Ventilation structure

JP2025041466APending Publication Date: 2025-03-26NITTO DENKO CORP
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023148786
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-13
Publication Date
2025-03-26

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025041466000001_ABST
    Figure 2025041466000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a ventilation structure of which a ventilation component mounted to a ventilation port of a housing is suitable for suppressing a departure from the ventilation port.SOLUTION: A ventilation structure 3a comprises: a housing 2a; and a ventilation component 1a. The housing 2a is positioned to a peripheral direction of a ventilation port 21 that communicates an internal space 2u and an external space 2v of the housing 2a, and includes at least one stopper part 22 projected from an external front surface 2s of the housing 2a. The ventilation component 1a comprises: a cylinder internal member 10a that is mounted onto the ventilation port 21, and includes a penetration hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v; and an external member 30a that is mounted to an external peripheral part 12b of the cylinder internal member 10a, and covers an open of the penetration hole. In a plan view that the external front surface 2s of the housing 2a is set as a reference, a base end part 22a of the stopper part 22 is not overlapped with the ventilation component 1a, and at least one part of the stopper part 22 is overlapped with the ventilation component 1a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation structure, and more particularly to a ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation component. [Background technology]

[0002] In the housings of in-vehicle electrical components such as lamps, inverters, converters, electronic control units (ECUs), battery packs, radars, and cameras, as well as various electronic devices for home, medical, office, etc., a ventilation structure may be formed to ensure ventilation between the internal space of the housing and the external space, and to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the housing. The ventilation structure generally has a structure in which a ventilation part is fixed to an opening of the housing. The ventilation structure can reduce pressure fluctuations inside the housing caused by temperature changes while preventing the intrusion of water, dust, etc. into the inside of the housing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation part fixed to a protrusion of the housing. The ventilation part includes an internal member, a ventilation membrane, and an external member. The housing and the ventilation part are fixed by inserting the protrusion of the housing through an opening of the internal member and abutting the inner peripheral surface of the internal member and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 describes a ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation assembly fixed to a protrusion of the housing. The ventilation assembly includes an internal member, a ventilation membrane, and an external member. The housing and the ventilation assembly are fixed together by inserting the protrusion of the housing through an opening of the internal member and abutting the inner peripheral surface of the internal member against the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 3 describes a ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation member fixed to an opening of the housing. The ventilation member includes a support having a ventilation membrane, a support part that supports the ventilation membrane, and an insertion part that is inserted into the opening. The insertion part includes a plurality of legs formed on the insertion start side. The legs include a locking part whose outer periphery is tapered at the end of the insertion start side. When the insertion part of the ventilation member is inserted into the opening of the housing, the locking part is pressed against the opening and the plurality of legs are bent inward, thereby reducing the insertion pressure of the ventilation member against the housing. When the locking part passes through the opening and is released from the pressing force, it is locked to the inner surface of the housing, thereby fixing the ventilation member to the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 145383 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 075857 [Patent Document 3] JP 2004-47425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The ventilation structures including a housing and a ventilation part as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 need to be reconsidered from the viewpoint of preventing the ventilation part attached to the ventilation opening of the housing from coming off the ventilation opening.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a ventilation structure suitable for preventing a ventilation part attached to a ventilation hole of a housing from coming off the ventilation hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by providing a stopper portion that restricts the movement of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole in a direction away from the ventilation hole.

[0010] The present invention relates to A ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation part, the housing has at least one stopper portion located in a circumferential direction of a vent hole that communicates an internal space and an external space of the housing and protruding from an outer surface of the housing; The ventilation part includes: a cylindrical internal member attached to the ventilation port and having a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; an outer member attached to an outer periphery of the inner member and covering an opening of the through hole; Equipped with In a plan view based on the outer surface of the housing, a base end of the stopper portion does not overlap with the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps with the ventilation part. Ventilated structure, to provide. Effect of the Invention

[0011] The above ventilation structure is suitable for preventing the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole of the housing from coming off the ventilation hole. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view that illustrates an example of a ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic diagram of another example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a first modified example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a second modified example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a third modified example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a fourth modified example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a plan view that illustrates the ventilation structure of FIG. 7A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The ventilation structure according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: A ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation part, the housing has at least one stopper portion located in a circumferential direction of a vent hole that communicates an internal space and an external space of the housing and protruding from an outer surface of the housing; The ventilation part includes: a cylindrical internal member attached to the ventilation port and having a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; an outer member attached to an outer periphery of the inner member and covering an opening of the through hole; Equipped with In a plan view based on the outer surface of the housing, a base end of the stopper portion does not overlap with the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps with the ventilation part.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the first aspect, a tip end of the stopper portion overlaps with the ventilation part in the plan view.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the first or second aspect, the stopper portion restricts movement of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation opening in a direction away from the ventilation opening.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, for example, in a ventilation structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, in a side view based on the outer surface of the housing, the maximum vertical length between the lower surface of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole and the upper surface of the edge of the ventilation hole is greater than the maximum vertical length between the upper surface of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole and the lower surface of the stopper portion.

[0017] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the ventilation part further includes a ventilation film attached so as to cover the opening of the through hole.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the fifth aspect, the at least one stopper portion satisfies at least one selected from the group consisting of the following (i) and (ii). (i) After the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation hole, a pre-stopper portion protruding from the outer surface of the housing is formed by inclining, bending, or curving toward the edge of the ventilation hole, and the pre-stopper portion has a vertical length, in a side view based on the outer surface of the housing, that is greater than the maximum vertical length between the outer surface and the upper surface of the ventilation part. (ii) After the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation hole, the stopper portion is fixed to the outer surface of the housing.

[0019] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the fifth aspect, when the above (i) is satisfied, the pre-stopper portion has a thin portion and a thick portion having a thickness greater than that of the thin portion.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, for example, in a ventilation structure according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the at least one stopper portion includes a plurality of stopper portions, and the plurality of stopper portions are positioned along the circumferential direction of the ventilation hole.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0022] [Ventilated structure] An example of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figs. 1A-1B. Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1B. Fig. 1B is a plan view of Fig. 1A. The ventilation structure 3a shown in Figs. 1A-1B includes a ventilation part 1a and a housing 2a. The housing 2a has at least one stopper part 22 located in the circumferential direction of a ventilation hole 21, which is an opening that communicates an internal space 2u of the housing 2a with an external space 2v, and protruding from an outer surface 2s of the housing 2a. The ventilation part 1a includes an internal member 10a and an external member 30a. The internal member 10a is attached to the ventilation hole 21. The internal member 10a is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The external member 30a is attached to the outer peripheral part 12b of the internal member 10a and covers one opening 13 of the through hole of the internal member 10a.

[0023] The housing 2a has a protrusion 2p that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. As shown in Fig. 1A, the ventilation part 1a is fixed to the protrusion 2p of the housing 2a in a state in which the protrusion 2p is inserted into the interior of the internal member 10a from the other opening 14 of the internal member 10a and the inner peripheral portion 12a of the internal member 10a is elastically deformed to form a contact portion 6c with the outer peripheral portion 2q of the protrusion 2p. This provides a ventilation structure 3a.

[0024] The structures of the housing 2a and the ventilation part 1a will be described in further detail below.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1A, the stopper portion 22 of the housing 2a has a base end 22a located closer to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and a tip end 22b located farther from the outer surface 2s. The base end 22a may be integrated with the outer surface 2s or may be fixed to the outer surface 2s. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, the base end 22a is integrated with the outer surface 2s. That is, the stopper portion 22 is formed on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a in advance. The stopper portion 22 is formed in a cantilever shape with the base end 22a as a fixed end and the tip end 22b as a free end.

[0026] 1B, in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the base end 22a of the stopper portion 22 does not overlap with the ventilation part 1a, and at least a part of the stopper portion 22 overlaps with the ventilation part 1a. According to the ventilation structure 3a having such a structure, even if the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation port 21 receives a force in a direction in which the ventilation part 1a is removed from the ventilation port 21, the stopper portion 22 prevents the ventilation part 1a from being removed from the ventilation port 21.

[0027] In other words, the stopper portion 22 restricts the movement of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 in a direction away from the ventilation opening 21.

[0028] In this specification, the direction in which the ventilation part 1a is removed from the ventilation opening 21 is a direction from below to above in a side view (see FIG. 1A) based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0029] 1B, in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the tip 22b of the stopper portion 22 may overlap with the ventilation part 1a. The tip 22b of the stopper portion 22 may restrict the movement of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation port 21 in a direction away from the ventilation port 21.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, it is preferable that the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is larger than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper part 22. That is, it is preferable that h1>h2 is satisfied. According to such a structure, the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a is more suppressed from coming off the ventilation hole 21. In addition, in the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the upper surface of the protrusion 2p that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21.

[0031] In this specification, the horizontal direction means a direction parallel to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a when the outer surface 2s is a horizontal plane. In this specification, the vertical direction means a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a when the outer surface 2s is a horizontal plane.

[0032] The maximum length h2 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the maximum length h1.

[0033] The lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 may or may not be in contact with the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a. In the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 is in contact with the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0034] The stopper portion 22 may have a structure that is inclined, bent, or curved toward the edge 2 f of the ventilation hole 21 .

[0035] In the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, the stopper portion 22 has a structure that is bent toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. In this case, the stopper portion 22 may include a leg portion 22c and an arm portion 22d. The leg portion 22c extends along a first direction D1 from the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a toward the external space 2v. The arm portion 22d extends along a second direction D2 toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 in the external space 2v. The leg portion 22c may include a base end portion 22a. The arm portion 22d may include a tip portion 22b.

[0036] In a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the inclination angle θ1 of the first direction D1 with respect to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a may be in the range of 30° to 90°. However, in this specification, the inclination angle θ1 means the smallest angle between the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and the first direction D1. The inclination angle θ1 may be in the range of 45° to 90°, or may be in the range of 60° to 90°. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first direction D1 may be perpendicular to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0037] In a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the inclination angle θ2 of the second direction D2 with respect to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a may be in the range of 0° to 45°. However, in this specification, the inclination angle θ2 means the smallest angle between the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and the second direction D2. The inclination angle θ2 may be in the range of 0° to 30°, or may be in the range of 0° to 15°. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second direction D2 may be parallel to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0038] Another example of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2B. Figure 2B is a plan view of Figure 2A. A ventilation structure 3b shown in Figures 2A and 2B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except that the shape of the stopper portion 22 of the housing is different. In Figures 2A and 2B, the same elements as those in the ventilation structure 3a are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] 2A to 2B includes a ventilation part 1a and a housing 2b. In the housing 2b, the stopper portion 22 has a structure that is inclined toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. In this case, the stopper portion 22 may be composed of a leg portion 22e that extends along a third direction D3 from the outer surface 2s of the housing 2b toward the external space 2v. The leg portion 22e may include a base end portion 22a and a tip end portion 22b.

[0040] In a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2b, the inclination angle θ3 of the third direction D3 with respect to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2b may be in the range of 30° to 75°. However, in this specification, the inclination angle θ3 means the smallest angle between the outer surface 2s of the housing 2b and the third direction D3. The inclination angle θ3 may be in the range of 30° to 60°. As shown in FIG. 2A, the inclination angle θ3 may be in the range of 45° to 60°.

[0041] 1A to 1B and 2A to 2B, as long as the base end 22a of the stopper portion 22 does not overlap the ventilation part 1a and at least a part of the stopper portion 22 overlaps the ventilation part 1a in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2b. For example, the stopper portion 22 may have a structure curved toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21.

[0042] 1A and 1B show an example in which the ventilation structure 3a has two stopper portions 22. However, it is sufficient for the ventilation structure of the present embodiment to have at least one stopper portion 22.

[0043] 1A to 1B, multiple stopper portions 22 may be located along the circumferential direction of the ventilation hole 21. That is, at least one stopper portion 22 may include multiple stopper portions 22. By having multiple stopper portions 22, the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a is further prevented from coming off the ventilation hole 21.

[0044] The multiple stopper portions 22 are preferably positioned at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening 21. According to such a structure, even if the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 receives a force in a direction in which the ventilation part 1a is removed from the ventilation opening 21, the multiple stopper portions 22 positioned at equal intervals further prevent the ventilation part 1a from being removed from the ventilation opening 21.

[0045] 1A and 1B, the housing 2a may have two stopper portions 22. In this case, the two stopper portions 22 are preferably positioned so as to face each other in the axial direction of the internal member 10a in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a. With this structure, the ventilation part 1a is further prevented from coming off the ventilation opening 21.

[0046] The number of stopper parts 22 included in the housing 2a is not limited to the example shown in Figures 1A to 1B. The housing 2a may have a single stopper part 22, or may have three or more stopper parts 22.

[0047] The thickness T22 of the stopper portion 22 is not particularly limited. In this specification, the thickness T22 of the stopper portion 22 means the thickness of the stopper portion 22 in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a as shown in FIG. 1A. The thickness T22 can be set appropriately according to, for example, the size of the ventilation part 1a. The thickness T22 may be different between the base end portion 22a and the tip end portion 22b. For example, the thickness T22 may decrease from the base end portion 22a toward the tip end portion 22b.

[0048] The width W22 of the stopper portion 22 is not particularly limited. In this specification, the width W22 of the stopper portion 22 means the width of the stopper portion 22 in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a as shown in FIG. 1A. The width W22 can be set appropriately according to the size of the ventilation part 1a, for example. The width W22 may be different between the base end portion 22a and the tip end portion 22b. For example, the width W22 may decrease from the base end portion 22a toward the tip end portion 22b.

[0049] The housing 2a may be made of any material commonly used for housings. For example, when the housing 2a is cast, iron, aluminum alloy, copper, brass, etc. may be used as the material for the housing 2a. For example, when the housing 2a is forged, iron, aluminum alloy, etc. may be used as the material for the housing 2a. For example, when the housing 2a is injection molded, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), modified polyphenylene ether (m·PPE), nylon 6 (PA6), nylon 66 (PA66), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyetherimide (PEI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), etc. may be used as the material for the housing 2a. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength and rigidity of the stopper portion 22, it is preferable not to use an elastomer as the material of the housing 2a.

[0050] The internal member 10a of the ventilation component 1a includes an elastic material and has an open tube structure. In other words, the internal member 10a is formed in a tubular shape with openings at both ends. The external member 30a has a closed tube structure. In other words, the external member 30a is formed in a tubular shape with an opening at only one of both ends. The internal member 10a is inserted into the external member 30a, and is fixed to the external member 30a in a state in which a part of the outer circumferential portion 12b of the internal member 10a is elastically deformed to form a contact portion 6d with a part of the inner circumferential portion 31a of the external member 30a. The inner diameter of the external member 30a is larger than the outer diameter of the internal member 10a between the contact portion 6d and the opening 14 in the axial direction of the internal member 10a.

[0051] 1A, the closed tubular structure of the outer member 30a has a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32. The side wall 31 extends along an axis X. The bottom wall 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. The bottom wall 32 and the side wall 31 intersect to form a corner.

[0052] In this embodiment, the ventilation component 1a further includes a ventilation membrane 20a attached so as to cover the opening of the through-hole of the internal member 10a. The ventilation membrane 20a covers the opening 13 of the internal member 10a.

[0053] Typically, the ventilation membrane 20a is covered with a bottom wall 32. The bottom wall 32 is disposed, for example, away from the ventilation membrane 20a in the axial direction of the ventilation component 1a. Therefore, a space 36 is formed between the bottom wall 32 and the ventilation membrane 20a.

[0054] A plurality of openings (not shown) are formed on the side surface of the external member 30a. In the ventilation structure 3a, ventilation between the inside and outside of the housing 2a is ensured through the ventilation hole 21 on the inside of the protrusion 2p of the housing 2a, the opening 13 of the internal member 10a, the ventilation membrane 20a, the space 36, and the plurality of openings of the external member 30a.

[0055] As for the structure of the ventilation part 1a, for example, the ventilation part described in Patent Document 1 can be referred to.

[0056] [Manufacturing method of ventilation structure] Next, a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure of the present embodiment described above will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3B. Figures 3A to 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A to 1B.

[0057] The ventilation structure 3a can be formed by inclining, bending, or curving the pre-stopper portion 22p protruding from the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 after the ventilation part 1a is attached to the ventilation hole 21.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3A, the pre-stopper portion 22p has a vertical length H2, when viewed from the side based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, that is greater than the maximum vertical length H1 between the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and the upper surface 11e of the ventilation part 1a.

[0059] The pre-stopper portion 22p may extend along a fourth direction D4 from the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a toward the external space 2v.

[0060] In a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the inclination angle θ4 of the fourth direction D4 with respect to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a may be in the range of 30° to 90°. However, in this specification, the inclination angle θ4 means the smallest angle between the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and the fourth direction D4. The inclination angle θ4 may be in the range of 45° to 90°, or may be in the range of 60° to 90°. As shown in FIG. 3A, the fourth direction D4 may be perpendicular to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 3A, the pre-stopper portion 22p may have a thin portion 22q and a thick portion 22r having a thickness greater than that of the thin portion 22q. In this specification, the thickness of the pre-stopper portion 22p means the thickness in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, as shown in Fig. 3A. With such a structure, the pre-stopper portion 22p is likely to bend or curve toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21, with the thin portion 22q as a boundary. Therefore, the ventilation structure 3a can be easily achieved.

[0062] The shape of the thin-walled portion 22q is not particularly limited. As shown in Fig. 3A, the thin-walled portion 22q may be constituted by a recess 22u formed in a part of the pre-stopper portion 22p on the ventilation hole 21 side.

[0063] The recess 22u can be formed, for example, by performing additional machining on a predetermined position of the pre-stopper portion 22p in the housing 2a molded using a metal mold.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 3A, first, the ventilation part 1a is attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a. Then, the pre-stopper portion 22p is inclined, bent, or curved toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. As shown in Fig. 3B, the pre-stopper portion 22p may be bent toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. In the example shown in Fig. 3B, the pre-stopper portion 22p is bent toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 with the recess 22u as the boundary. In this manner, the stopper portion 22 as shown in Fig. 1A is formed.

[0065] For example, the pre-stopper portion 22p may be inclined toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21, with the base end portion 22pa of the pre-stopper portion 22p as the boundary. In this way, the stopper portion 22 as shown in Fig. 2A is formed.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the present invention may include modified examples in which the specific configurations in the above-described embodiment are changed. Modified examples of the present invention are shown below. In the following, the same elements as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] (Variation 1) Modified example 1 of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4B. Figure 4B is a plan view of Figure 4A. The ventilation structure 3c shown in Figures 4A and 4B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except that the stopper portion 22 of the housing is formed by attaching the stopper portion 22 to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a after the ventilation part 1a is attached to the ventilation opening 21.

[0068] 4A to 4B includes a ventilation part 1a and a housing 2c. In the ventilation structure 3c, the stopper portion 22 is not formed in advance on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c. The stopper portion 22 is formed by fixing the ventilation part 1a to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c after the ventilation part 1a is attached to the ventilation opening 21. Even with this structure, the stopper portion 22 can restrict the movement of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 in the direction of detachment from the ventilation opening 21.

[0069] The method of fixing the stopper portion 22 to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c is not particularly limited. The stopper portion 22 may be fixed to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c by soldering the base end portion 22a of the stopper portion 22 to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c. In this case, as shown in Figures 4A to 4B, the ventilation structure 3c may have a solder portion 4c between the base end portion 22a of the stopper portion 22 and the outer surface 2s of the housing 2c.

[0070] The material of the stopper portion 22 in the ventilation structure 3c can be the same as the material of the housing 2a described above. From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength and rigidity of the stopper portion 22, it is preferable not to use an elastomer as the material of the stopper portion 22.

[0071] (Variation 2) Modified example 2 of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5B. Figure 5B is a plan view of Figure 5A. Ventilation structure 3d shown in Figures 5A and 5B has the same structure as ventilation structure 3c shown in Figures 4A and 4B, except that stopper portion 22 of the housing is fixed to outer surface 2s of housing 2a by screwing base end portion 22k of stopper portion 22.

[0072] 5A to 5B includes a ventilation part 1a and a housing 2d. In the ventilation structure 3d, the stopper 22 is a screw member having a head 22i and a shaft 22j. The diameter of the head 22i is larger than the diameter of the shaft 22j. The base end 22k of the shaft 22j has a male thread structure.

[0073] In the ventilation structure 3d, a recess 2t having a female thread structure that can be screwed into the male thread structure of the base end 22k of the stopper portion 22 is formed in advance on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2d. The base end 22k of the stopper portion 22 is screwed into the recess 2t formed in the outer surface 2s of the housing 2d, whereby the stopper portion 22 is fixed to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2d.

[0074] In the ventilation structure 3d, in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2d, the base end 22k of the screw member serving as the stopper portion 22 does not overlap with the ventilation part 1a, and at least a part of the screw member serving as the stopper portion 22 overlaps with the ventilation part 1a. In the example shown in Fig. 5B, a part of the head portion 22i of the screw member serving as the stopper portion 22 overlaps with the ventilation part 1a. Even with such a structure, the stopper portion 22 can restrict the movement of the ventilation part 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 in the direction of removal from the ventilation opening 21.

[0075] The size of the screw member that is the stopper portion 22 can be set appropriately depending on the size of the ventilation part 1a, etc. The head 22i of the screw member that is the stopper portion 22 may be formed with an engagement portion 22m that can be engaged with a jig for attaching the screw member to the outer surface 2s of the housing 2d. The shape of the engagement portion 22m is not particularly limited. The engagement portion 22m may be, for example, a cross recess or a hexagonal recess. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the engagement portion 22m is a cross recess.

[0076] As the material of the screw member serving as the stopper portion 22 in the ventilation structure 3d, a material generally used for a screw member can be used. For example, as the material of the screw member, iron, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. can be used. When the screw member is injection molded, as the material of the screw member, PP, PE, PET, PC, m-PPE, PA6, PA66, POM, PBT, PPS, PPA, LCP, PEI, PAI, PEEK, etc. can also be used. The screw member may be subjected to a surface treatment such as plating for rust prevention.

[0077] (Variation 3) Modification 3 of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 6B. Figure 6B is a plan view of Figure 6A. The ventilation structure 3e shown in Figures 6A and 6B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except that it includes a ventilation part 1b instead of the ventilation part 1a.

[0078] 6A to 6B includes a ventilation part 1b and a housing 2a. The ventilation part 1b includes an internal member 10b and an external member 30b. The internal member 10b is attached to the ventilation opening 21. The internal member 10b is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The external member 30b is attached to the outer periphery 12b of the internal member 10b and covers one opening 13 of the through hole of the internal member 10b.

[0079] 6A, the ventilation part 1b is fixed to the protrusion 2p of the housing 2a by inserting the protrusion 2p into the interior of the internal member 10b through the other opening 14 of the internal member 10b and by abutting the inner periphery 12a of the internal member 10b against the outer periphery 2q of the protrusion 2p. This provides a ventilation structure 3e.

[0080] The inner member 10b is a cylindrical body with openings at both ends. The inner member 10b has an open tube structure with both ends open. The outer member 30b is a cylindrical body with a bottom. The outer member 30b has a closed tube structure with one end open and the other end closed.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 6A, the closed tubular structure of the outer member 30b has a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32. The side wall 31 extends along an axis X. The bottom wall 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. The bottom wall 32 and the side wall 31 intersect to form a corner.

[0082] The ventilation component 1b further includes a ventilation membrane 20b attached so as to cover the opening of the through-hole of the internal member 10b. The ventilation membrane 20b covers the opening 13 of the internal member 10b.

[0083] Typically, the ventilation membrane 20b is covered with a bottom wall 32. The bottom wall 32 is disposed, for example, away from the ventilation membrane 20b in the axial direction of the ventilation component 1b. Therefore, a space 36a is formed between the bottom wall 32 and the ventilation membrane 20b.

[0084] The external member 30b is joined to the internal member 10b with the internal member 10b inserted inside the external member 30b from the end side where the breathable membrane 20b is arranged. Here, the inside of the external member 30b means the space surrounded by the opening of the external member 30b and the inner periphery 12a. The external member 30b functions as a cover member that protects the breathable membrane 20b from foreign objects such as dust and water flying in from the outside by covering the breathable membrane 20b.

[0085] The ventilation component 1b has a space 36b between an inner periphery 31a of an outer member 30b joined to an inner member 10b and an outer periphery 12b of the inner member 10b.

[0086] In the ventilation structure 3e, ventilation between the inside and outside of the housing 2a is ensured through the ventilation hole 21 on the inside of the protrusion 2p of the housing 2a, the opening 13 of the internal member 10b, the ventilation membrane 20b, the space 36a, and the space 36b.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6A, in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, it is preferable that the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is larger than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation part 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper part 22. That is, it is preferable that h1>h2 is satisfied. According to such a structure, the ventilation part 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a is more suppressed from coming off the ventilation hole 21. In addition, in the ventilation structure 3e shown in FIGS. 6A to 6B, the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the upper surface of the protrusion 2p that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21.

[0088] In the ventilation structure 3e, the maximum length h2 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the maximum length h1.

[0089] In the ventilation structure 3e shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1b attached to the ventilation opening 21 is not in contact with the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a.

[0090] As for the structure of the ventilation part 1b, for example, the ventilation assembly described in Patent Document 2 can be referred to.

[0091] 6A-6B, the ventilation structure 3e includes, as a housing, the same housing 2a as the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, but the structure of the housing included in the ventilation structure 3e is not limited thereto. For example, the ventilation structure 3e may include, as a housing, one of the housings 2b, 2c, and 2d described above.

[0092] (Variation 4) Variation 4 of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7B. Figure 7B is a plan view of Figure 7A. A ventilation structure 3f shown in Figures 7A and 7B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except that it includes a housing 2e instead of the housing 2a and a ventilation part 1c instead of the ventilation part 1a.

[0093] The ventilation structure 3f shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B includes a ventilation part 1c and a housing 2e. The housing 2e is different from the housing 2a included in the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B in that the housing 2e does not have a cylindrical protrusion protruding toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 that communicates the internal space 2u of the housing 2e with the external space 2v. The structure of the stopper part 22 of the housing 2b is the same as that of the stopper part 22 of the housing 2a. The ventilation part 1c includes an internal member 10c and an external member 30c. The internal member 10c is attached to the ventilation hole 21. The internal member 10c is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The external member 30c is attached to the outer periphery of the internal member 10c and covers the opening of the through hole of the internal member 10c.

[0094] The internal member 10c includes a support portion 15a capable of supporting a breathable membrane 20c, which will be described later, and an insertion portion 15b formed on one side of the support portion 15a.

[0095] The insertion portion 15b of the internal member 10c is cylindrical and has approximately the same diameter as the ventilation opening 21 of the housing 2e, and at least the insertion start side of the insertion portion 15b is divided into multiple parts along the circumferential direction. The insertion portion 15b includes multiple leg portions 15c formed at least on the insertion start side, and slits are formed between adjacent leg portions 15c. Each of the multiple leg portions 15c includes a locking portion 15d whose outer periphery is tapered at its insertion start end.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 7A, when the insertion portion 15b of the ventilation part 1c is inserted into the ventilation opening 21 of the housing 2e, the locking portion 15d is pressed against the ventilation opening 21, and the legs 15c are bent inward, thereby reducing the insertion pressure of the ventilation part 1c into the housing 2e. When the locking portion 15d passes through the ventilation opening 21 and is released from the pressing force, it is locked to the inner surface of the housing 2e. In this way, the ventilation part 1c is fixed to the housing 2e. This provides a ventilation structure 3f.

[0097] The ventilation component 1c further includes a ventilation membrane 20c supported by the support portion 15a so as to close the opening of the through hole of the internal member 10c. The ventilation membrane 20c is fixed to the support portion 15a so as to cover the through hole of the internal member 10c.

[0098] Typically, the ventilation membrane 20c is covered by an external member 30c. A bottom wall 32 of the external member 30c is disposed away from the ventilation membrane 20c in the axial direction of the ventilation component 1c, for example. Therefore, a space 36 is formed between the bottom wall 32 and the ventilation membrane 20c.

[0099] A plurality of openings (not shown) are formed on the side surface of the external member 30c. In the ventilation structure 3f, ventilation between the inside and outside of the housing 2e is ensured via the ventilation port 21 of the housing 2e, the through hole of the internal member 10c, the ventilation membrane 20c, the space 36, and the plurality of openings of the external member 30c.

[0100] 7A, by providing a seal portion 5f on the surface of the support portion 15a of the internal member 10c facing the housing 2e, it is possible to improve the adhesion and / or airtightness between the housing 2e and the ventilation part 1c. In particular, when the support portion 15a and the insertion portion 15b of the internal member 10c are made of a thermoplastic resin other than an elastomer, it is preferable to form the seal portion 5f to improve the airtightness.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7A, in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2e, it is preferable that the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is larger than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper part 22. That is, it is preferable that h1>h2 is satisfied. According to such a structure, the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2e is more prevented from being separated from the ventilation hole 21. Note that the ventilation structure 3f shown in FIGS. 7A to 7B does not have a protrusion that protrudes cylindrically toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21, so that the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the outer surface 2s.

[0102] In the ventilation structure 3f, the maximum length h2 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the maximum length h1.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 7A, it is preferable that the maximum vertical length h3 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 11e of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 is greater than the maximum vertical length h4 between the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper part 22. In other words, it is preferable that h3>h4 is satisfied. With this structure, the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2e is more prevented from coming off the ventilation hole 21.

[0104] In the ventilation structure 3f, the maximum length h4 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the maximum length h3.

[0105] In the ventilation structure 3f, it is preferable that either h1>h2 or h3>h4 is satisfied. When both of h1>h2 and h3>h4 are satisfied, the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2e is further prevented from coming off the ventilation hole 21.

[0106] 7A and 7B, there is no contact between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation opening 21 and the outer surface 2s of the housing 2e. The lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c is located in the internal space 2u of the housing 2e.

[0107] As for the structure of the ventilation part 1c, for example, the ventilation member described in Patent Document 3 can be referred to.

[0108] 7A-7B, the ventilation structure 3f has, as a housing, the same stopper portion 22 as the housing 2a of the ventilation structure 3a shown in Fig. 1A-1B, but the structure of the stopper portion of the ventilation structure 3f is not limited thereto. For example, the ventilation structure 3f may have, as a stopper portion, one of the stopper portions 22 of the housings 2b, 2c, and 2d described above.

[0109] The above examples may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] According to the present invention, a ventilation structure having excellent durability against foreign matter such as water and dust from the outside can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f ventilation structure 1a, 1b, 1c Ventilation parts 11e Top side 11f Bottom 10a, 10b, 10c Internal parts 12a Inner circumference 12b Outer periphery 13, 14 aperture 15a Support part 15b Insertion part 15c Leg part 15d Locking part 20a, 20b, 20c Ventilation film 30a, 30b, 30c Outer member 31a Inner peripheral part 31 Side wall 32 Bottom wall 36, 36a, 36b Space 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e Housing 2s Outer surface 2p Protrusion 2q Outer peripheral part 2f Edge 21f Upper surface 2t Recess 2u Internal space 2v External space 21 Ventilation port 22 Stopper part 22a, 22k Base end part 22b Tip end part 22f Lower surface 22c, 22e Leg part 22d Arm part 22i Head part 22j Shaft part 22m Engagement part 22p Press stopper part 22pa Base end part 22q Thin part 22r Thick part 22u Recess 4c Solder part 5f Seal part 6c, 6d Contact part

Claims

1. A ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation part, the housing has at least one stopper portion located in a circumferential direction of a vent hole that communicates an internal space and an external space of the housing and protruding from an outer surface of the housing; The ventilation part includes: a cylindrical internal member attached to the ventilation port and having a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; an outer member attached to an outer periphery of the inner member and covering an opening of the through hole; Equipped with In a plan view based on the outer surface of the housing, a base end of the stopper portion does not overlap with the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps with the ventilation part. Ventilated structure.

2. In the plan view, a tip end of the stopper portion overlaps with the ventilation part. The ventilation structure according to claim 1 .

3. The stopper portion restricts movement of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation port in a direction away from the ventilation port. The ventilation structure according to claim 1 .

4. In a side view based on the outer surface of the housing, a maximum vertical length between a lower surface of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole and an upper surface of an edge of the ventilation hole is greater than a maximum vertical length between an upper surface of the ventilation part attached to the ventilation hole and a lower surface of the stopper part. The ventilation structure according to claim 1 .

5. The ventilation part further includes a ventilation membrane attached so as to cover the opening of the through hole. The ventilation structure according to claim 1 .

6. The at least one stopper portion satisfies at least one selected from the group consisting of the following (i) and (ii): The ventilation structure according to claim 1 . (i) After the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation hole, a pre-stopper portion protruding from the outer surface of the housing is formed by inclining, bending, or curving toward an edge of the ventilation hole, and the pre-stopper portion has a vertical length, in a side view based on the outer surface of the housing, that is greater than the maximum vertical length between the outer surface and the upper surface of the ventilation part. (ii) After the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation hole, the stopper portion is fixed to the outer surface of the housing.

7. When the above (i) is satisfied, The pre-stopper portion has a thin portion and a thick portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of the thin portion. The ventilation structure according to claim 6.

8. The at least one stopper portion includes a plurality of stopper portions, The plurality of stopper portions are positioned along the circumferential direction of the ventilation hole. The ventilation structure according to claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Ventilation member, ventilation housing using it, coming off prevention tool for ventilation member, and kit for forming ventilation structure

    JP2004047425A

  • Ventilation casing

    WO2020075857A1

  • Ventilation component

    WO2021145383A1