Patent Abstract:
A slide damper device comprising: a case of an air conditioning device for a vehicle; a slide damper; a plate-like guide rail provided on an inner wall of the case; a connection member provided at a side end part of the slide damper, the connection member having a concave shape slidably fitting with the guide rail, the connection member connecting the slide damper to the guide rail, wherein an opening of a flow path provided inside the case is adjusted by sliding the slide damper.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-207454, filed Sep. 8, 2009; Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-207455, filed Sep. 8, 2009; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-207456, filed Sep. 8, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a slide damper device. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    According to an air conditioning device for vehicles (HVAC: Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning), a slide damper device is used as an air mixing damper device which adjusts the ratio with which cold air and warm air is mixed, and an internal/external air swiching damper device which switches between a state of introducing external air and a state of circulating internal air. The above-mentioned slide damper device adjusts an opening of a flow path by sliding a slide damper, for example. 
         [0004]    In particular, the slide damper device adjusts the opening of the flow path by moving a slide damper between two openings which are approximately the same size and are positioned in parallel, thereby changing a ratio at which the two openings are opened. 
         [0005]    Conventionally, according to such a slide damper device, a guide groove is provided on an inner wall of a case comprised by an air conditioning device for vehicles, and a connection member protruding from a side end part of a slide damper is slidably fitted to the guide groove. As a result, the slide damper moves along the guide groove. (See Japanese Patent No. 3793309 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent No. 2831325 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent No. 3504806 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3).) 
         [0006]    Incidentally, the case comprised by the air conditioning device for vehicles is large and is shaped intricately compared to a simple, planar slide damper. Such a case is more subject to a large amount of displacement due to a deformation compared to a slide damper. Thus, there is a large dimension error during manufacture. Therefore, the width of the guide groove combined with the case should usually be sufficiently large enough so that the slide damper may move in a smooth manner. 
         [0007]    However, an increase in the width of the guide groove leads to an increase in the width of a gap between a side wall comprised by the guide groove and the connection member fitted to the guide groove. This gap may cause a fluid from an upstream of the side damper to a downstream to leak out. 
         [0008]    In other words, regarding conventional slide damper devices, a gap between a side wall and a connection member comprised by the guide groove becomes larger, thereby causing a large amount leakage of a fluid from the upstream of the slide damper to the downstream. 
         [0009]    Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H9-290618 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 4), for instance, discloses a slide damper device preventing a leakage of the fluid by utilizing a configuration in which a connection member is provided at all regions of the side end part of the slide damper. In other words, the side end part of the slide damper itself is used as a connection member. 
         [0010]    However, even when such a configuration is used, the width of the guide groove must be wide enough with respect to the thickness of the connection member. Therefore, the leakage of the fluid cannot be adequately prevented. 
         [0011]    Meanwhile, it may be also possible to reduce the dimension error which occurs when manufacturing the guide groove by manufacturing the guide groove separately from the guide groove and then attaching the guide groove to an inner wall of the case. 
         [0012]    Thus, the dimension error when manufacturing which occurs when manufacturing the guide groove may be reduced, the gap between the side wall and the connection member comprised by the guide groove may be reduced, and the leakage of the fluid can be prevented. 
         [0013]    However, in such a case, the number of components of the air conditioning device for the vehicle increases. As a result, the manufacturing cost also increases. 
         [0014]    On the other hand, a guide groove and a connection member provided on a side end part of a slide damper slide while a surface is always being in contact with the guide groove. 
         [0015]    Therefore, a frictional resistance caused between the guide groove and the connection member increases. Hence, the slide damper may be prevented from sliding smoothly. 
         [0016]    In particular, as in Patent Document 4, when the connection member is provided on all areas of the side end part of the slide damper, the frictional resistance becomes very large. Hence, moving the slide damper may become impossible. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention is made considering the problems described above. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a slide damper device such that a leakage of a fluid from an upstream of a slide damper to a downstream can be prevented without increasing the number of components of an air conditioning device for a vehicle. 
         [0018]    Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a slide damper device such that a slide damper may move smoothly. 
         [0000]    (1) Namely, a slide damper device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a case of an air conditioning device for a vehicle; a slide damper; a plate-like guide rail provided on an inner wall of the case; and a connection member provided at a side end part of the slide damper. The connection member has a concave shape slidably fitting with the guide rail. The connection member connects the slide damper to the guide rail. Here, an opening of a flow path provided inside the case is adjusted by sliding the slide damper. 
         [0019]    Since the slide damper slides, an opening of a flow path provided in an interior of the case is adjusted. 
         [0000]    (2) In addition, the slide damper device may be configured as follows: the slide damper device further comprises a shield wall shielding a fluid, the shield wall being provided at a side of a moving range of the connection member along the moving range.
 
(3) In addition, the slide damper device may be configured as follows: the connection member is provided at a side end part of the slide damper along an entire area in a direction in which the slide damper slides.
 
(4) In addition, the slide damper device may be configured as follows: a plurality of connection members are provided at the side end part of the slide damper in a direction in which the slide damper slides. The plurality of connection members are positioned while being distanced from one another.
 
(5) In addition, the slide damper device may be configured as follows: a thickness of the connection member is smaller than a thickness of the guide rail.
 
         [0020]    According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a plate-like guide rail is provided on an inner wall of a case instead of a guide groove which was provided in a conventional slide damper device. In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, a concave shaped connection member is provided on a side end part of a slide damper. 
         [0021]    First of all, according to an aspect of the present invention, the concave shaped connection member is provided to a slide damper which is smaller and has a simpler shape compared to the case. Therefore, the connection member may be manufactured with a high degree of dimensional precision. Hence, a gap between a guide rail and a connection member may easily be made smaller compared to a gap between a connection member and a guide groove in conventional slide damper devices. As a result, it is possible to prevent a leakage of a fluid from an upstream of a slide damper to a downstream. 
         [0022]    Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, a guide rail and a case may be integrated. In addition, a connection member and a slide damper may be integrated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the number of components of an air conditioning device for a vehicle from increasing. 
         [0023]    Therefore, according to an aspect of the present invention, a leakage of a fluid from an upstream of a slide damper to a downstream can be prevented without increasing the number of components of an air conditioning device for a vehicle. 
         [0000]    (6) By the way, a slide damper device according to an aspect of the present invention adjusts an opening of a flow path provided inside a case of an air conditioning device for a vehicle by sliding a slide damper. The slide damper comprises a guide provided on an inner wall of the case; a connection member provided at a side end part of the slide damper, the connection member slidably fitting with the guide, the connection member connecting the slide damper to the guide; and a protrusion member provided on either one of a sliding surface of the connection member with respect to the guide and a sliding surface of the guide with respect to the connection member. Here, the connection member and the guide slide against each other.
 
(7) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: the protrusion member is provided on the sliding surface of the guide.
 
(8) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: a plurality of the protrusion members are aligned while being separated from each other at a distance such that the sliding surface of the connection member is constantly contacting a plurality of the protrusion members.
 
(9) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: a set of opposing surfaces comprised by the guide or the connection member are each regarded as the sliding surface. Here, the protrusion member is provided on each of the sliding surface. The protrusion member provided on each of the sliding surface are positioned to be out of alignment in a direction in which the slide damper slides.
 
(10) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: a surface of the protrusion member is shaped as an arc warped towards a direction in which the slide damper slides.
 
(11) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: the guide is a plate-like guide rail, and the connection member has a concave shape fitting with the guide rail.
 
         [0024]    According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a connection member and a guide slide against each other, and a protrusion member is provided on either of a sliding surface of the connection member with respect to the guide or a slide surface of the guide with respect to the connection member. Due to this protrusion member, the sliding surfaces, which slide against each other, are prevented from coming into contact with each other in their entirety. Therefore, the size of the area at which the connection member and the guide come in contact with each other may be reduced. 
         [0025]    Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance which occurs between the sliding surfaces which slide against each other. Thus, it is possible to allow a slide damper to slide smoothly. 
         [0000]    (12) By the way, a slide damper device according to an aspect of the present invention adjusts an opening of a flow path provided inside a case of an air conditioning device for a vehicle by sliding a slide damper. The slide damper device comprises a guide provided on an inner wall of the case; a connection member provided at a side end part of the slide damper, the connection member slidably fitting with the guide, the connection member connecting the slide damper to the guide; and a plurality of sliding members comprising a first sliding surface of the connection member with respect to the guide and a second sliding surface of the guide with respect to the connection member. Here, the connection member and the guide slide against each other. The first sliding surface of each of the sliding members or the second sliding surface of each of the sliding members are slanted.
 
(13) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: the guide is a plate-like guide rail, and the connection member has a concave shape fitting with the guide rail.
 
(14) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: the first sliding surface of the connection member with respect to the guide is slanted.
 
(15) The above slide damper device may be configured as follows: a first separating distance between a first tip of the guide rail at a side of the slide damper and the connection member positioned forward from the first tip is smaller than a second separating distance between a second tip of the connection member at a side of the case and the case positioned forward from the second tip.
 
         [0026]    According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a connection member and a guide slide against each other. A sliding member comprises a sliding surface of the connection member with respect to the guide and a sliding surface of the guide with respect to the connection member. Considering the entirety of the sliding member, either one of the sliding surface is slanted. When either one of the sliding surface of the sliding member is slanted, the size of the area at which the sliding surfaces slide against each other decreases. As a result, it is possible to reduce an area of contact between the connection member and the guide. 
         [0027]    Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance which occurs between the sliding surfaces which slide against each other. Thus, it is possible to allow a slide damper to slide smoothly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view along line A-A in  FIG. 1  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to a second embodiment of the present invention at the same position as line A-A in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a modeled diagram showing a first variation of a connection member comprised by a slide damper device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a modeled diagram showing a second variation of a connection member comprised by a slide damper device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a portion of a guide rail comprised by a slide damper device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view along line A 100 -A 100  in  FIG. 6  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention at the same position as line A 100 -A 100  in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a modeled diagram showing a variation of a slide damper device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional diagram along line A 200 -A 200  in  FIG. 11  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged cross sectional diagram including a connection member comprised by a slide damper device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view showing a variation of a slide damper device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention at the same position as line A 200 -A 200  in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is a cross sectional view showing a variation of a slide damper device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    Hereunder, an aspect of a slide damper device according to the present invention is described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . In the diagrams, the scaling of some of the components are altered if necessary so that the components can be easily viewed. 
         [0045]    The following description aims to provide a detailed explanation to facilitate an understanding of a gist of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the following description unless otherwise specifically noted. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0046]    Hereunder, a first embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device  51  according to the present embodiment. Incidentally, in  FIG. 1 , the configuration of the front and back areas of the slide damper S 1  are not diagramed, for purpose of enhancing visibility. 
         [0047]    The slide damper S 1  according to the above embodiment is used as an air mixing damper device which adjusts the ratio with which cold air and warm air is mixed, and an internal/external air swiching damper device which switches between a state of introducing external air and a state of circulating internal air. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the slide damper device S 1  according to the present embodiment is placed at an interior part of a case C of an air conditioning device for a vehicle. The slide damper device S 1  adjusts an opening of a flow path provided at an interior of the case. 
         [0048]    Further, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , the slide damper device S 1  according to the present embodiment comprises a guide rail  1 , a slide damper  2 , a connection member  3 , a slide mechanism  4 , and a driving device  5 . 
         [0049]    The guide rail  1  guides a movement of the slide damper  2 . This guide rail  1  is shaped to be planar. The guide rail  1  is provided on an inner wall of the case C so as to extend in a direction in which the slide damper  2  slides. 
         [0050]    Further, the guide rail  1  is provided on both sides of the slide damper  2  so as to sandwich the slide damper. Each guide rail  1  is curved according to a moving range of the slide damper  2  in an extending direction. However, two guide rails  1  are similarly curved in an extending direction so that the two guide rails are constantly parallel to each other. 
         [0051]    The slide damper  2  is connected to the guide rail  1  via the connection member  3 . The slide damper  2  may move along the guide rail  1 . 
         [0052]    The slide damper  2  is configured so that the slide damper  2  can slide between a plurality of openings of a flow path provided in parallel at a downstream side of the slide damper  2 . The slide damper  2  adjusts the opening of the flow path by adjusting how much the opening of the flow path is opened in accordance with a sliding position. 
         [0053]    The connection member  3  connects the slide damper  2  to the guide rail  1 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a cross sectional view along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . As shown in this diagram, the connection member  3  is provided on a side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2 . The connection member  3  is concaved shaped, so that the connection member  3  can fit to the guide rail  1 . In particular, the connection member  3  is concaved shaped by comprising a groove part  3   a  to which the guide rail  1  can fit. 
         [0055]    Further, both ends of the groove part  3   a  are open ends. Thus, the connection member  3  is fitted to the guide rail  1  so that the connection member  3  may slide in a direction in which the guide rail  1  extends. 
         [0056]    Moreover, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the connection member  3  is provided on all areas of the side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2  at a guide rail  1  side, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0057]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the thickness d 1  of the connection member  3  is set to be smaller than the thickness d 2  of the guide rail  1 . 
         [0058]    Returning to  FIG. 1 , the slide mechanism  4  provides power to the slide damper  2  for moving the slide damper  2 . This slide mechanism  4  comprises a rack gear  4   a  provided on the slide damper  2 , a pinion gear  4   b  interlocking with the rack gear  4   a , a cam and a middle gear placed between the pinion gear  4   b  and a driving device  5 , and the like. 
         [0059]    The driving device  5  transmits power to the slide damper  2  via the slide mechanism  4  for moving the slide damper  2 . For example, a motor is used as the driving device  5 . 
         [0060]    According to the slide damper device S 1  configured as described above based on the present embodiment, when air (fluid) is supplied from an upstream side, this air is divided and supplied to a plurality of flow paths at a downstream side according to the position of the slide damper  2 . 
         [0061]    According to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, a plate-like guide rail  1  is provided on an inner wall of the case C, instead of a guide groove which was provided in conventional devices. Further, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, a concave shaped connection member  3  is provided on a side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2 . 
         [0062]    First, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the concave shaped connection member  3  is provided on a slide damper which is smaller and is shaped more simply compared to the case C. As a result, the connection member  3  may be manufactured with a high degree of dimensional precision by, for example, an injection molding. 
         [0063]    Therefore, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the width of the gap between the guide rail  1  and the connection member  3  more easily compared reducing the width of a gap between a connection member and a guide groove of conventional devices. Further, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the gap s between the guide rail  1  and the connection member  3  is set to be smaller than a gap between a connection member and a guide groove of conventional devices. 
         [0064]    Hence, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a flowing out of a fluid from an upstream of the slide damper  2  to a downstream. 
         [0065]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the guide rail  1  may be integrated with the case C, and the connection member  3  may be integrated with the slide damper  2  by injection molding. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of components of an air conditioning device for a vehicle. 
         [0066]    As described above, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, a leakage of a fluid from an upstream of the slide damper  2  to a downstream can be prevented without increasing the number of components of an air conditioning device for a vehicle. 
         [0067]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the connection member  3  is provided along the entire area of the side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2  in a direction in which the slide damper  2  slides. 
         [0068]    Therefore, for the entire length of the slide damper  2  in the sliding direction, leakage of air can be prevented. 
         [0069]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 1  based on the present embodiment, the thickness of the connection member  3  is set to be smaller than the thickness d 2  of the guide rail  1 . 
         [0070]    As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of resin necessary to form the connection member  3 , thereby reducing the mass of the connection member  3 . Hence, it is possible to easily move the slide damper  2  in a smooth manner. Further, since the amount of resin necessary for forming the connection member  3  decreases, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the connection member  3  (i.e., the slide damper  2 ). 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0071]    Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is described. In the present embodiment, components which are similar to that of the first embodiment are not described or are described only briefly. 
         [0072]      FIG. 3  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to the present embodiment at the same position as line A-A in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the slide damper device according to the present embodiment comprises a shield wall  6  which shield an air flow and is placed at both sides of a moving range of the connection member  3 . The shield wall  6  is placed along the moving range of the connection member  3 . The shield wall  6 , placed at an upstream side of the slide damper  2 , shields air which is about to flow in the gap s between the guide rail  1  and the connection member  3 . Further, the shield wall  6 , placed at a downstream side of the slide damper  2 , shields air leaking from the gap s between the guide rail  1  and the connection member  3 . 
         [0074]    By providing the shield wall  6  as described above, it becomes difficult for air to pass through the gap s between the guide rail  1  and the connection member  3 . As a result, the leakage of the air from the upstream of the slide damper  2  to the downstream may be better restrained. 
         [0075]    Incidentally, when the leakage of the air from the upstream of the slide damper  2  to the downstream may be better restrained by providing the shield wall  6 , a plurality of connection members  3  may be provided on a side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2  in a direction in which the slide damper  2  slides, as indicated in  FIG. 4  (a modeled diagram showing a first variation of the connection member  3 ) for instance. 
         [0076]    In such an instance, the amount of air leaking from between the connection members  3  increases. However, because the shield wall  6  restrains the leakage of the air, it is possible to adequately prevent a leakage of the air. Further, by providing a plurality of connection members  3  placed at a distance from one another, the total mass of the connection member  3  decreases. In addition, it becomes possible to provide a smooth movement of the slide damper  2  more easily. 
         [0077]    Further, as indicated in  FIG. 5  (a modeled diagram showing a second variation of the connection member  3 ), the connection member  3  may be provided only at an end part of the slide damper  2  in the sliding direction. 
         [0078]    As a result, the total mass of the connection member  3  decreases. Further, it becomes possible to move the slide damper  2  smoothly more easily. 
         [0079]    In addition, when the connection member  3  is provided only at an end part of the slide damper  2  in the sliding direction, a component of the connection member  3  which tucks down the guide rail  1  may be shaped as a cylinder, and an area of contact between the connection member  3  and the guide rail  1  may be reduced. As a result, it is possible to move the slide damper  2  more smoothly. 
         [0080]    Incidentally, a configuration in which a plurality of the connection members  3 , shown in  FIG. 4 , are provided at a side end part  2   a  of the slide damper  2  in the sliding direction of the slide damper  2 , and a configuration in which a connection member  3 , shown in  FIG. 5 , is only provided at an end part of the slide damper  2  in the sliding direction may be used in an instance as in the first embodiment when the shield wall  6  is not provided. 
         [0081]    Further, according to the first embodiment, the slide damper  2  was configured to be curved, as in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0082]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The slide damper may be configured to be planar as well. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0083]    Next, a third embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device S 101  according to the present embodiment. Incidentally, in  FIG. 6 , the areas in the front and back of the slide damper device S 101  are not diagramed in order to enhance visibility. 
         [0084]    Further, because a slide damper device S 101 , a case C 100 , a guide rail  101 , a slide damper  102 , a connection member  103 , a slide mechanism  104 , and a driving device  105  are configured to be similar to those of the first and second embodiments, a detailed description of the components are omitted. 
         [0085]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a part of the guide rail  101 . 
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , a plurality of protrusion members  110  are provided on both surfaces  101   a  of the guide rail  101 . The plurality of protrusion members  110  are aligned in a direction in which the guide rail  101  extends. Here, the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  is regarded as a sliding surface with respect to the connection member  103 . In other words, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, the protrusion member  110  is provided on a sliding surface of the guide rail  101  with respect to the connection member  103 . 
         [0087]    Each of the protrusion members  110  is shaped as a semicircular column. A circumferential surface of each of the protrusion members  110  is placed so as to face the side of the moving range of the connection member  103 , described later in detail, so that the shape of the surface becomes an arc in a direction in which the slide damper  102  slides (a direction in which the guide rail  101  extends). 
         [0088]    Incidentally, a gloss is applied on a surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 . Thus, a configuration is made so that the connection member  103  moves smoothly. 
         [0089]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  is configured to be a sliding surface with respect to the connection member  103 . Further, a protrusion member  110  is provided with respect to a surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 . In other words, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, both sides of the guide rail  101  facing each other are regarded as sliding surfaces, and a protrusion member  110  is provided on both of these sliding surfaces. 
         [0090]    Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7 , according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, a protrusion member  110  provided on a sliding surface of one side of the guide rail  101  and a protrusion member  110  provided on a sliding surface of the other side of the guide rail  101  are placed out of alignment with each other in a sliding direction of the slide damper  102  (i.e., a direction in which the guide rail  101  extends). In other words, the protrusion member  110  is alternatively placed in a sliding direction of the slide damper  102  with respect to the opposing front and back surfaces (i.e., the sliding surfaces) of the guide rail  101 . 
         [0091]    Incidentally, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the distance with which the protrusion members  110  are placed from each other at one surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  is set to be a distance such that the sliding surface of the connection member  103  (a surface of the connection member  103  which slides with respect to the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 ) is constantly in contact with two or more (a plurality of) protrusion members  110 . 
         [0092]    Returning to  FIG. 6 , the slide damper  102  is connected to the guide rail  101  via the connection member  103 . The slide damper  102  may move along the guide rail  101 . 
         [0093]    This slide damper  102  is configured so that the slide damper  102  may slide between a plurality of flow path openings which are provided in parallel at a downstream side of the slide damper  102 . Here, a “flow path opening” refers to “an opening of a flow path.” The opening of the flow path is adjusted by adjusting how much each flow path opening is opened in accordance with a sliding position. 
         [0094]    The connection member  103  connects the slide damper  102  to the guide rail  101 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a cross section along line A 100 -A 100  in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the connection member  103  is provided on a side end part  102   a  of the slide damper  102 , and is concave shaped so that the connection member  103  can fit with the guide rail  101 . In particular, the connection member  103  is concave shaped by comprising a groove portion  103   a  which can be fitted to a guide rail  101 . 
         [0096]    Further, both ends of the groove portion  103  in the sliding direction are open ends. Thus, the connection member  103  may freely slide with respect to the guide rail  101  in a direction in which the guide rail  101  extends. As a result, each of an inner wall surface  103   b  of the groove portion  103   a  of the connection member  103  tucking in the guide rail  101  is regarded as a sliding surface which slides with respect to the guide rail  101 . 
         [0097]    Incidentally, according to the slide damper device  5101  based on the present embodiment, the connection member  103  is provided on an entire area of the side end part  102   a  of the slide damper  102  at a side of the guide rail  101 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0098]    Returning to  FIG. 6 , the slide mechanism  104  provides power to the slide damper  102  for moving the slide damper  102 . This slide mechanism  104  comprises a rack gear  104   a  provided on the slide damper  102 , a pinion gear  104   b  interlocking with the rack gear  104   a , a cam and a middle gear placed between the pinion gear  104   b  and a driving device  105 , and the like. 
         [0099]    The driving device  105  transmits power to the slide damper  102  via the slide mechanism  104  for moving the slide damper  102 . For example, a motor is used as the driving device  105 . 
         [0100]    In this way, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, when one sliding member  120  is regarded to comprise a sliding surface of the guide rail  101  with respect to the connection member  103  (i.e., the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 ) and a sliding surface of the guide rail  101  with respect to the connection member  103  (i.e., the inner wall surface  103   b  of the connection member  103 ), the slide damper device S 101  comprises four sliding members  120 . The sliding surfaces slide against each other. Further, a protrusion member  110  is provided on a surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 , with respect to each of the sliding members  120 . 
         [0101]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, when air (fluid) is supplied from an upstream side, this air is divided and supplied to a plurality of flow paths at a downstream side according to the position of the slide damper  102 . 
         [0102]    In this way, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, a protrusion member  110  is provided on the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 . As a result, the sliding surfaces (the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  and the inner wall surface  103   b ) which are sliding against one another are prevented from contacting each other in their entirety. As a result, it is possible to reduce the area of contact between the connection member  103  and the guide rail  101 . 
         [0103]    Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance created between the sliding surfaces which are sliding against each other. Accordingly, the slide damper  102  may be moved smoothly. 
         [0104]    Moreover, a gloss is applied to a surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  as described above. The gloss applied to the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101  is gradually pushed out from the sliding area of the connection member  103  by the sliding of the connection member  103  with respect to the guide rail  101 . When the amount of gloss in the sliding area of the connection member  103  greatly decreases, the slide damper  102  is prevented from moving smoothly. 
         [0105]    Meanwhile, the protrusion member  110  comprised by the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment protrudes with respect to the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 . Therefore, it is possible to hold the gloss that moves due to the sliding of the connection member  103 . In other words, the protrusion member  110  comprised by the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment operates as a gloss pool. As a result, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, it is possible to hold the gloss for a long period of time to the sliding area of the connection member  103 . Thus, the slide damper  102  may move smoothly for a long period of time. 
         [0106]    In addition, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, the protrusion member  110  is provided on a sliding surface (i.e., the surface  101   a ) of the guide rail  101 . 
         [0107]    Therefore, compared to an instance in which the protrusion member  110  is provided at an inner wall surface  103   b  of the connection member  103 , a greater number of protrusion members  110  may be placed. 
         [0108]    Hence, it is possible to provide a large number of gloss pools described above. Thus, the slide damper  102  may move smoothly for a longer period of time. 
         [0109]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, the protrusion member  110  is aligned so that a sliding surface of the connection member  103  (i.e., a surface of the connection member  103  which slides with respect to the surface  101   a  of the guide rail  101 ) always comes in contact with two or more (a plurality of) protrusion members  110 . 
         [0110]    Therefore, the connection member  103  may always be supported stably in a sliding direction of the slide damper  102 . Thus, the slide damper  102  may be moved smoothly. 
         [0111]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 101  based on the present embodiment, a protrusion member  110  provided on a sliding surface of one side of the guide rail  101  and a protrusion member  110  provided on a sliding surface of the other side of the guide rail  101  are placed out of alignment with each other in a sliding direction of the slide damper  102  (i.e., a direction in which the guide rail  101  extends). In other words, the protrusion member  110  is alternatively placed in a sliding direction of the slide damper  102  with respect to the opposing front and back surfaces (i.e., the sliding surfaces) of the guide rail  101 . 
         [0112]    Therefore, when the protrusion member  110  is pressed strongly from the connection member  103 , there is no protrusion member  110  which presses from an opposite side a portion of the guide rail  101  at which the protrusion member  110  is placed. Therefore, the portion of the guide rail  101  may be deformed. Consequently, it is possible to change the position of the protrusion member  110  in a direction of the thickness of the guide rail  101 . Therefore, even in an instance in which the guide rail  101 , the connection member  103 , and the protrusion member  110  includes a dimension error and is pressed strongly from the connection member  103 , the slide damper  102  continues to move smoothly. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0113]    Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. Components of the present embodiment which are similar to those of the third embodiment are not described or described only briefly. 
         [0114]      FIG. 9  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to the present embodiment at the same position as line A 100 -A 100  in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0115]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the slide damper device according to the present embodiment comprises a guide groove  130  (hereinafter may be referred to as a “guide”) provided at an inner wall of the case C 100 , instead of the guide rail  101  according to the third embodiment described above. 
         [0116]    Further, according to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, the connection member  103  is shaped in a protruding manner so as to fit with the guide groove  130 . Incidentally, the connection member  103  may be provided along the entire area of the side end part  102   a  of the slide damper  102  in the sliding direction. In addition, the connection member  103  may be provided only at a tip portion in the sliding direction in a pin-like manner. 
         [0117]    Further, according to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, a plurality of protrusion members  110  are provided on an inner wall surface  130   a  (sliding surface) of the guide groove  130 . 
         [0118]    According to a slide damper device based on the present embodiment employing the configuration described above, due to the protrusion member  110 , the sliding surfaces (the inner wall surface  130   a  of the guide groove  130  and the surface  103   c  of the connection member  103 ) which are sliding against one another are prevented from contacting each other in their entirety. As a result, it is possible to reduce the area of contact between the connection member  103  and the guide groove  130 . 
         [0119]    Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to reduce the frictional resistance created between the sliding surfaces which are sliding against each other. Accordingly, the slide damper  102  may be moved smoothly. 
         [0120]    In the present embodiment, a configuration was describe in which a protrusion member  110  is provided at a side of the guide (i.e., the guide rail  101  or the guide groove  130 ) with respect to all of the sliding members. 
         [0121]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A protrusion member may be provided to a side of the connection member  103 . 
         [0122]    In addition, it is not necessary that a protrusion member be provided on all of the sliding members. 
         [0123]    For example, a protrusion member may be provided only on a sliding member placed at a downstream side of the slide damper  102 . Since the slide damper  102  is pushed towards the downstream side due to an air flow, the slide damper  102  may be moved smoothly in a more efficient manner by placing the protrusion member at a sliding member at a downstream side compared to placing the protrusion member at an upstream side. Therefore, even if the protrusion member is provided only at a sliding member placed at a downstream side of the slide damper  102 , it is possible to make the movement of the slide damper  102  sufficiently smooth. Moreover, since a protrusion member is not provided at a sliding member at an upstream side, it is possible to lower the cost of the sliding damper. 
         [0124]    In addition, the protrusion member may be provided only at a sliding member placed at an upstream side of the slide damper  102 . In this instance, the slide damper  102  is pushed towards the downstream side by an air flow. As a result, the connection member and the guide come in close contact with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent leakage of the air from the upstream of the slide damper  102  towards the downstream. Even in this instance, a protrusion member is provided at a sliding member at the upstream side. Therefore, the slide damper  102  may be moved compared to conventional devices. 
         [0125]    Further, according to the third embodiment, a configuration was described in which the slide damper  102  was curved as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0126]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is possible to employ a configuration in which a planar slide damper is used. 
         [0127]    Further, according to the fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the guide groove  130  is provided on an inner wall surface of the case C 100  so as to protrude towards an interior of the case C 100 . 
         [0128]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a configuration may be employed in which the guide groove  130  is provided on an inner wall surface of the case C 100  so as to protrude towards an exterior of the case C 100 . 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0129]    Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a configuration of a slide damper device  5201  according to the present embodiment. Incidentally, in  FIG. 11 , the areas in the front and back of the slide damper device S 201  are not diagramed in order to enhance visibility. 
         [0130]    Further, because a slide damper device  5201 , a case C 200 , a guide rail  201 , a slide damper  202 , a connection member  203 , a slide mechanism  204 , and a driving device  205  are configured to be similar to those of the embodiments described earlier, a detailed description of the components are omitted. 
         [0131]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional diagram along line A 200 -A 200  in  FIG. 11 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the connection member  203  is provided on a side end part  202   a  of the slide damper  202 , and is concave shaped so that the connection member  203  can fit with the guide rail  201 . In particular, the connection member  203  is concave shaped by comprising a groove portion  203   a  which can be fitted to a guide rail  201 . 
         [0132]    Further, both ends of the groove portion  203  in the sliding direction are open ends. Thus, the connection member  203  may freely slide with respect to the guide rail  201  in a direction in which the guide rail  201  extends. As a result, each of an inner wall surface  203   b  of the groove portion  203   a  of the connection member  203  tucking in the guide rail  201  is regarded as a sliding surface which slides with respect to the guide rail  201 . 
         [0133]    Incidentally, according to the slide damper device  5201  based on the present embodiment, the connection member  203  is provided on an entire area of the side end part  202   a  of the slide damper  202  at a side of the guide rail  201 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0134]    Returning to  FIG. 11 , the slide mechanism  204  provides power to the slide damper  202  for moving the slide damper  202 . This slide mechanism  204  comprises a rack gear  204   a  provided on the slide damper  202 , a pinion gear  204   b  interlocking with the rack gear  204   a , a cam and a middle gear placed between the pinion gear  204   b  and a driving device  205 , and the like. 
         [0135]    The driving device  205  transmits power to the slide damper  202  via the slide mechanism  204  for moving the slide damper  202 . For example, a motor is used as the driving device  205 . 
         [0136]    In this way, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, when one sliding member  220  is regarded to comprise a sliding surface of the guide rail  201  with respect to the connection member  203  (i.e., the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201 ) and a sliding surface of the guide rail  201  with respect to the connection member  203  (i.e., the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203 ), the slide damper device S 201  comprises four sliding members  220 . The sliding surfaces slide against each other. 
         [0137]    Moreover, according to the slide damper device  5201  based on the present embodiment, a sliding surface of the connection member  203  with respect to the guide rail  201  (the inner wall surface  203   b ) is slanted with respect to a sliding surface of the guide rail  201  with respect to the connection member  203  (surface  201   a ), as shown the enlarged diagram in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0138]    In more detail, the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  is parallel to the surface of the slide damper  202 . Meanwhile, as the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  extends towards the tip of the guide rail  201 , a slanting is made so as to approach the slide damper  202 . The guide rail  201  is shaped so that the front and back surfaces approach one another towards the tip of the guide rail  201 . In other words, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the guide rail  201  is shaped so that the cross sectional area becomes smaller towards the tip of the guide rail  201 . 
         [0139]    Further, according to the slide damper device  5201  based on the present embodiment, the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  is slanted with respect to all of the sliding members  220 . In other words, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, the sliding surface of the guide rail  201  with respect to the connection member  203  is slanted with respect to all of the sliding members  220 . 
         [0140]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, when the connection member  203  is fitted to the guide rail  201  as shown in  FIG. 13 , a separating distance d 201  from the tip  201   b  of the slide damper  202  side of the guide rail  201  to the connection member  203  located ahead of the tip  201   b  is set to be smaller than a separating distance d 202  from the tip  203   c  of the connection member  203  at a case C 200  side to the case C 200  positioned ahead of this tip  203   c.    
         [0141]    Further, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, when air (fluid) is supplied from an upstream side, this air is divided and supplied to a plurality of flow paths at a downstream side according to the position of the slide damper  202 . 
         [0142]    According to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, the surface  201   a , which is a sliding surface of the guide rail  201 , is slanted with respect to the entire sliding member  220  comprising a sliding surface of the connection member  203  with respect to the guide rail  201  (inner wall surface  203   b ) and a sliding surface of the guide rail  201  with respect to the connection member  203  (surface  201   a ) which are sliding against each other. 
         [0143]    According to the sliding member  220 , when the sliding surface of the guide rail  201  (surface  201   a ) is slanted, the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  partially hits the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201 . As a result, the size of the area at which the sliding surfaces come into contact with each other decreases. As a result, it is possible to reduce the area in contact between the connection member  203  and the guide rail  201 . 
         [0144]    Therefore, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance which occurs between the sliding surfaces which slide against each other. Thus, it is possible to allow a slide damper to slide smoothly. 
         [0145]    Further, according to the sliding member  220 , because the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  are always sliding against one another, the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  may wear out, thereby changing the condition in which the guide rail  201  and the connection member  203  are fitted against each other. 
         [0146]    Therefore, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, the separating distance d 201  from the tip  201   b  of the slide damper  202  side of the guide rail  201  to the connection member  203  located ahead of the tip  201   b  is set to be smaller than the separating distance d 202  from the tip  203   c  of the connection member  203  at a case C 200  side to the case C 200  positioned ahead of this tip  203   c.    
         [0147]    Thus, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, when the connection member  203  and the case C 200  becomes close to each other due to the wearing out described above, the tip  201   b  of the guide rail  201  comes in contact with the connection member  203  before the tip  203   c  of the connection member  203  contacts the case C 200 . 
         [0148]    The number of the tip  201   b  of the guide rail  201  is one. Meanwhile, the number of the tip  203   c  of the connection member  203  is two. Therefore, the frictional resistance between the guide rail  201  and the connection member  203  is smaller in an instance in which the tip  201   b  of the guide rail  201  contacts the connection member  203  compared to an instance in which the tip  203   c  of the connection member  203  contacts the case C 200 . Therefore, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, even when the guide rail  201  and the connection member  203  are worn out by the passage of time, and even in an instance in which the guide rail  201  and the connection member  203  come in contact with one another at a portion that should not be contacted, it is possible to restrain the frictional resistance from increasing. Thus, it is possible to preserve the sliding motion of the slide damper  202 . 
         [0149]    Further, in order to prevent the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  from wearing out, it is preferable that a surface removing operation be performed on a portion which hits the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  of the connection member  203 . 
         [0150]    Further, among the sliding surfaces (the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203 ) comprised by the sliding member  220 , the present embodiment employs a configuration in which the sliding surface of the guide rail  201  (surface  201   a ) is slanted. 
         [0151]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As shown in  FIG. 14 , it is possible to employ a configuration in which the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  is parallel to the surface of the slide damper  202 , and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  is slanted with respect to the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201 . 
         [0152]    Even if such a configuration is employed, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance which occurs between the sliding surfaces which slide against each other, and it is possible to allow a slide damper to slide smoothly, as in the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment. 
         [0153]    However, when a configuration shown in  FIG. 14  is employed such that the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  is slanted, the connection member  203  opens outwards towards the tip  203   c.    
         [0154]    When such a shape is employed, a wall unit  3   d  comprising the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203  is already facing outwards. Therefore, it is possible to alter the shape of the wall unit  3   d  towards the outer side. 
         [0155]    On the other hand, as in the slide damper device S 201  according to the present embodiment, among the sliding surfaces (the surface  201   a  of the guide rail  201  and the inner wall surface  203   b  of the connection member  203 ) comprised by the sliding member  220 , a configuration is employed such that the sliding surface of the guide rail  201  (surface  201   a ) is slanted. As a result, the wall part  203   d  of the connection member  203  may be further deformed towards the outer side. Therefore, according to the slide damper device S 201  based on the present embodiment, even if the sliding slide damper  202  moves towards the case C  200  side due to dimensional errors and the like, this movement is absorbed by the deformation of the wall part  203   d  of the connection member  203 . As a result, it is possible to obtain a smooth movement of the slide damper  202 . 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0156]    Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention is described. In the present embodiment, components which are similar to that of the fifth embodiment are not described or are described only briefly. 
         [0157]      FIG. 15  is a modeled diagram of a cross section obtained by cutting a slide damper according to the present embodiment at the same position as line A 200 -A 200  in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0158]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the slide damper device according to the present embodiment comprises a guide groove  230  (hereinafter may be referred to as a “guide”) provided at an inner wall of the case C 200 , instead of the guide rail  201  according to the fifth embodiment described above. 
         [0159]    Further, according to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, the connection member  203  is shaped in a protruding manner so as to fit with the guide groove  230 . Incidentally, the connection member  203  may be provided along the entire area of the side end part  202   a  of the slide damper  202  in the sliding direction. In addition, the connection member  203  may be provided only at a tip portion in the sliding direction in a pin-like manner. 
         [0160]    Further, according to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, the inner wall surface  230   a  (sliding surface) of the guide groove  230  is slanted with respect to the connection member  203  which was parallel with respect to the surface of the slide damper  202 . 
         [0161]    According to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the area in contact between the connection member  203  and the guide rail  201 , in a way similar to the fifth embodiment. 
         [0162]    Therefore, according to the slide damper device based on the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the frictional resistance created between the sliding surfaces which are sliding against each other. Accordingly, the slide damper may be moved smoothly. 
         [0163]    Incidentally, according to the fifth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the slide damper  202  was curved as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0164]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It is possible to employ a configuration in which a planar slide damper is used. 
         [0165]    Further, according to the sixth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the guide groove  230  is provided on an inner wall surface of the case C 200  so as to protrude towards an interior of the case C 200 . 
         [0166]    However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As shown in  FIG. 16 , a configuration may be employed in which the guide groove  230  is provided on an inner wall surface of the case C 200  so as to protrude towards an exterior of the case C 200 . 
         [0167]    While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it should be understood that these are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1