JPH08210754A - Damper for refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To surely open-and-close a cooled air port with a simple construction by interlocking a buffle with a magnet repelled or attracted by an excited electromagnet so as to open-and-close the baffle. CONSTITUTION: A temperature sensor detects temperature within a refrigerator and a signal representing the temperature is outputted to a control circuit. The control circuit receives the signal from the temperature sensor and when room temperature exceeds a set range and when the room temperature decreases to fall within the set range, an electromagnet 2 constitutes a magnetic field correspopding to directions of electric current from the control circuit in accordance with the Ampere's right-handed screw rule, and polarities are switched every time when the direction of the current changes. A magnet 7 receives magnetic action from the electromagnet 2 and carries out a circular arc motion along an open/close track of a baffle 6. An open/close restricting mechanism makes the magnet 7 engage with a stopper to restrict the travel of the baffle 6 within a specified limit.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator damper for controlling the temperature inside a refrigerator by opening and closing a cold air outlet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a damper is used to open and close a cold air outlet communicating with each compartment of a refrigerator. For example, when the refrigerating compartment becomes higher than a preset temperature, the damper is opened so that the freezing compartment located above the refrigerating compartment is cooled. Techniques for adjusting the temperature by incorporating the are known. Further, the damper is generally configured to be opened and closed by a motor controlled by a temperature sensor or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0003]

However, since the damper is conventionally driven by a motor or an electromagnetic actuator, the number of parts of the entire apparatus is large, the cost is high, and the number of parts is increased. There is a problem that the device becomes complicated and the number of failure points is increased.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a damper for a refrigerator capable of reliably opening and closing the cold air outlet with a simple structure.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a damper for pivotally pivoting one end of a baffle to open and close a cold air outlet, the temperature detecting a room temperature in a refrigerator. A sensor, a control circuit that switches the direction of current according to the signal of the temperature sensor, an electromagnet that is connected to this control circuit and that has magnetic poles along the opening and closing trajectory of the baffle, and the above-mentioned facing the magnetic poles of this electromagnet. A magnet provided in the baffle and an opening regulation mechanism that protrudes through the magnet from the electromagnet and has a stopper for the baffle at the end portion are provided, and are interlocked with a magnet repelled or attracted by the excited electromagnet. The baffle is opened and closed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, selectively, in the structure of the first aspect, the opening degree restricting mechanism is provided at one end of this guide shaft and a guide shaft that extends through the magnet from the electromagnet and extends in the iron core direction of the electromagnet. It is composed of a magnetic material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the damper and the baffle of the first aspect have the same construction, the temperature sensor, the control circuit, and the electromagnet. Then, a guide shaft extending from the magnetic pole of the electromagnet to the axis of the iron core, a plunger reciprocating along the guide shaft while connecting one end to the baffle, and a magnet fixed to the plunger facing the magnetic pole of the electromagnet, The baffle is opened and closed by interlocking with a magnet that repels or is attracted by the excited electromagnet.

[0008]

In the present invention employing the above means, the temperature sensor detects the room temperature in the refrigerator and outputs a signal as temperature information to the control circuit. The control circuit has a function of receiving the signal from the temperature sensor and switching the direction of the current sent to the electromagnet when the room temperature exceeds the set range or when the room temperature drops and enters the set range. The electromagnet forms a magnetic field according to the direction of the current from the control circuit in accordance with Ampere's right-handed law, and the polarity switches each time the direction of the current switches.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the magnet receives a magnetic action (repulsion or attraction) from the magnetic pole of the electromagnet facing the magnet, and moves in an arc along the opening / closing orbit of the baffle. The opening regulation mechanism has a function of locking the magnet with a stopper and limiting the opening of the baffle to a predetermined opening.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the magnet is guided by the guide shaft to move in an arc, and acts to hold the open state of the baffle by attracting the magnetic substance.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the magnet moves linearly along the guide axis while maintaining an orthogonal relationship with the magnetic field of the electromagnet. In conjunction with this, the plunger strokes on the guide shaft to open and close the baffle.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a damper according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a frame, which includes a cool air intake 1a and a box 1b, and the cool air intake 1a is a cold air inlet 1 formed on a partition wall 10 in the refrigerator.
1, and the box 1b also penetrates the partition wall 10 to attach the frame 1 to the partition wall 10 in the refrigerator. The box 1b houses the electromagnet 2 having the yokes 2a and 2b forming magnetic poles at both ends in a horizontal orientation.
Reference numeral 3 is a lid that fits in the box 1b, and fixes the electromagnet 2 in the box 1b. In the present embodiment, the frame 1 is attached to the vertical partition wall 10, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a refrigerator in which the partition wall partitioning each chamber is horizontal.

A current is supplied to the electromagnet 2 from a control circuit (not shown) connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the room temperature in the refrigerator, and a magnetic field is generated according to the current. . The control circuit inputs temperature information from the temperature sensor as a voltage value, etc., and based on this temperature information, there are two timings, at least when the room temperature becomes higher than the set range and when the room temperature drops to the set range. , Electromagnet 2
Switch the direction of the current supplied to. That is, the electromagnet 2
Forms a magnetic field in a direction corresponding to the direction of the current from the control circuit according to Ampere's right-handed screw law, so that the polarities of the yokes 2a and 2b are switched at the above-mentioned two types of timings.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a guide shaft which extends a part of the frame 1 from the yoke 2b of the electromagnet 2, and corresponds to the direction of the magnetic field emitted from the yoke 2b. Reference numeral 5 denotes a magnetic substance such as iron, which is provided orthogonal to the guide shaft 4.

Next, 6 is a baffle whose one end 6a is rotatably attached to the frame 1. At a position facing the electromagnet 2, one magnetic pole faces the yoke 2b and the magnet 7 is fixed. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnet 7 is formed with a through hole 7a through which the guide shaft 4 can freely pass. With such a configuration, the baffle 6
Rotates with one end 6a as a fulcrum to open and close the cold air intake 1a. Further, the magnetic body 5 serves as a stopper to regulate the opening of the baffle 6.

In this embodiment, the foamed resin material 6b is provided at the portion of the baffle 6 corresponding to the cold air intake 1a, and when the baffle 6 is closed, the foamed resin material 6b is provided.
Is in close contact with the cold air intake 1a, the elasticity thereof can block the cold air intake 1a without a gap, and the heat insulation thereof can prevent the temperature of the refrigerating room from being lowered accidentally. Further, since it is lightweight, it does not hinder the opening / closing operation of the baffle 6. However, providing the foamed resin material 6b on the baffle 6 is not an essential requirement of the present invention.

Next, the opening / closing operation of the damper described above will be described. First, when the room temperature is within the set range, a current is supplied from the control circuit to the electromagnet 2 in a direction such that the yoke 2 a has a different pole from the magnet 7. By exciting the electromagnet 2 with a current in this direction, the magnet 7 is attracted to the yoke 2b, and in conjunction with this, the baffle 6 causes the cold air intake port 1 to move.
Close a.

On the other hand, when the temperature sensor detects a room temperature exceeding the set range, the control circuit supplies the electromagnet 2 with a current in the opposite direction to the above. By changing the direction of the current supplied to the electromagnet 2 in this way, the polarity of the yoke 2b is switched so as to be the same as that of the magnet 7, and the yoke 2b and the magnet 7 repel each other, so that the baffle 6 takes in cold air. Open the mouth 1a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the magnet 7 moves along the guide shaft 4 through the through hole 7a, and the movement is restricted by the magnetic body 5. Therefore, the opening of the baffle 6 is kept constant. The baffle 6 can be maintained in an open state because the magnet 7 and the magnetic body 5 are attracted to each other.

Then, when the room temperature returns to the set range after the cold air is taken in, the control circuit switches the direction of the current again to reverse the magnetic field of the electromagnet 2. At this time, the value of the current flowing from the control circuit to the electromagnet 2 is set such that the magnetic force of the yoke 2b exceeds the attraction force between the magnet 7 and the magnetic body 5, so that the magnet 7 is separated from the magnetic body 5. Further, since the yoke 2b draws the magnet 7, the baffle 6 can be closed.

In order to reliably maintain the open state of the baffle 6, as shown in FIG. 4, the magnetic body 5'is fixed obliquely to the guide shaft 4, or the guide shaft 4 is attached to the shaft. It may be configured to oscillate. With such a configuration, when the baffle 6 is opened, it has a function as a stopper, and the magnetic surfaces of the magnet 7 and the magnetic body 5'become parallel to each other, so that the attraction surface becomes large.
・ 5 can be strongly adsorbed.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is intended to reliably maintain the open / closed state of the baffle 6 described above, and is the first embodiment in that the aspect of the electromagnet 2 and the magnetic body 5 are fixed so as to be orthogonal to the guide shaft 4. Similar to the example. Therefore, in order to efficiently attract the magnet to the electromagnet 2 in the opened state and to the magnetic body 5 in the closed state, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. In addition to forming the hole 21, shafts 22 and 22 in the same direction as the rotating shaft 6'of the baffle 6 are provided, and the magnet 20 is rotatably attached to the through hole 6 "formed in the baffle 6. The magnet 20 is fragile during processing, and it is practically difficult to simultaneously form the through hole 21 and the hole into which the shaft 22 is fitted. Therefore, the case where the through hole 21 is secured and the shafts 22 and 22 are attached is provided. The magnet 20 can also be housed in, for example.

With such a structure, the magnet 20 is rotatable in the through hole 6 "of the baffle 6, so that
With the baffle 6 closed, with respect to the electromagnet 2,
As shown in FIG. 6, since the magnetic surface of the magnet 20 is always parallel to the magnetic body 5 when the baffle 6 is open, the attracting surface between the magnet 20 and the electromagnet 2, or between the magnet 20 and the magnetic body 5. Can be expanded and pulled together strongly, and the baffle 6 can be opened and closed, and any state can be reliably maintained.

In the first and second embodiments described above, when the baffle 6 is changed from the closed state to the open state, the electromagnet 2 has a magnetic force exceeding the attraction force between the magnet 7 and the magnetic body 5. It is needless to say that the current that can generate is supplied. Also, when opening and closing the baffle 6, the magnet 7
The control circuit does not necessarily have to continuously supply a constant current to the electromagnet 2 since a mechanical force to the electromagnet 2 is required. Therefore, when maintaining the open or closed state of the baffle 6 by maximizing the amount of current flowing during the opening / closing operation, no current is supplied and only the magnetic force of the magnet 7 is used.
It is also possible to employ a control circuit capable of adjusting the amount of current, such as adsorbing the magnet 7 and the yoke 2b or the magnetic body 7, or passing a minute current lower than that during opening / closing operation.

In the above embodiment, the magnetic substance 5 is used as the stopper of the baffle 6 and the magnetic substance 5 and the magnet 7 are attracted to hold the open state of the baffle 6, but the material is magnetic. The object of the present invention is not limited to the body 5 and is made of a permanent magnet so as to be attracted to the magnet 7 or made of another material having no magnetic force such as plastic. It can be achieved.
That is, the control circuit continuously supplies to the electromagnet 2 a current that generates a magnetic field such that the yoke 1b and the magnet 7 have the same polarity, and the yoke 1b continues to repel the magnet 7 to cause the baffle 6 to move. Can be held at a predetermined opening.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a closed state of the damper according to the third embodiment.
It is the same as the first embodiment in that it is rotatably attached to the shaft and the electric current is supplied from a control circuit (not shown) connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the room temperature of the electromagnet 32. Is. The electromagnet 32 is arranged so as to form a magnetic field along the opening / closing trajectory of the baffle 30.
A guide shaft 33 extending from the side yoke 32 a on the central axis of the electromagnet 32 is provided. Further, the electromagnet 32 is provided in the box 31a of the frame 31, the yoke 32a and the box 3a.
A space S is secured between the bottom surface 31b of the la 1a and the bottom surface 31b. Further, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 3 of the frame 31 is used.
1b, the magnetic material 3 is placed at a position facing the yoke 32a.
4 is provided.

Next, 35 is a plunger that reciprocates along the guide shaft 33. At the end of the plunger 35 on the electromagnet 32 side, a magnet 36 is fixed so as to face the yoke 32a. Further, the plunger 35 is the frame 3
While penetrating the bottom surface 31b of 1 and the baffle 30, the other end 35a is pinned to the elongated hole 30a formed in the baffle 30 by the connecting pin 37. In addition, the plunger 35
The connection structure between the baffle 30 and the baffle 30 is not limited to this embodiment, and is linked to the reciprocating motion of the plunger 35.
It is free to adopt known means on the condition that it is opened and closed.

In the damper having the above-described structure, when the temperature sensor first detects that the room temperature in the refrigerator is within the set range, the control circuit causes the electromagnet 32 and the yoke 32a to have a polarity different from that of the magnet 36. Supply current in such a direction. At this time, the magnet 36 is attracted to the electromagnet 32, and the magnet 36
The plunger 35 moves along the guide shaft 33 in conjunction with the movement of the baffle 30 to close the baffle 30.

On the other hand, when the room temperature in the refrigerator exceeds the set range, the control circuit switches the direction of the current with respect to the electromagnet 32 to make the polarity of the yoke 32a and the magnet 36 the same.
Therefore, the magnet 36 is repelled by the electromagnet 32, and in conjunction with this, the plunger 35 pushes the baffle 30 open. At this time, the connecting pin 37 slides in the long hole 30a. In this state, since the magnet 36 and the magnetic body 34 are attracted to each other, the open state of the baffle 30 can be maintained without continuously supplying current from the control circuit. However, provision of the magnetic body 34 is not an essential requirement of the present invention, and the magnetic body 34 is provided.
Even if is omitted, the repulsion of the magnet 36 is maintained by continuously supplying the holding current to the electromagnet 32, and the plunger 3
5 pushes the baffle 30 and keeps opening.

As described above, in the damper according to the third embodiment, the magnet 36 causes the box 31a to move by the magnetic action of the electromagnet 32.
Since the inner space S moves linearly along the guide shaft 33,
The magnetic field of the electromagnet 32 and the magnet 36 can always be maintained in an orthogonal relationship, and the attraction and repulsion of the magnet 36 by the electromagnet 32 are strong.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention, by switching the magnetic field of the electromagnet, a mechanical force is applied to the magnet to open and close the baffle, so that the cold air opening can be surely opened and closed with a simple structure. In addition, since the number of parts was small, it was possible to provide a compact and low-cost damper.

Further, in the present invention, since the magnet rotates and the attracting surface thereof becomes parallel to the magnetic surface of the electromagnet or the magnetic body, the magnet and the electromagnet or the magnetic body strongly attract each other to ensure the open / close state of the baffle. Was able to hold.

Further, in the third aspect, since the magnet linearly moves along the guide shaft, the facing relationship between the magnet and the electromagnet is always maintained, and the opening / closing operation of the baffle can be stably performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a damper according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the baffle of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing an open state of the damper of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing another example of a stopper.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a baffle according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an open state of the damper of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a closed state of the damper of the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an open state of the damper of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 frame 2 electromagnet 2b yoke 4 guide shaft 5 magnetic material 6 baffle 7 magnet

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A damper for opening and closing a cool air opening by pivotally fixing one end of a baffle, the temperature sensor detecting a room temperature in a refrigerator, and the direction of an electric current depending on a signal of the temperature sensor. A control circuit for switching and an electromagnet connected to the control circuit and having magnetic poles along the opening and closing track of the baffle,
A magnet provided on the baffle facing the magnetic pole of the electromagnet, and an opening control mechanism protruding from the electromagnet through the magnet and provided with a baffle stopper at an end are provided to repel the excited electromagnet. Alternatively, a refrigerator damper characterized in that the baffle is opened and closed in conjunction with the attracted magnet. 2. The opening degree control mechanism comprises a guide shaft extending from the magnetic poles of the electromagnet onto the axis of the iron core through the magnet, and a magnetic body provided at one end of the guide shaft. The refrigerator damper described. 3. A damper that opens and closes a cold air opening by pivotally fixing one end of a baffle, the temperature sensor detecting a room temperature in a refrigerator, and the direction of current flowing in response to a signal from the temperature sensor. A control circuit for switching and an electromagnet connected to the control circuit and having magnetic poles along the opening and closing track of the baffle,
A guide shaft extending from the magnetic pole of this electromagnet onto the axis of the iron core,
A magnet reciprocating along the guide shaft while having one end connected to the baffle, and a magnet fixed to the plunger facing the magnetic pole of the electromagnet, the magnet being repelled or attracted by the excited electromagnet. A refrigerator damper characterized in that the baffle is opened and closed in conjunction with.