Hollow Group Stereo

Abstract

To facilitate positioning during snap-fit ​​assembly. [Solution] The hollow assembly 10 is formed by integrating a first member 1 and a second member 2 with a plurality of locking structures F1,... The locking structure F1 is locked by a push operation. The locking structure F1 has a locking projection 11 provided on the first member 1 and a gate-shaped locking frame 12 provided on the second member. The locking projection 11 has an engagement surface 112 on the rear side in the first direction of push operation, and the gate-shaped locking frame 12 has a bolt portion 121. When the locking projection 11 and the bolt portion 121 are pushed in, they elastically deform relative to each other in the third direction D3, and when integrated, the engagement surface 112 and the bolt portion 121 engage. The gate-shaped locking frame 12 is provided with a projection 13 that protrudes from the center of the bolt portion 21 in the second direction D2 toward the first direction D1 toward the second member 2. The width W of the projection 13 in the second direction is smaller than the width WG of the bolt portion 121 in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a hollow assembly, particularly a hollow assembly that is assembled and integrated by a plurality of locking structures locked by a pushing operation.

Background Art

[0002] When manufacturing hollow members such as cases, boxes, and ducts from synthetic resin, these members are, for example, divided into two parts and molded by injection molding or the like, like a box and a lid, or two half-split ducts, and the molded parts are assembled to obtain a hollow member, that is, a hollow assembly. When integrating the two divided members, integration using a locking structure locked by a pushing operation, so-called snap fit, may be performed. When using snap fit, the members can be integrated without going through special processes such as welding or adhesion.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses obtaining a hollow assembly, which is an outside air introduction duct in which a resonator is integrated by connecting a resonator to a resonator connection portion protruding from a duct main body by a snap fit mechanism. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for making it difficult to disengage an engaging piece by forming a slit adjacent to the side portion at a hanging portion of the engaging piece in a snap fit structure having an engaging convex portion and an engaging piece.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=它5]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When applying snap-fit ​​systems to relatively large hollow assemblies such as automotive air cleaners, battery cooling ducts, and battery cases, multiple snap-fit ​​locking structures are often used to integrate them into a single unit.

[0006] However, when assembling a hollow assembly that is integrated by multiple snap-fit ​​locking structures, it is required to precisely position the separately molded parts relative to each other before pressing the snap-fit ​​sections together. If the positioning is insufficient, some snap-fits may engage and integrate the parts, while others may come loose or misalign, making engagement impossible. This can result in gaps in the joints of the surrounding parts, leading to manufacturing defects. This problem is particularly likely to occur when there are many snap-fits or when the parts are large.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a hollow assembly that facilitates positioning during snap-fit ​​assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of diligent research, the inventors discovered that in a snap-fit ​​structure, if a projection narrower than the bolt portion is formed protruding from the center of the bolt portion where the locking projection engages, positioning during assembly becomes easier, and thus the present invention was completed.

[0009] The present invention relates to a hollow assembly in which a first member and a second member are integrated by a plurality of locking structures, wherein the locking structures are locked by a push operation, and in each locking structure, the push direction is designated as the first direction, the direction parallel to the wall of the hollow assembly near the locking structure and perpendicular to the first direction is designated as the second direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions is designated as the third direction, and the locking structure has a locking projection provided on the first member and a gate-shaped locking frame provided on the second member, the front side of the locking projection in the push direction of the first direction is an inclined surface, and the rear side in the push direction of the first direction is an engaging surface The gate-shaped locking frame has a bolt portion, and the locking projection and the bolt portion are configured to relatively elastically deform in a third direction during the pushing operation, so that the bolt portion rides up on the inclined surface of the locking projection, and when they are integrated, the engaging surface of the locking projection and the bolt portion of the locking frame engage, and the gate-shaped locking frame is provided with a projection that protrudes from the second-direction center of the bolt portion in a direction away from the second member along the first direction, and the width of the projection in the second direction is smaller than the width of the bolt portion in the second direction, making it a hollow assembly (first invention).

[0010] In the first invention, preferably, the thickness of the projection in the third direction is thinner than the thickness of the bolt portion in the third direction (second invention). Also in the first invention, preferably, on the side where the locking frame contacts the inclined surface during the pushing operation, the tip of the projection is positioned further from the wall portion of the first member with respect to the position in the third direction than the bolt portion (third invention). Also in the first invention, preferably, the width of the projection in the second direction is approximately the same as the width of the locking projection in the second direction (fourth invention).

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a hollow assembly having at least four locking structures having locking projections, locking frames, and protrusions as defined in the first invention, wherein the first and second locking structures are arranged on a first and second surface facing each other in the hollow assembly, and the third direction of the first locking structure and the third direction of the second locking structure are substantially parallel, the third and fourth locking structures are arranged on a third and fourth surface facing each other in the hollow assembly, and the third direction of the third locking structure and the third direction of the fourth locking structure are substantially parallel, and the third direction of the first locking structure and the third direction of the third locking structure are substantially perpendicular, thus forming a hollow assembly of the first invention (fifth invention). [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the hollow assembly of the present invention (first invention), positioning during snap-fit ​​assembly is easier. Furthermore, in the cases of the second, third, and fourth inventions, positioning during assembly becomes even easier. Furthermore, in the case of the fifth invention, multiple snap-fit ​​locking structures can be positioned simultaneously across the entire hollow assembly, making positioning during assembly particularly easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the hollow assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the locking structure in the hollow assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] These are a front view and a cross-sectional view of the locking structure portion of the hollow assembly in the first embodiment in an exploded state. [Figure 4] These are a front view and a cross-sectional view of the area near the locking projection of the first member in the locking structure. [Figure 5] These are a front view and a cross-sectional view of the area near the gate-shaped locking frame of the second member in the locking structure. [Figure 6]Front view and cross-sectional view of the locking structure portion of the hollow assembly according to the first embodiment in a positioned state for the pushing-in operation. [Figure 7] Front view and cross-sectional view of the locking structure portion of the hollow assembly according to the first embodiment in a locked state. [Figure 8] Diagram showing the arrangement and orientation of a plurality of locking structures in the hollow assembly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing a modification example near the locking projection of the first member. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing a modification example near the portal-shaped locking frame of the second member.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described by taking, as an example, a hollow assembly that is part of a filter element of an air cleaner for an automobile, while referring to the following drawings. The invention is not limited to the individual embodiments shown below, and the form can be changed and implemented.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a hollow assembly 10 according to the first embodiment. The hollow assembly 10 is configured by integrating a first member 1 and a second member 2. The hollow assembly 10 of the present embodiment functions as a frame of a filter element of an air cleaner. This filter element is plate-shaped. A pleated filter medium 29 is integrated with the second member 2. Also, a seal member (not shown) is attached to a flange portion 28 formed on the second member 2. The hollow assembly 10 formed by integrating the first member 1 and the second member 2 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box, and a pre-filter 30 is disposed in the hollow space of the box. That is, the first member 1 functions as a pressing member for the pre-filter 30.

[0016] The first member 1 and the second member 2 are assembled and integrated by a plurality of locking structures F1, F2, ··· F6 to form a hollow assembly 10. The locking structures F1, F2, ··· F6 are locking structures that are locked by a pushing operation. As will be described later, each locking structure has a locking protrusion and a locking frame. Although not essential, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when viewed along the direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the plate-like filter element extends, the locking structures F1, F2, ··· F6 are arranged so as to surround the four peripheral surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow box.

[0017] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the plate-like filter element extends is defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the filter element is defined as the Z direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in each locking structure, the pushing direction in which the locking protrusion is pushed into the locking frame is defined as the first direction D1, the direction parallel to the wall portions 10, 20 of the hollow assembly in the vicinity of the locking structure and orthogonal to the first direction D1 is defined as the second direction D2, and the direction orthogonal to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is defined as the third direction D3. In the present embodiment, in all the locking structures, the first direction D1 is the same direction. Also, in the present embodiment, the Z direction and the first direction D1 are parallel.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the locking structure F1 in the hollow assembly 10 of the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 3 is a front view and a sectional view in an exploded state of a portion of the locking structure F1 in the hollow assembly 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view and a sectional view of the vicinity of the locking protrusion 11 of the first member 1 in the locking structure F1. FIG. 5 is a front view and a sectional view of the vicinity of the U-shaped locking frame 12 of the second member 2 in the locking structure F1.

[0019] The locking structure F1 has a locking protrusion 11 provided on the first member 1 and a U-shaped locking frame 12 provided on the second member 2. The locking protrusion 11 has an inclined surface 111 on the front side in the pushing direction of the first direction and an engaging surface 112 on the rear side in the pushing direction of the first direction. For example, the locking protrusion 11 is formed to protrude from the wall surface 10 of the first member.

[0020] The gate-shaped locking frame 12 has a bolt portion 121. That is, the gate-shaped locking frame 12 is composed of the bolt portion 121 and the side portions 122, 122 on both sides. In this embodiment, the locking frame 12 is provided parallel to the wall portion 20 so as to protrude from the periphery of the second member 2 along the first direction D1. Furthermore, the space between the periphery of the second member 2 and the gate-shaped locking frame 12 is an open window 12H.

[0021] The locking projection 11 and the bolt portion 121 undergo relative elastic deformation in the third direction D3 during the pushing operation. The elastic deformation in the third direction D3 may involve only one of the locking projection 11 or the bolt portion 121, or both. In this embodiment, the elastic deformation of the wall portion 10 of the first member, the elastic deformation of the wall portion 20 of the second member, and the elastic deformation of the sides 122, 122 of the locking frame 12 causes both the locking projection 11 and the bolt portion 121 to undergo relative elastic deformation in the third direction. Furthermore, during the pushing operation, the bolt portion 121 rides up onto the inclined surface 111 of the locking projection 11. This ride-up promotes elastic deformation in the third direction, making the pushing operation easier.

[0022] When the pushing operation is completed and the first member 1 and the second member 2 are integrated, the engaging surface 112 of the locking projection 11 and the bolt portion 121 of the locking frame 12 are configured to engage (Figure 5). At this time, the locking projection 11 enters the locking window 12H, and the relative elastic deformation of the locking projection 11 and the bolt portion 121 in the third direction is eliminated or mitigated. When the locking projection 11 enters the locking window 12H, the bolt portion 121 and the engaging surface 112 are locked together, preventing the locking projection 11 and the locking frame 12 from separating in the first direction D1. To prevent the engagement from easily disengaging, the engaging surface 112 is provided at an angle of 70 degrees or more, more preferably 80 degrees or more, with respect to the first direction D1, which is the pushing direction.

[0023] Furthermore, the U-shaped locking frame 12 is provided with a protruding piece 13 that protrudes in a direction away from the second member along the first direction from the central portion of the insertion portion 121 in the second direction. The protruding piece 13 may be rod-shaped, but is preferably plate-shaped as in the present embodiment. The protruding piece 13 may be hollow, for example, tubular. Since the protruding piece 13 protrudes in a direction away from the second member along the first direction, when integrating the first member 1 and the second member 2, during the pushing operation, the protruding piece 13 functions to receive the locking protrusion 11 and guide it into the locking frame 12.

[0024] The width W of the protruding piece 13 in the second direction D2 is set to be smaller than the width WG of the insertion portion 121 in the second direction D2. Preferably, as in the present embodiment, the width W of the protruding piece 13 in the second direction D2 is substantially the same as the width WT of the locking protrusion 11 in the second direction D2. If 0.8WT < W < 1.2WT, it can be said that they have substantially the same width.

[0025] Also, although not essential, preferably, as in the present embodiment, the thickness t of the protruding piece 13 in the third direction D3 is made thinner than the thickness TG of the insertion portion 121 in the third direction D3.

[0026] Also, although not essential, preferably, as in the present embodiment, during the pushing operation, on the surface (temporarily referred to as the "inner surface") of the locking frame 12 and the protrusion 13 that contacts the inclined surface 111 of the locking protrusion 11, with respect to the position in the third direction, the tip 13a of the protruding piece 13 is made to be at a position farther outside from the wall portion 10 of the first member 1 than the insertion portion 121.

[0027] Also, although not essential, preferably, as in the present embodiment, the hollow assembly 10 has at least four locking structures F1 having the above-described locking protrusion 11, locking frame 12, and protruding piece 13. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, six locking structures F1, F2, ···, F6 are provided. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the arrangement and orientation of a plurality of locking structures F1, F2, ···, F6 in the hollow assembly 10 of the first embodiment.

[0028] In embodiments where four or more locking structures are provided, preferably, of the four locking structures, the first locking structure F1 and the second locking structure F2 are arranged on a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 that face each other in the hollow assembly 10, and the third direction D31 of the first locking structure F1 and the third direction D32 of the second locking structure F2 are substantially parallel. Furthermore, the third locking structure F3 and the fourth locking structure F4 are positioned on the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104, respectively, which are opposite each other in the hollow assembly 10, and the third direction D33 of the third locking structure F3 and the third direction D34 of the fourth locking structure F4 are substantially parallel.

[0029] In embodiments where four or more locking structures are provided, preferably, the third direction D31 of the first locking structure F1 and the third direction D33 of the third locking structure F3 are substantially orthogonal to each other. With the configuration described above, in this embodiment, the first locking structure F1 and the second locking structure F2 are provided parallel to each other, and the third locking structure F3 and the fourth locking structure F4 are provided in directions perpendicular to them. If the hollow assembly is a rectangular box shape, this configuration can be obtained by placing the locking structures on the four faces corresponding to the four sides viewed from the Z direction (D1 direction).

[0030] The hollow assembly of the above embodiment can typically be manufactured as follows. First, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are manufactured using injection molding of a thermoplastic resin (for example, polypropylene resin). Next, the first member 1 and the second member 2 are assembled to obtain a hollow assembly 10. The assembly process (pressing process) will be described below.

[0031] The obtained first member 1 and second member 2 are placed in the predetermined positions and orientations shown in Figure 1. At this time, the pre-filter 30 to be sandwiched is also placed. At this time, the individual locking structures F1, F2, ..., F6 are placed in the positions shown in Figure 3. From here, a pushing operation is performed to integrate the first member 1 and the second member 2.

[0032] First, the first and second members are positioned so that a portion of the locking projection 11 fits inside the protruding piece 13 to the position shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the positioning for the pushing operation. This position will be referred to below as the "pushing preparation position". In the pushing preparation position, the locking projection 11 is in contact with the protruding piece 13, and the locking projection 11 and the locking frame 12 are not yet locked. If the locking projection 11 is moved along the first direction D1 from the pushing preparation position, the locking projection 11 will fit into the window 12H of the locking frame 12.

[0033] Although not essential, preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the locking projection 11 and the protruding piece 13 lightly interfere with each other in the push-in preparation position, and it is preferable that they elastically deform relative to each other in the third direction D3. In the push-in preparation position, the locking projection 11 and the locking frame 12 are not yet locked, so the first member 1 and the second member 2 can be easily moved relative to each other in the third direction D3 or the second direction D2.

[0034] The first member 1 and the second member 2 are moved relative to each other to bring all locking structures that can assume a push-in preparation position into the push-in preparation position. In this embodiment, projections 13 are provided on all six locking structures F1, F2, ..., F6, and all six of these locking structures F1, F2, ..., F6 can be brought into the push-in preparation position simultaneously.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, once the locking projection 11, locking frame 12, and projection 13 are in the ready-to-pull position, a pushing operation in the first direction D1 is performed on each locking structure. As shown in Figure 7, the locking projection 11 enters the window 12H of the locking frame 12, and the locking surface 112 of the locking projection 11 engages with the bolt portion 121 of the locking frame 12, completing the connection and integration. By sequentially or simultaneously pushing and engaging all locking structures F1, F2, ..., F6, the integration of the first member 1 and the second member 2 is completed, and the hollow assembly 10 is obtained.

[0036] The operation and effects of the hollow assembly of the above embodiment will be explained. In the hollow assembly 10 of the above embodiment, a locking projection 11 and a bolt portion 121 are provided that engage when pushed in. Furthermore, a projection 13 is provided that protrudes from the center of the bolt portion 121 in a direction away from the second member along the first direction D1, which is the pushing direction. With respect to the width of the second direction D2, the width W of the projection 13 is smaller than the width WG of the bolt portion 121. This makes it easier to position the assembly when pushing in during snap-fit ​​assembly.

[0037] In other words, since the width W of the projection 13 is smaller than the width WG of the bolt portion 121, when an operator moves from the pre-assembly state in Figure 3 to the push-in preparation position shown in Figure 6, if the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 coincide in the second direction D2, the locking projection 11 will naturally be positioned in a location aligned with the window 12H of the locking frame 12 along the first direction D1, making positioning easy.

[0038] At this time, because the width W of the projection is narrower than the width WG of the bolt portion 121, if the alignment in the D2 direction is insufficient, the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 are less likely to interfere with each other, allowing the relative movement of the first and second members to be free. On the other hand, if the alignment in the D2 direction is done well, the locking projection 11 will fit inside the projection 13 and the two will come into light contact (Figure 6), making it easier to maintain the correct push-in preparation position. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the fact that the width W of the projection is narrower than the width WG of the bolt portion 121, it is possible to confirm by touch with a fingertip that the locking projection 11 and the projection 13 are aligned in a straight line, and the correct push-in preparation position can be efficiently confirmed by touch. For such confirmation, it is preferable that the width at the tip of the projection is narrower than the width WG of the bolt portion 121.

[0039] Therefore, in the hollow assembly 10 of the above embodiment, the protruding piece 13 and the locking projection 11 can be used to efficiently guide each locking structure to the correct position ready for pushing. Once each locking structure is guided to the correct position ready for pushing, the pushing operation can be completed by pushing it in the first direction D1, and the hollow assembly 10 can be obtained without assembly failure.

[0040] Although not essential, from the viewpoint of making positioning easier during assembly, it is preferable that the thickness t of the projection 13 in the third direction be thinner than the thickness TG of the bolt portion 121 in the third direction D3, as in the embodiment described above. This is because the projection 13 becomes more elastically deformable in the third direction D3, making it easier to guide the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 to the push-in preparation position with less force.

[0041] Furthermore, although not essential, from the viewpoint of making positioning easier during assembly, it is preferable that, as in the above embodiment, the tip 13a of the projection 13 is located further from the wall portion 10 of the first member 1 with respect to the position in the third direction D3 than the bolt portion 121 on the side (inner surface) of the locking frame 12 that contacts the inclined surface 111 during the pushing operation. This is because, when this is done, the relative amount of elastic deformation of the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 in the third direction at the pushing preparation position is reduced, making it easier to guide the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 to the pushing preparation position with less force.

[0042] Furthermore, although not essential, from the viewpoint of making positioning easier during assembly, it is preferable that the width W of the projection 13 in the second direction is approximately the same as the width WT of the locking projection 11 in the second direction D2, as in the embodiment described above. This is because, with this configuration, the positions of the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 in the second direction can be compared and confirmed with the fingertips, making it easier to know whether they are accurately aligned in the second direction D2 and to accurately guide the projection 13 and the locking projection 11 to the push-in preparation position. With this configuration, it becomes easier to prevent the locking projection 11 from riding up onto the side portion 122 of the locking frame 12 when the push-in operation is performed, resulting in more reliable engagement.

[0043] Furthermore, although not essential, if, as in the above embodiment, four or more locking structures are provided in the hollow assembly, and these locking structures are arranged such that the first locking structure F1 and the second locking structure F2 are positioned parallel to each other on the opposing first surface 101 and the second surface 102, and the third locking structure F3 and the fourth locking structure F4 are positioned parallel to each other on the opposing third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104, and the third direction D31 of the first locking structure F1 and the third direction D33 of the third locking structure F3 are substantially perpendicular, then, for example, if the first locking structure F1 and the second locking structure F2 are guided to the correct push-in preparation position, the third locking structure F3 and the fourth locking structure F4 will also be naturally guided to the correct push-in preparation position, and multiple snap-fit ​​locking structures can be positioned simultaneously throughout the entire hollow assembly, making positioning during assembly particularly easier.

[0044] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented with various modifications. Other embodiments of the invention will be described below, but in the following description, the focus will be on the parts that differ from the embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions of parts that are similar will be omitted. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented by combining or substituting parts of each other.

[0045] The specific structure of the portion of the first member where the locking projection 11 is provided can be modified. For example, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the area around the locking projection 11 of the first member 1. As shown in Figure 9(a), slits 10S, 10S may be provided in the wall portion 10 of the first member near where the locking projection 11 is provided, so that the locking projection 11 can be easily elastically deformed in the third direction D3. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9(b), a tongue-shaped locking piece 11t may be made to protrude toward the second member from the wall portion 10 of the first member near where the locking projection 11 is provided, and the locking projection 11 may be provided at the tip of the locking piece 11t. Furthermore, grooves or protrusions that serve as guides in the pushing direction may be provided on the locking projection 11 itself. Even in such embodiments, positioning during the pushing operation when assembling the snap fit can be made easier, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0046] Furthermore, the specific structure of the portion of the second member 2 where the locking frame 12 and projection 13 are provided can be changed. For example, Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the area around the gate-shaped locking frame 12 of the second member 2. In the embodiment of Figure 10, the bolt portion 121 is provided at a position offset from the wall portion 20 of the second member in the third direction D3, and a gate-shaped locking frame is formed when viewed along the first direction D1. The wall portion 20 is cut out in the portion facing the bolt portion 121 and in the portion lower in the first direction to form a window 20H. Then, a projection 13 is formed protruding from the central portion of the bolt portion 121 in the second direction D2, along the first direction, away from the second member and toward the first member.

[0047] The second member in the configuration shown in Figure 10 is typically combined with the first member in the configuration shown in Figure 9(b), similarly facilitating positioning during the push-in operation when assembling the snap-fit.

[0048] Furthermore, the width of the projection 13 (width in the second direction D2) may be constant across the first direction D1, but it may also vary. In particular, the width of the projection 13 may be tapered, becoming narrower towards the tip. It is especially preferable that the width of the projection 13 is the same as the width WT of the locking projection 11 at any position in the first direction D1.

[0049] Furthermore, the thickness of the projection 13 (thickness in the third direction D3) may be constant or vary along the first direction D1. In particular, the thickness of the projection 13 may be tapered, becoming thinner towards the tip. When the thickness of the projection 13 becomes thinner towards the tip, it becomes easier to take the position ready for pushing in prior to the pushing operation.

[0050] Furthermore, although not shown in the illustration, the configuration of the gate-shaped locking frame can also be made by opening a window 12H (20H) in the periphery of the flat wall portion 20, and considering the portion between the window 12H (20H) and the periphery of the wall portion as a bolt, and this portion as the gate-shaped locking frame 12. Even in this configuration, the same effect can be obtained by forming a projection 13 protruding from the center of the bolt portion.

[0051] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the wall portions 10 and 20 provided on both the first and second members, the wall portions may be provided on only one of the first and second members. For example, when the first and second members are joined at the edge of a rectangular parallelepiped hollow assembly, the wall portions will be provided on only one of the first and second members.

[0052] Furthermore, although the above description of the embodiment shows an example of a hollow assembly 10 provided with six locking structures, the number of locking structures may be four, three, two, or even one. The effect of facilitating alignment in the second direction D2 with the locking projection 11 by providing a projection 13 narrower than the bolt portion 121 in the center of the bolt portion is achieved even if the number of locking structures provided with projections 13 is three or less.

[0053] Furthermore, while the above description of the embodiment showed an example in which the hollow assembly 10 is used as a frame for a filter element used in the air cleaner of an automobile engine, the specific applications of the hollow assembly are not limited. The hollow assembly can be used, for example, as a component of the intake system of an automobile's internal combustion engine, such as an air duct, resonator, or air cleaner case. The hollow assembly can also be used, for example, as a hollow component in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, such as an air intake duct for cooling the on-board battery or power module, a battery case, or a circuit board case. In addition, the hollow assembly can be used as an air intake duct or chamber in air purifiers and air conditioning equipment. [Industrial applicability]

[0054] The hollow assembly of the present invention can be used in cases and the like, is easy to assemble, and has high industrial value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. First member 11 Locking protrusion 111 Slope 112 Locking surface 2. Second Member 12-section locking frame 121 Bolt section 13 Projections D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction

Claims

1. A hollow assembly in which a first member and a second member are integrated by a plurality of locking structures, The locking structure is a locking structure that is locked by a pushing operation, In each locking structure, The pushing direction is considered the first direction. The second direction is defined as the direction parallel to the wall portion of the hollow assembly near the locking structure and perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The locking structure has a locking projection provided on the first member and a gate-shaped locking frame provided on the second member. The locking projection has an inclined surface on the front side in the first direction of insertion, and an engaging surface on the rear side in the first direction of insertion. The gate-type locking frame has a bolt section, During the pushing operation, the locking projection and the bolt portion undergo relative elastic deformation in a third direction, causing the bolt portion to ride up onto the inclined surface of the locking projection. When integrated, the engaging surface of the locking projection and the bolt portion of the locking frame are configured to engage. The gate-shaped locking frame is provided with a projection that extends from the second central part of the bolt portion in a direction away from the second member along the first direction. The width of the projection in the second direction is set to be smaller than the width of the bolt portion in the second direction. hollow assembly.

2. The thickness of the projection in the third direction is made thinner than the thickness of the bolt portion in the third direction. The hollow assembly according to claim 1.

3. On the side of the locking frame that contacts the inclined surface during the pushing operation, the tip of the projection is positioned further from the wall portion of the first member than the bolt portion, with respect to the position in the third direction. The hollow assembly according to claim 1.

4. The width of the projection in the second direction is approximately the same as the width of the locking projection in the second direction. The hollow assembly according to claim 1.

5. The hollow assembly has at least four locking structures having locking projections, locking frames, and protrusions as defined in claim 1. The first locking structure and the second locking structure are arranged on the first and second surfaces of the hollow assembly, respectively, which are opposite to each other, and the third direction of the first locking structure and the third direction of the second locking structure are substantially parallel. The third locking structure and the fourth locking structure are arranged on the third and fourth surfaces of the hollow assembly, respectively, which are opposite to each other, and the third direction of the third locking structure and the third direction of the fourth locking structure are substantially parallel. The third direction of the first locking structure and the third direction of the third locking structure are substantially perpendicular to each other. The hollow assembly according to claim 1.

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