Waterproof ventilation structure and ventilation port forming method

Abstract

To provide a waterproof ventilation structure and a vent hole forming method capable of preventing a waterproof ventilation film from being directly covered with water with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A waterproof ventilation structure 2 is provided on a wall part 112 of a housing member 10 having a housing space S for housing an electronic circuit, and includes a ventilation port 20 for ventilation between the housing space S and the outside, and a waterproof ventilation film 30 stuck to the side of the housing space S in the ventilation port 20. The ventilation port 20 is provided with a penetrating portion 26 that penetrates the wall portion 112 in the inward-outward direction T, an intersecting portion 24 that communicates with the penetrating portion 26 and extends in an intersecting direction that intersects the inward-outward direction T, and a cover portion 25 that is made of resin and covers at least the penetrating portion 26 from the inward-outward direction T on the outer side of the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30. The penetrating portion 26 and the intersecting portion 24 form a communication path R through which the accommodation space S communicates with the outside. Further, the cover portion 25 covers at least a part of the intersection portion 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof ventilation structure that allows ventilation between the inside and outside of a housing member and prevents liquid from entering the inside, and a method for forming a ventilation hole. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, housing members that house electronic components, control boards, and other electronic circuits have been provided with vents that ventilate the inside and outside of the housing member for the purposes of dissipating heat generated by the electronic circuits, etc. due to conduction to the outside of the housing space, adjusting the pressure within the housing space, etc. Meanwhile, measures have been taken to prevent liquids such as water, dust, etc. from entering the inside of the housing member through the vents.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a waterproof and breathable structure in which a waterproof and breathable membrane is built in and a ventilation member having an insertion passageway leading from the outside to the waterproof and breathable membrane is fitted into a ventilation hole provided in a housing member. In the waterproof and breathable structure, the waterproof and breathable membrane is built in the ventilation member, so that liquid can be prevented from directly contacting the waterproof and breathable membrane. Therefore, it is possible to prevent liquid from entering the inside of the housing member through the ventilation hole into which the ventilation member is fitted, and to allow ventilation between the inside of the housing and the outside.

[0004] However, the waterproof breathable structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a complicated structure in which the waterproof breathable membrane is assembled inside the ventilation member and then the ventilation member is fitted into the ventilation hole. Therefore, there has been a demand for a waterproof breathable structure with a simple structure that can prevent liquid from being splashed directly on the waterproof breathable membrane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-243536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof breathable structure and a method for forming a vent hole that are simple in structure and can prevent liquid from being directly splashed onto a waterproof breathable membrane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention is characterized in that it comprises an air vent provided in a wall of a housing member having a storage space that houses an electronic circuit, for venting between the storage space and the outside, and a waterproof, breathable membrane attached to the side of the air vent that is on the side of the storage space, the air vent having a penetration portion that penetrates the wall in an inward-outward direction, an intersection portion that communicates with the penetration portion and extends in an intersecting direction that intersects the inward-outward direction, and a resin cover portion that is provided outside the waterproof, breathable membrane and covers at least the penetration portion from the inward-outward direction, the penetration portion and the intersection portion forming a communication passage that connects the storage space with the outside, and the cover portion covering at least a portion of the intersection portion, thereby creating a waterproof, breathable structure.

[0008] The cover portion may be provided on at least one of the outside and the inside of the ventilation opening. The intersection portion is a structure that, together with the through portion, forms the communication passage that connects the storage space with the outside, and includes, for example, a case where it is formed between the cover and the wall portion, which are arranged at a predetermined distance from the wall portion, or a case where it is formed between the cover portion and a recess formed by recessing a part of the wall portion.

[0009] According to this invention, it is possible to prevent liquid from being directly splashed onto the waterproof breathable membrane with a simple structure. More specifically, in a vent with a waterproof, breathable membrane attached to the inside, the cover is provided to cover the through-hole that penetrates inward and outward, so the cover can block the direct intrusion of liquid into the through-hole. This prevents the waterproof, breathable membrane from peeling off when liquid, such as a high-pressure cleaning liquid, is directly sprayed on the waterproof, breathable membrane, or damage to the waterproof, breathable membrane caused by direct spraying of liquid.

[0010] Furthermore, the communication passage formed by the through-hole and the intersection allows the storage space to communicate with the outside, ensuring good ventilation through the vent, thereby allowing for the release of heat generated in the storage space and adjustment of the internal pressure of the housing member.

[0011] In this way, in an air vent provided in a wall portion, a waterproof breathable membrane is attached to the inside of a penetration portion that penetrates inward and outward, and a part of the penetration portion and intersection portion that form a communicating passage are covered with a cover portion, with a simple structure that prevents liquid from directly coming into contact with the waterproof breathable membrane and ensures the breathability of the air vent.

[0012] As an aspect of the present invention, the wall portion may be provided with a recess recessed in the inward / outward direction, and the cover portion may be housed in the recess. This invention prevents the cover from protruding from the wall, thereby preventing unintended external forces from acting on the cover, and therefore keeps the cover covering the penetration part, preventing liquid from directly contacting the waterproof breathable membrane.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention, the intersecting portion may be formed in a groove shape by recessing a part of the bottom of the recess. This invention reliably forms the intersecting portion that communicates with the through-hole with a simple structure in which part of the bottom of the recess is recessed in the shape of a groove along the intersecting direction, thereby preventing the cover from protruding from the wall portion with a simple structure, preventing liquid from directly contacting the waterproof breathable membrane, and ensuring breathability between the outside of the housing member and the storage space.

[0014] As another aspect of the present invention, a part of the intersecting portion may extend in the intersecting direction beyond an edge of the cover portion. According to this invention, since a part of the intersection is not covered by the cover, the accommodation space and the outside can be reliably communicated with each other through the communication passage, thereby ensuring ventilation between the accommodation space and the outside.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the cover portion may abut against the bottom portion. According to this invention, since the cover portion and the bottom portion are in contact with each other, it is possible to prevent liquid on the cover portion from running down the cover portion and entering the intersection portion. Furthermore, compared to when the cover portion and the bottom portion are not in contact with each other, it is possible to make the depth of the recess that houses the cover portion shallower while reliably forming the intersection portion that communicates with the through portion.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the cover portion may be provided at a predetermined distance in the inward / outward direction from the bottom of the recess, and the intersection portion may be provided between the cover portion and the bottom, which are spaced at a predetermined distance in the inward / outward direction.

[0017] This invention allows a predetermined space to be formed between the cover and the bottom, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, ensuring that air can pass through the intersection. This prevents liquid from coming into direct contact with the waterproof, breathable membrane and allows for efficient ventilation.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the cover portion may include an axial portion extending inward and outward from the bottom of the recess, and an umbrella portion provided at the tip of the axial portion and having a larger diameter than the axial portion, and the through portion may be provided along the axial portion.

[0019] This invention reliably prevents liquid from coming into direct contact with the waterproof, breathable membrane with a simple structure in which the umbrella portion is attached to the tip of the shaft. Furthermore, because the position of the umbrella portion can be adjusted according to the length of the shaft, the shape of the intersection between the cover portion and the penetration portion can be easily adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid from coming into direct contact with the waterproof, breathable membrane and easily ensure the desired breathability according to the housing material.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the recess may be a first recess, and a second recess may be provided inside the first recess by recessing the bottom of the first recess in the inward / outward direction, and the second recess may be provided with the shaft portion whose tip protrudes from the bottom and a plurality of the through holes spaced at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion, the intersection portion being formed in a groove shape by recessing a portion of the bottom portion, and the communicating passage being composed of the through holes, the intersection portion and the second recess, and the intersection portion may be provided at a position in the circumferential direction different from the position at which the through holes are provided.

[0021] This invention allows the communication passage to have a complex shape with a simple structure, so that even if liquid that has entered the intersection flows toward the second recess, the liquid can be prevented from flowing directly into the penetration portion. Therefore, the liquid is prevented from flowing toward the waterproof breathable membrane, and the liquid can be further prevented from entering the storage space.

[0022] As another aspect of the present invention, the cover portion may be disposed on an outer surface side of the wall portion. With this invention, when the wall portion becomes wet, the cover portion located on the outer surface of the wall portion can prevent liquid from entering the connecting passage, thereby preventing liquid sprayed from the outside toward the through-hole from entering the connecting passage compared to when the cover portion is located on the inner surface of the wall portion.

[0023] As another aspect of the present invention, the cover portion may be made of a molten material obtained by melting a resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature. The present invention also provides a method for forming an air vent in a wall portion of a housing member capable of accommodating an electronic circuit, the method comprising the steps of: a heat crimping process in which a protrusion made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature extends inward and outward from a location on the wall portion corresponding to a penetration portion that has been penetrated in the inward and outward direction, and heat is applied to the protrusion with a heat source pressure member while the protrusion is pressed against the wall portion to form a cover portion that covers the penetration portion; and an attachment process in which a waterproof breathable membrane is attached to the side of the storage space in the penetration portion, the heat crimping process forming the cover portion that extends in a direction intersecting the inward and outward direction and covers at least a portion of the intersection that, together with the penetration portion, forms a communication passage that connects the storage space with the outside.

[0024] According to this invention, a cover that covers the penetration portion can be reliably formed by simply applying heat with a heat source pressure member to a protrusion made of a resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature and pressing it against the protrusion. Therefore, a waterproof breathable structure that can prevent liquid from directly contacting the waterproof breathable membrane with a simple structure can be easily and reliably formed.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the wall portion may be provided with a recess recessed in the inward / outward direction, the protrusion extending in the inward / outward direction from the recess, and in the thermal crimping process, the heat source pressure member may be pressed against the protrusion to apply pressure, thereby forming the cover portion that is accommodated in the recess.

[0026] This invention makes it possible to form a cover portion that is suppressed from protruding inward and outward directions during the thermal crimping process. This makes it possible to easily form a waterproof breathable structure that suppresses unintended external forces from acting on the cover portion. As a result, the cover portion can maintain a state in which it covers the penetration portion, reliably preventing direct exposure of the waterproof breathable membrane to water.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, a portion of the bottom of the recess may be recessed to form a groove, and in the thermal crimping process, the cover portion may be formed to abut against the bottom, and the intersection portion may be formed to extend further outward than the cover portion in a direction intersecting the inward / outward direction. According to this invention, it is possible to easily form a waterproof ventilation structure that can reliably ensure ventilation between the storage space of the housing member and the outside and can further prevent unintended external forces from acting on the cover portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The present invention can provide a waterproof breathable structure and a method for forming a vent hole that can prevent liquid from being directly splashed on a waterproof breathable membrane with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a housing member and a waterproof ventilation structure that constitute the on-board sensor. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram of the ventilation opening. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a method for forming a vent hole. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the vent before the cover portion is formed. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram of the waterproof and breathable structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a waterproof breathable structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a waterproof breathable structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a waterproof breathable structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a waterproof breathable structure according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a waterproof breathable structure according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a housing member 10 and a waterproof ventilation structure 2 that constitute an on-board sensor 1, and Fig. 2 shows an explanatory diagram of a ventilation hole 20. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a ventilation hole forming method P, Fig. 4 shows an explanatory diagram of the ventilation hole 20 before the cover portion 25 is formed, and Fig. 5 shows an explanatory diagram of the ventilation hole forming method P. Fig. 6 shows an explanatory diagram of the waterproof ventilation structure 2. Figs. 7 to 12 show explanatory diagrams of waterproof ventilation structures 2 according to other embodiments.

[0031] Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 6 will be described in detail. Figure 1(a) shows a schematic perspective view of a housing member 10 as viewed from below and from the outer side TO in Figure 1, Figure 1(b) shows a schematic perspective view of a waterproof ventilation structure 2 as viewed from above and from the outer side TO in Figure 1, and Figure 1(c) shows a schematic perspective view of a waterproof ventilation structure 2 as viewed from above and from the inner side TI in Figure 1. Figure 2(a) shows a schematic front view of a ventilation hole 20 as viewed from the outer side TO, Figure 2(b) shows a schematic back view of a ventilation hole 20 as viewed from the inner side TI, Figure 2(c) shows a cross-sectional view as viewed from the arrow AA in Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(d) shows a cross-sectional view as viewed from the arrow BB in Figure 2(b).

[0032] Fig. 4(a) shows a schematic front view of the vent 20 before the cover 25 is formed, Fig. 4(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 4(a), and Fig. 4(c) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 4(a). Fig. 5(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the vent 20 before the heat-source pressurizing member 50 is pressed against the protrusion 28, Fig. 5(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the vent 20 after the heat-source pressurizing member 50 is pressed against the protrusion 28, and Fig. 5(c) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the waterproof breathable structure 2 with the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 attached to the vent 20. Figs. 5(a) to 5(c) show schematic cross-sectional views corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the line CC.

[0033] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the paths of the liquid L and air that flow through the waterproof breathable structure 2. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the waterproof breathable structure 2 as viewed from above and from the outer side TO in Fig. 1, and shows the state seen through the cover portion 25 by indicating the cover portion 25 with a dashed line. In addition, to clarify the communication path R, a portion of the wall portion 112 and the ventilation opening 20 is shown in cross section.

[0034] Next, Figures 7 to 12 will be described in detail. Figure 7(a) shows a schematic front view of the waterproof ventilation structure 2a as seen from the outer side TO, Figure 7(b) shows a schematic back view of the waterproof ventilation structure 2a as seen from the inner side TI, and Figures 7(c) and 7(d) show cross-sectional views taken along the arrows EE and FF in Figure 7(a). Similarly, Figure 8(a) shows a schematic front view of the waterproof ventilation structure 2b as seen from the outer side TO, Figure 8(b) shows a schematic back view of the waterproof ventilation structure 2b as seen from the inner side TI, and Figures 8(c) and 8(d) show schematic cross-sectional views of the waterproof ventilation structure 2b corresponding to the cross-sectional views taken along the arrows EE and FF in Figure 7(a). Figure 9(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation hole 20b before the heat source pressurizing member 50 is pressed against the convex portion 28b, and Figure 9(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation hole 20b after the heat source pressurizing member 50 is pressed against the convex portion 28b.

[0035] Fig. 10(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a waterproof breathable structure 2c in which a cover portion 25 is provided on the inner side TI, and Fig. 10(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a waterproof breathable structure 2c in which a cover portion 25 is provided on the outer side TO. Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 10(b) show schematic cross-sectional views of the waterproof breathable structure 2c corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the arrows EE and FF in Fig. 7(a).

[0036] Figures 11(a) and 12(a) show schematic front views of the waterproof ventilation structure 2d and the waterproof ventilation structure 2e as viewed from the outside TO, and Figures 11(b) and 12(b) show schematic back views of the waterproof ventilation structure 2d and the waterproof ventilation structure 2e as viewed from the inside TI. Figures 11(c) and 12(c) show schematic cross-sectional views of the waterproof ventilation structure 2d and the waterproof ventilation structure 2e corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD in Figure 7(a). Figures 11(d) and 12(d) show schematic cross-sectional views of the waterproof ventilation structure 2d and the waterproof ventilation structure 2e corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the arrow EE in Figure 7(a).

[0037] Here, the thickness direction of the wall portion 112 is defined as the inward / outward direction T. The side of the wall portion 112 that is closer to the storage space S along the inward / outward direction T is defined as the inward side TI, and the side that is closer to the outside of the wall portion 112 along the inward / outward direction T is defined as the outward side TO. The above-mentioned directions are the same as the corresponding directions in Figures 1 to 12.

[0038] The on-vehicle sensor 1 is a so-called sonar sensor used for collision prevention, and is mounted on the fenders at the front and rear of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the on-vehicle sensor 1 used for collision prevention includes a housing member 10 having an accommodation space S for accommodating an electronic circuit (not shown) therein.

[0039] 1(a), the housing member 10 is a resin housing configured with a lower cover 11 having a concave cross section with an opening on one side, and an upper cover 12 that closes the opening in the lower cover 11. The housing member 10 is made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature.

[0040] The lower cover 11 is composed of a bottom 111 on which an electronic circuit is mounted, and a wall 112 standing on one side from the outer edge of the bottom 111. The wall 112 extending from the outer edge of the bottom 111 has an opening at its tip that faces the bottom 111.

[0041] The upper cover 12 is a cover member that has substantially the same shape as the bottom portion 111 in a plan view, and is configured to be able to be engaged with the wall portion 112. The upper cover 12 configured in this manner is engaged with the lower cover 11 so as to close the opening of the lower cover 11, thereby forming, together with the lower cover 11, an accommodation space S that accommodates an electronic circuit.

[0042] 1(a) to 1(c), one surface of a wall portion 112 constituting a side wall of the housing member 10 is provided with a waterproof and breathable structure 2 that allows air to circulate between the storage space S and the outside and prevents liquid L from entering the storage space S. In this embodiment, the waterproof and breathable structure 2 is provided on the wall portion 112, but is not limited to this position and may be provided on the bottom portion 111 or on one surface of the upper cover 12.

[0043] 1(b) and 1(c), the waterproof breathable structure 2 has a vent hole 20 that ventilates the storage space S with the outside, and a waterproof breathable membrane 30 that is breathable and waterproof. The waterproof breathable membrane 30 is attached to the vent hole 20 on the side of the storage space S.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(d), the ventilation opening 20 has a first recess 21 formed by recessing the wall portion 112 in the inward / outward direction T, and a protrusion 22 protruding from the inner side TI (the side of the storage space S) of the first recess 21.

[0045] 2(c) and 2(d), the first recess 21 is a circular recess formed by recessing the outer surface of the wall portion 112 to a depth shallower than the thickness of the wall portion 112. A second recess 23 and an intersection portion 24 are provided on a first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21 configured in this manner.

[0046] 2(c) and 2(d), the second recess 23 is a circular depression having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first recess 21, and is provided so as to penetrate from the first groove bottom 211 through the wall portion 112. The central axis of the second recess 23 configured in this manner is the same as the central axis of the first recess 21 when viewed from the inward / outward direction T. Here, the groove bottom of the second recess 23 is referred to as the second groove bottom 231.

[0047] 2(a) and 2(c), the intersection portion 24 is a groove-shaped depression extending in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T, and is formed from the edge of the second recess 23 beyond the edge of the first recess 21 as viewed from the inward-outward direction T. That is, the intersection portion 24 is formed in a substantially L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction and the inward-outward direction T. Four intersection portions 24 configured in this manner are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, with the central axis of the first recess 21 as the center of rotation.

[0048] 2(c) and 2(d), the protrusion 22 is a cylindrical body that protrudes from the inner surface of the wall portion 112 toward the accommodation space S so as to correspond to the first recess 21. More specifically, the protrusion 22 is a cylindrical body having an outer diameter twice larger than the outer diameter of the first recess 21, and protrudes from the wall portion 112 toward the inward side TI by a length substantially equal to the plate thickness of the wall portion 112. The central axis of the protrusion 22 is the same as the central axis of the first recess 21 when viewed from the inward / outward direction T.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d), the protruding portion 22 is provided with a cover portion 25 that protrudes from the second groove bottom 231 to the outward side TO, a through portion 26 that penetrates the protruding portion 22 in the inward / outward direction T, and an attachment portion 27 to which the waterproof breathable membrane 30 is attached.

[0050] The cover portion 25 is a cover made of thermoplastic resin, and covers the through-hole portion 26 when viewed from the inside-outside direction T. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2(c) and 2(d), the cover portion 25 is made up of a cylindrical shaft portion 251 extending from the center of the circular second groove bottom 231 toward the outward side TO, and an umbrella portion 252 provided at the tip of the shaft portion 251.

[0051] The shaft portion 251 is a cylinder having an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the second recess 23 and a height equal to the depth of the second recess 23, and extends from the center of the second groove bottom 231 toward the outward side TO.

[0052] The umbrella portion 252 has a circular inner end face on the inner side TI that is slightly smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the first recess 21, and is umbrella-shaped with a diameter that gradually decreases inward from the inner end face toward the tip. The tip portion of the umbrella portion 252 has a flat outer end face that is slightly larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the shaft portion 251. The outer end face of the umbrella portion 252 is flush with the wall portion 112. In other words, the cover portion 25 has a height equal to the depth of the first recess 21, and is housed in the first recess 21.

[0053] 2(d), the inner bottom surface of the umbrella portion 252 abuts against the first groove bottom 211. That is, the umbrella portion 252 is configured to cover the second recess 23, and the space formed by the inner bottom surface of the umbrella portion 252 and the second recess 23 communicates with the outside via the space formed by the intersection portion 24.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(d), the through portions 26 are through holes with a cross section that is approximately fan-shaped, and four of them are provided at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the shaft portion 251 when viewed from the inner / outer direction T. In detail, the through portion 26 is a through hole having a radius equal to the length from the outer edge of the shaft portion 251 to the inner edge of the second recess 23, and having an approximately fan-shaped cross-sectional shape with a right angle central angle, and penetrates the wall portion 112 (second groove bottom 231) and the protrusion 22 corresponding to the inner side TI of the second recess 23 in the inward / outward direction T.

[0055] The through-holes 26 configured in this manner are provided at positions different from the positions at which the intersections 24 are provided, more specifically, between the intersections 24 provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the first recess 21, as viewed from the inner / outer direction T. That is, four through-holes 26 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the shaft portion 251. The through-holes 26 configured in this manner are in communication with the intersections 24 via the second recess 23.

[0056] 2(b) and 2(d), the attachment portion 27 is a circular recess formed by recessing the inner side TI of the protrusion 22, and has approximately the same inner diameter as the outer edges of the intersecting portions 24 that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T. In other words, the through portion 26 passes through the center of the attachment portion 27.

[0057] Next, a vent forming method P for forming the waterproof ventilation structure 2 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 3, the ventilation hole forming method P for forming the waterproof ventilation structure 2 includes a thermal crimping process P1 for forming the cover portion 25 with a heat source pressurizing member 50, and an attachment process P2 for attaching the waterproof ventilation membrane 30 to the attachment portion 27.

[0058] Here, in the wall portion 112 before the waterproof breathable structure 2 is formed, as shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), a cylindrical convex portion 28 extending from the second groove bottom 231 at the center of the first recess 21 and the second recess 23 protrudes beyond the outer surface of the outer side TO of the wall portion 112.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the protrusion 28 is a cylindrical body having the same diameter as the shaft portion 251, and extends from the center of the second groove bottom 231 toward the outward side TO. In addition, except for the fact that the convex portion 28 extends from the center of the second groove bottom 231 toward the outward side TO, the structure before and after forming the waterproof breathable structure 2 is the same, so the same components will be given the same symbols and their explanations will be omitted.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5(a), the heat source pressure member 50 is a device that can deform the resin material by pressing it against the resin material and applying heat and pressure, and is equipped with a main body 51 made up of a housing and a pressure protrusion 52 that protrudes toward one side of the main body 51 in the inward / outward direction T.

[0061] The pressure protrusion 52 is a cylindrical body having approximately the same outer diameter as the first recess 21, and protrudes a predetermined length from one side of the main body 51 in the inward / outward direction T toward the inner side TI. In addition, an end face of the pressure protrusion 52 on the tip side in the inward / outward direction T is provided with an abutment surface 521 formed by recessing it into an approximately hemispherical shape. An electronic component that heats the abutment surface 521 is built into the main body 51.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the abutment surface 521 is a substantially hemispherical recess provided on one end surface of the pressure protrusion 52 in the inward / outward direction T. More specifically, the abutment surface 521 has a circular groove bottom that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 251, and the wall surface gradually increases in diameter from the groove bottom toward the tip. The outer end shape of the abutment surface 521 is circular and has an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first recess 21. The depth of the abutment surface 521 is substantially the same as the depth of the first recess 21.

[0063] Next, a method for forming the cover portion 25 using the heat source pressurizing member 50 will be briefly described. As shown in Fig. 5(a), the main body 51 is moved to the inner side TI so that the contact surface 521, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature, is pressed from the outer side TO against the protrusion 28 protruding from the outer surface of the wall 112 (thermal crimping process P1). Here, the protrusion 28, which is part of the wall 112, is made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, by pressing the contact surface 521, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature, against the protrusion 28, the tip portion of the protrusion 28 deforms to fit the shape of the contact surface 521 and enters the inner side TI (see Fig. 5(b)).

[0064] Then, the main body 51 is moved inward TI until the end face of the pressing protrusion 52 abuts against the first groove bottom 211, and after the end face of the pressing protrusion 52 is pressed against the first groove bottom 211 for a predetermined time, the main body 51 is moved outward TO (thermal crimping step P1). As a result, the tip portion of the protrusion 28 is formed into an umbrella portion 252 that is deformed to fit the shape of the abutment surface 521 (see FIG. 5(b)).

[0065] Furthermore, the base end portion of the convex portion 28 extends from the second groove bottom 231, and the tip end portion forms the shaft portion 251 integrally connected to the umbrella portion 252. At this time, since the main body 51 is moved inward TI until the end face of the pressing convex portion 52 abuts against the first groove bottom 211, the inner end face of the umbrella portion 252 abuts against the first groove bottom 211, and the umbrella portion 252 is housed in the first recess 21 (see FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c)).

[0066] After forming the protrusions 28 on the cover part 25 in this way, the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 cut to the same shape as the attachment part 27 is placed on the attachment part 27, and heat is applied from the inner side TI to press the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 against the attachment part 27 (attaching step P2). As a result, the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 is attached to the attachment part 27 (see FIG. 5(c)).

[0067] In this embodiment, the attaching step P2 is performed after the thermal crimping step P1, but the order of the thermal crimping step P1 and the attaching step P2 is not limited to this. For example, the thermal crimping step P1 may be performed after the attaching step P2, or the thermal crimping step P1 and the attaching step P2 may be performed simultaneously.

[0068] In this way, the umbrella portion 252 formed by pressing the heat-source pressurizing member 50 against the protrusion 28 that protrudes outward TO from the outer surface of the wall portion 112 covers the second recess 23 and part of the intersection portion 24. In other words, the umbrella portion 252 covers the through portion 26 provided in the second groove bottom 231 (see FIGS. 2(d) and 6).

[0069] In addition, the through portion 26 communicating with the storage space S and the intersection portion 24 communicating with the outside of the wall portion 112, together with the second recess 23 communicating with the intersection portion 24 and the through portion 26, form a communication passage R communicating with the outside of the wall portion 112 and the storage space S (see Figures 2(c) and 2(d)).

[0070] As a result, even if liquid L is splashed onto the ventilation hole 20 from the outside, the umbrella portion 252 arranged on the outer side TO of the wall portion 112 can prevent the liquid L from splashing directly onto the penetration portion 26, as shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waterproof gas-permeable membrane 30 from peeling off from the attachment portion 27 or being damaged due to the liquid L splashing directly onto the waterproof gas-permeable membrane 30.

[0071] Furthermore, since the communication passage R formed by the second recess 23, the intersection 24, and the through-hole 26 connects the storage space S to the outside, as shown in Fig. 6, the storage space S can be ventilated with the outside via the communication passage R. Therefore, heat generated from the electrical components etc. housed in the storage space S can be released to the outside of the storage space S by electrical conduction, and the pressure in the storage space S can be adjusted.

[0072] In the waterproof breathable structure 2, the intersections 24 and the through-holes 26 are arranged at different circumferential positions when viewed from the inside-outside direction T, so the waterproof breathable structure 2 can form the communication passages R with complex paths. Therefore, even if the liquid L that has dripped onto the ventilation hole 20 penetrates from the intersections 24 to the inner side TI of the umbrella portion 252, it is possible to more reliably prevent the liquid L from penetrating into the storage space S via the through-holes 26.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, in the waterproof breathable structure 2, the cover portion 25 is formed by pressing the protrusion 28 with the contact surface 521 heated to a predetermined temperature, so that the cover portion 25 can be formed easily and simply. Also, by appropriately changing the length of the protrusion 28 in the inward / outward direction T, the shape of the shaft portion 251 and the umbrella portion 252 can be formed into a desired shape.

[0074] For example, by increasing the length of the protrusion 28 and pressing the main body 51 up to the first groove bottom 211, the shape of the umbrella portion 252 can be enlarged. That is, by simply changing the shape of the heat-source pressurizing member 50 to an appropriate shape, the shape of the umbrella portion 252 housed in the first recess 21 can be enlarged, which makes it possible to easily further prevent the liquid L from entering the housing space S. That is, the waterproof ventilation structure 2 can be easily designed according to the breathability and waterproofness required for the housing member 10.

[0075] Second Embodiment In the above-described waterproof breathable structure 2, the second recess 23 is provided to form a complex path for the communication passage R and improve waterproofness, but the second recess 23 is not necessarily provided in order to prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30. Below, a waterproof breathable structure 2a formed without the second recess 23 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description of the waterproof breathable structure 2a, the same components as those in the above-described waterproof breathable structure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), the waterproof breathable structure 2a, like the waterproof breathable structure 2, is provided with a ventilation hole 20a that ventilates the storage space S and the outside, and a waterproof breathable membrane 30 that is breathable and waterproof. The ventilation opening 20a is provided with a first recess 21 formed by recessing the wall portion 112 in the inward / outward direction T, and a protrusion 22 protruding from the inner side TI of the first recess 21 (the side of the storage space S).

[0077] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(c), the first recess 21 is a circular recess formed by recessing the outer surface of the wall portion 112 to a depth shallower than the thickness of the wall portion 112, and is provided with a pair of intersection portions 24a, a cover portion 25a, and a pair of through portions 26a. The cover portion 25a has substantially the same configuration as the cover portion 25, except that it protrudes outward TO from the central portion of the first groove bottom 211 rather than from the central portion of the second groove bottom 231, and therefore will not be described here.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7(c), the intersection portion 24a is a groove-shaped depression that extends in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T, penetrates the first groove bottom 211, and is formed by recessing a portion of the upper surface of the protrusion 22. As shown in Figs. 7(a) and 7(c), the intersection portions 24a are provided in pairs facing each other with the axis portion 251 as the center, from the penetrating portion 26a to the inner edge of the first recess 21. The outer ends of the intersection portions 24a are located outward of the outer ends of the umbrella portions 252 when viewed from the inward-outward direction T (see Fig. 7(a)).

[0079] As shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(c), the through portion 26a is a through hole that penetrates the first groove bottom 211 and the protrusion 22 in the inward / outward direction T along the shaft portion 251, and is provided at a location corresponding to the intersection portion 24a.

[0080] In the waterproof breathable structure 2a configured in this manner, the umbrella portion 252 covers the through-hole portion 26a when viewed from the inside-outside direction T, and the intersection portion 24a and the through-hole portion 26a form a communication passage R that connects the storage space S with the outside. Therefore, like the waterproof breathable structure 2, the waterproof breathable structure 2a can prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30.

[0081] (Third embodiment) Furthermore, in the above-described waterproof and breathable structures 2 and 2a, a plurality of through-holes 26 are provided along the cover portion 25, but this is not limiting. For example, a waterproof and breathable structure 2b in which a through-hole 26b that replaces the through-hole 26 is provided in the central portion of the first groove bottom 211 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description of the waterproof breathable structure 2b, the same components as those in the above-described waterproof breathable structure 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(d), the waterproof breathable structure 2b, like the waterproof breathable structures 2 and 2a, is provided with a ventilation hole 20b for ventilating the storage space S with the outside, and a waterproof breathable membrane 30 that is breathable and waterproof. The ventilation opening 20b is provided with a first recess 21 formed by recessing the wall portion 112 in the inward / outward direction T, and a protrusion 22 protruding from the inner side TI of the first recess 21 (the side of the storage space S).

[0083] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(c), the first recess 21 is a circular recess formed by recessing the outer surface of the wall portion 112 to a depth shallower than the thickness of the wall portion 112, and is provided with an intersection portion 24b, a cover portion 25b, and a through portion 26b.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8(c), the intersection portion 24b is a groove-shaped depression that extends in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T, penetrates the first groove bottom 211, and is formed by recessing a part of the protrusion 22. As shown in Figs. 8(a) and 8(c), the intersection portion 24b is formed so as to pass through the center of the first recess 21 and extend from one side to the other side of the inner edge of the first recess 21 when viewed from the inward-outward direction T.

[0085] As shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(d), the cover portion 25b is composed of a substantially cylindrical through shaft portion 253 extending from the first groove bottom 211 toward the outward side TO, and an umbrella portion 252 provided at the tip of the through shaft portion 253.

[0086] The through shaft portion 253 is a substantially cylindrical shaft having an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the first recess 21, and extends slightly outward TO from the center of the first groove bottom 211. The central axis of the through shaft portion 253 is the same as the central axis of the first recess 21 when viewed from the inward-outward direction T. The through shaft portion 253 configured in this manner is penetrated by an intersection portion 24b extending in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T. In other words, the through shaft portion 253 is provided with a shaft penetrating portion 254 penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T.

[0087] As shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(d), the through-hole 26b penetrates the central part of the protrusion 22 in the inward / outward direction T, and is connected to the axial through-hole 254 that penetrates the through-hole axial part 253 in a direction perpendicular to the inward / outward direction T.

[0088] In the waterproof breathable structure 2b configured in this manner, the umbrella portion 252 covers the through-hole portion 26b when viewed from the inside-outside direction T, and a communication passage R that connects the storage space S to the outside is formed by the intersection portion 24b and the through-hole portion 26b, which are connected to each other via the axial through-hole 254. Therefore, like the waterproof breathable structures 2 and 2a, the waterproof breathable structure 2b can prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30 and can reliably ventilate the storage space S with the outside.

[0089] Like the waterproof ventilation structures 2 and 2a, the waterproof ventilation structure 2b can be formed using a heat source pressurizing member 50. A method for forming the waterproof ventilation structure 2b will be briefly described below with reference to FIG. In the wall portion 112 before the waterproof breathable structure 2b is formed, as shown in Figure 9(a), at the center of the first recess 21, a convex portion 28b which is a solid semi-cylinder extends in pairs from the protrusion 22 so that the arc portion faces outward when viewed from the inward / outward direction T.

[0090] The pair of protrusions 28b are spaced a predetermined distance apart in a direction intersecting the inward-outward direction T. Specifically, the distance between the protrusions 28b is equal to the groove width of the intersections 24b, and the intersections 24b are disposed between the protrusions 28b. Furthermore, a through-hole 26b that penetrates the protrusion 22 in the inward-outward direction T is provided between the protrusions 28b. The pair of protrusions 28b configured in this manner protrudes outward TO beyond the outer surface of the wall portion 112.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the main body 51 is moved toward the inner side TI so that the contact surface 521, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature, is pressed from the outer side TO against the protrusions 28b protruding from the outer surface of the wall 112 (thermal crimping process P1). Here, the protrusions 28b, which are part of the wall 112, are made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, by pressing the contact surface 521, which has been heated to a predetermined temperature, against the protrusions 28b, the tip portions of the protrusions 28b deform to fit the shape of the contact surface 521 and enter the inner side TI. At this time, the tip portions of the protrusions 28b that face each other melt and become one.

[0092] Then, the main body 51 is moved inward TI until the end face of the pressing protrusion 52 abuts against the first groove bottom 211, and after the end face of the pressing protrusion 52 is pressed against the first groove bottom 211 for a predetermined time, the main body 51 is moved outward TO (thermal crimping process P1). As a result, the tip portion of the protrusion 28b is formed into an umbrella portion 252 that is deformed to match the shape of the abutment surface 521. In addition, the base end portion of the protrusion 28b extends from the protruding portion 22 and is formed into a through-shaft portion 253 in which a shaft through-hole 254 is provided in a direction intersecting the inward / outward direction T.

[0093] Furthermore, since the main body 51 is moved toward the inner side TI until the end face of the pressure convex portion 52 abuts against the first groove bottom 211, the inner side TI of the umbrella portion 252 abuts against the first groove bottom 211 and the umbrella portion 252 is accommodated in the first recess 21.

[0094] After forming the cover portion 25 from the convex portion 28b in this manner, the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 cut to the same shape as the attachment portion 27 is placed on the attachment portion 27, and heat is applied from the inner side TI to press the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 against the attachment portion 27, thereby attaching the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 to the attachment portion 27 (attachment process P2).

[0095] As described above, the waterproof breathable structures 2, 2a, 2b are provided in the wall 112 of the housing member 10 having the storage space S that houses an electronic circuit, and are provided with the ventilation opening 20 that provides ventilation between the storage space S and the outside, and the waterproof breathable membrane 30 attached to the ventilation opening 20, 20a, 20b on the side of the storage space S. The ventilation openings 20, 20a, 20b are provided with through-holes 26, 26a, 26b that penetrate the wall 112 in the inside-outside direction T, intersections 24, 24a, 24b that communicate with the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b and extend in an intersecting direction that intersects the inside-outside direction T, and resin covers 25, 25a, 25b that are located on the outer side TO of the waterproof breathable membrane 30 and that cover at least the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b from the inside-outside direction T. The through portions 26, 26a, 26b and the intersection portions 24, 24a, 24b form a communication passage R that connects the accommodation space S with the outside. Furthermore, the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b cover at least a part of the intersection portions 24, 24a, 24b.

[0096] The waterproof breathable structures 2, 2a, 2b configured in this manner can prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30 with a simple structure. More specifically, in the ventilation openings 20, 20a, 20b in which the waterproof gas-permeable membrane 30 is attached to the inner side TI of the wall portion 112, the covers 25, 25a, 25b are provided to cover the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b that penetrate in the inward-outward direction T. Therefore, the covers 25, 25a, 25b can block the direct intrusion of the liquid L into the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b. This prevents the attached waterproof gas-permeable membrane 30 from being peeled off due to, for example, the liquid L used for high-pressure cleaning being directly sprayed on the waterproof gas-permeable membrane 30.

[0097] Furthermore, since the storage space S can be connected to the outside via the communication passage R formed by the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b and the intersections 24, 24a, 24b, the ventilation of the vents 20, 20a, 20b can be ensured. This makes it possible to release heat generated in the storage space S and adjust the internal pressure of the housing member 10.

[0098] In this way, in the ventilation holes 20, 20a, 20b provided in the wall portion 112, the waterproof breathable membrane 30 is attached to the inner side TI of the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b that penetrate in the inward / outward direction T, and the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b that form the communicating passage R together with the intersections 24, 24a, 24b are covered with the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b.This simple structure prevents the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30 and ensures the breathability of the ventilation hole 20.

[0099] Furthermore, a first recess 21 is provided by recessing the wall portion 112 in the inward / outward direction T, and the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are housed in the first recess 21. This prevents the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b from protruding from the wall portion 112, thereby preventing unintended external forces from acting on the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b. This allows the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b to maintain a state in which they cover the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b, and reliably prevents the waterproof breathable membrane 30 from being directly exposed to water.

[0100] Furthermore, the intersections 24, 24a, 24b are formed in a groove shape by recessing a portion of the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21. This makes it possible to reliably form the intersections 24, 24a, 24b that communicate with the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b with a simple structure in which a portion of the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21 is recessed in a groove shape along the intersecting direction. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to prevent the cover from protruding from the wall portion 112, reliably prevent the waterproof air-permeable membrane 30 from being directly wetted with water, and ensure breathability between the outside of the housing member 10 and the storage space S.

[0101] Furthermore, portions of the intersections 24, 24a, 24b extend in the intersecting direction beyond the edges of the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b. As a result, portions of the intersections 24, 24a, 24b are not covered by the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b, so that the storage space S can reliably communicate with the outside through the communication passage R. Therefore, ventilation can be reliably established between the storage space S and the outside.

[0102] Furthermore, because the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b abut against the first groove bottom 211, it is possible to prevent the liquid L that has fallen on the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b from running down the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b and entering the intersections 24, 24a, 24b. Furthermore, compared to a case in which the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b do not abut against the first groove bottom 211, it is possible to make the depth of the first recess 21 that accommodates the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b shallower while reliably forming the intersections 24, 24a, 24b that communicate with the through portions 26, 26a, 26b.

[0103] The cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are provided with a shaft portion 251 and a through shaft portion 253 extending in the inward / outward direction T from the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21, and umbrella portions 252 provided at the tips of the shaft portion 251 and the through shaft portion 253 and having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 251 and the through shaft portion 253. The through portions 26, 26a, 26b are provided along the shaft portion 251 and the through shaft portion 253.

[0104] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the liquid L from directly splashing onto the waterproof breathable membrane 30 with a simple structure in which the umbrella portion 252 is provided at the tip of the shaft portion 251 and the penetrating shaft portion 253. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the umbrella portion 252 according to the lengths of the shaft portion 251 and the penetrating shaft portion 253, it is possible to easily adjust the shapes of the intersections 24, 24a, 24b provided between the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b and the penetrating portions 26, 26a, 26b. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid L from directly splashing onto the waterproof breathable membrane 30, and it is also possible to easily ensure the desired breathability according to the housing member 10.

[0105] Furthermore, because the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are arranged on the outer surface side of the wall portion 112, when the liquid L is directly splashed onto the wall portion 112, the covers arranged on the outer surface side of the wall portion 112 can directly prevent the liquid L from entering the communicating passage R. Therefore, compared to when the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are arranged on the inner surface side of the wall portion 112, the liquid L splashed from the outside toward the through portions 26, 26a, 26b can be more effectively prevented from entering the communicating passage R.

[0106] The method P for forming the ventilation holes 20, 20a, 20b in the wall 112 of the housing member 10 capable of accommodating an electronic circuit includes a thermal crimping process P1 in which heat is applied by a heat source pressure member 50 to a protrusion 28 made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature and that extends in the inward / outward direction T from a location corresponding to the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b that have been penetrated in the inward / outward direction T, and the protrusion 28 is pressed against the protrusion 28 to form cover portions 25, 25a, 25b that cover the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b, and an attachment process P2 in which a waterproof breathable membrane 30 is attached to the side of the storage space S of the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b. In the thermal crimping process P1, cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are formed which extend in a direction intersecting the inward / outward direction T and cover at least a portion of the intersection portions 24, 24a, 24b which, together with the through portions 26, 26a, 26b, form a communication passage R connecting the storage space S with the outside.

[0107] That is, the cover portions 25, 25a, and 25b are made of a molten material obtained by melting a resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature.

[0108] As a result, the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b that cover the through-holes 26, 26a, 26b can be reliably formed by simply pressing and applying heat to the protrusions 28 made of a resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature using the heat-source pressurizing member 50. Therefore, the waterproof breathable structures 2, 2a, 2b that can prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30 with a simple structure can be easily and reliably formed.

[0109] In addition, a first recess 21 recessed in the inward / outward direction T is provided in the wall portion 112, and a protrusion 28 extends from the first recess 21 in the inward / outward direction T. In the thermal crimping process P1, the heat source pressure member 50 is pressed against the protrusion 28 to apply pressure, thereby forming cover portions 25, 25a, 25b that are accommodated in the first recess 21.

[0110] As a result, in the thermal crimping step P1, it is possible to form the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b that are restricted from protruding in the inward / outward direction T. This makes it possible to easily form the waterproof breathable structures 2, 2a, 2b that are restricted from being subjected to unintended external forces on the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the state in which the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b cover the through portions 26, 26a, 26b, and it is possible to reliably prevent the waterproof breathable membrane 30 from being directly exposed to water.

[0111] Furthermore, a portion of the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21 is recessed to form a groove shape, and in the thermal crimping process P1, cover portions 25, 25a, 25b are formed that abut against the first groove bottom 211, and intersection portions 24, 24a, 24b are formed that extend partially outside the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b in a direction that intersects with the inward / outward direction T.

[0112] This makes it possible to easily form the waterproof breathable structures 2, 2a, 2b that can reliably ensure ventilation between the storage space S of the housing member 10 and the outside and can further prevent unintended external forces from acting on the cover portions 25, 25a, 25b.

[0113] Furthermore, in the waterproof breathable structure 2, the first recess 21 is defined as the first recess 21, and a second recess 23 is provided on the inner side TI of the first recess 21 by recessing a first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21 in the inward / outward direction T. The second recess 23 is provided with a shaft portion 251 whose tip protrudes from the first groove bottom 211 and a plurality of through-holes 26 spaced at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the shaft portion 251, and the intersection portion 24 is formed in a groove shape by recessing a portion of the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21. The communication passage R is composed of the through-holes 26, the intersection portion 24, and the second recess 23, and the intersection portion 24 is provided at a position in the circumferential direction different from the position at which the through-holes 26 are provided.

[0114] This allows the communication passages R to have complex shapes with a simple structure, so that even if the liquid L that has entered the intersection 24 flows toward the second recess 23, the liquid L can be prevented from flowing directly into the through-holes 26. This prevents the liquid L from flowing toward the waterproof breathable membrane 30, and further prevents the liquid L from entering the storage space S. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of through-holes 26, breathability can be reliably ensured.

[0115] In correspondence between the configuration of this invention and the above-mentioned embodiment, The storage space of this invention corresponds to the storage space S in the embodiment, and similarly hereinafter, The housing member corresponds to the housing member 10, The wall corresponds to the wall 112, The inward-outward direction corresponds to the inward-outward direction T, The vents correspond to the vents 20, 20a, and 20b. The waterproof and breathable membrane is compatible with waterproof and breathable membrane 30. The through-holes correspond to the through-holes 26, 26a, and 26b. The intersections correspond to intersections 24, 24a, and 24b, The cover parts correspond to the cover parts 25, 25a, and 25b, The connecting passage corresponds to the connecting passage R. The waterproof and breathable structure corresponds to waterproof and breathable structures 2, 2a, and 2b. The recess corresponds to the first recess 21, The bottom corresponds to the first groove bottom 211; The shaft portion corresponds to the shaft portion 251 and the through shaft portion 253, The umbrella portion corresponds to the umbrella portion 252, The first recess corresponds to the first recess 21, The second recess corresponds to the second recess 23, The protrusions correspond to the protrusions 28 and 28b. The heat source pressurizing member corresponds to the heat source pressurizing member 50, The thermal crimping process corresponds to the thermal crimping process P1. The pasting step corresponds to the pasting step P2, The vent hole forming method corresponds to the vent hole forming method P, The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0116] For example, in this embodiment, the cover portion 25 is provided on the outer side TO of the ventilation opening 20, i.e., on the side opposite to the storage space S, but as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), it may be provided on the side of the storage space S. Also, it may be provided on both the outer side TO and the inner side TI of the ventilation opening 20.

[0117] For example, a waterproof breathable structure 2c in which the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) is provided on the inner side TI will be briefly described with reference to Figs. 10(a) and 10(b). In the waterproof breathable structure 2c, a through portion 26 penetrating a wall portion 112 is provided on the outer side TO. In the waterproof breathable structure 2c, a cover portion 25c including an axial portion 251 extending from the wall portion 112 to the inner side TI and an umbrella portion 252 connected to the tip (inner side TI) of the axial portion 251 is provided on the inner side TI so as to cover the through portion 26. An intersection portion 24 extending in a direction perpendicular to the inward-outward direction T is provided between the umbrella portion 252 and the through portion 26.

[0118] In this way, in the waterproof breathable structure 2c in which the umbrella portion 252 is provided on the inner side TI, the umbrella portion 252 can block the liquid L that enters the inner side TI through the through portion 26. Therefore, similar to the waterproof breathable structure 2, it is possible to prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30 attached to the inner side TI at the ventilation opening 20c.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the intersecting portions 24, 24a, 24b, together with the through portions 26, 26a, 26b, form a communication passage R that connects the storage space S with the outside, and is formed by recessing the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21, which is formed by recessing a portion of the wall portion 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be formed, for example, between the first groove bottom 211 and the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) that is arranged at a predetermined distance in the inward / outward direction T from the first groove bottom 211, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . Furthermore, the communication passage R may be formed between the wall portion 112 and the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) that is arranged at a predetermined distance in the inward / outward direction T from the wall portion 112.

[0120] For example, in the waterproof ventilation structure 2d shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(d), the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) provided at the ventilation hole 20d is spaced a predetermined distance in the inward / outward direction T from the first groove bottom 211 of the first recess 21. That is, the intersection portion 24 is provided between the umbrella portion 252 and the first groove bottom 211, which are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the inward / outward direction T. This makes it possible to form a space of a predetermined size between the cover portion 25 and the first groove bottom 211, which are spaced a predetermined distance apart. This ensures that air can pass through the intersection portion 24. This prevents the liquid L from directly contacting the waterproof ventilation membrane 30 and allows for efficient ventilation.

[0121] 12(a) to 12(d), the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) provided at the ventilation opening 20e has an axis 251 extending outwardly TO from the wall portion 112, and the umbrella portion 252 is provided at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the wall portion 112. This allows an intersection portion 24e to be formed between the cover portion 25 and the wall portion 112, which are spaced apart by the predetermined distance, that defines a space of a predetermined size in a direction intersecting with the inward-outward direction T. Therefore, the umbrella portion 252 can prevent the liquid L from directly splashing on the waterproof breathable membrane 30, and the storage space S can be efficiently ventilated with air via the intersection portion 24e between the cover portion 25 and the wall portion 112.

[0122] In this embodiment, the housing member 10 provided with the waterproof breathable structure 2 constitutes the on-vehicle sensor 1, but as long as it has an internal storage space S for storing an electronic circuit (not shown) and is required to be both breathable and waterproof, the housing member 10 is not limited to the on-vehicle sensor 1. For example, the housing member 10 may be a housing for storing an electronic circuit (not shown) inside an electrical junction box or the like.

[0123] Furthermore, in the waterproof breathable structure 2 and the like, the ventilation opening 20 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the inside-outside direction T, and the through-hole 26 is provided in the center of the ventilation opening 20, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation opening 20 may be formed in a polygonal shape when viewed from the inside-outside direction T. Furthermore, the through-hole 26 may be provided in the outer edge of the ventilation opening 20 when viewed from the inside-outside direction T, and the cover portion 25 (umbrella portion 252) may be provided so as to cover the through-hole 26. In this case, the intersection portion 24 extends in a direction intersecting the inside-outside direction T so as to connect the umbrella portion 252 and the through-hole 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e...Waterproof and breathable structure 10...Housing material 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e...Ventilation holes 21...First recess 23...Second recess 24, 24a, 24b, 24e...Intersection 25, 25a, 25b, 25c...Cover part 26,26a,26b...Penetration part 28,28b...Convex part 30…Waterproof breathable membrane 50...Heat source pressure member 112...Wall part 211…First groove bottom 251...shaft 252...Umbrella part 253...Through shaft P...Ventilation hole formation method R…Communication path S...Storage space T…Internal / internal direction P1...Heat crimping process P2: Pasting process

Claims

1. a vent hole provided in a wall of a housing member having an accommodation space for accommodating an electronic circuit, the vent hole providing ventilation between the accommodation space and the outside; A waterproof air-permeable membrane is attached to the side of the storage space at the ventilation port, The vent is a through-hole that penetrates the wall portion in an inward and outward direction; an intersection portion communicating with the through portion and extending in an intersection direction intersecting the inner-outer direction; A resin cover portion is provided outside the waterproof air-permeable membrane to cover at least the through-hole from the inside and outside directions, the through portion and the intersection portion form a communication passage that connects the accommodation space with the outside, The cover portion covers at least a part of the intersection portion. Waterproof and breathable structure.

2. A recess is provided in the wall portion by recessing the wall portion in the inward and outward directions, The cover portion is accommodated in the recess. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 1.

3. The intersection is formed in a groove shape by recessing a part of the bottom of the recess. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 2.

4. A part of the intersecting portion extends in the intersecting direction beyond the edge of the cover portion. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 3.

5. The cover portion abuts against the bottom portion. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 4.

6. the cover portion is provided at a predetermined distance in the inward and outward direction from the bottom of the recessed portion, The intersecting portion is provided between the cover portion and the bottom portion, which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the inward and outward direction. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 2.

7. The cover portion includes a shaft portion extending in the inward and outward directions from a bottom portion of the recessed portion; a head portion provided at a tip of the shaft portion and having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion; The through portion is provided along the shaft portion. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 2.

8. the recess is a first recess, a second recess formed by recessing a bottom of the first recess in the inward / outward direction is provided inside the first recess, The second recess has a shaft portion whose tip protrudes from the bottom portion. A plurality of the through-holes are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion, The intersection is formed in a groove shape by recessing a part of the bottom, the communication passage is formed by the through portion, the intersection portion, and the second recessed portion, The intersecting portion is provided at a position different from a position at which the through portion is provided in the circumferential direction. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 7.

9. The cover portion is disposed on the outer surface side of the wall portion. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 1.

10. The cover portion is It is made of a molten resin material that melts at a specified temperature. The waterproof and breathable structure according to claim 1.

11. A method for forming a vent hole in a wall of a housing member capable of accommodating an electronic circuit, comprising: a thermal caulking process in which heat is applied to a protrusion made of a meltable resin material that melts at a predetermined temperature, extending in the inward and outward direction from a position corresponding to the through-hole that has been penetrated in the inward and outward direction on the wall portion, and the protrusion is pressed and pressurized by a heat source pressure member to form a cover that covers the through-hole; A waterproof air-permeable membrane is attached to the side of the storage space in the penetration portion. In the thermal crimping process, the cover portion is formed so as to cover at least a part of an intersection portion that extends in a direction intersecting the inner-outer direction and that, together with the through portion, forms a communication passage that connects the accommodation space with the outside. Vent forming method.

12. The wall portion is provided with a recess recessed in the inward and outward direction, The protrusion extends outward from the recess, In the thermal caulking step, the heat source pressurizing member is pressed against the convex portion to apply pressure, Forming the cover portion to be housed in the recess The method for forming a vent hole according to claim 11.

13. a part of the bottom of the recess is recessed to form a groove, In the thermal caulking step, the cover portion is formed to abut against the bottom portion, and the intersecting portion is formed to extend partly outward beyond the cover portion in a direction intersecting the inward-outward direction. The method for forming a vent hole according to claim 12.

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