Air supply device

Abstract

This invention provides an air-blowing device. The air-blowing device includes a motor, a fan, a housing, and a ring. A protrusion is provided on one of the outer circumferential surface of the housing and the inner circumferential surface of the ring, and a locking wall and a guide wall are provided on the other. The locking wall is adjacent to one end of the guide wall in the circumferential direction and has a locking surface configured to prevent the ring and the housing from moving away from each other in the front-rear direction. The guide wall guides the ring rearward relative to the housing and has a guide surface configured to guide the protrusion to a position where it can abut against the locking surface. In the front-rear direction, on the side where the protrusion is away from the guide surface, an open space extends from the guide surface to a position corresponding to the end of the second surface. Accordingly, this invention provides a technique that helps improve the operability of an air-blowing device that can be installed on clothing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air-feeding device that can be detachably mounted on clothing. Background Technology

[0002] A known air-blowing device is detachably mounted on clothing worn by workers in high-temperature environments, allowing ventilation by blowing air into the clothing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing fan having a main body and a retaining ring separately formed from and mounted on the main body. The main body includes a fan and a housing that houses the fan. Both the housing and the retaining ring have flange portions. When the internal thread of the retaining ring engages with the external thread of the peripheral wall of the housing, the clothing is trapped between the flange portion of the housing and the flange portion of the retaining ring.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Invention Patent Publication No. 6200606 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] When installing or removing the aforementioned clothing fan from clothing, the user needs to continuously rotate the retaining ring in one direction relative to the housing to a certain degree. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the operability of this clothing fan during installation and removal.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that helps to improve the operability of an air-blowing device that can be installed on clothing.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a ventilation device is provided that can be detachably installed on clothing. The ventilation device includes a motor, a fan, a housing, and a ring.

[0011] The fan is configured to be driven by a motor and rotate about a first axis in the longitudinal direction of a defined air delivery device. A housing houses the motor and the fan. The housing includes: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion disposed around the fan; and a first clamping portion protruding radially outward from the rear end of the peripheral wall portion. An annular ring is cylindrical and detachably mounted around the peripheral wall portion of the housing. The annular ring has a second clamping portion disposed in front of the first clamping portion of the housing, capable of clamping clothing fabric together with the first clamping portion.

[0012] At least one protrusion is provided on one of the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion and the inner circumferential surface of the ring, i.e., on the first surface. The at least one protrusion projects radially from the first surface along the peripheral wall portion. At least one locking wall and at least one guide wall are provided on the other of the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion and the inner circumferential surface of the ring, i.e., on the second surface. The at least one locking wall and the at least one guide wall each project radially from the second surface. The at least one locking wall is adjacent to one end of the at least one guide wall in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, "the at least one locking wall is adjacent to one end of the at least one guide wall in the circumferential direction" can include "the at least one end of the at least one locking wall and the at least one end of the at least one guide wall are located at substantially the same position in the circumferential direction," "the at least one end of the at least one locking wall and the at least one end of the at least one guide wall are arranged with a small gap in the circumferential direction," and "the at least one end of the at least one locking wall and the at least one end of the at least one guide wall are arranged in a manner that slightly overlaps in the circumferential direction." Additionally, the at least one locking wall has at least one locking surface. The at least one locking surface is configured to prevent the ring and the housing from moving away from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0013] At least one guide wall guides a rearwardly extending ring relative to the housing and has a guide surface configured to guide at least one protrusion to at least one locking position capable of abutting against at least one locking surface. In the front-rear direction, on the side of the protrusion away from the guide surface, an open space extends from the guide surface to a position corresponding to the end of the second surface.

[0014] The air supply device of this technical solution is installed on clothing by clamping the fabric of the garment in the front-to-back direction using a first clamping part of the housing and a second clamping part of a ring installed around the peripheral wall of the housing. With the ring installed on the housing, a protrusion provided on one side of the housing and the ring abuts against the locking surface of the locking wall provided on the other side of the housing and the ring and is locked in place, thereby preventing the ring from falling off the housing.

[0015] Furthermore, during the installation of the ring onto the housing, the guide surface of the guide wall guides the ring rearward relative to the housing and guides the protrusion to a locking position. In the longitudinal direction, on the side of the protrusion away from the guide surface, an open space extends from the guide surface to a position corresponding to the end of the second surface. Specifically, when the protrusion abuts against the guide surface from the front (when a guide wall is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing's peripheral wall), the open space extends towards the front of the guide surface. On the other hand, when the protrusion abuts against the guide surface from the rear (when a guide wall is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring), the open space extends towards the rear of the guide surface. In other words, on the second surface, there are no protrusions on either the front or rear side of the guide surface that obstruct the movement of the protrusion in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] Therefore, the user does not need to precisely position the ring relative to the housing in a specific circumferential position. Instead, by moving it rearward to a position where the protrusion abuts the guide surface, and then rotating the ring circumferentially simply by sliding the protrusion on the guide surface, the ring can be quickly positioned in a locking position where the protrusion abuts the locking surface. Thus, according to this technical solution, an air supply device with excellent operability when installing the ring into the housing can be provided.

[0017] In one technical solution of the present invention, at least one first rotation limiting part is provided on one side of the housing and the ring, and at least one second rotation limiting part is provided on the other side of the housing and the ring. The second rotation limiting part is configured to limit the rotation of the ring relative to the housing about a first axis by engaging with the first rotation limiting part.

[0018] According to this technical solution, the rotation of the ring relative to the housing is restricted by the engagement of the first rotation restricting part and the second rotation restricting part. Therefore, the protrusion moves circumferentially from the locking position and falls off the locking wall, thereby reducing the possibility of the ring falling off the housing. In addition, the term "restriction" here includes not only completely preventing (prohibiting) rotation, but also allowing rotation under certain conditions (e.g., when an external force is applied), which can also be described as "selectively preventing".

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one first rotation limiting portion may include at least one protrusion. At least one second rotation limiting portion may include at least one limiting wall protruding from a second surface. At least one limiting wall may be configured circumferentially on at least one guide wall side relative to at least one locking position.

[0020] In the air supply device of this technical solution, the protrusion serves two functions: preventing the ring from moving in the front-to-back direction toward detachment from the housing, and restricting the ring from rotating in the circumferential direction toward detachment from the locking wall. Therefore, the possibility of the ring detaching from the housing can be reduced more effectively through a simple structure.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, when at least one guide wall is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, the guide surface may be the front surface of at least one guide wall, and is at least partially inclined rearward in the circumferential direction toward said end. When at least one guide wall is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the ring, the guide surface may be the rear surface of at least one guide wall, and is at least partially inclined forward in the circumferential direction toward said end. According to this embodiment, the user can perform the installation operation of the ring relative to the housing by a natural ergonomic movement of rotating the ring circumferentially relative to the housing while moving it rearward.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one locking surface may include multiple locking surfaces disposed at different positions in the front-to-back direction and the circumferential direction. According to this embodiment, the user selects the protruding locking position based on the thickness of the fabric of the clothing being worn, thereby allowing the fabric to be properly clamped by the first clamping part and the second clamping part. Furthermore, since multiple locking surfaces are disposed on the same locking wall, the user can lock the ring onto the appropriate locking surface according to the thickness of the fabric while rotating the ring circumferentially relative to the housing. That is, the user does not need to temporarily remove the ring from the housing and reinstall it, thus simplifying operation.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one protrusion may comprise a plurality of protrusions equally spaced in the circumferential direction. At least one guide wall may comprise a plurality of guide walls equally spaced in the circumferential direction. At least one locking wall may comprise a plurality of locking walls equally spaced in the circumferential direction. The plurality of guide walls may extend circumferentially between adjacent pairs of the plurality of locking walls. According to the present invention, the plurality of protrusions can respectively lock with the plurality of locking walls, thus more reliably reducing the possibility of the ring detaching from the housing. In addition, the guide surfaces of the plurality of guide walls corresponding to each locking wall can guide the plurality of protrusions to appropriate locking positions respectively.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one protrusion may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the ring. At least one guide wall and at least one locking wall may protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion of the housing. To accommodate the motor and fan, the longitudinal length of the housing is ensured to a certain extent. According to this embodiment, since the guide wall and locking wall are provided on the housing, the longitudinal length of the ring with the protrusion can be minimized.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing can be formed by connecting a first component and a second component in a front-to-back direction in a separable manner. The first component may include at least a first clamping portion and an air inlet side cover, wherein the air inlet side cover has a plurality of air inlets and covers the opening at the rear end of the peripheral wall portion. The second component may include at least a portion of the peripheral wall portion and an exhaust side cover, wherein the exhaust side cover has a plurality of exhaust ports and covers the opening at the front end of the peripheral wall portion. At least one locking wall may be provided on the first component. If the air supply device is used continuously, dust and the like may sometimes adhere to and accumulate inside the housing and on the fan. According to the present invention, the user can separate the first component and the second component to clean the inside of the housing and the fan. In addition, since the locking wall is provided on the first component, the ring cannot be installed on the housing as long as the first component is not connected to the second component. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air supply device from being used while the housing is incomplete and attached to clothing.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motor and the fan can be housed within a second component. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air supply device from being used without an intake side cover (i.e., the fan cover).

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one guide wall may be provided on the second component. Specifically, an additional protrusion projecting radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the ring may be provided at a position forward of at least one protrusion. According to this embodiment, when the protrusion of the ring is engaged with the locking wall of the first component, and the connection between the first and second components is released, the additional protrusion of the ring abuts against the guide wall, thereby preventing the second component from falling off through the ring.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first component may include a first peripheral wall portion as part of a peripheral wall portion. A second component may include a second peripheral wall portion as another part of the peripheral wall portion, the second peripheral wall portion being partially nested around the first peripheral wall portion. The outer peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall portion may form the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. At least one locking wall may be provided on the first peripheral wall portion of the first component and protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface via a recess formed in the second peripheral wall. According to this embodiment, a locking wall can be reasonably provided on the first component.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one locking tab is provided on the second component. This locking tab has a claw at its top end and is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction. The claw can be locked onto at least one locking wall in a state where it can be disengaged in response to the elastic deformation of the locking tab. According to this embodiment, a reasonable connection structure utilizing the locking wall between the first and second components can be achieved.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one protrusion may comprise a plurality of protrusions arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. At least one guide wall may comprise a plurality of guide walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. At least one locking wall may comprise a plurality of locking walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of guide walls may extend in the circumferential direction between adjacent locking walls and have a first end and a second end in the circumferential direction. The guide surface may be the front surface of each of the plurality of guide walls and is configured to guide the protrusion in a first direction from the first end toward the second end. The plurality of guide walls may be configured such that the guide surface extends substantially continuously in the first direction from one of the front surfaces of the plurality of locking walls, wherein one front surface is disposed relative to the guide wall on a second direction side opposite to the first direction. According to the present invention, the front surface of a guide wall and the front surface of a locking wall on its second direction side can function as a continuous guide surface for the next locking wall located on the first direction side of the guide wall. In addition, since multiple protrusions and multiple locking walls abut against each other at multiple locations in the circumferential direction, the possibility of the ring falling off the housing can be reduced more reliably.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall portion of at least one guide wall is approximately a right-angled triangle when viewed from the radially outward side. A first end may be substantially connected to one end of a plurality of locking walls disposed relative to the guide wall in a second direction. The rear end of at least one guide wall may be substantially connected to the front surface of the first clamping portion. The guide surface may be substantially inclined rearward at a certain angle from the first end to the second end. According to this embodiment, the user can perform the installation operation of the ring relative to the housing through an ergonomic, natural movement that involves rotating the ring relative to the housing in a first direction while simultaneously moving it rearward. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is the back view of the top.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the fan mounting section, battery holder, and connecting cable of the jacket.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of fan unit 1 after the ring has been removed from the main body.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a side view of the fan unit.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the fan unit.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view VI-VI.

[0038] Figure 7yes Figure 4 Sectional view VI I-VI I.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the front and rear components and the ring in their separated state.

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 XX sectional view.

[0042] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0043] 1: Fan unit; 3: Main body; 33: Motor; 331: Output shaft; 36: Fan; 361: Base; 363: Blade; 37: Connector; 4: Housing; 401: Front part; 402: Rear part; 41: Cylindrical part; 410: Outer peripheral surface; 411: Outer cylindrical part; 412: Recess; 413: Locking piece; 414: Claw; 415: Guide groove; 416: Inner... Side cylindrical portion; 417: Claw insertion guide; 418: Guide protrusion; 42: Locking wall; 420: Front surface; 421: Ring locking portion; 423: Locking surface (front locking surface); 424: Locking surface (rear locking surface); 425: Open space; 427: Claw locking portion; 428: Insertion hole; 429: Partition wall; 43: Rotation limiting portion; 431: Limiting wall (first limiting wall); 432: Restriction wall (second restriction wall); 44: Guide wall; 440: Front surface; 441: First end; 442: Second end; 445: Open space; 46: Flange (rear flange); 460: Front surface; 47: Inlet side cover; 471: Inlet; 48: Exhaust side cover; 481: Exhaust port; 489: Recess; 5: Ring; 51: Cylindrical part; 510: Inner circumferential surface; 52: Protrusion; 520: Front surface; 53: Protrusion; 55: Flange (front flange); 550: Rear surface; 58: Protrusion; 9: Top; 90: Fabric; 91: Mounting hole; 93: Fan mounting part; 94: Pocket; 95: Battery holder; 96: Battery; 97: Connecting cable; 973: Connector; A1: Rotation axis; A2: Central axis; D1: First direction; D2: Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the fan unit 1 will be described as an example of the air supply device according to the present invention. Additionally, the jacket 9 will be described as an example of clothing in which the air supply device can be detachably installed.

[0045] First, the usage of the fan unit 1 in this embodiment will be briefly explained.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fan unit 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, mounted on a jacket 9. The jacket 9 is a front-opening long-sleeved jacket mainly composed of fabric 90 covering the upper body of the wearer. The fabric 90 has two mounting holes 91 for mounting the fan unit 1 at the lower part of the back panel. That is, two fan units 1 can be mounted on the jacket 9. The mounting hole 91 is a housing 4 (more specifically, a cylindrical part 41) into which the fan unit 1 can be inserted (see...). Figure 3 The opening is shown. Furthermore, in the following description, the periphery of the mounting hole 91 will also be referred to as the fan mounting portion 93. A pocket 94 capable of accommodating the battery holder 95 is provided on the inside of the jacket 9 (e.g., the front panel). A rechargeable battery 96 is built into the battery holder 95. The battery holder 95 and the two fan units 1 are electrically connected via a forked connecting cable 97.

[0047] The fan unit 1 is partially inserted into the inside of the jacket 9 (on the user's body side) through the mounting hole 91, and is mounted on the jacket 9 with the air inlet 471 positioned on the outside of the jacket 9. The fan unit 1 draws in air from the outside of the jacket 9 through the air inlet 471 and exhausts air from the exhaust port 481 located inside the jacket 9 (see reference). Figure 3 Air is expelled into the interior of the jacket 9. The air expelled into the interior of the jacket 9 cools the user's body as it flows through the interior of the jacket 9 and exits to the exterior of the jacket 9 from the collar or cuffs. By installing the fan unit 1, ventilation is achieved inside the jacket 9, thus providing the user with a comfortable working environment.

[0048] Next, the general structure of fan unit 1 will be described.

[0049] like Figures 3-6 As shown, the fan unit 1 has a main body 3 and a ring 5. The main body 3 is composed of a motor 33, a fan 36 driven to rotate by the motor 33, and a housing 4 that houses the motor 33 and the fan 36. When viewed along the extension direction of the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (hereinafter referred to as the rotation axis A1 direction), the housing 4 is configured as a generally circular housing. A flange 46 protruding radially outward is formed at one end of the housing 4 in the rotation axis A1 direction. The ring 5 is generally a short cylindrical body with a central axis A2, and can be detachably mounted to the outer periphery of the housing 4. A flange 55 protruding radially outward is formed at one end of the ring 5 in the extension direction of the central axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the central axis A2 direction).

[0050] In this embodiment, with the flange 46 of the main body 3 positioned on the outside of the garment 9, the portion of the main body 3, excluding the flange 46, is inserted into the interior of the garment 9 (i.e., the side opposite to the user's back) through the mounting hole 91. Furthermore, the ring 5 is coaxially inserted into the outer periphery of the main body 3 (shell 4) from inside the garment 9. By using the flange 46 of the shell 4 and the flange 55 of the ring 5 to clamp the fabric 90 (fan mounting portion 93) around the mounting hole 91, the fan unit 1 is mounted to the garment 9.

[0051] Furthermore, in the following description, for convenience, the orientation of the fan unit 1 is defined based on the orientation of the user when the fan unit 1 is mounted on the shirt 9 and worn. Specifically, the orientation of the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 and the central axis A2 of the ring 5 are defined as the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the side where the air inlet 471 is located is defined as the rear side, and the side where the exhaust port 481 is located is defined as the front side. Based on the above orientation definition, the flange 46 of the housing 4 is also referred to as the rear flange 46, and the flange 55 of the ring 5 is also referred to as the front flange 55. In addition, in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis A1 and the central axis A2, the clockwise direction when viewing the fan unit 1 from the front is defined as the first direction D1, and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the second direction D2.

[0052] The detailed structure of the main body 3 and ring 5 of fan unit 1 will be described below.

[0053] First, let's explain ring 5. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ring 5 includes a cylindrical portion 51, the aforementioned front flange 55, and a tab 58. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 51, the front flange 55, and the tab 58 are integrally molded from synthetic resin. The ring 5 is capable of slight elastic deformation (flexibility), at least locally and in the radial direction.

[0054] The cylindrical portion 51 is a short cylindrical body. The cylindrical portion 51 is configured to be embedded around the cylindrical portion 41 of the housing 4. Three protrusions 52 are provided on the inner circumference of the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 51. Each protrusion 52 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51 and is configured to be engaged with the locking wall 42 and the rotation limiting portion 43 of the cylindrical portion 41 of the main body 3 (described later). In this embodiment, each protrusion 52 is generally cuboid in shape and has a front surface 520 that is generally orthogonal to the central axis A2 of the ring 5. In addition, the three protrusions 52 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the protruding length of the protrusion 52 is set such that when the ring 5 is mounted on the housing 4, the tip (protruding end) of the protrusion 52 does not substantially contact the outer circumferential surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 of the housing 4. However, even without the rotation restriction part 43 described later, the protrusion 52 can still contact the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical part 41.

[0055] Additionally, three protrusions 53 are provided on the inner circumference of the front end of the cylindrical portion 51. Each protrusion 53 extends circumferentially in a corresponding area between two adjacent protrusions 52. That is, the protrusions 53 are positioned circumferentially at a different location than the protrusions 52 (the area without protrusions 52). Furthermore, the protruding length of the protrusions 53 is set such that when the ring 5 is mounted on the housing 4, the tip (protruding end) of the protrusion 53 substantially contacts the outer circumferential surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 of the housing 4 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0056] The front flange 55 is the portion that, together with the rear flange 46 of the main body 3, holds the fan mounting portion 93 of the jacket 9. The front flange 55 protrudes radially outward from one end (specifically, the rear end) of the cylindrical portion 51 in the direction of the central axis A2. In this embodiment, the front flange 55 is formed in an annular shape. The front flange 55 has a rear surface 550 extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central axis A2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear surface 550 of the front flange 55 is located at approximately the same position as the rear end of the protrusion 52 in the front-rear direction.

[0057] The tab 58 is a generally trapezoidal protrusion when viewed from the front, and it protrudes radially outward from the end of the cylindrical portion 51 opposite to the end where the front flange 55 is provided (i.e., the front end). In this embodiment, six tabs 58 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. When the ring 5 is rotated relative to the housing 4, the user can hook the tabs 58 with their fingers. Accordingly, the rotation operation of the ring 5 relative to the main body 3 becomes easy. Furthermore, three of the tabs 58 are arranged in the same position in the circumferential direction of the ring 5 as the three protrusions 52. Marks indicating the positions of the protrusions 52 are formed on the front surface of these three protrusions 58.

[0058] The main body 3 will now be described. As mentioned above, the main body 3 is composed of a motor 33, a fan 36, and a housing 4.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the motor 33 and fan 36 are coaxially arranged in the housing 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the motor 33 is a brushless DC motor, but a brushed motor could also be used. The fan 36 is an axial fan. More specifically, the fan 36 has a cup-shaped base 361 and a plurality of blades 363 protruding from the base 361. The base 361 is arranged to cover the motor 33 from the rear and is coaxially mounted to the output shaft 331 of the motor 33. The fan 36 rotates integrally with the output shaft 331 about the rotation axis A1, driven by the motor 33. Furthermore, the structure of the fan 36 (shape of the base 361, number of blades 363, arrangement of the motor 33, etc.) can be suitably modified.

[0060] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the housing 4, viewed as a whole, includes a cylindrical portion 41, a rear flange 46, an intake side cover 47, and an exhaust side cover 48. Additionally, as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 4 is formed of a front component 401 and a rear component 402. The front component 401 and the rear component 402 are each a single component integrally molded from synthetic resin. The front component 401 includes a cylindrical outer cylindrical portion 411 and the aforementioned exhaust side cover 48. The rear component 402 includes a cylindrical inner cylindrical portion 416, the aforementioned rear flange 46, and an intake side cover 47. The front component 401 and the rear component 402 are connected to each other with the outer cylindrical portion 411 of the front component 401 nested into the outer periphery of the inner cylindrical portion 416 of the rear component 402. The inner cylindrical portion 416 and the outer cylindrical portion 411 are integrally formed into the cylindrical portion 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front component 401 and the rear component 402 are connected in a separable manner, which will be described in detail later.

[0061] The cylindrical portion 41 is a wall portion (peripheral wall portion) formed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 41 is formed by an outer cylindrical portion 411 and an inner cylindrical portion 416; therefore, a large portion of the cylindrical portion 41 has a double-wall structure. The outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 411. The cylindrical portion 41 is coaxially disposed around at least a portion of the fan 36 (in a manner that surrounds the fan 36) with the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 41 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5. That is, the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 41) and the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 (specifically, the outer cylindrical portion 411) is smaller than the distance between the central axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5 and the inner peripheral surface 510. Therefore, with the ring 5 mounted on the housing 4, the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 is separated from the inner peripheral surface 510 of the ring 5 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a locking wall 42, a rotation limiting part 43, and a guide wall 44 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical part 41. The locking wall 42, the rotation limiting part 43, and the guide wall 44 will be described in detail later.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the rear flange 46 faces the front flange 55 of the ring 5 in the front-rear direction and, together with the front flange 55, clamps the fan mounting portion 93 (clothing 90). The rear flange 46 protrudes radially outward from one end (i.e., the rear end) of the cylindrical portion 41 located on the air intake side of the fan 36 in the direction of the rotation axis A1 (front-rear direction). In this embodiment, the rear flange 46 is formed in an annular shape. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the rear flange 46 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the front flange 55 of the ring 5. The rear flange 46 has a front surface 460 extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis A1.

[0064] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the intake side cover 47 is configured as a circular cover that covers the opening at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 41 (i.e., the opening on the intake side of the fan 36). A plurality of air inlets 471 are formed on the intake side cover 47. When the fan 36 rotates, air is drawn into the housing 4 through the air inlets 471.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the exhaust side cover 48 is configured to cover the opening at the front end of the cylindrical portion 41 (i.e., the opening on the exhaust side of the fan 36). In this embodiment, the exhaust side cover 48 is generally formed as a circular arch protruding forward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 41. A plurality of exhaust ports 481 are formed on the exhaust side cover 48. When the fan 36 rotates, air flowing into the housing 4 from the air inlet 471 is discharged to the outside of the housing 4 through the exhaust ports 481. A recess 489 is provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the exhaust side cover 48. A connector 37 is disposed on the rotation axis A1 side opposite to the recess 489. The connector 37 is electrically connected to the motor 33. The connector 973 of the connecting cable 97 connected to the battery holder 95 (see reference) Figure 2 The battery holder 95 is disposed in the recess 489 and connected to the connector 37. Accordingly, the battery holder 95 is electrically connected to the fan unit 1.

[0066] The detailed structures of the locking wall 42, the rotation limiting part 43, and the guide wall 44 provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical part 41 will be described in turn.

[0067] First, the locking wall 42 will be explained. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the locking wall 42 is a wall portion (protrusion) that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 (i.e., has a radial thickness). The locking wall 42 is disposed separately from the rear flange 46 in the direction of the rotation axis A1 (front-rear direction) of the cylindrical portion 41 and extends circumferentially along the cylindrical portion 41. When viewed from the side (radial outward) of the cylindrical portion 41, the locking wall 42 has a shape that is narrow in the front-rear direction and elongated in the circumferential direction. The front end of the locking wall 42 is located near the center of the cylindrical portion 41 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the three locking walls 42 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0068] The distance between the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 41) and the outer peripheral surface of the locking wall 42 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the central axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5 and the inner peripheral surface 510. When the ring 5 is mounted on the body 3, the outer peripheral surface of the locking wall 42 is substantially, at least partially, in contact with the inner peripheral surface 510 of the ring 5.

[0069] Furthermore, an open space 425 extends from the front surface 420 to the front end of the cylindrical portion 41 in front of the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42. The open space 425 has a shape corresponding to a portion of the circumferential direction of the cylinder. More specifically, the open space 425 is a space in which the radially outer end and the radially inner end are defined by a virtual curved surface including the outer peripheral surface of the locking wall 42 and the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41, respectively, and extends circumferentially from one end of the locking wall 42 to the other end. That is, in this embodiment, no part protruding from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 is specifically provided in front of the locking wall 42. In other words, the area in front of the locking wall 42 in the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41, and corresponding to the locking wall 42 in the circumferential direction (the range from one end of the locking wall 42 to the other in the circumferential direction), is a smooth surface (curved surface) without protrusions.

[0070] In this embodiment, the locking wall 42 includes a ring locking portion 421 and a claw locking portion 427. The claw locking portion 427 is the end portion of the locking wall 42 on the first direction D1 side. The ring locking portion 421 is the portion other than the claw locking portion 427, occupying approximately two-thirds of the locking wall 42 from the end on the second direction D2 side.

[0071] The ring locking portion 421 is configured to, by abutting against the protrusion 52 of the ring 5, prevent (prohibit) the ring 5 from moving away from the main body 3 (housing 4) in the direction of the rotation axis A1 (in other words, in the direction in which the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46 move away from each other). That is, the ring locking portion 421 is configured to prevent the ring 5 from moving forward relative to the housing 4.

[0072] More specifically, the rear surface of the annular locking portion 421 (i.e., the surface facing the rear flange 46) includes two locking surfaces 423 and 424. The locking surfaces 423 and 424 are located at different positions in the front-rear direction and the circumferential direction, respectively. Hereinafter, the locking surface 423, located further forward (i.e., further away from the rear flange 46), will be referred to as the front locking surface 423, and the locking surface 424, located further rearward (i.e., closer to the rear flange 46), will be referred to as the rear locking surface 424. The rear locking surface 424 is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the front locking surface 423.

[0073] The front locking surface 423 and the rear locking surface 424 are planes extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation A1, and are capable of contacting the front surface 520 (plane) of the protrusion 52 in a stable state (or can contact it at multiple points or along a line). In this embodiment, the front locking surface 423 and the rear locking surface 424 are connected in the circumferential direction by inclined surfaces that are gently inclined in the circumferential direction. However, the front locking surface 423 and the rear locking surface 424 may also be connected by surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to them.

[0074] Due to the above configuration, the distance d1 between the front locking surface 423 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46 in the front-rear direction is greater than the distance d2 between the rear locking surface 424 and the front surface 460 in the front-rear direction (refer to...). Figure 3 Additionally, distances d1 and d2 are set as the distance d3 in the front-rear direction between the front surface 520 of the protrusion 52 of the ring 5 and the rear surface 550 of the front flange 55 (see reference). Figure 9 Therefore, in either the state where the front surface 520 of the protrusion 52 contacts the front locking surface 423 or the state where the front surface 520 of the protrusion 52 contacts the rear locking surface 424, the protrusion 52 separates from the rear flange 46 forward. In other words, a gap is formed between the rear surface 550 of the front flange 55 of the ring 5 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46 of the housing 4. The fabric 90 is disposed in this gap and is held between the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46.

[0075] The claw locking portion 427 is part of the connection structure for connecting the front component 401 and the rear component 402, and is configured to lock the claw 414 of the locking piece 413 (described later). The rear surface of the claw locking portion 427 is a plane extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis A1. An insertion hole 428 is formed on the claw locking portion 427, which extends through the claw locking portion 427 in the front-rear direction and allows the locking piece 413 to be inserted.

[0076] Additionally, two partition walls 429 are provided behind the claw locking portion 427. Each partition wall 429 is configured as a wall portion (protruding piece) that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 (more specifically, the outer cylindrical portion 411). The two partition walls 429 are arranged circumferentially on both sides of the insertion hole 428 of the claw locking portion 427, and extend in the front-rear direction in a manner that connects the rear surface of the locking wall 42 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46. Furthermore, the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 41) and the top end (protruding end) of the partition wall 429 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the central axis A2 and the inner peripheral surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5. When the ring 5 is mounted on the main body 3, the top end of the partition wall 429 substantially, at least partially, contacts the inner peripheral surface 510 of the ring 5.

[0077] The rotation limiting part 43 will now be described. The rotation limiting part 43 is configured to restrict the ring 5 from moving (rotating) circumferentially relative to the housing 4 about the rotation axis A1 by abutting against the protrusion 52 of the ring 5. More specifically, the rotation limiting part 43 is configured to restrict the protrusion 52 from moving in the direction of detachment from the locking wall 42 (specifically, the second direction D2), wherein the protrusion 52 is circumferentially positioned at a position corresponding to the front locking surface 423 (hereinafter referred to as the first locking position) or a position corresponding to the rear locking surface 424 (hereinafter referred to as the second locking position).

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotation limiting part 43 includes two limiting walls 431 and 432. The limiting walls 431 and 432 are each configured as wall portions (protruding pieces) that protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical part 41 (more specifically, the outer cylindrical part 411). The limiting walls 431 and 432 extend in the front-rear direction, respectively, connecting the rear surface of the locking wall 42 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46. The limiting walls 431 and 432 are respectively disposed on the second direction D2 side relative to the front locking surface 423 and the rear locking surface 424. Hereinafter, the limiting wall 431 corresponding to the front locking surface 423 will also be referred to as the first limiting wall 431, and the limiting wall 432 corresponding to the rear locking surface 424 will also be referred to as the second limiting wall 432. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three sets of rotation limiting parts 43 are provided corresponding to the three locking walls 42.

[0079] The surfaces on the second direction D2 side of the top portions (radially outer ends) of each of the limiting walls 431 and 432 are inclined towards the first direction D1 as they move radially outward. Conversely, the surfaces on the first direction D1 side of the top portions of each of the limiting walls 431 and 432 are inclined towards the second direction D2 as they move radially outward. Furthermore, in a cross-section orthogonal to the rotation axis A1, assuming the existence of a circle with a radius from the rotation axis A1 to the top of the limiting wall 431, the angle between the tangent at the top of the limiting wall 431 and the surface on the first direction D1 side is larger than the angle between the tangent and the surface on the second direction D2 side. The same relationship applies to both surfaces of the limiting wall 432. This angle setting is made so that when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the second direction D2, compared to when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the first direction D1, the protrusion 52 is less likely to cross the limiting walls 431 and 432.

[0080] Furthermore, the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 41) and the top ends (protruding ends) of the limiting walls 431 and 432 is smaller than the distance between the central axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5 and the inner circumferential surface 510. When the ring 5 is mounted on the main body 3, the top ends of the limiting walls 431 and 432 are arranged radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5. That is, the top ends of the limiting walls 431 and 432 do not contact the inner circumferential surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51. At this time, the radial distance between the top ends of the limiting walls 431 and 432 and the inner circumferential surface 510 is set to be slightly shorter than the protruding length of the protrusion 52 protruding from the inner circumferential surface 510 of the ring 5.

[0081] The guide wall 44 will now be described. The guide wall 44 is configured to abut against the protrusion 52 when the ring 5 is mounted on the main body 3, and to guide the protrusion 52 to a position where it can be locked against the locking wall 42 (first locking position).

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the guide wall 44 is configured as a wall portion (protrusion, step portion) that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 (i.e., has radial thickness). The guide wall 44 extends circumferentially between two adjacent locking walls 42. That is, in this embodiment, the three guide walls 44 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The end of each guide wall 44 on the second direction D2 side (hereinafter referred to as the first end 441) is located at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction as the end of one locking wall 42 on the first direction D1 side. The end of the guide wall 44 on the first direction D1 side (hereinafter referred to as the second end 442) is located at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction as the end of another locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side. That is, in this embodiment, the three locking walls 42 and the three guide walls 44 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction with substantially no gap.

[0083] In this embodiment, when viewed from the side of the cylindrical portion 41, the guide wall 44 is formed as a roughly right-angled triangle. More specifically, the first end 441 of the guide wall 44 extends linearly in the front-rear direction and substantially contacts the end of the locking wall 42 on the first direction D1 side. The rear end of the guide wall 44 is connected to the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46. The front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 slopes gently at a substantially certain angle rearward (towards the rear flange 46) from the first end 441 toward the second end 442 (as it moves toward the first direction D1). The front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 functions as a guide surface that abuts against the protrusion 52 and guides the protrusion 52.

[0084] At the first end 441, the front surface 440 is located at approximately the same position in the front-rear direction as the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42. That is, the front surface 440 is substantially connected to the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42. In addition, at the second end 442 of the guide wall 44, the front surface 440 is located in the front-rear direction at a position slightly forward of the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46. More specifically, the distance in the front-rear direction between the front surface 440 at the second end 442 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46 is approximately the same as the distance in the front-rear direction between the rear surface 550 of the front flange 55 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46 when the protrusion 52 is engaged with the front locking surface 423 (when the front surface 520 is in contact with the front locking surface 423) (i.e., the thickness of the clamped fabric 90). That is, the position of the front surface 440 at the second end 442 in the front-back direction is set according to the thickness of the fabric 90 that can be clamped by the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46.

[0085] The protruding length of the guide wall 44 from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 is approximately the same as the protruding length of the locking wall 42 from the outer peripheral surface 410. That is, the distance between the rotation axis A1 of the fan 36 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 41) and the outer peripheral surface of the guide wall 44 is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the central axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5 and the inner peripheral surface 510. When the ring 5 is mounted on the body 3, the outer peripheral surface of the guide wall 44 is substantially, at least partially, in contact with the inner peripheral surface 510 of the ring 5.

[0086] Furthermore, the open space 445 extends from the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 to the front end of the cylindrical portion 41 in front of the front surface 440. This open space 445 has a shape that substantially corresponds to a portion of the cylinder. More specifically, the open space 445 is a space whose radially outer end and radially inner end are defined by a virtual curved surface encompassing the outer peripheral surface of the guide wall 44 and the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41, respectively, and extends circumferentially from the position of the first end 441 of the guide wall 44 to the position of the second end 442. That is, in this embodiment, there is no component protruding specifically from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 in front of the guide wall 44. In other words, the area in the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 that is forward of the guide wall 44 and corresponds to the guide wall 44 circumferentially (the circumferential range from the first end 441 to the second end 442) is a smooth surface (curved surface) without protrusions.

[0087] The function of fan unit 1 when it is installed on clothing (e.g., top 9) and when it is removed from clothing will be explained below.

[0088] When installing the fan unit 1 onto the top 9, the user first inserts a portion of the main body 3 (with the ring 5 removed) into the mounting hole 91 of the top 9 (see reference). Figure 2 Specifically, the rear flange 46 is positioned on the outside of the rear panel (fan mounting portion 93), and the cylindrical portion 41 and the exhaust side cover 48 are inserted into the inside of the garment 9 through the mounting hole 91. Accordingly, the fan mounting portion 93 (clothing 90) is positioned in front of the rear flange 46.

[0089] Then, the user inserts the tubular portion 51 of the ring 5 into the tubular portion 41 of the housing 4 from the inside of the top 9. As described above, there are open spaces 425 and 445 in front of the locking wall 42 and the guide wall 44, respectively, and there are no parts that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the tubular portion 41. Therefore, in the initial stage when the tubular portion 51 is inserted into the tubular portion 41, the protrusion 52 does not obstruct movement and can move while slightly separated from the outer peripheral surface 410 of the tubular portion 41.

[0090] When the user moves the ring 5 rearward relative to the housing 4 to a certain extent, the rear end of the protrusion 52 abuts against the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42 or the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44. Once the user recognizes that the protrusion 52 has abutted against a component, the user pushes the ring 5 rearward relative to the housing 4 while rotating the ring 5 in the first direction D1. When the protrusion 52 abuts against the locking wall 42, the rear end of the protrusion 52 slides along the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42 and the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 in the first direction D1, reaching the second end 442 of the guide wall 44. When the protrusion 52 abuts against the guide wall 44, the rear end of the protrusion 52 slides along the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 in the first direction D1, reaching the second end 442 of the guide wall 44.

[0091] When the user further rotates the ring 5 in the first direction D1, the protrusion 52 passes over the first limiting wall 431 and enters the rear region of the locking wall 42, reaching the first locking position. Furthermore, by tilting the surface of the first limiting wall 431 on the second direction D2 side and setting the protrusion lengths of the protrusion 52 and the first limiting wall 431 as described above, the protrusion 52 can pass over the first limiting wall 431 simply by slightly elastically deforming the cylindrical portion 41 in the radial direction. When the garment 9 is made of a relatively thick fabric 90, when the protrusion 52 is positioned in the first locking position, the fan mounting portion 93 is clamped by the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46, completing the installation of the ring 5 relative to the main body 3 (housing 4), and subsequently, completing the installation of the fan unit 1 relative to the garment 9.

[0092] The protrusion 52 is locked in the first locking position by the locking wall 42 in the direction of the rotation axis A1 (front-rear direction). More specifically, when the protrusion 52 is in the first locking position, the front surface 420 of the protrusion 52 abuts against the front locking surface 423 of the locking wall 42, thereby preventing (preventing) the ring 5 from moving forward relative to the housing 4 (i.e., in the front-rear direction, the ring 5 moves away from the (detached) body 3). As described above, the locking wall 42 protrudes radially outward to a position that substantially contacts the inner circumferential surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5. Therefore, even if the ring 5 undergoes slight radial elastic deformation, the protrusion 52 will not detach forward beyond the locking wall 42.

[0093] When the fan mounting portion 93 has sufficient thickness relative to the distance between the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46, the front surface 520 of the protrusion 52 is pushed against the front locking surface 423 by the elasticity of the fan mounting portion 93 (clothing 90) held by the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46. Accordingly, the ring 5 maintains a stable mounting state relative to the housing 4.

[0094] Furthermore, the protrusion 52 is circumferentially locked by the first limiting wall 431 and the second limiting wall 432 at the first locking position. More specifically, when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the second direction D2 (i.e., the direction in which the protrusion 52 detaches from the locking wall 42 in the circumferential direction), the top end of the first limiting wall 431 abuts against the top end of the protrusion 52, thereby limiting the rotation of the ring 5. Accordingly, the possibility of the ring 5 detaching from the housing 4 can be reduced. In addition, when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the first direction D1, the rotation of the ring 5 is limited by the top end of the second limiting wall 432 abutting against the top end of the protrusion 52. Furthermore, the term "limited" here means that the rotation of the ring 5 relative to the body 3 is not completely prohibited, but rotation is allowed by applying an external force to cause the ring 5 to elastically deform in the radial direction. As described above, the inclination angle of the surface of the first limiting wall 431 on the first direction D1 side is set such that the protrusion 52 does not easily pass over the first limiting wall 431 in the second direction D2.

[0095] On the other hand, when the top 9 is made of a relatively thin fabric 90, the user rotates the ring 5 further in the first direction D1. The protrusion 52 moves from the first locking position to the second locking position, passing over the second limiting wall 432. Furthermore, similar to when passing over the first limiting wall 431, the protrusion 52 can pass over the second limiting wall 432 by slightly elastically deforming the cylindrical portion 41 in the radial direction. When the protrusion 52 is positioned in the second locking position, the fan mounting portion 93 is held by the front flange 55 and the rear flange 46, and the installation of the ring 5 relative to the main body 3, that is, the installation of the fan unit 1 relative to the top 9, is completed.

[0096] When the protrusion 52 is in the second locking position, as when the protrusion 52 is in the first locking position, the front surface 420 of the protrusion 52 abuts against the rear locking surface 424 of the locking wall 42, thereby preventing the ring 5 from moving forward relative to the housing 4.

[0097] Furthermore, the protrusion 52 is circumferentially locked in the second locking position by the second limiting wall 432 and the partition wall 429. More specifically, when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the second direction D2 (i.e., the direction in which the protrusion 52 disengages from the locking wall 42 in the circumferential direction), the tip of the second limiting wall 432 abuts against the tip of the protrusion 52, thereby restricting the rotation of the ring 5. Additionally, when the ring 5 rotates relative to the housing 4 in the first direction D1, the tip of the partition wall 429 abuts against the tip of the protrusion 52, thereby hindering (prohibiting) the rotation of the ring 5. As described above, the partition wall 429 protrudes radially outward to a position substantially in contact with the inner circumferential surface 510 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the ring 5. Therefore, even if the ring 5 undergoes slight radial elastic deformation, the protrusion 52 will not move beyond the partition wall 429 in the first direction D1.

[0098] When removing the fan unit 1 from the top 9, the user rotates the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 in the second direction D2. The protrusion 52, positioned in the first locking position (or the second locking position), moves past the first limiting wall 431 (or the second limiting wall 432 and the first limiting wall 431) with a slight elastic deformation of the ring 5, and detaches from the end of the locking wall 42 in the second direction D2. The user then moves the ring 5 forward relative to the housing 4, thus removing it from the main body 3. At this point, since the open space 425 or open space 445 extends further forward than the protrusion 52 and has no protrusions interfering with it, the user can easily remove the ring 5 from the main body 3 regardless of the circumferential position of the protrusion 52.

[0099] For example, in the method of engaging the ring 5 and the housing 4 by means of the engagement of the external and internal threads, in order to move the protrusion 52 to a predetermined position in the front-rear direction, the ring 5 needs to continue to rotate in a certain direction. Additionally, in the method of engaging the ring 5 and the housing 4 by means of the engagement of the protrusion with a groove having a specific receiving opening, when the ring 5 is installed on the housing 4, the ring 5 and the housing 4 need to be positioned in a specific direction such as the circumferential direction.

[0100] In this embodiment of the fan unit 1, during the installation of the ring 5 onto the housing 4, the front surface 440 (guide surface) of the guide wall 44 abuts against the protrusion 52 from the rear, guiding the ring 5 rearward relative to the housing 4 and guiding the protrusion 52 to the locking position. Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, on the side of the protrusion 52 away from the front surface 440 (guide surface) (the side of the ring 5 away from the housing 4, the receiving side of the ring 5), i.e., the front side, the open space 445 extends from the front surface 440 to the front end of the cylindrical portion 41. Therefore, the user does not need to precisely position the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 at a specific circumferential position to move the protrusion 52 rearward to the position abutting against the front surface 440, and then, by simply rotating the ring 5 in the first direction D1 by sliding the protrusion 52 on the front surface 440, the protrusion 52 can be quickly guided to the locking position.

[0101] In particular, in this embodiment, the three locking walls 42 and the three guide walls 44 are arranged alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the front surface 440 of each guide wall 44 extends substantially continuously along the first direction D1 from the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42 positioned relative to the guide wall 44 on the second direction D2 side (i.e., adjacent to the first end 441). Therefore, the substantially continuous front surfaces 420 and 440 in the first direction D1 can function as a continuous guide surface for the next locking wall 42 located on the first direction D1 side. These three continuous guide surfaces (three sets of continuous front surfaces 420 and 440) can reliably guide the three protrusions 52 to their respective locking positions. In addition, since the three guide surfaces are arranged substantially without gaps in the circumferential direction, circumferential positioning is completely unnecessary, making operation particularly easy.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front surface 440 (guide surface) of the guide wall 44 tilts rearward toward the first direction D1. Therefore, the user can perform the installation operation by ergonomically rotating the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 in the first direction D1 while moving it rearward.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, since the two locking surfaces 423 and 424 are provided on the same locking wall 42, the user can lock the ring 5 into one of the appropriate locking surfaces 423 and 424 according to the thickness of the fabric 90 while rotating the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 in the first direction D1. That is, the user does not need to temporarily remove the ring 5 from the housing 4 and reinstall it, thus making the operation easy.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the three protrusions 52 are respectively positioned at their corresponding locking positions, the three protrusions 52 and the locking wall 42 abut against each other at three positions in the circumferential direction. Therefore, compared to the case where only one protrusion 52 is provided, the possibility of the ring 5 detaching from the housing 4 can be reduced more reliably.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ring 5 is restricted from rotating relative to the housing 4 in the second direction D2 by abutting against the protrusion 52 via limiting walls 431 and 432 located on the second direction D2 side relative to the locking position. That is, in this embodiment, the protrusion 52 performs two functions: preventing the ring 5 from moving in the front-rear direction in the direction of detachment from the housing 4, and restricting the ring 5 from rotating in the circumferential direction in the direction of detachment from the locking wall 42. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate structure is provided for restricting the rotation of the ring 5, the possibility of the ring 5 detaching from the housing 4 can be reduced more effectively with a simpler structure.

[0106] The connection structure between the front component 401 and the rear component 402 will now be described.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, the motor 33, fan 36, and connector 37 are all assembled inside the front component 401. When the rear component 402 is not connected, the opening at the rear end of the outer cylindrical portion 411 is not blocked. That is, the fan 36 is visible through this opening. On the other hand, no internal components are disposed inside the rear component 402. In this embodiment, after the rear component 402 assembles the internal components such as the motor 33 and fan 36 inside the front component 401, it also functions as a cover component that blocks the opening at the rear end of the front component 401.

[0108] In this embodiment, the outer cylindrical portion 411 of the front member 401 is connected to the inner cylindrical portion 416 in a state that partially covers the periphery of the inner cylindrical portion 416 of the rear member 402. Therefore, as Figures 6-8 As shown, the following connecting structures are provided on the outer cylindrical portion 411 and the inner cylindrical portion 416.

[0109] In addition to the three locking walls 42, three sets of rotation limiting parts 43 and three sets of partition walls 429 mentioned above, the inner cylindrical part 416 of the rear component 402 is also provided with three pairs of claw insertion guides 417 and two guide protrusions 418.

[0110] Each pair of (two) claw insertion guides 417 is correspondingly provided with the claw locking portion 427 in each locking wall 42, and is disposed in front of the claw locking portion 427. The two claw insertion guides 417 are slender protrusions provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 416, and extend from both sides of the insertion hole 428 of the claw locking portion 427 to the front end of the inner cylindrical portion 416.

[0111] Each guide protrusion 418 is an elongated protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 416, and extends from the front surface of the rear flange 46 to the front end of the inner cylindrical portion 416. The two guide protrusions 418 are positioned in a circumferentially separated position.

[0112] On the other hand, in addition to the three guide walls 44 mentioned above, the outer cylindrical portion 411 of the front component 401 is also provided with three recesses 412, three locking pieces 413, and two guide grooves 415.

[0113] Each recess 412 is a recess that extends forward from the rear end of the outer cylindrical portion 411. The recess 412 allows the locking wall 42, rotation limiting portion 43, and partition wall 429 provided in the inner cylindrical portion 416 to protrude radially outward from the outer cylindrical portion 411. Therefore, the recess 412 is formed in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side (radially outward) of the outer cylindrical portion 411, corresponding to the area where the locking wall 42, rotation limiting portion 43, and partition wall 429 are provided. Each recess 412 is formed circumferentially within a range from the first end 441 of each guide wall 44 to the second end 442 of the adjacent guide wall 44. The front end of the recess 412 is located at a position corresponding to the front end of the locking wall 42. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the recess 412 is approximately the same as the circumferential length of the locking wall 42.

[0114] Each locking piece 413 is formed in the shape of a strip (thin plate) and extends rearward from the front end of the recess 412. The locking piece 413 protrudes into the end of the recess 412 in the first direction D1. A claw 414 is provided at the top end (protruding end) of the locking piece 413, protruding radially outward to the outer cylindrical portion 411. The claw 414 has a front surface extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation A1 and a rear surface that slopes radially inward to the outer cylindrical portion 411 as it approaches the top end (rear end) of the locking piece 413. The locking piece 413 is at least radially deformable (flexible) in the outer cylindrical portion 411.

[0115] Each guide groove 415 is an elongated groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 411, and is configured to engage with the guide protrusion 418 of the inner cylindrical portion 416. The two guide grooves 415 are respectively provided in the circumferential direction at positions corresponding to the two guide protrusions 418 of the inner cylindrical portion 416, and extend forward from the rear end of the outer cylindrical portion 411.

[0116] When connecting the front component 401 and the rear component 402, the operator positions the front component 401 and the rear component 402 circumferentially such that the three locking tabs 413 are respectively positioned in front of the three sets of claw insertion guides 417. The operator moves the claw 414 rearward along the claw insertion guide 417. The guide protrusions 418 of the inner cylindrical portion 416 enter the guide grooves 415 of the outer cylindrical portion 411, stably guiding the front component 401 and the rear component 402 to move in the front-rear direction. When the rear surface (inclined surface) of the claw 414 abuts against the upper end of the claw locking portion 427, the locking tab 413 flexes radially inward, and the claw 414 enters the insertion hole 428. The locking wall 42, the rotation limiting portion 43, and the partition wall 429 enter the recess 412. When the claw 414 passes through the insertion hole 428, the locking tab 413 returns to its original position by elastic force. Accordingly, with the front surface of the claw 414 engaged with the rear surface of the claw locking portion 427, the locking piece 413 engages with the claw locking portion 427. The rear end face of the outer cylindrical portion 411 is positioned approximately at the same location as the front surface of the rear flange 46. Through the above steps, the front component 401 and the rear component 402 are connected together.

[0117] When separating the front component 401 and the rear component 402, the user uses a tool with a long, thin tip (e.g., a screwdriver) to push the claw 414 radially inward from the outside of the cylindrical portion 41, causing the locking piece 413 to bend and releasing the claw 414 from the claw locking portion 427. With the claw 414 released, the user can move the front component 401 forward from the rear component 402 and separate it from the rear component 402. When the fan unit 1 is used continuously, dust and other contaminants may adhere to and accumulate inside the housing 4 and on the fan 36. In this case, the user can separate the front component 401 and the rear component 402 by following the steps described above, thereby cleaning the inside of the housing 4 and the fan 36.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, since the locking wall 42 is provided on the rear member 402 (more specifically, the inner cylindrical portion 416), the ring 5 cannot be installed on the housing 4 unless the rear member 402 is connected to the front member 401. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fan unit 1 from being used on the jacket 9 while the housing 4 is incomplete. In particular, in this embodiment, since the motor 33 and the fan 36 are housed in the front member 401, if the rear member 402, which includes the air intake side cover 47 (i.e., the fan protection member), is not connected to the front member 401, the fan 36 can be contacted from the rear opening of the front member 401. In this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the fan unit 1 from being used without the air intake side cover 47.

[0119] Furthermore, as described above, a protrusion 53 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 510 of the ring 5, positioned forward of the protrusion 52. Therefore, even if the connection between the front component 401 and the rear component 402 is disengaged for some reason when the protrusion 52 of the ring 5 is engaged with the locking wall 42 of the rear component 402, the front component 401 can be prevented from falling forward through the ring 5 by the protrusion 53 of the ring 5 abutting against the guide wall 44 from the front.

[0120] The following illustrates the correspondence between the structural elements of this embodiment and the structural elements of the present invention or technical solution. However, the structural elements of the embodiment are merely examples and do not limit the structural elements of the present invention.

[0121] Fan unit 1 is an example of an "air supply device". Motor 33 is an example of a "motor". Fan 36 is an example of a "fan". Rotation axis A1 is an example of a "first axis". Housing 4, cylindrical portion 41, and rear flange 46 are examples of a "housing", "peripheral wall", and "first clamping portion", respectively. Ring 5 and front flange 55 are examples of a "ring" and a "second clamping portion", respectively. Protrusion 52 is an example of a "protrusion". Inner peripheral surface 510 of ring 5 is an example of a "first surface". Outer peripheral surface 410 of cylindrical portion 41 is an example of a "second surface". Locking wall 42 is an example of a "locking wall". Locking surfaces 423 and 424 are examples of "locking surfaces". Guide wall 44 is an example of a "guide wall". Front surface 440 is an example of a "guide surface". Open space 445 is an example of an "open space".

[0122] The protrusion 52 is an example of a "first rotation limiting part". Limiting walls 431 and 432 are examples of a "second rotation limiting part" and a "limiting wall", respectively. Rear component 402 and rear component 402 are examples of a "first component" and a "second component", respectively. Intake side cover 47 and intake port 471 are examples of an "intake side cover" and an "intake port", respectively. Exhaust side cover 48 and exhaust port 481 are examples of an "exhaust side cover" and an "exhaust port", respectively. The protrusion 53 is an example of an "additional protrusion". Inner cylindrical portion 416 and outer cylindrical portion 411 are examples of a "first peripheral wall portion" and a "second peripheral wall portion", respectively. Recess 412 is an example of a "recess". Locking piece 413 and claw 414 are examples of a "locking piece" and a "claw", respectively. The first end 441 and the second end 442 of guide wall 44 are examples of a "first end" and a "second end", respectively. First direction D1 is an example of a "first direction". The second direction D2 is an example of "second direction".

[0123] Furthermore, the above embodiments are merely illustrative, and the reciprocating motion tool involved in this invention is not limited to the illustrated fan unit 1. For example, the modifications illustrated below can be added. Moreover, at least one of these modifications can be combined with the fan unit 1 shown in the embodiments or the features described in the claims.

[0124] For example, as long as the ring 5 can be installed in a detachable manner on the housing 4, the structure (shape, size, structural components, etc.) of the housing 4 and the ring 5 can be appropriately changed.

[0125] For example, the structure of the air intake side cover 47 and the exhaust side cover 48 of the housing 4 (the number and arrangement of air intake ports 471 and exhaust ports 481) can be changed. Furthermore, the structure capable of holding the fan mounting portion 93 (clothing 90) is not limited to the rear flange 46 and the front flange 55. For example, the rear flange 46 and the front flange 55 may not have circular outer peripheries, but rather polygonal outer peripheries. Additionally, for example, a portion of the circumferential direction of at least one of the rear flange 46 and the front flange 55 may be removed, or an opening may be provided in that portion. Furthermore, for example, instead of the front flange 55, multiple protrusions projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion 51 may be provided in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, if the wall forming the cylindrical portion 51 has a certain thickness in the radial direction, the fan mounting portion 93 (clothing 90) can be held by the rear flange 46 and the rear end of the cylindrical portion 51. The same modification can also be suitably made to the rear flange 46. In addition, the shape of the tabs 58 of ring 5 can be appropriately changed or omitted.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the guide wall 44 is configured to guide the ring 5 to move rearward in response to clockwise rotation of the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 when viewed from the front. Conversely, the guide wall 44 can also be configured to guide the ring 5 to move rearward in response to counterclockwise rotation of the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 when viewed from the front. Furthermore, contrary to the above embodiment, a protrusion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41 of the housing 4, and a locking wall and a guide wall may be provided on the inner peripheral surface 510 of the ring 5. In this case, for example, the guide wall of the ring 5 may have a rear surface (guide surface) that is inclined forward in a predetermined direction about the rotation axis A1 (central axis A2) and can abut against the protrusion of the housing 4 from the front. Furthermore, the locking wall of the ring 5 may be configured to be adjacent to the end of the guide wall in the predetermined direction and have a locking surface that abuts against the protrusion of the housing 4 from the rear.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the end of the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side and the end of the guide wall 44 on the first direction D1 side (second end 442) are located at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction. However, as long as the circumferential length of the protrusion 52 is sufficiently ensured, and the front surface 440 (guide surface) of the guide wall 44 can guide the protrusion 52 to the first locking position, the end of the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side can be slightly separated from the second end 442 of the guide wall 44. Alternatively, the end of the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side can also be positioned slightly closer to the second direction D2 side than the second end 442 of the guide wall 44. That is, the end of the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side and the end of the guide wall 44 on the first direction D1 side can also be configured to slightly overlap in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the end of the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side can be positioned in front of the end of the guide wall 44 on the first direction D1 side, and the locking surface 423 (and locking surface 424) faces the front surface 440.

[0128] Within the range where the protrusion 52 can engage with the locking surfaces 423 and 424, the shape, number, and arrangement position of the protrusion 52 on the ring 5 can be appropriately varied. For example, the protrusion 52 may not be approximately rectangular. However, in order to achieve a stable engagement with the locking surfaces 423 and 424, it is preferable to have multiple points, lines, or surfaces in contact with the locking surfaces 423 and 424, rather than just one point. Additionally, the number of protrusions 52 may be one, but to stably maintain the installation state of the ring 5 relative to the housing 4, two or more are preferred. Furthermore, the number of locking walls 42 and guide walls 44 can be varied depending on the number of protrusions 52. The protrusion 52 does not need to be located at the rear end of the ring 5 (cylindrical portion 51); for example, it can be located at the central portion or front end in the front-rear direction. The distance between the locking surfaces 423 and 423 of the housing 4 and the front surface 460 of the rear flange 46 can be appropriately varied depending on the distance between the front end of the protrusion 52 and the rear surface 550 of the front flange 55.

[0129] The number of locking surfaces (locking positions of protrusions 52) provided on the locking wall 42 can also be one. That is, the fan unit 1 does not necessarily need to correspond to the thickness of various fabrics 90. Alternatively, more than three locking surfaces can be provided. When the number of locking surfaces (locking positions) is changed, the number of limiting walls 431 and 432 can be changed accordingly.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the protrusion 52 has two functions: preventing the ring 5 from moving in the direction of detachment from the housing 4, and restricting the ring 5 from rotating circumferentially in the direction of detachment from the locking wall 42. However, a structure restricting the rotation of the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 can be provided separately from the protrusion 52. For example, a recess can be provided on the outer peripheral surface 410 of the cylindrical portion 41, and a locking piece with claws that can engage with the recess and can elastically deform can be provided on the ring 5. In addition, the rotation limiting portion 43 (limiting walls 431, 432) can be omitted. This is because, due to the elasticity of the fabric 90, the front surface 520 of the protrusion 52 is pressed against the locking surfaces 423, 424, thereby restricting the rotation of the ring 5 relative to the housing 4 to a certain extent.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the front surface 440 (guide surface) of the guide wall 44 is substantially inclined at a certain angle from the first end 441 toward the second end 442. However, the structure of the front surface 440 can be suitably modified as long as the ring 5 moves rearward relative to the housing 4 in response to the protrusion 52 abutting against the front surface 440 and moving in the first direction D1. For example, the inclination angle of the front surface 440 can vary between the first end 441 and the second end 442. In addition, for example, a portion of the front surface 440 can be bent in the front-rear direction. In addition, for example, the front surface 440 can also be configured such that its position in the front-rear direction changes in stages as it moves from the first end 441 toward the second end 442. In other words, the front surface 440 can be formed as a stepped surface. Specifically, for example, the front surface 440 can be formed by a plurality of planes (or a plurality of inclined surfaces inclined in the circumferential direction) that are substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation A1 and at least one connecting surface connecting two adjacent planes (or inclined surfaces). In this case, the plane (or inclined surface) that is closer to the second end 442 should be positioned further back than the plane (or inclined surface) that is closer to the first end 441.

[0132] The front surface 420 of the locking wall 42, like the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44, can slope rearward as it approaches the first direction D1. In this case, the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42 and the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44, which is substantially connected to its first direction D1 side, collectively form a continuous guide surface that slopes rearward as it approaches the first direction D1. Furthermore, even if the first end 441 of the guide wall 44 is slightly separated from the locking wall 42 on the second direction D2 side, the front surface 420 of the locking wall 42 and the front surface 440 of the guide wall 44 can collectively form a substantially continuous guide surface as long as the circumferential length of the protrusion 52 is sufficiently longer than this separation distance.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the front component 401 and the rear component 402 are detachably connected to each other by the elastic engagement of the locking piece 413 of the front component 401 and the locking wall 42 of the rear component 402. However, a locking portion capable of engaging with the locking piece 413 may be provided separately on the rear component 402 from the locking wall 42, and the front component 401 and the rear component 402 may also be detachably connected by other methods. Alternatively, the front component 401 and the rear component 402 may also be connected in a substantially non-detachable manner.

[0134] The garment capable of detachably mounting the fan unit 1 does not need to be a top like the jacket 9; it could also be a bottom like trousers. Alternatively, in the case of a garment with a double-layered structure of fabric and lining, the fan mounting part 93 is located on the fabric, and when the fan unit 1 is installed, the exhaust side cover 48 is positioned in the internal space between the fabric and lining. In this case, by appropriately providing unsewn portions (openings) of the fabric and lining at the neckline or underarms, air supplied to the internal space can be exhausted to the outside. Furthermore, the position and number of the fan mounting parts 93 on the garment can be appropriately varied.

[0135] Furthermore, in view of the spirit of this technical solution, the above-described embodiments and their variations, the following methods are constructed. At least one of the following methods can be used in combination with at least one of the above-described embodiments and their variations, as well as the technical solutions described in each claim.

[0136] [Method 1]

[0137] In the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the housing, at least the area in front of the guide wall does not have a protrusion that projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface.

[0138] [Method 2]

[0139] The distance from the first axis to the outer peripheral surface of the at least one locking wall is approximately the same as the distance from the first axis to the outer peripheral surface of the at least one guide wall.

[0140] [Method 3]

[0141] The inner circumferential surface of the ring slides substantially, at least partially, on the outer circumferential surface of the at least one locking wall and the at least one guide wall.

[0142] [Method 4]

[0143] The distance from the first axis to the outer peripheral surface of the at least one limiting wall is smaller than the distance from the first axis to the outer peripheral surface of the at least one locking wall.

[0144] [Method 5]

[0145] The plurality of locking walls and the plurality of guiding walls are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction with substantially no gaps.

[0146] [Method 6]

[0147] The at least one locking wall is configured to separate forward from the front surface of the first clamping portion.

[0148] In the front-back direction, the position of the at least one locking surface is located behind the position of the guide surface at the first end and in front of the position of the guide surface at the second end.

[0149] [Method 7]

[0150] The plurality of locking surfaces includes a first locking surface and a second locking surface, wherein the second locking surface is located in the circumferential direction at a position closer to the first locking surface in the first direction than the first locking surface.

[0151] In the front-back direction, the second locking surface is located further back than the first locking surface.

[0152] [Method 8]

[0153] The at least one locking surface is configured to abut against the at least one protrusion from the rear or front when the ring is mounted on the housing, thereby preventing the ring and the housing from moving away from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0154] [Method 9]

[0155] The at least one guide wall has a first end and a second end in the circumferential direction.

[0156] The at least one locking wall is disposed adjacent to the second end of the at least one guide wall in the circumferential direction.

[0157] The guide surface is configured such that its position in the front-to-back direction changes as it moves from the first end toward the second end.

[0158] [Method 10]

[0159] The guide surface is configured such that, during the installation of the ring onto the housing, it abuts against the at least one protrusion in the front-rear direction from the direction opposite to the at least one locking surface, and guides the at least one protrusion in a first direction from the first end toward the second end, thereby guiding the ring rearward relative to the housing and guiding the at least one protrusion to at least one locking position where it can abut against the at least one locking surface.

Claims

1. A ventilation device that can be detachably installed on clothing, characterized in that, It has a motor, a fan, a housing, and a ring, among which, The fan is driven by the motor to rotate about a first axis that defines the front-back direction of the air delivery device; The housing is a housing for housing the motor and the fan, comprising: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion disposed around the fan, and a first clamping portion protruding radially outward from the rear end of the peripheral wall portion; The ring is a cylindrical ring that is detachably installed around the peripheral wall of the housing and is positioned in front of the first clamping part, enabling it to clamp the fabric of the garment together with the first clamping part. At least one protrusion projecting radially outward from the peripheral wall portion is provided on one of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral surface of the ring, i.e., on the first surface. On the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral surface of the ring, i.e., on the second surface, at least one locking wall and at least one guide wall protruding radially are respectively provided. The at least one locking wall is disposed adjacent to one end of the at least one guide wall in the circumferential direction and has at least one locking surface configured to prevent the ring and the housing from moving away from each other in the front-rear direction. The at least one guide wall guides the ring rearward relative to the housing and has a guide surface configured to guide the at least one protrusion to at least one locking position capable of abutting against the at least one locking surface. In the front-back direction, on the side of the protrusion away from the guide surface, an open space extends from the guide surface to a position corresponding to the second surface. The housing is formed by connecting the first component and the second component in a separable manner in the front-rear direction. The at least one guide wall is disposed on the second component. On the inner circumferential surface of the ring, an additional protrusion is provided at a position forward of the at least one protrusion, protruding radially inward from the inner circumferential surface.

2. The air supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one first rotation limiting part is provided on one of the housing and the ring. At least one second rotation limiting part is provided on the other side of the housing and the ring, the second rotation limiting part being configured to limit the rotation of the ring relative to the housing about the first axis by engaging with the first rotation limiting part.

3. The air supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one first rotation limiting portion includes the at least one protrusion. The at least one second rotation limiting portion includes at least one limiting wall protruding from the second surface. The at least one limiting wall is disposed on one side of the at least one guide wall in the circumferential direction relative to the at least one locking position.

4. The air supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When at least one guide wall is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, the guide surface is the front surface of the at least one guide wall, and in the circumferential direction it slopes at least partially backward toward one end. When at least one guide wall is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring, the guide surface is the rear surface of the at least one guide wall, and is at least partially inclined forward in the circumferential direction as it approaches one end.

5. The air supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one locking surface includes a plurality of locking surfaces disposed at different positions in the front-rear direction and the circumferential direction.

6. The air supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The at least one guide wall includes a plurality of guide walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The at least one locking wall includes a plurality of locking walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of guide walls extend circumferentially between adjacent locking walls in the plurality of locking walls.

7. The air supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one protrusion protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the ring. The at least one guide wall and the at least one locking wall protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the housing.

8. The air supply device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first component includes at least the first clamping portion and an air intake side cover, wherein the air intake side cover has a plurality of air inlets and covers the opening at the rear end of the peripheral wall portion. The second component includes at least a portion of the peripheral wall and an exhaust side cover, wherein the exhaust side cover has a plurality of exhaust ports and covers the opening at the front end of the peripheral wall. At least one locking wall is disposed on the first component.

9. The air supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The motor and the fan are housed in the second component.

10. The air supply device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first component includes a first peripheral wall portion that is part of the peripheral wall portion. The second component includes a second peripheral wall portion, which is another part of the peripheral wall portion, and is partially embedded around the first peripheral wall portion. The outer peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall portion forms the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The at least one locking wall is disposed on the first peripheral wall portion of the first component and protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface via a recess formed in the second peripheral wall.

11. The air supply device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second component is provided with at least one locking tab, which has a claw at its top end and is capable of elastic deformation in the radial direction. The claw is engaged with the at least one locking wall in a state that allows it to be disengaged in response to the elastic deformation of the at least one locking tab.

12. The air supply device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The at least one guide wall includes a plurality of guide walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The at least one locking wall includes a plurality of locking walls arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of guide walls extend circumferentially between adjacent locking walls among the plurality of locking walls, and have a first end and a second end in the circumferential direction. The guiding surface is the front surface of each of the plurality of guiding walls, and is configured to guide the protrusion in a first direction from the first end toward the second end. The plurality of guide walls are respectively configured such that the guide surface extends substantially continuously from one of the front surfaces of the plurality of locking walls toward the first direction, wherein the one front surface is disposed on a second direction side opposite to the first direction relative to the guide wall.

13. The air supply device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The peripheral wall portion of the at least one guide wall is approximately a right-angled triangle when viewed from the radially outer side. The first end is substantially connected to one of the plurality of locking walls that is disposed on the second direction side relative to the guide wall. The rear end of at least one guide wall is substantially connected to the front surface of the first clamping portion. The guide surface is substantially inclined backward at a certain angle from the first end to the second end.

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