Labeled electrical device

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical device in which the appearance of a label attached to an exterior case is improved. An electrical device is provided with: a resin exterior case (2); a label (4) attached to an attachment region (3) provided on the surface of the exterior case (2); and a heat generating member (5) housed in the exterior case (2), the attachment region (3) being provided with a plurality of grooves (31) extending in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical equipment with labels affixed to the outer casing. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs with built-in rechargeable batteries are conveniently used as power sources for various electrical products. These battery packs house the rechargeable batteries within a resin casing, depending on the intended use. For example, they are used as power sources for portable electrical products such as digital cameras or camcorders, wireless devices, power tools, and electric cleaners, or as power sources for electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, and electric trolleys.

[0003] In such battery packs, labels are affixed to the surface of the pack to clearly indicate information such as voltage and capacity. These labels are typically attached to the outer casing using an adhesive layer on one side. However, the rechargeable batteries housed in the pack sometimes heat up due to repeated charging and discharging. Sometimes, the resin outer casing is heated to high temperatures due to the temperature rise of the built-in rechargeable batteries, causing gas to escape from the resin casing. In such cases, the gas escaping from the resin casing sometimes forms bubbles between the casing and the label, resulting in a deteriorated appearance.

[0004] Furthermore, this drawback is not limited to battery packs; it can also occur in electrical devices with built-in heat-generating components within resin casings. For example, in electrical devices such as chargers and power adapters that incorporate semiconductor components and transformers, the temperature sometimes rises during use. In such cases, when gas is released from the resin casing, this gas can sometimes form bubbles between the casing and the label, resulting in a deterioration in appearance.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-109050

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-108625

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-044888 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an electrical device that improves the appearance of a label affixed to an outer casing.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] An electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a resin outer housing; a label affixed to an attachment area provided on the surface of the outer housing; and a heating element housed in the outer housing, the attachment area having a plurality of grooves extending in one direction.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] The electrical device according to the present invention can provide an electrical device that improves the appearance of a label affixed to an outer casing. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a battery pack of an electrical device as described in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shown is a magnified, exploded 3D view of the battery pack with its label removed.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The battery pack shown is a cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The battery pack shown is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the battery pack shown.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing another example of the battery pack of the electrical device as embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view showing an example of a charger for an electrical device, as described in Embodiment 3, with its label removed.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view showing another example of a charger for an electrical device as described in Embodiment 4, with its label removed.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged exploded perspective view showing another example of an electric appliance, which is an electrical device according to Embodiment 5, with its label removed.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a magnified 3D view showing an example of a previous label.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the outer casing of Comparative Example 1.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the outer casing of Comparative Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Here, one aspect of the present invention will be explained. When an electrical device is in use, if a heat-generating component such as a secondary battery housed in the outer casing heats up, the resin outer casing may release gas due to the heat. At this time, if a label is affixed to the surface of the outer casing, the generated gas may accumulate between the surface of the outer casing and the label, forming bubbles. This results in a poor appearance when bubbles form on the inside of the label; therefore, a solution to prevent the formation of such bubbles has been considered.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of a label 94 for which countermeasures have been implemented to eliminate this drawback. The label 94 shown in the figure is composed of a plurality of adhesive blocks 96 arranged in a matrix, with adhesive layers 96 disposed on one side of a substrate sheet 95. The adhesive blocks 96 shown in the figure are planar squares, and gaps 97 are provided in a grid pattern between the matrix-arranged adhesive blocks 96. This label 94 is designed so that, when the surface with the adhesive layers 96 is attached to the surface of an outer casing, any gas released from the resin casing passes through the gaps 97 provided between the adhesive blocks 96 and is discharged. However, according to this label 94 structure, there is a problem that when the gaps 97 formed between the adhesive blocks 96 are crushed, the generated gas cannot be discharged, resulting in gas residue and the formation of bubbles on the inside of the label 94.

[0030] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the inventors have investigated a structure that discharges gas generated on the back side of the label by changing the surface state of the outer casing instead of the label. The inventors as follows... Figure 11 As with the outer casing 82 of Comparative Example 1, an attempt was made to expel escaping gas to the outside and prevent the generation of bubbles by implementing a fine textured surface. However, according to this construction, when a label is attached, sometimes the adhesive of the label enters between the fine textures 83, thereby blocking the fine textures and preventing gas from reliably escaping.

[0031] Therefore, the inventors have produced a prototype. Figure 12The comparative example 2d shows an outer casing 92. This outer casing 92 has a plurality of slots 91 arranged in a grid pattern on its surface. The outer casing 92 shown in the figure forms surface blocks 93 of a top-view rectangular shape, divided by the grid-like slots 91 on its surface, and is configured to attach labels to the upper surface of these surface blocks 93. In this case, the grid-like slots 91 on the surface of the outer casing 92 allow for efficient movement of generated gas, effectively preventing bubble formation. However, there is a drawback: the grooved marks of the casing are visible on the surface of the thin label, resulting in an unsightly appearance.

[0032] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the inventors have achieved a structure by providing a uniquely shaped uneven pattern in the attachment area on the surface of the outer casing, thereby reliably preventing the generation of air bubbles by excluding the release gas generated from the resin casing and ensuring a good appearance of the label attached to the surface of the outer casing. This structure is described in detail below.

[0033] To eliminate the above-mentioned problems, an electrical device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a resin outer housing; a label affixed to an attachment area provided on the surface of the outer housing; and a heating element housed in the outer housing, the attachment area having a plurality of grooves extending in one direction.

[0034] Even when gas is released from the resin in the label application area of ​​the above-mentioned electrical equipment, the generated gas can be guided to grooves provided in the application area, effectively preventing residual gas and air bubbles from forming between the housing surface and the label, thus avoiding a deterioration in the appearance of the label application area. Furthermore, the multiple grooves extending in one direction in the application area allow for aesthetically pleasing label application along the surface of the outer housing while preventing a decrease in label visual legibility. Additionally, it has the advantage that during the manufacturing of the electrical equipment, air is prevented from entering between the housing surface and the label during the label application process, thus ensuring a good appearance in the initial state after label application.

[0035] In this specification, gas release refers to the gas generated from the resin shell when the resin shell is heated, and is the gas formed by the heating of resin components, water contained in the resin, or water permeating the shell, and includes various gases such as water vapor.

[0036] This invention does not limit the electrical device to the following, but can also be defined by the following structures and features. In other embodiments of the power supply device of this invention, the surface of the outer casing includes a curved surface, and the attachment area also includes a curved surface. With the above structure, the attachment area is provided over a wider range on the outer casing, thereby increasing the area of ​​the attached label. Furthermore, by attaching the label along the curved surface, a better appearance can be achieved.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the electrical device can be configured such that the plurality of slots formed on the curved surface are orthogonal to the extension direction of the outer housing when viewed from above. With this structure, slots can be provided on the curved surface while simultaneously facilitating mold demolding and reducing mold costs.

[0038] In other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in any of the embodiments described above, the outer casing is a box-shaped or cylindrical shape that extends in the length direction, and multiple slots extend in directions intersecting the length direction. With the above structure, since slots are provided that intersect the length direction of the outer casing, the total length of each slot can be shortened, thereby shortening the exhaust path and enabling efficient exhaust.

[0039] In other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in any of the embodiments described above, the attachment area is rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and a plurality of slots are inclined obliquely relative to the sides of the rectangular attachment area. With the above structure, it is possible to easily prevent the edge of the label from easily lifting and peeling off in the slots.

[0040] In other embodiments of the electrical device described above, the outer casing is a box-shaped structure formed by connecting side walls to both sides of a planar surface plate and end walls to both ends of the surface plate. The boundary between the surface plate and the side walls is curved, and an attachment area is provided extending from the surface plate to the side walls. With this structure, the attachment area is expanded by extending to adjacent surfaces of the outer casing, thereby increasing the area of ​​the attached label. In particular, by making the boundary between adjacent surfaces curved, the label can be properly attached along the surface of the outer casing.

[0041] In other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in the embodiments described above, the outer housing is provided with a plurality of grooves extending from the surface plate portion to the side wall. According to the above structure, since the grooves extending across adjacent surfaces are provided, gas generated on the inner surface side of the label can also flow and be discharged on the adjacent surface side via the continuous grooves.

[0042] In other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in any of the embodiments described above, the end edge of the slot is open from the outer periphery of the label. According to the above structure, by opening the end edge of the slot from the outer periphery of the label, gas flowing in the slot can be efficiently exhausted to the outside from the open portion.

[0043] In other embodiments of the present invention, the electrical device can have the groove depth (d) set to 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm in any of the embodiments described above.

[0044] In other embodiments of the present invention, the electrical device can have the opening width (W) of the slot set to 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and the width (H) of the convex surface forming the cross-sectional concave-convex shape of the plurality of slots set to 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0045] In other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in any of the embodiments described above, the heating element is a secondary battery, and a label displays information about the secondary battery. Additionally, in other embodiments of the electrical device of the present invention, in the embodiments described above, the electrical device is configured as a battery pack.

[0046] In other embodiments of the present invention, in any of the embodiments described above, the heating element is a semiconductor element or a transformer, and the electrical device is configured as a charger or power adapter.

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples used to concretize the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention is not specifically defined as the following embodiments. Furthermore, this specification does not intend to specify the components shown in the technical solutions as components of the embodiments. In particular, unless specifically stated otherwise, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples. It should be noted that the size, positional relationships, etc., of the components shown in the various drawings are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Further, in the following description, the same name and reference numerals denote the same or homogeneous components, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. Moreover, the elements constituting the present invention can be composed of multiple elements from the same component, or one component can perform the functions of multiple elements; conversely, multiple components can share the function of one component.

[0048] The electrical device of the present invention is an electrical device in which a heating element is housed in a resin outer casing, and a label is affixed to an attachment area provided on the outer casing. In this specification, the heating element is a component that generates heat during use, and examples include secondary batteries, semiconductor elements, transformers, etc., which generate heat during charging and discharging. Therefore, examples of the electrical device of the present invention include battery packs housing secondary batteries in an outer casing, chargers and power adapters housing semiconductor elements, transformers, etc., in an outer casing. However, the present invention is not limited to using secondary batteries, semiconductor elements, or transformers as heating elements; they can also be motors, heaters, light bulbs, light-emitting elements, etc., which serve as loads. Therefore, the electrical device of the present invention, in addition to battery packs, chargers, and power adapters, can also be power tools with built-in motors, electric toothbrushes or electric shavers equipped with motors and secondary batteries, electric hand warmers or electric foot warmers equipped with heaters, lighting fixtures equipped with light bulbs and light-emitting elements, etc. The following embodiments 1 and 2 show battery packs, embodiments 3 and 4 show chargers, and embodiment 5 shows electric appliances.

[0049] [Implementation Method 1]

[0050] Figures 1-4 A battery pack 100 is shown as an electrical device according to Embodiment 1. The battery pack 100 shown in the figure houses a secondary battery 1, which serves as a heating element 5, inside the outer casing 2. The secondary battery 1 sometimes generates heat during repeated charging and discharging. Therefore, in the battery pack 100 with the secondary battery 1 built in, the secondary battery 1 corresponds to the heating element 5.

[0051] (Secondary battery 1)

[0052] The battery pack 100 in the figure serves as a secondary battery 1, with two cylindrical batteries 1A arranged in parallel rows and housed in the outer casing 2. The battery pack 100 can adjust its charging and discharging capacity by adjusting the number of cylindrical batteries 1 housed in the outer casing 2. Therefore, the battery pack 100 houses a number of secondary batteries 1 with the optimal capacity for its intended use.

[0053] The secondary battery 1 is a lithium-ion secondary battery. Lithium-ion secondary batteries have a large charge / discharge capacity relative to their capacity and weight, allowing for a smaller overall size of the battery pack 100, while also increasing charge / discharge capacity and reducing weight. However, the battery pack of the present invention can use any other rechargeable battery instead of a lithium-ion secondary battery. Furthermore, while the battery pack in the figure shows a cylindrical battery 1A as the secondary battery 1, prismatic batteries, laminated batteries, etc., can also be used in the secondary battery 1.

[0054] (Outer casing 2)

[0055] The outer casing 2 is made of resin, and a label 4 is affixed to the attachment area 3 on its surface. The resin used for the outer casing 2 is a thermoplastic resin, preferably a flame-retardant resin. For example, polycarbonate can be used as such a resin. However, other resins can also be used.

[0056] The outer casing 2 is provided with a storage space for storing the secondary battery 1 inside. The outer casing 2 has an overall box shape and stores the secondary battery 1 and other electronic components inside. The box-shaped outer casing 2 can also be rectangular in shape, or it can be designed with curved surfaces depending on the size and shape of the secondary battery 1 and the various internal components. Figures 1-4 The outer casing 2 shown is a box-shaped structure that extends in the length direction and is designed to extend axially along the built-in cylindrical battery 1A.

[0057] Figures 1-4 The outer casing 2 shown is composed of a first casing 2x and a second casing 2y, respectively molded from resin. The outer casing 2 shown in the figure is configured as follows: the first casing 2x and the second casing 2y are box-shaped with a bottom, with their opposing opening edges connected to each other, and the secondary battery 1 and circuit board 20 are housed inside. The first casing 2x and the second casing 2y are fixed by ultrasonic welding of their opposing opening edges. In the battery pack 100 shown in the figure, the upper casing is designated as the first casing 2x, and the lower casing is designated as the second casing 2y. Figures 1-3 The outer casing 2 is formed such that the first casing 2x is deeper than the second casing 2y, and an attachment area 3 is provided on the surface of the first casing 2x which is wider than the second casing 2y.

[0058] (First shell 2x)

[0059] The first housing 2x has sidewalls 12 on both sides of the planar surface plate portion 11, and a curved portion 13 is provided at the boundary between the surface plate portion 11 and the sidewalls 12. The first housing 2x is integrally formed into a box shape by connecting vertical end face walls 14 at both ends of the surface plate portion 11, the sidewalls 12, and the curved portion 13. The first housing 2x shown in the figure is provided with a curved portion 13 that bends along the outer peripheral surface of the built-in cylindrical battery 1A. Figure 4 The first housing 2x shown has a curved portion 13 shaped to cover approximately one-quarter of the outer periphery of the cylindrical battery 1A, a surface plate portion 11 that is planar extending horizontally, and sidewalls 12 that are vertical. This first housing 2x forms a rectangular periphery when viewed from below using the sidewalls 12 on both sides and the end face walls 14 at both ends, and the end faces of these periphery walls serve as connecting surfaces to the second housing 2y. The sidewalls 12 and end face walls 14 are provided with welding ribs 18 protruding from the front end face, and are fixed to the opposite surface of the second housing 2y by ultrasonic welding.

[0060] (Second shell 2y)

[0061] The second housing 2y is integrally formed into a shallow box shape consisting of a planar surface plate 15, curved portions 13 connecting both sides of the surface plate 15, and end face walls 14 vertically connecting the two ends of the surface plate 15 and the curved portions 13. Furthermore, the second housing 2y is as follows... Figure 4 As shown, horizontal portions 16 that press against the ultrasonic welding head are provided along both sides of the curved portions 13. The second housing 2y has a welding groove 19 that guides the welding ribs 18 of the first housing 2x on the front end face of the connecting wall 17 and the end face wall 14 provided in the horizontal portion 16.

[0062] (Attachment area 3)

[0063] The outer casing 2 is provided with an attachment area 3 for attaching a label 4 to the surface. Figure 2 The outer casing 2 shown has an attachment area 3 on the surface of the first casing 2x. Figure 2 The attachment area 3 shown extends from the surface plate portion 11 of the first housing 2x to the side wall 12, allowing the label 4 to be attached over a wider area of ​​the outer housing 2. This structure, extending the attachment area 3 from the planar surface plate portion 11 to the side wall 12 via the curved surface 13, has the advantage of allowing the label 4 to be attached from the surface plate portion 11 to the side wall 12 while bending along the curved portion 13, resulting in a good appearance. The outer housing 2 shown in the figure has the attachment area 3 provided almost entirely over the surface plate portion 11, the curved portion 13, and the side wall 12 extending along the length direction. However, the outer housing may also have attachment areas provided only partially on the surface plate portion, the curved portion, and the side wall. Furthermore, the attachment area provided on the outer housing may be provided only on the surface plate portion, or it may be provided on both the surface plate portion and the curved portion.

[0064] (Groove 31, Convex surface 32)

[0065] Furthermore, the outer casing 2 is provided with multiple grooves 31 located inside the label 4 attached to the attachment area 3 to allow venting generated from the outer casing 2 to flow in. By providing air movement space on the back side of the label 4, the multiple grooves 31 suppress venting generated from the outer casing 2 from remaining between the label 4 and the outer casing 2, and prevent air bubbles from forming inside the label 4. The outer casing 2, as... Figure 2 as well as Figure 5As shown, multiple rows of grooves 31 are arranged at equal intervals in a parallel orientation in the attachment region 3. In the attachment region 3, between adjacent grooves 31, convex surfaces 32 are formed, creating a cross-sectional concave-convex shape for each groove 31. The convex surfaces 32 are strips extending along the grooves 31, with smooth upper surfaces. Multiple rows of convex surfaces 32 are arranged with their upper surfaces aligned on the same plane. Specifically, the multiple rows of convex surfaces 32 formed on the surface plate portion 11 and the sidewall 12 are arranged in a planar configuration, while the multiple rows of convex surfaces 32 formed along the curved portion 13 are arranged along the curved surface of the curved portion 13.

[0066] Adjacent grooves 31 are formed in a parallel configuration, and a convex surface 32, extending along the groove 31 with a predetermined width, is formed between adjacent grooves 31. This convex surface 32 forms the area where the adhesive layer 42 of the label 4 is attached. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the attachment area 3 has convex surfaces 32 extending along the groove direction formed between multiple rows of grooves 31 arranged in a parallel manner, thereby ensuring a good appearance of the label 4 surface when the label 4 is attached to the attachment area 3. By attaching the label 4 to the convex surfaces 32 formed in a stripe pattern, the label 4 can be arranged in a stretched state along the extension direction of the convex surfaces 32, thus allowing the label 4 attached across multiple convex surfaces 32 to be attached while maintaining a good appearance and tension. In contrast, as shown... Figure 12 As shown in Comparative Example 2, the structure of providing multiple surface blocks 91 in the attachment area results in a state where the grooves 93 between the longitudinally arranged surface blocks 91 and the grooves 93 between the transversely arranged surface blocks 91 appear on the surface of the label, leading to a deterioration in appearance.

[0067] Figure 2 The outer casing 2 shown is box-shaped, extending along the axial direction (length direction) of the built-in secondary battery 1, and the multiple slots 31 are arranged to extend in directions intersecting the length direction. In particular, Figure 2 The multiple slots 31 shown extend along the short side direction orthogonal to the length direction. In other words, multiple slots 31 are provided in a manner that are parallel to the two opposite sides of the attachment area 3, which is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and to the two sides disposed on the end face wall 14 side of the surface plate portion 11. When the slots 31, which extend along the short side direction orthogonal to the length direction, are formed to cross the side wall 12 from the bend 13, the total length of each slot 31 is shortened and venting can be effectively carried out by making the slots 31 intersect the length direction of the outer housing 2.

[0068] and, Figure 2The outer casing 2 shown has multiple slots 31 extending from the bend 13 to the side wall 12, which extend in a direction orthogonal to the length of the outer casing 2 when viewed from above. That is, the slots 31 formed from the bend 13 toward the side wall 12 open in a vertical plane orthogonal to the length of the outer casing 2. This configuration, with multiple slots 31 opening, has the advantage of facilitating easy demolding of the mold forming the slots 31 in the bend 13 and the side wall 12. This is because by setting the extension direction of the slots 31 formed in the bend 13 and the side wall 12 to a vertical direction, the slots can be formed while facilitating easy demolding.

[0069] Figure 2 The outer casing 2 shown is provided with a plurality of grooves 31 extending from the surface plate portion 11 across the side wall 12. That is, the plurality of grooves 31 formed in the surface plate portion 11 are connected to the grooves 31 formed in the curved portion 13, and are also connected to the grooves 31 formed in the side wall 12. The grooves 31 configured in this way allow the vent gas generated in the surface plate portion 11 to move to the grooves 31 provided in the side wall 12, and can be discharged to the outside from the end edge of the label 4. Figure 2 The outer casing 2 shown is configured such that the lower end of the slot 31 provided on the side wall 2 is open to the outside, allowing the vent gas moving in the slot 31 to be discharged to the outside from this open portion. However, it is not necessary for the ends of the multiple slots 31 to be open from the outer periphery of the label 4; the end edges of the slots 31 can also be closed by the label. This configuration does not discharge the generated vent gas to the outside of the slot 31 but stores it inside the slot 31, thereby preventing the appearance of the label 4 from deteriorating.

[0070] Figure 2 The outer casing 2 shown is formed by arranging multiple slots 31 in a parallel configuration, resulting in alternating strip-shaped convex surfaces 32 and slots 31 forming a stripe-like pattern. The multiple slots 31 are as follows... Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 The grooves 31 are formed with the same opening width (W), and the convex surfaces 32 formed between each groove 31 are also formed with the same width (H). Here, the opening width (W) of the groove 31 can be set to 0.1~0.5mm, preferably 0.2~0.4mm, and the width (H) of the convex surfaces 32 formed between the grooves 31 can be set to 0.1~0.5mm, preferably 0.2~0.4mm. Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the structure in which multiple grooves 31 are arranged in a stripe pattern is optimized by adjusting the ratio of the width (H) of the convex surface 32 to the opening width (W) of the groove 31, thereby adjusting the overall volume of the groove in the attachment area 3 and the total area of ​​the convex surface 32 to which the label 4 is attached to be optimal.

[0071] Figure 5The groove 31 shown has a flat bottom surface with a width approximately equal to the opening width (W) of the groove 31. This construction, where the cross-sectional shape of the multiple grooves 31 is a rectangular wavy, uneven shape, has the advantage of increasing the volume of the grooves 31 and allowing reliable flow of gas released from the resin. Furthermore, although not shown, the multiple grooves 31 formed in the attachment region 3 can also be designed to gradually narrow in width from the opening towards the bottom. This groove shape, by having a trapezoidal wavy cross-sectional shape, allows the sides of the groove to be inclined, enabling the setting of the draft angle of the molding die and subsequent molding. Moreover, the multiple grooves can also have U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sections.

[0072] The volume of the multiple slots 31 can be adjusted by adjusting both the opening width (W) and the depth (d). Regarding the multiple slots 31 formed in the attachment area 3, their depth (d) can be formed to be 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, preferably 0.06 to 0.14 mm. The depth (d) of the slots 31 formed in the attachment area 3 can also be adjusted by the thickness (D) of the outer casing 2; for example, the depth (d) of the slots 31 can be set to 1 / 20 to 1 / 5 of the thickness (D) of the outer casing 2.

[0073] As described above, by providing multiple grooves 31 in the attachment area 3, the vent gas generated from the outer casing 2 is guided by the grooves 31 to prevent air bubbles from forming on the back side of the label 4, thus preventing it from remaining on the back side of the label 4. Here, the vent gas guided by the grooves 31 flows to the end edge of the grooves 31 and is discharged to the outside from the open end edge at the outer periphery of the label 4.

[0074] (Label 4)

[0075] Tag 4, etc. Figure 5 An adhesive layer 42 is provided on one side of the substrate sheet 41. The substrate sheet 41 can be, for example, a sheet made of PET. Figure 5 The label shown has a substrate sheet 41 thickness (t1) of 0.02~0.4 mm, an adhesive layer 42 on the substrate sheet 41 with a thickness (t2) of 0.02~0.05 mm, and an overall label 4 thickness (t) of 0.04~0.45 mm. The label 4 displays information related to the electrical equipment being used, information about the secondary battery 1, etc. on its surface.

[0076] (Step 33)

[0077] and, Figure 5The outer casing 2 shown has a stepped portion 33 that is one level lower than the outer side of the attachment area 3, so that the surface of the label 4 attached to the attachment area 3 and the surface of the outer casing 2 outside the attachment area 3 are on the same plane. The stepped portion 3 is shaped along the outer periphery of the label, and preferably is formed as a step (h) equal to the thickness (t) of the label. In this way, the construction of providing the stepped portion 33 in the attachment area 3 allows the label 4 to be accurately attached by positioning the outer periphery of the label 4 along the stepped portion 33.

[0078] (Battery Block 9)

[0079] The battery pack 100 houses a battery block 9, which is formed by integrally connecting two cylindrical batteries 1A and a circuit board 20, within the outer casing 2. The battery block 9 arranges the two cylindrical batteries 1A in a parallel orientation and connects them to the circuit board 20 at opposite positions to the end faces of the cylindrical batteries 1A. Alternatively, the battery block 9 arranges the two cylindrical batteries 1A in opposite directions, connecting the end faces of one battery to each other using a lead plate 25 and connecting leads 25a extending from the lead plate 25 to the circuit board 20. The end faces of the other battery are connected to the circuit board 20 via lead plates 26. The two cylindrical batteries 1A are connected in series and then connected to the circuit board 20. A battery holder 24 is disposed between the two cylindrical batteries 1A and insulated from each other, and the two cylindrical batteries 1A are connected in a fixed position. The battery block 9 is disposed inside the outer housing 2, and the positive and negative output terminals 21 and signal terminals 22 fixed to the circuit board 20 are exposed to the outside through the electrode window 23 provided in the outer housing 2.

[0080] (Electrode window 23)

[0081] One end face 14 of the first housing 2x is provided with an electrode window 23 that exposes the positive and negative output terminals 21 and the signal terminals 22. A circuit board 20 is disposed inside the electrode window 23. The circuit board 20 is as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, an output terminal 21 and a signal terminal 22 are provided at the position of the electrode window 23. The circuit board 20 is connected to the battery holder 24 that holds the cylindrical battery 1A in a fixed position.

[0082] The battery holder 24 is molded from plastic so that the two cylindrical batteries 1A can be positioned in a fixed position while being insulated. Figure 4 The battery holder 24 shown has curved surfaces on both sides that are opposite to the cylindrical battery 1A, and positions the two cylindrical batteries 1A in a fixed position. The battery holder 24 holds the two cylindrical batteries 1A in a fixed position with their orientations parallel to each other and in opposite directions.

[0083] The battery holder 24 positions the circuit board 20 and the cylindrical battery 1A in a fixed position and assembles them into a battery block 9. Figure 4 The battery block 9 shown connects two cylindrical batteries 1A in series to the circuit board 20 via a lead plate 25 and is positioned in a fixed position on the battery holder 24. Furthermore, on the circuit board 20 side, the end electrodes of the cylindrical batteries 1A are connected to the circuit board 20 via a lead plate 26.

[0084] [Implementation Method 2]

[0085] Figure 6 This illustrates a battery pack 110 as an alternative configuration of the electrical device in Embodiment 2. The battery pack 110 shown in the figure is relative to... Figures 1-4 The battery pack 100 of Embodiment 1 shown has different shapes for the groove 31A and the convex surface 32A provided in the attachment area 3A. Therefore, components other than these structures are labeled with the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0086] Figure 6 The outer casing 2A shown has the extension direction of the multiple rows of grooves 31A formed on the planar surface plate portion 11 and the convex surfaces 32A formed between the grooves 31A inclined relative to the edge of the attachment area 3A which is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Figure 6 The outer casing 2A shown has multiple slots 31A and multiple rows of convex surfaces 32A with an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the edge of the attachment area 3A. In this way, the construction of multiple rows of slots 31A arranged in an inclined posture relative to the edge of the rectangular attachment area 3A when viewed from above can effectively prevent the edge of the label 4 from easily floating up and peeling off between the slots 31A.

[0087] The multiple rows of grooves 31 and convex surfaces 32 formed by the curved portions 13 connected to both ends of the surface plate portion 11 and the sidewalls 12 are configured, similarly to the aforementioned outer housing 2, to be located in a vertical plane orthogonal to the length direction of the outer housing 2. For example... Figure 6 As shown, at the boundary between the surface plate portion 11 and the curved portion 13, the groove 31A in the inclined position of the surface plate portion 11 and the groove 31 in the orthogonal position of the curved portion 13 are connected to each other. In addition, the convex surface 32A in the top-view inclined position of the surface plate portion 11 and the convex surface 32 in the top-view orthogonal position of the curved portion 13 are connected in a state of continuous surface connection. Therefore, even when the surface plate portion 11 releases gas, the gas flowing into the inclined groove 31A in the surface plate portion 11 can flow to the groove 31 in the sidewall 12 through the groove 31 in the curved portion 13.

[0088] The outer housing 2A with grooves 31, 31A and convex surfaces 32, 32A of the same shape as the aforementioned outer housing 2 is able to form grooves 31, 31A and convex surfaces 32, 32A extending from the surface plate portion 11 to the side wall 12 via the bending portion 13 while setting the demolding direction of the mold to the up and down direction in the figure. Therefore, it has the advantage of simplifying the mold structure and enabling inexpensive mass production.

[0089] [Implementation Method 3]

[0090] Figure 7 An example of a charger 200 as an embodiment 3 of the electrical device is shown. The charger 200 shown in the figure has an outer housing 2B with a rectangular shape without bends. The outer housing 2B is also divided into a first housing 2Bx and a second housing 2By. The first housing 2Bx has vertically oriented sidewalls 12B on both sides of the surface plate portion 11B, and vertically oriented end face walls 14B at both ends of the surface plate portion 11B and the sidewalls 12B.

[0091] Figure 7 The outer casing 2B has an attachment area 3B for the label 4B only on the surface plate portion 11B of the first casing 2Bx. Figure 7 The multiple rows of grooves 31B and the convex surfaces 32B formed between the grooves 31B make their extension direction inclined relative to the edge of the attachment area 3B, which is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Figure 7 The outer casing 2B shown also has multiple slots 31B and multiple rows of convex surfaces 32B with an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the edge of the attachment area 3B. This outer casing 2B is also configured to attach the label 4B only to the planar surface plate portion 11B, and the multiple rows of slots 31A are arranged at an inclination relative to the edge of the rectangular attachment area 3B when viewed from above. This reliably attaches the edge of the label 4 to the stepped recess 33B, effectively preventing the edge of the label 4 from easily floating up and peeling off between the slots.

[0092] [Implementation Method 4]

[0093] Figure 8 Another example of a charger 210 as an embodiment 4 of the electrical device is shown. The charger 210 shown in the figure divides the outer housing 2C into a first housing 2Cx and a second housing 2Cy. The first housing 2Cx has sidewalls 12C on both sides of a planar surface plate portion 11C, and a curved portion 13C is provided at the boundary between the surface plate portion 11C and the sidewalls 12C. Moreover, the first housing 2Cx is integrally formed into a box shape by connecting vertical end face walls 14C at both ends of the surface plate portion 11C, the sidewalls 12C and the curved portion 13C.

[0094] The outer casing 2C extends from the surface plate portion 11C to the side walls 12C on both sides, and has an attachment area 3C for the label 4C. The outer casing has multiple grooves 31C extending along the length direction in the surface plate portion 11C and the side walls 12C, as well as strip-shaped convex surfaces 32C formed between the grooves 31C. The label 4C is attached to the outer casing 2C extending from the surface plate portion 11C to the side walls 12C, but no groove is provided in the bend 34 of the attachment area 3C. This structure of the outer casing 2C, which does not include the longitudinally extending grooves 31C in the bend 34, simplifies the molding process. This outer casing 2C is configured to attach the label 4C extending from the planar surface plate portion 11C to the side walls 12C, and while reliably attaching the middle and edge portions of the label 4 to the stepped recesses 33C with a good appearance, it effectively prevents the edge of the label 4 from easily lifting and peeling off between the grooves 31C.

[0095] [Implementation Method 5]

[0096] Figure 9 An example of an electric appliance 300 as an electrical device according to Embodiment 5 is shown. The electric appliance 300 shown in the figure divides the outer housing 2D into a first housing 2Dx and a second housing 2Dy. The first housing 2Dx has side walls 12D on both sides of the bend 13D and is integrally formed into a box shape by connecting vertical end face walls 14D at both ends of the bend 11D and the side walls 12D.

[0097] The outer casing 2D extends across the sidewalls 12D on both sides of the bend 13D, and has attachment areas 3D for the label 4D. The outer casing 2D has multiple grooves 31D orthogonal to the length direction in the bend 13D and on the sidewalls 12D, as well as strip-shaped convex surfaces 32D formed between the grooves 31D. Similar to the aforementioned outer casing 2, the outer casing 2D with these grooves 31D and convex surfaces 32D can form grooves 31D extending from the bend 13D to the sidewalls 12D while setting the mold's demolding direction to the up-down direction as shown in the figure. This simplifies the mold construction and allows for inexpensive mass production. Furthermore, reliably attaching the edge of the label 4 to the stepped recess 33D effectively prevents the edge of the label 4 from easily lifting and peeling off between the grooves 31D.

[0098] Industrial applicability

[0099] The electrical equipment of the present invention comprises various electrical devices having heating elements within a resin outer casing, and can be conveniently used in battery packs, chargers, power adapters, power tools, electric toothbrushes, electric shavers, electric hand warmers, electric foot warmers, lighting fixtures, etc.

[0100] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0101] 100 and 110 battery packs

[0102] 200 and 210 chargers

[0103] 300 Electric Appliances

[0104] 1. Secondary battery

[0105] 1A cylindrical battery

[0106] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D External casing

[0107] 2x, 2Ax, 2Bx, 2Cx, 2Dx First shell

[0108] 2y, 2Ay, 2By, 2Cy, 2Dy Second shell

[0109] 3. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Attachment Areas

[0110] 4, 4B, 4C, 4D tags

[0111] 5 Heating components

[0112] 9 battery blocks

[0113] Surface plate section 11, 11B, 11C

[0114] 12, 12B, 12C, 12D sidewalls

[0115] 13, 13C, 13D Bends

[0116] End face walls 14, 14B, 14C, 14D

[0117] 15 Surface Panel

[0118] 16 Horizontal section

[0119] 17 Connecting Wall

[0120] 18 weld ribs

[0121] 19 Welding Tank

[0122] 20 Circuit board

[0123] 21 Electrode terminals

[0124] 22 signal terminal

[0125] 23 Electrode Window

[0126] 24 Battery retainer

[0127] 25 Leadsboard

[0128] 26 Leadsboard

[0129] Slots 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, and 31D

[0130] 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D Convex surfaces

[0131] 33, 33B, 33C, 33D Stepped Recesses

[0132] 34. Bend

[0133] 41 Substrate Sheet

[0134] 42 Adhesive layer

[0135] 82 External Housing

[0136] 83 Textures

[0137] 91 Surface Block

[0138] 92. Outer casing

[0139] 93 slots

[0140] 94 tags

[0141] 95 substrate sheet

[0142] 96 Adhesive Blocks

[0143] 97. Gap.

Claims

1. An electrical device comprising: Resin-made outer casing; A label, which is affixed to an affixation area provided on the surface of the outer casing; and The heating element is housed within the outer casing. in, The attachment area has multiple grooves that extend in one direction.

2. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the outer casing includes curved surfaces. The attachment area includes the curved surface.

3. The electrical equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of grooves formed on the curved surface are grooves that extend in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the outer housing when viewed from above.

4. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing is a box-shaped or cylindrical shape that extends in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of slots extend in a direction intersecting the length direction.

5. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment area is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The plurality of grooves are inclined at an angle relative to the sides of the rectangular attachment area.

6. The electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing is a box-shaped structure formed by connecting side walls to both sides of a planar surface plate and end walls to both ends of the surface plate. The boundary between the surface plate and the sidewall is designed as a curved portion. The attachment area is provided extending from the surface plate to the side wall.

7. The electrical equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The outer housing is provided with the plurality of slots extending from the surface plate portion to the sidewall.

8. The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The end edge of the groove opens from the outer periphery of the label.

9. The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The depth (d) of the groove is 0.05mm to 0.2mm.

10. The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The opening width (w) of the groove is 0.1mm~0.5mm. The width (h) of the convex surface forming the concave-convex shape in the cross section of the plurality of grooves is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

11. The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The heating element is a secondary battery. The label displays information about the secondary battery.

12. The electrical equipment according to claim 11, wherein, The electrical device is a battery pack.

13. The electrical equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The heating element is a semiconductor device or a transformer. The electrical device is a charger or power adapter.

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