spacers

Abstract

The present invention provides a spacer (1) comprising: a protrusion (10) having a frame-shaped portion (S11), a plurality of pillar portions (S12) formed to be connected to the frame-shaped portion (S11) at one end and erected from the frame-shaped portion (S11), and an erected end connecting portion (S13) connecting the other ends of the plurality of pillar portions (S12); and a flexible connecting portion (20) connecting the frame-shaped portions (S11) of the protrusions (10) located in close proximity to each other so that the plurality of protrusions (10) are connected together, wherein at least one of the three-dimensional protrusions (10) and the elastically deformable flexible connecting portion (20) is configured to have different shapes depending on the location of the spacer (1). Accordingly, the thickness or the flexibility can be different depending on the location of the spacer (1).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the parent application filed by SFT Research Institute Co., Ltd., entitled "Spacer", filed on June 3, 2021, with application number "202180041307.4". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a spacer having a space for air circulation inside its three-dimensional structure. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, it was known that a spacer was housed inside fan-operated clothing or fan-operated cushions, forming a space for air circulation inside them (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The spacer is, for example, as shown in... Figures 9A-9D As shown, there is a spacer structure S, which includes: a protrusion S1 having a frame-shaped portion S11, four pillar portions S12 formed with one end connected to the frame-shaped portion S11 and erected from the frame-shaped portion S11, and an erected end connecting portion S13 connecting the other ends of the four pillar portions S12; and a flexible connecting portion S2 connecting the frame-shaped portions S11 of adjacent protrusions S1 to each other.

[0005] The spacer with the above-described three-dimensional structure has the flexibility to bend in both the longitudinal and transverse directions and has appropriate pressure resistance in its thickness direction, thus making it an ideal spacer for allowing air to circulate in relatively narrow spaces.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4067034

[0007] However, recently, as the applications of spacers have expanded, various requirements have emerged corresponding to these applications, leading to situations where traditional spacers are no longer sufficient to meet these needs.

[0008] Therefore, the inventors conducted in-depth research until they developed a spacer that is easy to use in various applications. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spacer that can be used in a variety of applications.

[0010] To address the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in technical solution 1 is a spacer comprising: a protrusion having a frame-shaped portion, a plurality of upright portions formed with one end connected to and erected from the frame-shaped portion, and an upright end connecting portion connecting the other ends of the plurality of upright portions; and a flexible connecting portion connecting the frame-shaped portions of the protrusion located in close proximity to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions can be connected together.

[0011] The aforementioned spacer is characterized in that,

[0012] At least one of the three-dimensional protrusion and the elastically deformable flexible connection is configured to have different shapes depending on the location of the spacer.

[0013] The invention described in technical solution 2 is based on the spacer described in technical solution 1, wherein the flexible connection portion is configured such that its flexibility varies depending on the location of the spacer.

[0014] The invention described in technical solution 3 is based on the spacer described in technical solution 1 or 2, wherein the flexible connecting portion is formed in a shape that bends toward the standing end connecting portion side, and has flexibility corresponding to the curvature of the flexible connecting portion.

[0015] The invention described in technical solution 4 is based on the spacer described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 3, wherein the flexible connecting portion has flexibility corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the orientation intersecting its extension direction.

[0016] The invention described in technical solution 5 is based on the spacer described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 4, wherein the aforementioned raised portion is formed such that its length varies depending on the location of the spacer, and the aforementioned protrusion is configured such that its height varies depending on the location of the spacer.

[0017] The invention described in technical solution 6 is based on the spacer described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 5, wherein the frame-shaped portion is formed such that its size varies depending on the location of the spacer, and the protrusion is configured such that its size varies depending on the location of the spacer.

[0018] The invention described in technical solution 7 is based on the spacer described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, wherein the frame-shaped portion and / or the standing end connecting portion are formed such that their planar shapes vary depending on the location of the spacer, and the protrusions are configured such that their shapes vary depending on the location of the spacer.

[0019] The invention described in technical solution 8 is based on the spacer described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of the above-mentioned protrusions are configured to form approximately concentric circles and are connected by the above-mentioned flexible connecting portion.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain spacers that can be used in a variety of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A This is a top view showing the spacer in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the IB-IB line.

[0023] Figure 2A This is a top view showing the spacer in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the IIB-IIB line.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view showing a modified example of the spacer in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view showing a modified example of the spacer in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 5A This is a top view showing the spacer in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 5B This is a perspective view showing the protrusion of the spacer in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 5C This is a perspective view showing a modified example of the protrusion of the spacer in Embodiment 2.

[0030] Figure 6A yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the IVA-IVA line.

[0031] Figure 6B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the IVB-VB line.

[0032] Figure 6C yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the IVC-VC line.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the spacer in Embodiment 2 is flexed.

[0034] Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the spacer in Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the spacer in Embodiment 2 is flexed.

[0036] Figure 8C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of using the flexed spacer of Embodiment 2 on a hat.

[0037] Figure 9A This is a top view showing the existing spacers.

[0038] Figure 9B This is a side view showing the existing spacer.

[0039] Figure 9CThis is an explanatory diagram related to the three-dimensional structure of existing spacers.

[0040] Figure 9D This is an explanatory diagram related to the three-dimensional structure of existing spacers.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 1…spacer; 10…protrusion; 20…flexible connection; 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d…flexible connection; S11…frame-like part; S12…column (erected part); S13…erected end connection; C…cap. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the spacer of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the embodiments described below, various technically preferred limitations have been added for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0044] The spacer in this embodiment is used to house items such as fan-operated clothing and fan-operated cushions to create a space for air circulation.

[0045] (Implementation Method 1)

[0046] The spacer 1 in this embodiment is, for example, as shown in the example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The device includes: a protrusion 10 having a frame-shaped portion S11, a plurality of pillar portions S12 formed with one end connected to and erected from the frame-shaped portion S11, and an erected end connecting portion S13 connecting the other ends of the plurality of pillar portions S12; and a flexible connecting portion 20 connecting the frame-shaped portions S11 of the protrusion 10 located in close proximity to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions 10 are connected together.

[0047] In embodiment 1, the spacer 1 is formed by a plurality of protrusions 10 arranged in a matrix.

[0048] The protrusion 10 of the spacer 1 has four pillars S12 that serve as uprights (see reference). Figure 9C The convex part S1).

[0049] The column portion S12, which serves as the upright portion, is formed to tilt as it approaches the central axis of the protrusion 10 from the frame portion S11 toward the upright end connecting portion S13.

[0050] Furthermore, the column S12 of the protrusion 10 is not limited to 4; as long as the protrusion 10 has 3 or more column S12, its three-dimensional shape can be properly maintained.

[0051] Furthermore, the erected portion is not limited to the rod-shaped column portion S12, but may also be the planar wall portion disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1.

[0052] The frame-shaped portion S11 of the spacer 1 has a square frame shape, but it can also be a polygonal frame-shaped portion S11 such as a triangle, pentagon, or hexagon. Alternatively, it can be a circular, elliptical, or other similar frame-shaped portion S11.

[0053] In addition, the upright end connecting part S13 of the spacer 1 is in the form of a planar shape that connects the other end of the column part S12, but it can also be in the form of a frame or ring that connects the other end of the column part S12.

[0054] The flexible connecting portion 20 of the spacer 1 is strip-shaped and is mounted between the frame-shaped portions S11 of the protrusions 10 in such a way that it extends from one protrusion 10 to the other protrusion 10.

[0055] By forming the flexible connecting portion 20 of the spacer 1 into a strip with a thickness thinner than the frame portion S11, it is easy to bend at the flexible connecting portion S2, thereby forming a flexible spacer 1.

[0056] Furthermore, by forming the flexible connecting portion 20 into a rod shape that is thinner than the frame-shaped portion S11, the flexible connecting portion S2 can be easily bent, thereby forming a spacer 1 with flexibility.

[0057] As for the material forming the spacer 1, it can be any material as long as it has strength that does not cause the protrusion 10 to be flattened or lose its three-dimensional structure. It is preferred to use a material with a certain degree of strength but not too hard, such as polyethylene (PE) or a flexible elastomer (TPE), but it is not particularly limited.

[0058] Furthermore, as with the spacer 1, if multiple protrusions 10 are connected by the flexible connecting portion 20, then by changing the number of protrusions 10 connected by the flexible connecting portion 20, spacers 1 of any size can be formed.

[0059] In particular, the flexible connection portion 20 of the spacer 1 is formed with different shapes depending on the location of the spacer 1, and the flexible connection portion 20, which is capable of elastic deformation, is configured to have different flexibility depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0060] The flexible connection portion 20 here is formed in a curved shape that protrudes from the frame portion S11 side to the upright end connection portion S13 side, and has flexibility corresponding to the curvature of the flexible connection portion 20.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 1BAs shown, the flexible connecting portion 20 on the outer side of the spacer 1 in the width direction is formed with a curvature greater than that of the flexible connecting portion 20 on the central side in the width direction. The greater the curvature of the flexible connecting portion 20, the easier it is to bend and the easier it is to undergo elastic deformation. In addition, the flexible connecting portions 20 in the central row in the width direction of the spacer 1 are not bent and are flat strips.

[0062] In other words, the spacer 1 is formed such that the outer side in the width direction is more flexible than the central side in the width direction, and can be used as a spacer 1 with greater flexibility on both sides in the width direction.

[0063] If such a spacer 1 is used, it can be appropriately used for various purposes such as a pad that is used in a state of bending on both sides, a pad that is easy to bend on both sides, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, here, the spacer 1 with a flexible connecting portion 20 having a curvature on the outer side of the width direction greater than that on the central side of the width direction is described as an example, but it is also possible to use a spacer 1 with a flexible connecting portion 20 having a curvature on the central side of the width direction greater than that on the outer side of the width direction.

[0065] Such a spacer can be appropriately used for applications such as mats that are used in a state where the central side is flexed, mats that are easy to flex and fold in the central side.

[0066] Of course, the spacer 1 can be configured with a flexible connecting portion 20 whose curvature is greater on the outer side of the length direction than on the central side of the length direction, or it can be configured with a flexible connecting portion 20 whose curvature is large on the outer side in both the width and length directions.

[0067] Alternatively, the spacer 1 of the flexible connecting portion 20 may be configured such that the curvature gradually increases from one end in the width direction (or length direction) towards the other end.

[0068] In this way, the arrangement order and location of the flexible connecting parts 20 with different curvatures are arbitrary, as long as they are appropriately designed according to the usage of the spacer 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the protrusion 10 of the spacer 1 is formed with different shapes depending on the location of the spacer 1, and the three-dimensional protrusion 10 is configured such that the height varies depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0071] The length of the protrusion 10, which is formed as a column S12 that serves as an upright part, varies depending on the location of the spacer 1, and the height of the protrusion 10 varies depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 2B As shown, the protrusion 10 on the outer side of the spacer 1 in the width direction is formed such that the length of the column S12 is shorter than that of the protrusion 10 on the central side in the width direction. The shorter the column S12 of the protrusion 10, the lower its height is formed.

[0073] In other words, the spacer 1 is formed such that the outer protrusion 10 is lower than the protrusion 10 on the central side in the width direction, so that the spacer 1 can be made thinner on both sides in the width direction.

[0074] If such a spacer 1 is used, it can be appropriately used for various purposes such as pads that are thinner towards the sides and pads with a large airflow in the center of the width direction.

[0075] Furthermore, here, the spacer 1 with a height of the outer part of the width direction lower than that of the center part of the width direction is described as an example, but it is also possible to have a spacer 1 with a height of the center part of the width direction lower than that of the outer part of the width direction.

[0076] Such a spacer can be appropriately used for applications such as pads that are thinner towards the center, pads that are recessed in the center, and pads that allow for greater airflow on both sides in the width direction.

[0077] Of course, the spacer 1 may be configured with a protrusion 10 whose height is lower on the outer side of the length direction than on the central side of the length direction, or it may be configured with a protrusion 10 whose height is lower on the outer side in both the width and length directions.

[0078] Alternatively, the spacer 1 may be configured with protrusions 10 of varying heights, with the thickness gradually decreasing from one end in the width direction (or length direction) towards the other.

[0079] In this way, the arrangement order and location of the protrusions 10 with different heights are arbitrary, as long as they are appropriately designed according to the usage of the spacer 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 10 of the spacer 1 is formed with different shapes depending on the location of the spacer 1, and the three-dimensional protrusion 10 is configured such that the size varies depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0082] The size of the protrusion 10 formed here as a frame-shaped portion S11 varies depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0083] Specifically, in Figure 3In the middle, the protrusion 10 on the right side of the spacer 1 in the width direction is formed as a frame-shaped portion S11, which is smaller than the protrusion 10 on the left side in the width direction. The smaller the frame-shaped portion S11 is, the smaller the size of the protrusion 10 is formed.

[0084] In other words, Figure 3 In this case, the spacer 1 is formed such that the protrusion 10 on the right side of the width direction is smaller than the protrusion 10 on the left side of the width direction, so that the spacer 1, which is finely formed on the right side of the width direction, can be used.

[0085] If such a spacer 1 is used, it can be appropriately used for various purposes such as a pad with a soft touch on either side of the width direction, a pad with a high-density touch on either side of the width direction, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, here, in Figure 3 In the case of a convex portion 10 formed on the right side of the width direction, which is smaller than the convex portion 10 on the left side of the width direction, even if the convex portions 10 are of different sizes, they can be formed to have the same height.

[0087] Even if the size of the frame-shaped part S11 is different, as long as the length of the column part S12 is the same, the height of the protrusions 10 of different sizes is the same.

[0088] Of course, it is also possible to configure a protrusion 10 with a height corresponding to the size of the frame-shaped part S11, that is, a spacer 1 with a three-dimensional shape that is higher when the frame-shaped part S11 is larger and lower when the frame-shaped part S11 is smaller.

[0089] Alternatively, the flexibility of the flexible connection portion 20 in the spacer 1 can be made to vary depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0090] For example, in Figure 3 In this case, the thickness of the flexible connection portion 20 connected to the relatively large protrusion 10 is relatively thick. Figure 3 In this design, the thickness of the flexible connection portion 20 connected to the smaller protrusion 10 is made relatively thin, allowing the flexibility of the flexible connection portion 20 to be adjusted according to the location of the spacer 1. Furthermore, the thinner the flexible connection portion 20, the easier it is to flex.

[0091] In this way, the flexibility of the flexible connection 20 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the flexible connection 20 and the cross-sectional shape of the flexible connection 20 (the cross-sectional shape of the flexible connection 20 in the direction intersecting the extension direction).

[0092] Of course, the flexibility of the flexible connection portion 20 in the spacer 1 can also be approximately the same regardless of the location of the spacer 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the frame-shaped portion S11 and the upright end connecting portion S13 of the protrusion 10 of the spacer 1 are formed such that their planar shapes vary depending on the location of the spacer 1, and the three-dimensional protrusion 10 is configured such that its shape varies depending on the location of the spacer 1.

[0095] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the protrusion 10 here is formed as a roughly rectangular shape in planar shape of the frame-like part S11 in the four columns on the left and the connecting part S13 at the upright end. Figure 4 In the middle, the planar shape of the frame-shaped part S11 and the connecting part S13 at the upright end in the two columns on the right is roughly circular.

[0096] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the four columns of protrusions 10 on the left side of the figure are roughly in the shape of a truncated pyramid, while the two columns of protrusions 10 on the right side of the figure are roughly in the shape of a truncated cone.

[0097] In this way, even spacers 1, whose protrusions 10 have different shapes and are connected together by flexible connectors 20, can be appropriately used for various purposes.

[0098] Furthermore, here, the example given is a spacer 1 in which the protrusions 10 in the four columns on the left of the figure are roughly frustum-shaped, the protrusions 10 in the two columns on the right of the figure are roughly frustum-shaped, and the protrusions 10 become smaller as they move towards the right side of the figure. However, it is also possible for the spacer 1 to have the protrusions 10 in the two columns on the left of the figure being roughly frustum-shaped, the protrusions 10 in the four columns on the right of the figure being roughly frustum-shaped, and the protrusions 10 becoming smaller as they move towards the right side of the figure.

[0099] In this way, the arrangement order and location of the protrusions 10 with different shapes and sizes are arbitrary, as long as they are appropriately designed according to the usage of the spacer 1.

[0100] In addition, here, the spacer is described as an example of a spacer formed by connecting a convex portion 10 in which both the frame-shaped portion S11 and the upright end connecting portion S13 are approximately rectangular, and a convex portion 10 in which both the frame-shaped portion S11 and the upright end connecting portion S13 are approximately circular. However, it is also possible to form a spacer formed by connecting a convex portion 10 in which both the frame-shaped portion S11 is approximately rectangular and the upright end connecting portion S13 is approximately circular, and a convex portion 10 in which both the frame-shaped portion S11 is approximately circular and the upright end connecting portion S13 is approximately rectangular.

[0101] (Implementation Method 2)

[0102] Next, Embodiment 2 of the spacer of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used for the same parts as in Embodiment 1, and only the different parts will be described.

[0103] The spacer 1 in this embodiment is, for example, as shown in the example... Figure 5Aand Figure 5B The device includes: a protrusion 10 having a frame-shaped portion S11, a plurality of pillar portions S12 formed with one end connected to and erected from the frame-shaped portion S11, and an erected end connecting portion S13 connecting the other ends of the plurality of pillar portions S12; and a flexible connecting portion 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) connecting the frame-shaped portions S11 of the protrusion 10 located in close proximity to each other, so that the plurality of protrusions 10 are connected together.

[0104] In embodiment 2, the spacer 1 is configured such that a plurality of protrusions 10 form approximately concentric circles.

[0105] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the protrusion 10 of the spacer 1 has an annular frame-shaped portion S11, four pillar portions S12 serving as upright portions, and a circular upright end connecting portion S13.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 5C As shown, as long as the protrusion 10 has at least 3 pillars S12, the three-dimensional shape of the protrusion 10 can be properly maintained.

[0107] Moreover, such as Figure 5A As shown, the spacer 1 is configured such that six protrusions 10 are arranged around the central protrusion 10, and twelve protrusions 10 are arranged around the six protrusions 10. These protrusions 10 are connected together in such a way that two concentric circles are formed around the central protrusion 10.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 5A As shown, the central protrusion 10 and the six surrounding protrusions 10 are connected by a thicker, flexible, strip-shaped connector 20a, the twelve protrusions 10 on the outer edge are connected by a thinner, flexible, strip-shaped connector 20c, and the protrusions 10 on the outer edge and the protrusions 10 on the inner edge are connected by a flexible, strip-shaped connector 20b that is thick in the middle and thin at both ends.

[0109] In this way, the flexibility of the flexible connection 20 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the flexible connection 20 and the cross-sectional shape of the flexible connection 20 (the cross-sectional shape of the flexible connection 20 in the direction intersecting the extension direction). For example, the thinner the flexible connection 20, the easier it is to bend.

[0110] In particular, in this embodiment, such as Figures 6A-6C As shown, the central protrusion 10 and the six surrounding protrusions 10 are connected by a flat, flexible strip 20a without bending, the twelve protrusions 10 on the outer edge are connected by a flexible strip 20c with a relatively large curvature, and the protrusions 10 on the outer edge are connected to the protrusions 10 on the inner edge by a flexible strip 20b with a relatively small curvature.

[0111] In other words, in this spacer 1, the flexible connecting portion 20 on the outer edge side is formed to be more flexible than the flexible connecting portion 20 on the center side, so that the outer edge side of the spacer 1 is more prone to elastic deformation.

[0112] Thus, if the spacer 1 is more easily elastically deformed on the outer edge than on the center side, then for example... Figure 7 As shown, it can be bent into a curved shape that is roughly spherical.

[0113] If such a spacer 1 is used, it can be appropriately used for various purposes such as a cushion placed on a seat surface that is recessed into a bowl shape.

[0114] Furthermore, the number of concentric circles formed by the connecting protrusions 10 is arbitrary, as long as it is appropriately designed according to the usage of the spacer 1.

[0115] Of course, the arrangement order and location of the protrusion 10 and the flexible connection 20 are arbitrary, as long as they are appropriately designed according to the usage of the spacer 1.

[0116] For example, such as Figure 8A As shown, in a spacer 1 in which multiple protrusions 10 are configured to form concentric circles and these protrusions 10 are connected by flexible connecting portions 20, the following structure may also be provided: the protrusions 10 on the central side are connected by non-bending flexible connecting portions 20a, the protrusions 10 on the outer side are connected by flexible connecting portions 20b with relatively small curvature, the protrusions 10 on the outermost side are connected by flexible connecting portions 20c with curvature greater than that of the inner flexible connecting portions 20b, and the protrusions 10 on the outer edge side are connected by flexible connecting portions 20d with curvature greater than that of the inner flexible connecting portions 20c.

[0117] The spacer 1 is also prone to elastic deformation on its outer edge.

[0118] If it is such a spacer 1, then for example, Figure 8B As shown, it can be bent into a roughly hemispherical shape.

[0119] Furthermore, if the spacer 1 can be flexed into a roughly hemispherical shape, then for example, Figure 8C As shown, it can be installed on the inside of hat C for use.

[0120] If a hat C is fitted with this roughly hemispherical spacer 1, it can ensure airflow between the hat C and the wearer's head, thus preventing the wearer's head from getting stuffy.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 2, the protrusions 10 of the spacer 1 are illustrated and described in such a way that all of them have the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spacer 1 may also have protrusions 10 with different sizes, heights, and shapes.

[0122] For example, in the case of the spacer 1 used on the inside of the hat C, the protrusion 10 on the edge side of the hat C (specifically, the protrusion 10 on the outer edge side of the spacer 1) can be designed to gradually become smaller and lower than the protrusion 10 on the top side. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent stuffiness on the inside of the hat C without compromising the wearing comfort of the hat C.

[0123] As described above, if it is the spacer 1 of this embodiment, by appropriately designing the shape and arrangement pattern of the protrusion 10 and the flexible connection 20, the spacer 1 can be used for various purposes.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the spacer 1, which is shaped into a planar form, is flexed is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spacer 1 may also be shaped to have a flexed shape in advance.

[0125] In this case, for example, the shape and configuration pattern of the appropriate spacer to be configured inside the hat C can be designed using 3D CAD or similar methods, thereby creating 3D data, and the spacer can be manufactured using a 3D printer or similar method based on this 3D data. Alternatively, the 3D data can be unfolded into planar 2D data to create a mold for molding the spacer, and the spacer formed by the mold can be assembled in 3D.

[0126] In addition, it is preferable that the density of the spacer 1 is 30% or less relative to the volume of the space formed by the spacer 1.

[0127] In addition, it is preferable that the area of ​​the opening of the frame-shaped portion S11 and the flexible connection portion 20 without the frame-shaped portion S11 and the flexible connection portion 20 is in a ratio of 50% to 95% to the total area of ​​the spacer surface on the side where the frame-shaped portion S11 is formed.

[0128] In addition, it is of course possible to make appropriate changes to specific details such as the structure.

[0129] Industrial availability

[0130] This invention can be used for spacers that can be used in a variety of applications.

Claims

1. A spacer comprising: The protrusion has a frame-shaped portion, a plurality of upright portions formed with one end connected to and erected from the frame-shaped portion, and an upright end connecting portion connecting the other ends of the plurality of upright portions; and A flexible connector connects the frame-like portions of the protrusions located in close proximity to each other, so that a plurality of the protrusions can be connected together. The protrusion has a three-dimensional shape. The flexible connection can deform elastically. The spacer forms a space for air circulation between the frame-shaped portion constituting the protrusion and the connecting portion of the upright end. The spacer is characterized in that... At least one of the three-dimensional protrusion and the elastically deformable flexible connection is configured to have different shapes depending on the location of the spacer. The flexible connector is formed in a shape that bends toward the upright end connector side. The flexible connection is configured to have different thicknesses depending on the location of the spacer, thereby varying its flexibility.

2. The spacer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible connection has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the direction of the intersection of the two frame-like portions to which the flexible connection is connected.

3. The spacer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame-shaped portion and / or the upright end connecting portion are formed such that their planar shapes vary depending on the location of the spacer, and the protrusions are configured such that their shapes vary depending on the location of the spacer.

4. The spacer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of protrusions are configured to form approximately concentric circles.

5. The spacer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The raised portion is formed such that its length varies depending on the location of the spacer, and the protrusion is formed such that its height varies depending on the location of the spacer.

6. The spacer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame-shaped portion is formed in a size that varies depending on the location of the spacer, and the protrusion is also formed in a size that varies depending on the location of the spacer.

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