JP6382599B2 - Door opener for refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerator door opening and closing device that drives a door by driving a motor.

  In recent years, in order to improve usability, a refrigerator including a refrigerator door opening / closing device that drives a door by driving a motor has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In such a refrigerator, a configuration in which a drive unit including a motor and a transmission mechanism is provided in the refrigerator main body, and the door is driven by driving the opening arm and the closing arm by the drive unit. Further, in the refrigerator door opening / closing device described in Patent Document 1, since the torque limiter is provided in the transmission mechanism, the door can be manually opened and closed during a power failure.

JP 2005-326044 A

  In the refrigerator door opening and closing device described in Patent Document 1, the door can be manually opened and closed by a torque limiter provided in the transmission mechanism. For this reason, when opening and closing a door manually, since big force is required, there exists a problem that usability is bad.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator door opening and closing device capable of opening and closing a door with a small force even during a power failure or the like.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a refrigerator door opening and closing device that drives a refrigerator door in at least one of an opening direction and a closing direction, and is provided on one side of the refrigerator main body and the door. A drive mechanism, and a link mechanism that connects the other side of the refrigerator main body and the door and the drive section to transmit power, and the link mechanism includes an output member connected to the drive section; And an arm connected to the output member, wherein the drive unit is a motor, a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the motor to the output member, and a connection that interrupts transmission of driving force by the transmission mechanism And a mechanism.

In the present invention, when the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the output member via the transmission mechanism in the drive unit, the power is transmitted by the link mechanism constituted by the output member and the arm connected to the output member. Drive the door through the arm. Here, since the drive part has the connection mechanism which interrupts transmission of the drive force by a transmission mechanism, it can cancel | release the mechanical connection of the motor side and the output member side. Therefore, when the door is manually opened and closed during a power failure or the like, the door can be opened and closed with a small force.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the connection mechanism automatically turns off the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism when power supply to the refrigerator is stopped. According to such a configuration, the mechanical connection between the motor side and the output member side is automatically released at the time of a power failure, so that the door can be manually opened and closed without any other special operation. .

  In this invention, the said connection mechanism employ | adopts the structure which is a clutch which disconnects the mechanical connection of the 1st transmission member and the 2nd transmission member driven by this 1st transmission member in the said transmission mechanism. be able to.

  In the present invention, the clutch is disposed in the transmission mechanism at a position adjacent to the first gear member used as the first transmission member in the axial direction as the second transmission member with respect to the first gear member. A second gear member, an engagement portion formed between the first gear member and the second gear member, and the second gear member with respect to the first gear member and the engagement in the axial direction. It is possible to adopt a configuration having a connection direction that mechanically connects via a joint portion and a clutch drive mechanism that drives in a release direction that releases the connection at the engagement portion.

  In the present invention, the engaging portion is formed on the plurality of engaging convex portions formed on the first gear member and the second gear member, and each of the plurality of engaging convex portions can enter inside. And a plurality of engaging recesses. According to this configuration, the movement between the state where the first gear member and the second gear member are mechanically connected and the state where the mechanical connection is released is smooth.

In the present invention, the clutch drive mechanism includes an electromagnet that drives the second gear member in the connection direction, and a biasing member that biases the second gear member in the connection direction and the release direction. It is preferable.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said electromagnet is arrange | positioned in the position adjacent to a radial direction outer side with respect to a said 1st gear member and a said 2nd gear member. According to such a configuration, since it is not necessary to provide an electromagnet at a position overlapping the first gear member and the second gear member in the axial direction, the space in which the first gear member, the second gear member, and the electromagnet are provided in the axial direction. There is an advantage that the size can be shortened.

  In this invention, it is preferable to have a monitoring means for monitoring the driving state of the door. In the present invention, for example, the monitoring means may employ a configuration including door position monitoring means for monitoring the position of the door. According to such a configuration, for example, when the door interferes with a user's hand or the like while the door is being driven by a motor, the door is stopped despite the motor being driven. It is possible to detect that the moving speed of the door has decreased, the movement of the door has been reversed, and the like. Therefore, when the door interferes with the user's hand or the like, it is possible to take measures such as cutting the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism by the connection mechanism. Therefore, for example, when the door is driven in the closing direction by motor driving, even if the user's hand is sandwiched between the refrigerator body and the door, the door is not driven by the motor anymore, so it is safe. is there. Even when a user's hand is sandwiched between the refrigerator body and the door, the door can be opened with a small force when the door is manually opened. In order to detect that the door interferes with the user's hand or the like by the monitoring means, a configuration in which the monitoring means monitors the speed of the transmission mechanism or the motor, or a configuration in which the torque applied to the transmission mechanism or the motor is monitored. It may be adopted. When monitoring the speed, when the speed becomes zero, it can be detected that the user's hand is caught between the refrigerator body and the door, and when the torque is monitored, the torque becomes above a certain level. It is possible to detect that the user's hand is sandwiched between the refrigerator main body and the door.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said door position monitoring means is provided with the angular position detection means which detects the angular position of the gear used for the said transmission mechanism. According to such a configuration, the position of the door can be monitored in the drive unit.

  In the present invention, the angular position detection means preferably comprises a potentiometer. According to such a configuration, the position of the gear (the position of the door) can be monitored with a simple configuration.

In this invention, it is preferable that the said gearwheel and the said potentiometer are connected via the plate-shaped connection part. According to such a configuration, even if there is a position error between the gear and the potentiometer due to an assembly error or the like, the position error can be absorbed by the bending of the plate-like connecting portion.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said door position monitoring means monitors at least whether the said door exists in a closed position. According to this configuration, when the door is motor-driven in the closing direction, the motor driving in the door closing direction can be stopped based on the detection result of the door position monitoring means.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the door position monitoring means monitors whether the door is in a closed position, an open position, or an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. According to this configuration, it is possible to adjust the driving speed or the like by the motor according to the position of the door.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said door position monitoring means monitors whether the said door exists in the position from a closed position to an open position. According to such a configuration, the driving speed of the motor can be adjusted more appropriately depending on the position of the door.

  In the present invention, the transmission mechanism may employ a configuration having a worm and a worm wheel meshing with the worm. Even when such a configuration is adopted, in the present invention, the mechanical connection between the motor side and the output member side can be released by the connection mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the worm and the worm wheel even when the door is manually opened and closed during a power failure or the like.

  In this invention, although the said drive part may be provided in either the said refrigerator main body side or the said door side, it is preferable to provide in the refrigerator main body side.

In the present invention, when the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the output member via the transmission mechanism in the drive unit, the power is transmitted by the link mechanism constituted by the output member and the arm connected to the output member. Drive the door through the arm. Here, since the drive part has the connection mechanism which interrupts transmission of the drive force by a transmission mechanism, it can cancel | release the mechanical connection of the motor side and the output member side. Therefore, when the door is manually opened and closed during a power failure or the like, the door can be opened and closed with a small force.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the refrigerator to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view which expands and shows typically the connection part of the main body and door in the refrigerator to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a door opening and closing device to which the present invention is applied. It is a top view of a door opening and closing device to which the present invention is applied. It is sectional drawing of the door opening / closing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the connection mechanism formed in the 2nd wheel in the door opening and closing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which expands and shows the connection mechanism of the door opening / closing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the door position monitoring means of the door opening / closing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing, such as a connection member used for the door position monitoring means of the door opening / closing apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing operation | movement of the door in the refrigerator and door opening / closing apparatus 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 body” is referred to as “main body 2”, and the “refrigerator door opening / closing device” is abbreviated as “door opening / closing device 10”. Moreover, in the following description, the direction in which the rotation center axis Z of the door 3 extends will be described as the vertical direction in the state where the refrigerator 1 is installed. Further, in the vertical direction, Z1 is attached to the lower side and Z2 is attached to the upper side.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a refrigerator 1 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a connection portion between the main body 2 and the door 3 in the refrigerator 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  1 and 2, the 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 the rotation center axis Z with the upper and lower axes along the side of the opening of the main body 2 as the rotation center axis Z.

  In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, a door opening / closing device 10 (a refrigerator door opening / closing device) that opens and closes the door 3 is disposed between the upper wall 2 a of the main body 2 and the upper end wall 3 a of the door 3. Further, the refrigerator 1 includes an urging means 9 that urges the door 3 in the closed state in the closing direction. Therefore, the door 3 can be reliably closed, and the door 3 can be reliably kept closed. The urging means 9 can be constituted by, for example, a magnetic body 91 disposed on the main body 2 side and a permanent magnet 92 disposed on the door 3 side. The permanent magnet 92 may be disposed on the main body 2 side, and the magnetic body 91 may be disposed on the door 3 side.

  The door opening and closing device 10 includes a drive unit 20 provided on one side of the main body 2 and the door 3, and an arm 18 connected to the output member 13 of the drive unit 20 and the other side of the main body 2 and the door 3. And have. In this embodiment, the drive unit 20 is fixed to the upper wall 2a of the main body 2, and the arm 18 is connected to the end of the output member 13 and the connecting shaft 17 provided on the upper end wall 3a of the door 3. Yes. As will be described later, the arm 18 includes three connecting members (a first arm member 14, a second arm member 15, and a third arm member 16), and the output member 13 and the arm 18 constitute a link mechanism 12. Yes. The connecting shaft 17 is provided at a position away from the rotation center axis Z of the door 3. Further, the upper end wall 3 a of the door 3 is provided with a first stopper portion 34 and a second stopper portion 35 that can come into contact with the third arm member 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 8 of the door opening / closing device 10 is provided on the upper wall 2 a of the main body 2, and an instruction switch 80 that instructs opening / closing of the door 3 is provided on the outer surface (front surface) of the door 3. It has been. The drive unit 20 is connected to the control unit 8, and the control unit 8 is based on an operation signal output from the instruction switch 80, and a motor 50 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the drive unit 20 described later. Control). Further, the control unit 8 is connected to a door position monitoring unit 7 which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and the like, and the control unit 8 performs a motor of the drive unit 20 based on the monitoring result of the door position monitoring unit 7. 50 is controlled.

(Overall configuration of the door opening and closing device 10)
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the door opening and closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the appearance of the door opening and closing device 10 and the internal configuration of the door opening and closing device 10. It is a perspective view shown. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the door opening and closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 4A and 4B are a plan view showing the appearance of the door opening and closing device 10 and the internal configuration of the door opening and closing device 10. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the door opening / closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) show the door opening / closing device 10 along the line AA 'shown in FIG. 4 (b). It is sectional drawing when cut | disconnecting, and sectional drawing when the door opening / closing apparatus 10 is cut | disconnected along the BB 'line shown in FIG.4 (b). In addition, illustration of the upper case is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.4 (b).

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG.
An upper case 23 and a lower case 24 are vertically stacked. A case 21 is provided. An upper surface of the case 21 is provided with an output member 13 that rotates along the upper surface of the case 21. The case 21 includes a rectangular part and a substantially circular part protruding from the rectangular part. The rectangular part accommodates most of the drive system, and the substantially circular part accommodates the fourth wheel 54 and the like. Has been. Hereinafter, the substantially circular portion is referred to as the output-side drive chamber 22a, and the rectangular portion is referred to as the motor-side drive chamber 22b. However, the boundary is not strict. In this embodiment, the output side drive chamber 22a protrudes from the motor side drive chamber 22b toward the front of the main body 2 of the refrigerator 1.

  In the upper case 23, the upper wall 25a of the output side drive chamber 22a is lower than the upper wall 25b of the motor side drive chamber 22b with a step. The lower case 24 is provided with a plurality of mounting brackets 33 for fixing the door opening / closing device 10 to the main body 2. The lower surface of the mounting bracket 33 is flush with the lower surface of the lower case 24. The lower case 24 includes a bottom plate portion 28 and a peripheral wall 27 erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom plate portion 28, and is connected to the upper case 23 by screws 29.

(Configuration of transmission mechanism 5)
In the drive unit 20, the case 21 supports a motor 50, an output member 13, and a transmission mechanism 5 that transmits the rotation of the motor 50 to the output member 13. First, in the lower case, in the output side drive chamber 22a, the motor 50 is disposed in a horizontal posture at the end opposite to the output side drive chamber 22a side, and the output member 13 is disposed on the output side drive chamber 22a side. Is arranged. Further, in the motor 50, a motor substrate 501 for rotating the motor 50 is fixed between the end surface opposite to the side from which the motor shaft (not shown) protrudes and the peripheral wall 27.

  In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 5 has a train wheel 58 disposed from the motor 50 side toward the output member 13, and the train wheel 58 is configured as a reduction train wheel. The train wheel 58 is driven by a worm 59 fixed to a motor shaft (not shown) of the motor 50, a first car 51 that follows the worm 59, a second car 52 that follows the first car 51, and a second car 52. The third wheel 53 and the fourth wheel 54 driven by the third wheel 53 are supported, and the tip side of the worm 59 is rotatably supported by the bearing 55. The first wheel 51, the second wheel 52, the third wheel 53, and the fourth wheel 54 are each around a rotation center axis L 51, L 52, L 53, L 54 extending in the vertical direction parallel to the rotation center axis Z of the door 3. Can be rotated.

  The first wheel 51 has a worm wheel 511 that meshes with the worm 59 and a small-diameter gear 512 that is smaller in diameter than the worm wheel 511, and the worm wheel 511 is positioned above the small-diameter gear 512. The second wheel 52 has a large diameter gear 521 that meshes with the small diameter gear 512 of the first wheel 51, and a small diameter gear 522 having a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear 521, and the large diameter gear 521 is from the small diameter gear 522. Located above. The third wheel 53 has a large diameter gear 531 that meshes with the small diameter gear 522 of the second wheel 52, and a small diameter gear 532 that is smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear 531. Located above. A fourth wheel 54 is meshed with the small diameter gear 532. On the upper surface side of the fourth wheel 54, a coupling portion 545 to which the output member 13 is fixed by a screw 57 is formed at the center, and the output member 13 rotates integrally with the fourth wheel 54.

In the transmission mechanism 5 configured as described above, the first wheel 51, the third wheel 53, and the fourth wheel 54 can be rotated by shaft portions 281 and tube portions 283 and 284 that protrude from the bottom plate portion 28 of the lower case 24. It is supported. The second wheel 52 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 520 supported by the cylindrical portion 282 of the lower case 24. Accordingly, the first car 51, the second car 52, the third car 53, and the fourth car 54 used for the transmission mechanism 5 are each held in the lower case 24 together with the motor 50, and then are attached to the lower case 24. By stacking the upper case 23, it is accommodated inside the case 21. As a result, the first wheel 51, the third wheel 53, and the fourth wheel 54 are rotatably supported by the shaft portion 231 and the tube portions 233 and 234 that protrude from the upper case 23, respectively. The support shaft 520 that rotatably supports the second wheel 52 is also supported by the shaft hole 232 of the upper case 23.

  In this state, the coupling portion 545 of the fourth wheel 54 is in a state of protruding from the cylindrical portion 235 of the upper case 23, so that the end portion of the output member 13 and the coupling portion 545 of the fourth wheel 54 are fixed by the screws 57. Then, the end of the output member 13 and the fourth wheel & pinion 54 are connected. Accordingly, since the rotation of the motor 50 is transmitted to the output member 13 via the transmission mechanism 5, the output member 13 rotates around the rotation center axis L <b> 54 of the fourth wheel & pinion 54.

(Configuration of the splicing mechanism 6)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the joining mechanism 6 formed in the second wheel 52 in the door opening and closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the periphery of the joining mechanism 6. FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing, in an enlarged manner, the joining mechanism 6 of the door opening and closing apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the joining mechanism 6. FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the door opening and closing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the driving unit 20 is configured with a connection mechanism 6 that interrupts transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism 5. In the present embodiment, the relay mechanism 6 is a clutch that relays the mechanical connection between the first transmission member and the second transmission member driven by the first transmission member in the transmission mechanism 5. The connection mechanism 6 (clutch) is configured using the second wheel 52.

  More specifically, the second wheel 52 is in the direction of the rotation center axis L52 of the second wheel 52 with respect to the first gear member 61 used as the first transmission member and the first gear member 61 as the second transmission member. The second gear member 62 disposed at the adjacent position, the engaging portion 63 formed between the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62, and the second gear member 62 in the direction of the rotation center axis L52. And a clutch drive mechanism 64 for driving the clutch. The clutch drive mechanism 64 includes a connection direction C1 mechanically connected to the first gear member 61 via the engagement portion 63 and a release direction for releasing the connection at the engagement portion 63 in the direction of the rotation center axis L52. The second gear member 62 is driven to C2.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the present embodiment, the clutch drive mechanism 64 includes an electromagnet 65 that drives the second gear member 62 in one of the connection direction C1 and the release direction C2, and the connection direction C1 and the release direction C2. And a biasing member 66 for biasing the second gear member 62. In this embodiment, the electromagnet 65 is configured to drive the second gear member 62 in the connection direction C1 when fed. The urging member 66 is a compression coil spring 660 disposed between the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62, and urges the second gear member 62 in the release direction C2.

  In constructing such a connection mechanism 6 (clutch), as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, on the radially outer side of the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62, a fixed body 656 of the electromagnet 65. Is fixed by a rib-like fixing portion 287 of the bottom plate portion 28 of the lower case 24. The fixed body 656 includes a yoke 657 and a coil 659 wound around the shaft portion of the yoke 657 (see FIG. 5B). In the electromagnet 65, the movable body 651 is fixed below the movable plate 653 on the movable shaft 652, the movable shaft 652 protruding upward from the fixed body 656, the movable plate 653 fixed on the upper end side of the movable shaft 652. It consists of an annular yoke 654 and an annular magnet 655 fixed to the lower surface of the yoke 654.

Two guide holes 653a and 653b are formed in the movable plate 653 in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the second wheel 52 (the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62) is formed in one guide hole 653a. A support shaft 520 that rotatably supports the shaft is fitted. A support shaft 658 is fitted in the other guide hole 653b. The lower end portion of the support shaft 658 is supported by the cylindrical portion 284 of the lower case 24, and the upper end portion of the support shaft 658 is supported by the upper case 23 (see FIG. 5B). Therefore, when the electromagnet 65 supplies power to the coil 659 of the fixed body 656, the movable body 651 is attracted to the fixed body 656. As a result, the movable plate 653 is displaced downward where the fixed body 656 is positioned while being guided by the support shafts 520 and 658.

  In the connection / disconnection mechanism 6 (clutch), the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 are arranged between the bottom plate portion 28 of the lower case 24 and the movable plate 653 so as to overlap in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first gear member 61 is disposed on the lower side (the bottom plate portion 28 side of the lower case 24), and the second gear member 62 is disposed on the movable plate 653 side.

  The first gear member 61 includes a first cylindrical portion 611 fitted with the support shaft 520, a large-diameter second cylindrical portion 612 formed on the radially outer side of the first cylindrical portion 611, a first cylindrical portion 611, and a first cylindrical portion 611. It has an annular bottom plate portion (not shown) that connects the two cylindrical portions 612, and a large-diameter gear 521 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 612. In the first gear member 61, between the first tube portion 611 and the second tube portion 612, an engagement plate portion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the second tube portion 612 toward the outer peripheral surface of the first tube portion 611. A plurality of 613 are formed at equal angular intervals, and the engaging plate 63 613 configures the engaging convex portion 631 of the engaging portion 63 upward. Here, the engagement plate portion 613 does not reach the outer peripheral surface of the first tube portion 611, and therefore an annular groove 615 is formed around the first tube portion 611.

  The second gear member 62 includes a first cylindrical portion 621 in which the support shaft 520 is fitted, and an annular flange portion 622 that expands radially outward at the lower end portion of the first cylindrical portion 621. A small-diameter gear 522 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one cylindrical portion 621. Further, the second gear member 62 has a second tube portion 623 that protrudes from the radially outer end portion of the flange portion 622 toward the first gear member 61. A plurality of grooves 624 are formed at equal angular intervals in the second cylindrical portion 623, and the engagement plate portion 613 (engagement convex portion 631) of the first gear member 61 can enter through the grooves 624. The engaging recess 632 of the part 63 is configured downward.

  In this embodiment, the engaging recess 632 has a wide groove width (diameter dimension) on the lower side and a narrow groove width on the upper side. On the other hand, the engagement convex portion 631 has a thin plate thickness (diametrical dimension) at the top and a thick plate at the bottom. Therefore, the engagement plate portion 613 (engagement convex portion 631) easily enters the groove 624 (engagement recess portion 632), and has sufficient strength in the state where it has finished entering.

  In the second gear member 62, the second cylindrical portion 623 protrudes downward (from the first gear member 61 side) from the radially outer end of the annular flange portion 622, and the lower surface of the flange portion 622. , The radially inner portion is a flat surface. Further, in the first gear member 61, the engagement plate portion 613 does not reach the outer peripheral surface of the first tube portion 611. Therefore, an annular groove 615 is formed around the first tube portion 611. ing. Therefore, when the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 are attached to the support shaft 520, the biasing member 66 (compression coil spring 660) is compressed between the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62. The biasing member 66 (compression coil spring 660) biases the second gear member 62 in the release direction C2.

Therefore, in a state where power supply to the coil 659 is stopped, the second gear member 62 is pushed upward (releasing direction C2) by the urging member 66 to a position where it abuts on the movable plate 653. The member 61 and the second gear member 62 are disconnected from each other at the engaging portion 63. On the other hand, when power supply to the coil 659 is started, the movable plate 6 in the electromagnet 65 is started.
53 moves downward (connection direction C1). Accordingly, the second gear member 62 is pushed downward by the movable plate 653 against the urging force of the urging member 66, and as a result, the engagement plate portion 613 (engagement convex portion 631) is formed in the groove 624 in the engagement portion 63. Enter (engaging recess 632). As a result, the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 are mechanically connected via the engaging portion 63.

  In this way, the connection mechanism 6 is configured to automatically disconnect the driving force transmitted by the transmission mechanism 5 when the power supply to the refrigerator 1 is stopped.

(Configuration of monitoring means and door position monitoring means)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the door position monitoring means 7 of the door opening and closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the connecting member 75 used for the door position monitoring means of the door opening and closing apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the connecting member 75 and the fourth wheel 54. It is explanatory drawing of a connection structure with, and explanatory drawing which expands and shows the connection part with the potentiometer 71 of the connection member 75. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the door opening and closing device 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a monitoring unit that monitors the driving state of the door 3. In this embodiment, the monitoring means is configured by the control unit 8 shown in FIG. 1 and a door position monitoring means 7 described below. The door position monitoring means 7 monitors the position of the door 3. In the present embodiment, the door position monitoring unit 7 includes an angular position detection unit 70 that detects the angular position of the gear used in the transmission mechanism 5. In this embodiment, the angular position detection unit 70 includes a potentiometer 71. . The potentiometer 71 outputs a voltage proportional to the angular position of the door 3.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the lower case 24, a potentiometer 71 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 284 that rotatably supports the fourth wheel 54, and the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 284 is arranged. A wiring board 72 connected to the potentiometer 71 is drawn out of the cylindrical part 284 along the bottom plate part 28 of the lower case 24 from a cut-off part 284a in which a part of the part is cut out.

  The potentiometer 71 is connected to the fourth wheel & pinion 54 via a connecting member 75. Specifically, a connecting hole 710 that opens upward is formed in the potentiometer 71, and a connecting portion 76 of the connecting member 75 is inserted into the connecting hole 710, and the connecting member 75 is connected to the potentiometer 71. It is combined with a mover (not shown). In this embodiment, the connecting portion 76 of the connecting member 75 has a plate shape and can be bent in the thickness direction.

  The connecting member 75 has a cylindrical portion 77 that opens upward, and a connecting portion 76 projects downward from a bottom 79 of the cylindrical portion 77. Further, in the connecting member 75, the cylindrical portion 77 is formed with a notch 78 in which a part in the circumferential direction is notched.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the fourth wheel & pinion 54 is formed coaxially with the first cylindrical portion 541 on the radially inner side of the first cylindrical portion 541 and the first cylindrical portion 541 having teeth 540 formed on the outer peripheral surface. A second cylindrical portion 542 and an annular flange portion 543 connecting the first cylindrical portion 541 and the second cylindrical portion 542, and the second cylindrical portion 542 is an outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 284 of the lower case 24. A surface is rotatably supported.

A coupling portion 545 with the output member 13 is formed on the radially inner side of the second cylindrical portion 542, and a third cylindrical portion 546 on which the screw 57 is fastened is formed on the radially inner side of the coupling portion 545. Yes. An engagement convex portion 548 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the third cylindrical portion 546, and the engagement convex portion 548 fits into the notch 78 of the connecting member 75. Therefore, when the fourth wheel 54 is rotated, the connecting member 75 is rotated integrally with the fourth wheel 54, so that the potentiometer 71 can detect the angular position of the fourth wheel 54. Therefore, the control unit 8 monitors whether or not the door 3 is in the closed position based on the output from the potentiometer 71, and the door 3 is in the closed position, the open position, and between the closed position and the open position. Monitor which position is in the middle. Further, according to the potentiometer 71, it is monitored whether the door 3 is located from the closed position to the open position. Further, the control unit 8 changes the position of the fourth wheel 54 (the position of the door 3) based on the output from the potentiometer 71, changes the speed of the fourth wheel 54 (the speed of the door 3), and the fourth wheel 54. It is also possible to monitor the reversal of the movement (the movement of the door 3). In this embodiment, the control unit 8 monitors the change (dV / dt) per unit time of the output (V) from the potentiometer 71 and monitors the reversal of the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (the movement of the door 3). For example, since dV / dt is positive when the door 3 is opened, the control unit 8 causes the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (movement of the door 3) to be closed when dV / dt is reversed from positive to negative. Can be detected. Since dV / dt is negative when the door 3 is closed, the control unit 8 reverses the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (movement of the door 3) in the opening direction when dV / dt is reversed positive. Can be detected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the bottom plate portion 28 of the lower case 24, projections 243 and 244 are formed on the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 284 at two locations separated in the circumferential direction. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, a projection 549 is formed on the lower surface of the flange portion 543 of the fourth wheel & pinion 54 on the radially outer side of the second cylindrical portion 542. Accordingly, both ends of the rotatable angle range of the fourth wheel 54 (indicated by an arrow R in FIG. 8) depend on the angular position where the protrusion 549 and the protrusion 243 abut and the angular position where the protrusion 549 and the protrusion 244 abut. It is prescribed.

(Configuration of output member 13 and arm 18)
As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the arm 18 includes three connecting members (first arm member 14, second arm member 15, and third arm member 16) connected in the extending direction of the arm 18. The output member 13 and the arm 18 constitute the link mechanism 12.

  The output member 13 includes a fan-shaped base 131 having an outer peripheral surface curved around the rotation center axis L54, and a lever portion 132 formed integrally with the upper surface of the base 131, and around the rotation center axis L54. Rotate clockwise CW and counterclockwise CCW. A stopper projection 135 that forms a contact surface with the stopper projection 145 of the first arm member 14 is formed on the side surface of the lever portion 132 on the clockwise CW side.

  The first arm member 14 is a plate having a constant width that is bent along the front side wall 215 of the upper case 23 when viewed from above, and the end on the base end side is a lever of the output member 13 via the connecting shaft 115. The tip part of the part 132 is rotatably connected. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the first arm member 14, there is formed a stopper convex portion 145 that can come into contact with the stopper convex portion 135 of the lever portion 132 when the output member 13 rotates counterclockwise CCW. .

  An end portion on the distal end side of the first arm member 14 is rotatably connected to an end portion on the proximal end side of the second arm member 15 via a connecting shaft 116. The second arm member 15 has a plate shape extending with a constant width when viewed from above. An end portion on the distal end side of the second arm member 15 is rotatably connected to an end portion on the proximal end side of the third arm member 16 via a connecting shaft 117. The third arm member 16 has a plate shape extending with a constant width as viewed from above. Here, a stopper convex portion 155 is formed on the outer side surface of the second arm member 15, and the third arm member 16 is clockwise CW around the connecting shaft 117 on the outer side surface of the third arm member 16. The stopper convex portion 165 is formed so as to come into contact with the stopper convex portion 155 when it is rotated.

(Normal opening / closing operation of door 3)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the opening / closing operation of the door 3 in the refrigerator 1 and the door opening / closing device 10 to which the present invention is applied, and shows the change of the link mechanism 12 from the fully open position exceeding 90 ° to the fully closed position of the door 3. 10 (a), (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams of the door 3 having an opening angle of 110 °, 40 °, 15 °, and 0 ° (closed state), respectively. .

  Even in a normal state where power is supplied to the refrigerator 1 and the door opening and closing device 10, the control unit 8 stops energization of the motor 50 and the electromagnet 65 of the connection mechanism 6 until the user operates the instruction switch 80. Is in a state. Therefore, unless the instruction switch 80 is operated, the electromagnet 65 of the connection mechanism 6 is not energized, so that the user can manually move the door 3 directly in the opening direction or the closing direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the user closes the instruction switch 80 with the door 3 opened by 110 °, the control unit 8 controls the motor 50 and the electromagnet 65 of the connection mechanism 6. Energization is performed to rotate the output member 13 clockwise CW. As a result, the door 3 is driven in the closing direction, and enters the closed state as shown in FIG. 10 (d) via the states shown in FIGS. 10 (b) and 10 (c). When the potentiometer 71 detects that the door 3 has been closed, the control unit 8 turns off the motor 50 and the electromagnet 65. In the state shown in FIG. 10D, the stopper convex portion 165 of the third arm member 16 contacts the second stopper portion 35 and also contacts the stopper convex portion 155 of the second arm member 15. The contact force acts as a force that presses the door 3 in the closing direction.

  Further, in a normal state where power is supplied to the refrigerator 1 and the door opening and closing device 10, when the user opens the instruction switch 80 in the closed state shown in FIG. The electromagnet 65 of the connection mechanism 6 is energized to rotate the output member 13 counterclockwise CCW. As a result, the door 3 is driven in the opening direction, and enters the open state as shown in FIG. 10A via the states shown in FIGS. When the potentiometer 71 detects that the door 3 is in the open state, the control unit 8 turns off the power to the motor 50 and the electromagnet 65. In this way, the control unit 8 controls the timing for stopping the motor driving in the opening direction and the motor driving in the closing direction of the door 3 based on the detection result of the potentiometer 71. In addition, when the door 3 is opened manually or when the motor 50 runs out of control, the door 3 is configured with a stopper by contact between the third arm member 16 and the first stopper portion 34. Yes.

  In this embodiment, when the user operates the instruction switch 80, the electromagnet 65 is energized simultaneously with the energization of the motor 50. However, the power is supplied to the refrigerator 1 and the door opening and closing device 10. If there is, a configuration in which the electromagnet 65 is always energized may be used. In this case, it is configured such that energization of the electromagnet 65 is stopped during manual operation.

(Operation during power failure)
In the refrigerator 1 and the door opening and closing device 10 configured as described above, the electromagnet 65 is not energized, for example, during a power failure. Therefore, the mechanical connection between the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 in the second wheel 52 is released. Therefore, even if the user directly moves the door 3 in the opening direction or the closing direction, no load is applied from the front side (the motor 50 side) from the second wheel 52. Further, even during normal times, the electromagnet 65 is not energized unless the instruction switch 80 is operated. Therefore, even if the user directly moves the door 3 in the opening direction or the closing direction, the stage before the second wheel 52 is provided. No load is applied from the side (motor 50 side).

(Operation of the door position monitoring means 7)
In this embodiment, during the normal operation, in the door position monitoring means 7 described with reference to FIG. 8 and the like, the angular position detection means 70 (potentiometer 71) detects the angular position of the fourth wheel 54, and the detection result is as follows. , Corresponding to the positions of the output member 13 and the door 3. Therefore, the control unit 8 can monitor the drive state of the door 3 based on the output from the angular position detection means 70 (potentiometer 71) while performing the opening and closing operations on the door 3. For example, while the door 3 is driven by a motor, the control unit 8 moves the fourth wheel 54 (the door 3) based on the change (dV / dt) per unit time of the output (V) from the potentiometer 71. The presence or absence of reversal of the movement can be monitored. Therefore, when dV / dt is reversed from positive to negative during the opening operation of the door 3, the control unit 8 interferes with the user's hand and the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (the movement of the door 3) is closed. It can be detected that the direction is reversed. Further, when dV / dt is reversed from negative to positive during the closing operation of the door 3, the control unit 8 interferes with the user's hand and the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (the movement of the door 3) is closed. It can be detected that the direction is reversed. In such a case, the control unit 8 stops driving the motor 50. Further, the control unit 8 stops the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism 5 by stopping the energization of the electromagnet 65 of the connection mechanism 6. When the movement of the fourth wheel 54 (the movement of the door 3) stops while the door 3 is being driven by the motor, or when the rotation speed of the fourth wheel 54 (the opening / closing speed of the door 3) decreases. If it interferes with the user's hand, the energization of the motor 50 or the electromagnet 65 of the switching mechanism 6 may be stopped.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the refrigerator door opening / closing device 10 and the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the drive unit 20 includes the motor 50, the transmission mechanism 5 that transmits the rotation of the motor 50 to the output member 13, and the drive by the transmission mechanism 5. And a disconnecting mechanism 6 for interrupting transmission of force. For this reason, the mechanical connection between the motor 50 side and the output member 13 side can be released. Accordingly, when the door is manually opened and closed at the time of a power failure or the like, no load is applied from the upstream side (motor 50 side) of the connection mechanism 6, so that the door 3 can be opened and closed with a small force. In particular, in the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 5 uses a worm 59 and a worm wheel 511 that meshes with the worm 59. However, at the time of a power failure or the like, the connection mechanism 6 transmits the driving force by the transmission mechanism 5. Since cutting is performed, even when the door 3 is manually opened and closed, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from being applied to the worm 59 and the worm wheel 511.

  Further, when the power supply to the refrigerator 1 is stopped, the connection mechanism 6 automatically turns off the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism 5. For this reason, since the mechanical connection between the motor 50 side and the output member 13 side is automatically released at the time of a power failure, the door 3 can be manually opened and closed without any other special operation. .

  In the clutch configured as the connection mechanism 6, the engagement portion 63 between the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 includes a plurality of engagement protrusions 631 formed on the first gear member 61, It consists of a plurality of engaging recesses 632 formed in the two gear member 62. For this reason, the movement between the state where the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 are mechanically connected and the state where the mechanical connection is released is smooth. Further, since the electromagnet 65 is used for the clutch drive mechanism 64, it is easy to automatically release the mechanical connection between the motor 50 side and the output member 13 side at the time of a power failure. Further, the electromagnet 65 is disposed at a position adjacent to the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62 on the radially outer side, and the rotation center axis line with respect to the first gear member 61 and the second gear member 62. There is no need to provide the electromagnet 65 at a position overlapping in the L52 direction. Therefore, there is an advantage that the space in which the first gear member 61, the second gear member 62, and the electromagnet 65 are provided can be shortened in the direction of the rotation center axis L52.

Further, since the door position monitoring means 7 for monitoring the position of the door 3 is provided, for example, when the door 3 interferes with the user's hand or the like while the door 3 is being driven by a motor drive, The connection mechanism 6 can take measures such as cutting off the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism 5. Therefore, for example, when the door 3 is driven in the closing direction by a motor drive, when the user's hand is sandwiched between the main body 2 and the door 3, the transmission mechanism 5 drives the connection mechanism 6. It is possible to take measures such as cutting off the transmission of force, and the door 3 is no longer motor driven. Therefore, it is safe. Further, when the door 3 is manually opened, the door 3 can be opened with a small force. Further, since the door position monitoring unit 7 includes the angular position detection unit 70 that detects the angular position of the fourth wheel & pinion 54 used in the transmission mechanism 5, the drive unit 20 can monitor the position of the door 3. Therefore, since it is not necessary to provide the door position monitoring means 7 outside the drive unit 20, it is possible to reduce the size and the structure of the refrigerator door opening / closing device 10.

  Moreover, since the angular position detection means 70 consists of the potentiometer 71, the position of the 4th wheel 54 (the position of the door 3) can be monitored with a simple configuration. Further, according to the potentiometer 71, it is possible to monitor whether or not the door 3 is in the closed position, and any position of the door 3 in the closed position, the open position, and the intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. It is also easy to monitor whether there is any. Therefore, the driving speed of the motor 50 can be adjusted according to the position of the door 3. In particular, according to the potentiometer 71, the position of the door 3 from the closed position to the open position can be easily monitored. Therefore, the driving speed of the motor 50 is adjusted more appropriately depending on the position of the door 3. be able to. For example, when the motor 50 is rotated at a constant speed, even if there is a section where the moving speed of the door 3 decreases depending on the position of the link mechanism 12, the control unit 8 rotates the motor 50 at a high speed in such a section. Thus, the door 3 can be moved at a substantially constant speed. Moreover, according to the potentiometer 71, the position of the door 3 can be continuously monitored. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect whether or not there is a change in the driving of the door 3 as compared with the case where it is monitored whether or not the door 3 has reached a specific angular position. Therefore, when the door 3 interferes with the user's hand while the motor of the door 3 is being driven, the energization to the motor 50 and the electromagnet 65 can be quickly stopped.

  The fourth wheel 54 and the potentiometer 71 are connected via a plate-like connecting portion 76 of the connecting member 75. For this reason, even if there is a position error between the fourth wheel 54 and the potentiometer 71 due to an assembly error or the like, the position error can be absorbed by the bending of the plate-like connecting portion 76.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the drive unit 20 is provided on the main body 2 side. However, the drive unit 20 may be provided on the door 3 side. In the above embodiment, the potentiometer 71 is used for the door position monitoring means 7 (angular position detection means 70), but a magnetic sensor using a Hall element or the like may be used. In the above embodiment, the monitoring means detects that the door 3 interferes with the user's hand based on the detection result of the position of the fourth wheel 54 (the position of the door 3). A configuration for monitoring the speed of the motor and a configuration for monitoring the torque applied to the transmission mechanism 5 and the motor 50 may be employed. When monitoring the speed, when the speed becomes zero, it is possible to detect that the door 3 has interfered with the user's hand. When monitoring the torque, when the torque exceeds a certain level, the door 3 It is possible to detect the interference with the user's hand. In the above embodiment, when the door 3 interferes with the user's hand during the motor driving of the door 3, the energization to the motor 50 is stopped, but the door 3 is driven when the door 3 is motor driven in the opening direction. When the door 3 interferes with the user's hand, the door 3 is driven by a motor in the closing direction, and when the door 3 is driven by the motor in the closing direction, the door 3 is driven by a motor in the opening direction. It may be driven.

1 Refrigerator 2 Body (Refrigerator body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Door 5 Transmission mechanism 6 Connection mechanism 7 Door position monitoring means 8 Control part 9 Energizing means 10 Door opening / closing device (door opening / closing device for refrigerators)
12 link mechanism 13 output member 18 arm 20 drive unit 21 case 50 motor 51 first wheel 52 second wheel 53 third wheel 54 fourth wheel 58 wheel train 59 worm 61 first gear member 62 second gear member 63 engaging portion 64 clutch driving mechanism 65 electromagnet 66 biasing member 660 compression coil spring 80 indicating switch 70 angular position detecting means 71 potentiometer 75 connecting member 76 connecting member connecting part 91 magnetic body 92 permanent magnet 511 worm wheel 631 engaging convex of engaging part Part 632 engaging recess 653 of engaging part movable plate

Claims (17)

A refrigerator door opening and closing device for driving a refrigerator door in at least one of an opening direction and a closing direction,
A drive unit provided on one side of the refrigerator main body and the door;
A link mechanism that connects the other side of the refrigerator body and the door and the drive unit to transmit power;
Have
The link mechanism includes an output member connected to the drive unit and an arm connected to the output member,
The drive unit includes a motor, a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation of the motor to the output member, and a connection mechanism that interrupts transmission of driving force by the transmission mechanism. Door opener for refrigerator.   2. The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein when the power supply to the refrigerator is stopped, the connection mechanism automatically turns off the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism.   The said connection mechanism is a clutch which disconnects the mechanical connection between the first transmission member and the second transmission member driven by the first transmission member in the transmission mechanism. Or the door opening and closing device for a refrigerator according to 2.   The clutch includes a first gear member used as the first transmission member in the transmission mechanism, and a second gear disposed as a second transmission member at a position adjacent to the first gear member in the axial direction. A member, an engagement portion formed between the first gear member and the second gear member, and the second gear member through the first gear member and the engagement portion in the axial direction. The refrigerator door according to claim 3, further comprising: a clutch drive mechanism that drives in a connection direction that mechanically connects and a release direction that releases the connection at the engagement portion. Switchgear.   The engagement portion is formed on the plurality of engagement projections formed on the first gear member and the second gear member, and each of the plurality of engagement projections is allowed to enter inside. The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to claim 4, further comprising a joint recess.   The clutch drive mechanism includes an electromagnet that drives the second gear member in the connection direction, and a biasing member that biases the second gear member in the connection direction and the release direction. The door opening and closing apparatus for refrigerators of Claim 4 or 5 characterized by these.   The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to claim 6, wherein the electromagnet is disposed at a position adjacent to the first gear member and the second gear member on the radially outer side.   The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising monitoring means for monitoring a driving state of the door. Before Ki監 vision means, for a refrigerator door opening and closing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a door position monitoring means for monitoring the position of the door.   The door opening / closing apparatus for a refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the door position monitoring means includes an angular position detection means for detecting an angular position of a gear used in the transmission mechanism.   The door position opening / closing device for a refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the angular position detection means comprises a potentiometer.   The door opening and closing device for a refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the gear and the potentiometer are connected via a plate-like connecting portion.   The door opening / closing apparatus for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the door position monitoring unit monitors at least whether or not the door is in a closed position.   The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein the door position monitoring unit monitors whether the door is in a closed position, an open position, or an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. Door opening and closing device.   15. The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to claim 14, wherein the door position monitoring means monitors the position of the door from a closed position to an open position.   The refrigerator door opening / closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the transmission mechanism includes a worm and a worm wheel meshing with the worm.   The refrigerator door opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the driving unit is provided on the refrigerator main body side.

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