present invention, a configuration in which the other side of the refrigerator main body and the door and the driven member are mechanically connected via an arm member can be adopted.

  In the present invention, the door is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the refrigerator main body, and the axial displacement of the door relative to the refrigerator main body is between the driven member and the door. It is preferable that a misalignment absorbing portion that absorbs water is provided. According to such a configuration, even if there is a positional deviation in the axial direction between the refrigerator main body and the door, the engagement mechanism smoothly engages and disengages. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between driving by the driving unit for the door and manual operation.

  In this invention, the said one side can employ | adopt the structure which is the said refrigerator main body. According to such a configuration, since it is not necessary to provide the refrigerator door driving device on the door on the movable body side, the configuration of the door can be simplified.

  In the present invention, since the drive unit, the drive member, the engagement mechanism, and the driven member are all provided on one side of the refrigerator main body and the door, even if there is a misalignment between the refrigerator main body and the door. In the engagement mechanism, engagement and release are performed. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between driving by the driving unit for the door and manual operation.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the refrigerator to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is a disassembled perspective view of the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the drive part etc. of the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing, such as a drive member of the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship etc. of the drive member and drive lever in the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening operation of the door by the motor drive in the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the door opening operation by the manual in the door drive device to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the closing operation | movement of the door in the door drive device to which this invention is applied.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the “refrigerator main body” is referred to as “main body 2”, and the “refrigerator door driving device” is abbreviated as “door driving device 10”. Moreover, in the following description, the direction in which the rotation center axis line (axis line L3) of the door 3 extends will be described as the vertical direction (Z direction) when the refrigerator 1 is installed. In the vertical direction (Z direction), Z1 is attached to the lower side and Z2 is attached to the upper side. In the following description, the left-right direction is assumed to be the X direction and the front-rear direction is assumed to be the Y direction. In the left-right direction (X direction), X1 is assigned to the right side and X2 is assigned to the left side. In the front-rear direction (Y direction), Y1 is assigned to the rear side, and Y2 is assigned to the front side. Further, when the rotation around the axis is described in the clockwise direction CW and the counterclockwise direction CCW, it will be described in the direction seen from the upper side.

  Further, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the rotation center axis L3 may be located on either the right end side or the left end side. However, in the following description, the rotation center axis L3 is centered on a form located on the right end side. Explained.

  In addition, the door driving device 10 may be arranged on either side of the main body 2 and the door 3, but in the following description, the description will focus on the form in which the door driving device 10 is provided in the main body 2.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a refrigerator 1 to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has a main body 2 (refrigerator main body) whose front surface is open as a storage chamber, and includes a door 3 that closes the storage chamber on the front surface of the main body 2. The door 3 can open and close the opening of the main body 2 by rotating around an axis L <b> 3 extending vertically along the right end of the opening of the main body 2.

  In the refrigerator 1 configured as described above, a door driving device 10 (a refrigerator door driving device) that opens and closes the door 3 is disposed on the upper wall 2a of the main body 2, and the door 3 extends from the upper wall 2a of the main body 2. The arm member 11 of the door driving device 10 extends toward the upper end wall 3a. Further, the control unit 18 of the door driving device 10 is provided on the upper wall 2 a of the main body 2, and an instruction switch 19 for instructing opening / closing of the door 3 is provided on the outer surface (front surface) of the door 3. The door drive device 10 and the instruction switch 19 are connected to the control unit 18, and the control unit 18 controls the door drive device 10 based on the operation signal output from the instruction switch 19.

(Configuration of door driving device 10)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged explanatory view showing the door drive device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the door drive device 10 as viewed from the rotation center axis L3 side of the door 3. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the door driving device 10 as viewed from the side opposite to the rotation center axis L3 side of the door 3. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the door drive device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 3A and 3B are an exploded perspective view of the door drive device 10 with a case removed, and a support member. It is a disassembled perspective view of the state which removed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, when the door 3 is attached to the main body 2 so as to be rotatable around the axis L3, the fixing plate 4 is fixed to the upper wall 2a of the main body 2, and a part of the fixing plate 4 is 3 overlaps with the upper end wall 3a. Here, the upper end wall 3 a of the door 3 is provided with a support shaft 40 that fits into the hole 41 of the fixing plate 4. Although not shown, such a support structure is also provided on the lower wall side of the main body 2 and the lower end wall side of the door 3, and the door 3 can rotate around the axis L <b> 3 of the support shaft 40. Here, a gap is formed between the fixed plate 4 and the upper end wall 3 a of the door 3, and this gap serves as a misalignment absorbing portion 45 that absorbs misalignment of the door 3 in the direction of the axis L <b> 3 with respect to the main body 2. Function. Therefore, even when the position of the door 3 in the direction of the axis L3 is set with priority given to the positional relationship and sealing properties when viewed from the front, the door 3 can rotate about the axis L3 of the support shaft 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the door drive device 10 includes a case 5 and includes a drive unit 6, a drive member 8, and a driven member 9 described below inside the case 5. Further, the driven member 9 and the door 3 are mechanically connected via an arm member 11.

  In this embodiment, the case 5 includes a lower first case member 51 fixed to the main body 2 and an upper second case member 52 fixed to the first case member 51 with screws 53 or the like. Between the first case member 51 and the second case member 52, the drive unit 6, the drive member 8, and the driven member 9 are arranged. The arm member 11 protrudes from a slit-shaped opening 51 a that opens on the side surface of the case 5, and the distal end portion 111 of the arm member 11 is connected to the door 3 via the shaft 14 so as to be rotatable around the axis L <b> 14. ing. In this embodiment, the case 5 (the first case member 51 and the second case member 52) has a substantially pentagonal planar shape.

  Between the first case member 51 and the second case member 52, a plate-like first support member 56 and a plate-like second support member 57 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. The first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are fixed to the case 5 with screws 54 or the like.

The first support member 56 and the second support member 57 have substantially the same planar shape, and in the present embodiment, the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are the center portions 560 and 570 and the center portion, respectively. First extending portions 561 and 571 extending from 560 and 570 toward the front where the door 3 is located, and a direction forming a predetermined angle from the central portions 560 and 570 to the first extending portions 561 and 571 ( It has the 2nd extension part 562 and 572 extended toward left diagonally back.

  When the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, the distal end portion 561a of the first extension portion 561 of the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are arranged. A cylindrical shaft 581 is sandwiched between the distal end portion 571a of the first extending portion 571, and the distal end portion 562a of the second extending portion 562 of the first support member 56 and the second end of the second support member 57 are interposed. A first receiving member 661, which will be described later, is sandwiched between the distal end portion 572a of the extending portion 572.

  In this embodiment, the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are made of metal, and a part of the drive unit 6, the drive member 8, and the driven member 9 are between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57. Is arranged.

(Configuration of the drive unit 6)
4A and 4B are explanatory views of the drive unit 6 and the like of the door drive device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded perspective views of the drive unit 6 and the like, and are biased from the damper 65. FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the state where member 68 was removed.

  The drive unit 6 includes a motor 61, a gear 62, a drive lever 63, an urging member 68, and a damper 65. Such members are disposed between the first case member 51 and the second case member 52 and between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57.

  First, a motor arrangement portion 59 that protrudes to the right side by a rectangular portion 519 of the first case member 51 and a rectangular portion 529 of the second case member 52 is provided at the rear end portion (side away from the door 3) of the case 5. In such a motor arrangement portion 59, a motor 61 with the rotation shaft 610 directed to the left side is arranged. In this embodiment, the tip end of the rotating shaft 610 is rotatably supported by the frame 612.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a disc-shaped gear 62 is disposed between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 on the front side with respect to the rotation shaft 610. The rotating shaft 610 is a worm having a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the gear 62 is a worm wheel that meshes with the worm (the rotating shaft 610). A drive lever 63 is disposed below the gear 62 between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57. In this embodiment, the drive lever 63 has a disc portion 631 that overlaps the lower side of the gear 62 and a lever portion 632 that extends from the disc portion 631 to the front side. Here, a bearing 55 is held between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57, and the bearing 55 is located above the center of the disk-shaped large-diameter portion 552 and the large-diameter portion 552. And a small-diameter shaft portion 551 that protrudes from the center. The large diameter portion 552 is held by the first support member 56, and the shaft portion 551 is held by the second support member 57. The gear 62 and the disk portion 631 of the drive lever 63 are supported by the small-diameter shaft portion 551 of the bearing 55 so as to be rotatable around the axis L55.

In the present embodiment, an annular connecting member 64 is disposed between the gear 62 and the disc portion 631 of the drive lever 63, and the torque limiter 60 is configured using the connecting member 64. More specifically, external teeth 633 are formed around the axis L55 of the disk portion 631, while internal teeth 643 that engage with the external teeth 633 are formed on the connecting member 64. Further, a plurality of convex portions (not shown) projecting radially inward are formed on the lower surface of the gear 62, while the connecting member 64 extends between the convex portions of the gear 62. A flexible convex portion 644 is formed. Therefore, when the gear 62 rotates around the axis L55, if a large load is not applied to the drive lever 63, the disc portion 631 of the drive lever 63 and the gear L 62 together with the axis L5.
Rotate around 5. However, when a large load is applied to the drive lever 63, even if the gear 62 rotates, the convex portion 644 of the connecting member 64 bends inward in the radial direction, and the engagement with the disc portion 631 of the drive lever 63 is released. Is done. Accordingly, even when the gear 62 rotates, a gap occurs between the connecting member 64 and the disc portion 631 of the drive lever 63. The first case member 51 holds a lever position monitoring unit 69 on the side of the lever unit 632 of the drive lever 63, and the lever position monitoring unit 69 detects the position of the drive lever 63.

  In the driving unit 6 according to the present embodiment, the first receiving member 562 is disposed between the distal end portion 562a of the second extending portion 562 of the first supporting member 56 and the distal end portion 572a of the second extending portion 572 of the second supporting member 57. A member 661 is held. On the other hand, a second receiving member 662 is held at the end of the driving member 8 described later. A shaft-like damper 65 is held between the first receiving member 661 and the second receiving member 662, and an urging member 68 is disposed around the damper 65.

  In this embodiment, the damper 65 is an air damper, and the base end of the cylindrical main body 650 is held by the first receiving member 661 and the tip of the movable shaft 655 is held by the second receiving member 662. The urging member 68 is a compression coil spring disposed around the damper 65, and both ends thereof are in contact with the first receiving member 661 and the second receiving member 662. Therefore, the urging member 68 exhibits an urging force in a direction in which the first receiving member 661 and the second receiving member 662 are separated from each other.

(Configuration of the driving member 8)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the drive member 8 and the like of the door drive device 10 to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views in a state where the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 are overlapped. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 separated from each other. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the drive member 8 and the drive lever 63 in the door drive device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show the door 3 in the closed position. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship etc. of the drive member 8 and the drive lever 63 at a certain time, and the top view which shows the positional relationship etc. of the drive member 8 and the drive lever 63 in the middle of driving the door 3 in the opening direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, in the door drive device 10 of the present embodiment, the drive member 8 is disposed between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57. In this embodiment, the drive member 8 is a plate-like member in which a hole 81 is formed, and the large-diameter portion 552 of the bearing 55 is fitted in the hole 81. Accordingly, the drive member 8 is supported by the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 so as to be rotatable around the axis L55.

  The drive member 8 has a substantially fan shape centered on the hole 81 and has an arc portion 82 facing the front side. Here, in the circumferential direction of the arc portion 82, a notch 83 is formed at one end (the end portion in the direction of the clockwise CW55 around the axis L55) spaced from the lever portion 632 of the drive lever 63. A second receiving member 662 is held in the vicinity of a corner 84 connected to the notch 83 on the rear side. Therefore, the driving member 8 receives a force from the damper 65 and the biasing member 68 in the vicinity of the corner 84.

In the circumferential direction of the circular arc portion 82 of the drive member 8, the other end (the end portion of the counterclockwise CCW 55 around the axis L 55) close to the lever portion 632 of the drive lever 63 extends toward the hole 81. A groove 85 is formed. A plate-shaped receiving portion 86 cut upward is formed on the lever groove 632 side edge of the engaging groove 85 (counterclockwise CCW 55 side edge around the axis L55). The lever portion 632 of the drive lever 63 is in contact with the clockwise CW55 around the axis L55. Therefore, when the drive lever 63 rotates in the clockwise direction CW55 around the axis L55 by the rotation of the motor 61, the drive lever 63 also rotates in the clockwise direction CW55 around the axis L55, and the lever portion 632 Then, the drive member 8 is pressed in the clockwise direction CW55 about the axis L55 through the receiving portion 86.

  In this embodiment, at the opening end of the engagement groove 85, the edge on the clockwise CW55 side centering on the axis L55 is radially inward (position close to the axis L55) from the radially outer end of the receiving portion 86. .

(Configuration of driven member 9)
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, in the door drive device 10 of the present embodiment, the driven member 9 is disposed between the first support member 56 and the second support member 57. In this embodiment, the driven member 9 has a plate shape and is disposed below the driving member 8. Here, the driven member 9 is a shaft sandwiched between the distal end portion 561a of the first extending portion 561 of the first support member 56 and the distal end portion 571a of the first extending portion 571 of the second support member 57. It is a fan-shaped plate-like member centered at 581, and a hole 91 through which the shaft 581 passes is formed. An annular washer 582 fitted to the shaft 581 is disposed between the driven member 9 and the first support member 56, and the shaft 581 is fitted between the driven member 9 and the second support member 57. A cylindrical spacer 583 is disposed. Therefore, the driven member 9 can rotate around the axis L9 of the shaft 581.

  Here, between the driven member 9 and the driving member 8, an engaging mechanism 7 including an engaging shaft 95 of the driven member 9 and an engaging groove 85 of the driving member 8 is configured. In the present embodiment, an engagement shaft 95 protruding upward is fixed to the driven member 9 in the circumferential direction of the arc portion 96 of the driven member 9 in the vicinity of the end in the clockwise direction CW9 around the axis L9. The engagement shaft 95 engages the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 in a state of entering the engagement groove 85 of the drive member 8.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the drive lever 63 rotates in the clockwise direction CW55 about the axis L55 by the rotation of the motor 61, the drive member 8 rotates clockwise about the axis L55. The rotation rotates in the direction of CW 55, and the rotation is transmitted to the driven member 9 through the engagement mechanism 7 including the engagement shaft 95 and the engagement groove 85. As a result, the driven member 9 rotates counterclockwise CCW around the axis L9 as shown in FIG. 6 (b).

  Here, when the drive member 8 rotates clockwise about the axis L55 in the direction of CW55 and enters the state shown in FIG. 6B, the engagement shaft 95 comes out of the engagement groove 85, and In the combined mechanism 7, the engagement between the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 is released.

  However, when the driven member 9 rotates clockwise about the axis L9, the engaging shaft 95 comes into contact with the receiving portion 86 and enters the engaging groove 85, and the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are engaged. . In this state, when the driven member 9 further rotates clockwise about the axis L9 in the clockwise direction CW, the drive member 8 is biased by the biasing member 68 as described later, and the drive member 8 is centered on the axis L55. It rotates counterclockwise in the direction of CCW55. Therefore, as a result of the engagement shaft 95 being pushed by the edge 87 facing the receiving portion 86 in the engagement groove 85, the driven member 9 is driven in the clockwise direction CW9 about the axis L9.

  In this embodiment, two pins 961 and 962 are fixed to the driven member 9 in addition to the engagement shaft 95 so as to protrude upward, and the upper ends of the engagement shaft 95 and the pins 961 and 962 are fixed to the driven member 9. A reinforcing plate 963 is fixed. In this way, the engagement shaft 95 is reinforced.

(Biasing direction of the biasing member 68)
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the direction in which the biasing member 68 biases the drive member 8 is switched while the drive member 8 rotates about the axis L55. In this embodiment, a biasing member 68 is disposed around the damper 65. For this reason, the drive member 8 is connected to the axis L
During the rotation about 55, the connection position 651 between the damper 65 and the first support member 56 and the second support member 57, the connection position 652 between the damper 65 and the drive member 8, and the positional relationship of the axis L55 are switched. As a result, the direction in which the biasing member 68 biases the driving member 8 is switched.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the coupling position 652 between the damper 65 and the driving member 8 is counterclockwise CCW55 around the axis L55 with respect to a virtual reference line La connecting the coupling position 651 and the axis L55. When positioned on the side, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 in the counterclockwise direction CCW55 around the axis L55.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the connection position 652 between the damper 65 and the drive member 8 is a clock around the axis L55 with respect to a virtual reference line La connecting the connection position 651 and the axis L55. When located on the periphery CW55 side, the urging member 68 urges the drive member 8 in the clockwise CW55 direction around the axis L55.

  Here, in the driving member 8, the clockwise CW rotation around the axis L55 is a direction to drive the door 3 in the opening direction, and the counterclockwise CCW rotation around the axis L55 drives the door 3 in the closing direction. Direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the driving member 8 starts to rotate in the clockwise CW direction around the axis L55, the biasing member 68 is halfway along the driving member 8. Is urged counterclockwise around the axis L55 in the direction of CCW55 (the closing direction of the door 3). 6B, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 in the clockwise CW direction (the door 3 opening direction) around the axis L55.

  Conversely, in the state shown in FIG. 6B, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 in the clockwise CW direction (the opening direction of the door 3) around the axis L55, and from this state, When the driving member 8 rotates counterclockwise CCW55 around the axis L55, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 in the counterclockwise CCW55 direction (the closing direction of the door 3) around the axis L55.

(Configuration of arm member 11)
Near the end in the counterclockwise CCW direction around the axis L9 of the arc portion 96 of the driven member 9, the base end 112 of the arm member 11 is connected via the shaft 12 so as to be rotatable around the axis L12. The distal end portion 111 of the member 11 is connected to the door 3 through the shaft 14 so as to be rotatable around the axis L14. A recess 114 for avoiding interference with the spacer 583 is formed on the side surface of the arm member 11.

(Opening operation by motor drive)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the opening operation of the door 3 by the motor drive in the door driving device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 7B shows how the door 3 opens from the closed state shown in FIG. , (C), (d) in this order.

  In the door driving device 10 of this embodiment, in the closed state shown in FIG. 7A, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 around the axis L55 in the counterclockwise direction CCW55. Further, the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are engaged by the engaging mechanism 7. For this reason, since the driven member 9 is urged around the axis L9 in the clockwise direction CW9, the arm member 11 is pulled toward the door driving device 10 side. Therefore, the door 3 is urged in the closing direction.

In this state, when the motor 61 of the drive unit 6 is turned on, the rotation shaft 610 rotates, and the gear 62 rotates in the clockwise direction CW55 around the axis L55, the drive lever 63 also centers around the axis L55. Rotate clockwise in the direction of CW55. For this reason, since the drive member 8 rotates in the clockwise direction CW55 around the axis L55, the driven member 9 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW9 around the axis L9. Therefore, since the arm member 11 is pushed out from the door drive device 10 to the door 3 side, the door 3 is opened as shown in FIG.

  Even if the door 3 is manually pushed in the opening direction or the closing direction in the middle of such an operation, the torque limiter 60 is configured for the drive lever 63, so that the gear 62 and the worm (rotating shaft 610) are formed. ) Is not overloaded.

  Next, when the drive lever 63 and the drive member 8 further rotate in the clockwise direction CW around the axis L55, the drive member 8 tries to rotate in the clockwise direction CW around the axis L55 by the biasing member 68. The urging force acts and stops at this position. The engagement mechanism 7 between the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is released. Therefore, as shown in FIG.7 (c), the door 3 can be freely opened manually.

  When the lever position monitoring unit 69 detects that the drive lever 63 has rotated to a predetermined position in the clockwise direction CW55 about the axis L55, the motor 61 rotates in the reverse direction. It rotates counterclockwise CCW55 around L55 and returns to the initial position as shown in FIG. 7 (d). On the other hand, the drive member 8 remains stopped at the stop position shown in FIG.

(Manual opening)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the manual opening operation of the door 3 in the door driving device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 8B shows how the door 3 opens from the closed state shown in FIG. (C) and (d) are shown in this order.

  In the closed state shown in FIG. 8A, the urging member 68 urges the driving member 8 around the axis L55 in the counterclockwise direction CCW55. Further, the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are engaged by the engaging mechanism 7. For this reason, since the driven member 9 is urged around the axis L9 in the clockwise direction CW9, the arm member 11 is pulled toward the door driving device 10 side. Therefore, the door 3 is urged in the closing direction.

  When the door 3 is manually opened in this state, the driven member 9 is pulled in the counterclockwise direction CCW9 about the axis L9 by being pulled by the arm member 11, and the drive member 8 is centered on the axis L55 accordingly. Rotate clockwise in the direction of CW55. At that time, the drive lever 63 remains stopped at the initial position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the door 3 is further moved manually in the opening direction, the driving member 8 tries to rotate in the clockwise direction CW around the axis L55 by the biasing member 68. The urging force to act acts and stops at this position. The engagement mechanism 7 between the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is released. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8D, the door 3 can be freely opened manually. Meanwhile, the drive member 8 remains stopped at the stop position shown in FIG.

(Manual closing)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the closing operation of the door 3 in the door driving device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 9B and 9C show how the door 3 is closed from the open state shown in FIG. ) And (d) in this order.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when the door 3 is opened, the drive lever 63 is in the initial position, and the drive member 8 is urged in the clockwise direction CW55 about the axis L55 by the urging member 68. Has been stopped. Further, the engagement mechanism 7 between the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 is released, and the door 3 can be manually rotated freely.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the door 3 is manually rotated in the closing direction, the arm member 11 is drawn into the door driving device 10. Therefore, the driven member 9 rotates around the axis L9 in the clockwise direction CW9, and the engagement shaft 95 enters the engagement groove 85 of the drive member 8.

  Further, when the door 3 is manually rotated in the closing direction, the arm member 11 is further drawn into the door driving device 10. Therefore, the driven member 9 further rotates in the clockwise direction CW9 about the axis L9, and the driving shaft 8 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW55 about the axis L55 by the engagement shaft 95. For this reason, the driving member 8 is urged counterclockwise CCW55 around the axis L55 by the urging member 68. Therefore, the driving member 8 rotates the driven member 9 counterclockwise CCW9 around the axis L9. Rotate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C, the door 3 is pulled toward the main body 2 by the arm member 11, so that the door 3 rotates in the closing direction.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9D, after the door 3 moves to the closed position, the biasing member 68 biases the door 3 in the closing direction via the drive member 8, the driven member 9, and the arm member 11. To do.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the door drive device 10 of the present embodiment, the engagement mechanism 7 that engages the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is provided in the drive force transmission path from the drive unit 6 to the door 3. In the engagement mechanism 7, the engagement between the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 is released until the door 3 reaches an intermediate position from the open position to the closed position, and the driving member 8 and the driven member from the intermediate position to the closed position. 9 engages. For this reason, when the door in the open state is manually closed to the middle position, it is not necessary to move to the drive member 8, so that the door 3 can be closed with a small force.

  Further, since the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 are engaged from the midway position to the closed position, the drive member 8 is moved in one direction by the drive unit 6 (the direction of the counterclockwise CCW55 centering on the axis L55; Since the drive member 8 is driven in a direction corresponding to the closing direction of the door 3), the door 3 can be automatically moved to the closed position even if the hand is released from the door 3.

  Here, the drive unit 6, the drive member 8, the engagement mechanism 7, and the driven member 9 are all provided in the main body 2 (refrigerator main body). For this reason, the accuracy of the positional relationship between the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is high. Therefore, even if there is a misalignment between the main body 2 and the door 3, the engagement mechanism 7 is unlikely to cause excessive interference, so that engagement and release are performed smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between driving by the driving unit 6 for the door 3 and manual operation.

  The engagement mechanism 7 includes an engagement groove 85 provided in the drive member 8 and an engagement shaft 95 provided in the driven member 9. Accordingly, the engagement mechanism 7 can be engaged and released in accordance with the movement of the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 while having a simple configuration. Further, if the engagement groove 85 and the engagement shaft 95 are used, both transmission of the driving force from the driving member 8 to the driven member 9 and transmission of the driving force from the driven member 9 to the driving member 8 can be facilitated.

The drive member 8 and the driven member 9 are supported by the same support member (the first support member 56 and the second support member 57). More specifically, the drive member 8 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 551 (first support shaft) of the bearing 55 held by the first support member 56 and the second support member 57, and the driven member 9 is The first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are rotatably supported by a shaft 581 (second support shaft). For this reason, since the accuracy of the positional relationship between the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is high, the engagement and release can be smoothly performed in the engagement mechanism 7. Further, the first support member 56 and the second support member 57 are made of metal and have high rigidity. For this reason, since the accuracy of the positional relationship between the drive member 8 and the driven member 9 is high, the engagement and release can be smoothly performed in the engagement mechanism 7.

  Further, the drive unit 6 includes a biasing member 68 that biases the drive member 8. When the door 3 moves from the open position to the closed position, the drive member 8 moves in one direction (the axis L55 is The drive member 8 is urged in the other direction (clockwise CW55 around the axis L55) until it is moved in the counterclockwise CCW55 direction, and the drive member 8 is moved in one direction (from the middle). It is urged counterclockwise CCW55 about the axis L55. For this reason, if the door 3 is manually rotated in the closing direction, the door 3 can be moved in the closing direction by the biasing force of the biasing member 68 from the middle. Moreover, since the urging | biasing force of a closing direction can be made to act on the door 3 in a closed position, the door 3 does not open carelessly.

  Further, since the drive unit 6 includes a damper 65 that generates a resistance against the movement of the drive member 8 with respect to the drive member 8, even when the door 3 is driven in the closing direction by the biasing force of the biasing member 68, The door 3 is difficult to move rapidly.

  Moreover, since the drive part 6 is provided with the motor 61 which drives the drive member 8 to the other direction (clockwise CW55 direction centering on the axis line L55), when the door 3 transfers from a closed state to an open state, Motor drive can be used. Even in this case, the driving unit 6 includes the torque limiter 60 in the middle of the driving force transmission path from the motor 61 to the driving member 8. For this reason, even if the door 3 is manually moved in the opening direction or the closing direction while the door 3 is being shifted from the closed state to the open state by the motor driving, the transmission of the load to the motor 61 side is transmitted to the torque limiter. 60 can block.

  Further, in this embodiment, a misalignment absorbing portion that absorbs misalignment in the direction of the axis L3 of the door 3 with respect to the main body 2 is provided between the driven member 9 and the door 3. For this reason, even if there is a positional shift in the direction of the axis L between the main body 2 and the door 3, the engagement mechanism 7 smoothly engages and disengages. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly switch between driving by the driving unit 6 and manual operation for the door 3.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the door driving device 10 is provided on the main body 2 side, it is not necessary to provide the door driving device 10 on the door 3 on the movable body side. Therefore, the configuration of the door 3 can be simplified.

(Other embodiments)
In the said embodiment, although the door drive device 10 was provided in the main body 2 side, you may provide the door drive device 10 in the door 3 side. In the above embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the urging member 68, but a tension coil spring or the like may be used. In the above embodiment, in the drive unit 6, the door 3 is rotated in the closing direction by the biasing force of the biasing member 68. However, for driving the door 3 in the closing direction, a motor, a solenoid, or the like may be used. In the above embodiment, the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 are configured to rotate. However, one or both of the driving member 8 and the driven member 9 may be configured to move linearly.

1..Refrigerator 2..Main body (refrigerator main body) 3..Door 5..Case 6..Drive unit 7..engagement mechanism 8..drive member 9 ... follower member 10. ..Door drive device (door drive device for refrigerator) 11 .. Arm member 45.. Misalignment absorbing portion 51.. First case member 52.. Second case member 55. .. First support member 57 .. Second support member 60.. Torque limiter 61.. Motor 62.. Gear 63.. Drive lever 64 64 Connection member 65 Damper 68 Energizing member, 85 .. Engagement groove, 86 .. Receiving part, 95 .. Engagement shaft, 551 .. Shaft (first support shaft), 581 .. Shaft (second support shaft), 610. Axis of rotation

Claims (12)

A refrigerator door driving device for driving a refrigerator door at least in a closing direction,
On one side of the refrigerator body and the door,
A drive unit;
A drive member driven by the drive unit;
A driven member connected to the drive member via an engagement mechanism and moving in conjunction with the door;
Have
In the engagement mechanism, the drive member and the driven member are disengaged from the open position to the closed position until the door reaches the closed position, and from the intermediate position to the closed position, the drive member and the driven member are released. The driven member engages,
The drive unit drives the drive member in one direction corresponding to the closing direction of the door in a state where the drive member and the driven member are engaged with each other. .   The engagement mechanism includes an engagement groove provided in one of the drive member and the driven member, and an engagement shaft provided in the other of the drive member and the driven member and engageable with the engagement groove. The door driving device for a refrigerator according to claim 1, comprising:   The door driving device for a refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the driving member and the driven member are supported by the same supporting member.   4. The refrigerator door driving device according to claim 3, wherein the support member is made of metal. The drive member is rotatably supported by a first support shaft supported by the support member,
5. The refrigerator door driving device according to claim 3, wherein the driven member is rotatably supported by a second support shaft supported by the support member. 6. The driving unit includes a biasing member that biases the driving member;
The biasing member biases the driving member in the other direction opposite to the one direction until the driving member moves in the one direction when the door moves from the open position to the closed position. 6. The refrigerator door driving device according to claim 1, wherein the driving member is biased in the one direction from the middle.   The refrigerator door driving device according to claim 6, wherein the driving unit includes a damper that generates a resistance against the movement of the driving member with respect to the driving member.   The refrigerator driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the driving unit includes a motor that drives the driving member in the other direction.   The refrigerator door driving device according to claim 8, wherein the driving unit includes a torque limiter in the middle of a driving force transmission path from the motor to the driving member.   The refrigerator main body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the other side of the refrigerator main body and the door and the driven member are mechanically connected via an arm member. Door drive device. The door is supported to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the refrigerator body,
The position displacement absorption part which absorbs the position displacement of the said axial direction of the said door with respect to the said refrigerator main body is provided between the said driven member and the said door, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. The refrigerator door driving device according to one item.   The said one side is the said refrigerator main body, The door drive apparatus for refrigerators as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11 characterized by the above-mentioned.

Images