chassis

Abstract

Provided is a case that can suppress a loss of external appearance design quality even if variations occur in gaps between components. The case according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first member having a first outer surface that is part of an outer surface of the case and a second member having a second outer surface that is part of the outer surface of the case; the first outer surface and the second outer surface are disposed with a prescribed distance therebetween so that a gap is produced between the first outer surface and the second outer surface; the first member comprises an inclined surface that, in the gap, is inclined from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface and inward; and the inclined surface intersects a virtual line that is perpendicular to the second outer surface at an end section, on the first outer surface side, of the second outer surface and extends inward.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-026691, filed on February 20, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a portable air purifier that includes a device main body that is the air purifier and an outer cover that determines the appearance of the air purifier. An upper circular ring that tapers in a cone shape toward the center of the cylinder is fitted into the upper end of the outer cover of the portable air purifier, and the lower end of the upper circular ring abuts against the outer periphery of the top surface of the device main body, with an opening in the upper circular ring exposing an opening cover and an operation display unit provided on the top surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-86509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The housing that covers the outside of the electrical device (air purifier) ​​described above is composed of multiple parts (e.g., the upper end of the outer cover, the upper ring, the top surface of the device body, etc.) assembled together. However, dimensional variations that occur when molding the parts can sometimes result in uneven gaps between the parts that make up the housing, for example, between the upper end of the outer cover and the upper ring. Because the outer cover and the upper ring form the outer surface of the housing, the uneven gaps can easily detract from the aesthetic appeal of the exterior. In particular, in the case of small electrical devices, such as portable air purifiers, variations in the gaps that occur between the outer surfaces of the housings can easily directly lead to a reduction in the aesthetic appeal of the exterior.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a housing that can prevent the design of the external appearance from being impaired even if there is variation in the gaps between components, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A housing according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first member having a first outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing, and a second member having a second outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing, wherein the first outer surface and the second outer surface are arranged at a predetermined distance so that a gap is created between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and the first member has an inclined surface in the gap that slopes from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface and inward, and the inclined surface intersects with a virtual line that is perpendicular to the second outer surface and extends inward at an end of the second outer surface facing the first outer surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view showing an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front perspective view showing a blower that constitutes an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an upper cover and a lower cover of the air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are perspective views showing a procedure for attaching the cover of the air purifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a partially enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the top and outer peripheral surfaces of an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and drawings, identical or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from illustration. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown in the embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these forms.

[0009] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a case where a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a portable air purifier will be described as an example with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The housing refers to a part that covers the outside of a structure (e.g., electrical equipment). Although a portable air purifier is used as an example of a structure, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0010] Portable air purifier 100 (hereinafter also referred to as air purifier 100) will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing air purifier 100. Fig. 2 is a front perspective view showing blower 110. Fig. 3 is a front perspective view showing upper cover 130 and lower cover 140. In the following description, the side on which air purifier 100 is placed is referred to as the lower side, the opposite side is referred to as the upper side, the side on which logo L of upper cover 130 is provided is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the back side.

[0011] As an example, air purifier 100 is used to purify the air inside a vehicle. Air purifier 100 is configured to be able to be installed in, for example, a drink holder. Power to air purifier 100 may be supplied from a cigarette lighter socket or a USB port. Alternatively, a battery may be installed.

[0012] Air purifier 100 includes blower 110 and cover 120 that houses blower 110. Cover 120 is made up of upper cover 130 and lower cover 140. Air purifier 100 is configured by inserting blower 110 through insertion opening 131 of upper cover 130 (described below) and engaging it with upper cover 130, and then attaching lower cover 140 (described below) to upper cover 130 (see FIG. 4).

[0013] The blower 110 will be described with reference to Figure 2. As an example, the blower 110 is configured to be self-standing when the cover 120 is removed. The blower 110 can be used independently as a blower. The blower 110 includes, for example, an intake port 111 provided at a lower portion, an outlet port 112 provided at an upper portion, and a fan 113, and the fan 113 draws air in through the intake port 111 and blows it out through the outlet port 112. The blower 110 also includes, for example, an ion generating unit 115 that imparts ions to the air blown out from the outlet port 112.

[0014] Fan 113 is housed inside the lower part of blower 110. Fan 113 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The sirocco fan has a body formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, and is capable of drawing air from both sides in the cylindrical axis direction. Fan 113 is, for example, housed so that the cylindrical axis direction is the left-right direction. At the lower part of blower 110, suction ports 111 are formed on opposite side surfaces (left and right side surfaces in this embodiment). Suction ports 111 are, for example, composed of a plurality of holes formed in the shape of slits.

[0015] The upper part of blower 110, for example, smoothly connects to the lower part of blower 110 and has an outer shape that widens as it goes upward. An air outlet 112 that communicates with air inlet 111 is formed on the upper surface of blower 110. That is, an air passage (not shown) is formed inside blower 110 for blowing air drawn in from air inlet 111 toward air outlet 112, and ion generation unit 115 is arranged facing the air passage (not shown).

[0016] The top surface of blower 110 is configured to be exposed to the outside through insertion opening 131 formed at the upper end of cover 120. In other words, the top surface of blower 110 constitutes the top surface of air purifier 100. The top surface of blower 110 is inclined so as to become lower from the rear side to the front side. Furthermore, on the top surface of blower 110, air outlet 112 is formed on the front side, and operating unit 116 is provided on the rear side so as to protrude further than the top surface. A user can switch the operation mode of air purifier 100 by operating operating unit 116.

[0017] Cover 120 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Cover 120 houses blower 110 and constitutes the outer peripheral surface of air purifier 100. Cover 120 is provided so as to surround blower 110 in the circumferential direction.

[0018] The cover 120 is, for example, made up of an upper cover 130 and a lower cover 140 that can be separated in the vertical direction.

[0019] The upper cover 130 is disposed above the blower 110. The upper cover 130 has an insertion opening 131 at its upper end, through which the blower 110 is inserted, and an upper connection opening 132 at its lower end, which is mated with the lower cover 140. The upper cover 130 has a shape that widens toward the insertion opening 131 (upward). The insertion opening 131 of the upper cover 130 is inclined so as to become lower from the rear side toward the front side. The upper cover 130 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape when cut in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) is a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. A logo L is provided at a predetermined position on the upper cover 130.

[0020] Lower cover 140 is disposed below blower 110. As an example, lower cover 140 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape so as to fit into a drink holder. Lower cover 140 has, for example, a lower connection port 141 that opens upward and into which blower 110 can be inserted. An annular flange portion 142 is formed at the bottom of lower cover 140. Lower cover 140 is formed with an opening 143 that takes in outside air.

[0021] The upper cover 130 and the lower cover 140 are attached by connecting the upper connection port 132 of the upper cover 130 and the lower connection port 141 of the lower cover 140. A filter 144 is attached to the opening 143. The lower cover 140 has the opening 143 at a position opposite the intake port 111 when the blower 110 is attached.

[0022] The procedure for attaching cover 120 to fan 110 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the procedure for attaching cover 120. The bottom side (lower end) of fan 110 is inserted into insertion opening 131 of upper cover 130. Then, fan 110 is attached to upper cover 130 by engaging with a locking portion (not shown) of upper cover 130. Then, upper connection opening 132 of upper cover 130 to which fan 110 is attached is connected to lower connection opening 141 of lower cover 140, and fan 110 is attached to cover 120 by engaging with a locking portion (not shown) of lower cover 140. In other words, cover 120 is provided detachably with respect to fan 110.

[0023] The structure of the housing of air purifier 100 will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the top surface and outer peripheral surface of air purifier 100. The housing of air purifier 100 is configured to include a blower 110 that forms the top surface and part of the outer peripheral surface of air purifier 100, and a cover 120 that forms part of the outer peripheral surface of air purifier 100.

[0024] The upper end of blower 110 (first member) has flange 117 that extends outward to cover the upper part of upper cover 130. Flange 117 extends outward to a position above outer peripheral surface 130a (described below) of upper cover 130. Flange 117 has outer edge surface 117a (first outer surface) that forms part of the outer peripheral surface of air purifier 100.

[0025] The upper cover 130 has an outer circumferential surface 130a (second outer surface) that constitutes part of the outer circumferential surface of the air purifier 100.

[0026] The outer peripheral surface 117a and the outer peripheral surface 130a are disposed with a predetermined distance between them so that a gap P1 is generated between the outer peripheral surface 117a and the outer peripheral surface 130a. The predetermined distance is set to, for example, 0.6 mm. The predetermined distance is set taking into consideration the size of the housing, such as the length of the outer peripheral surface 117a (1.8 mm, for example), the height of the air purifier 100 (163.9 mm, for example), and the thickness of the upper cover 130 (3.4 mm, for example).

[0027] The upper end of the blower 110 has an inclined surface 117b that slopes downward (toward the second outer surface) and inward from the outer edge surface 117a in a gap P1 between the outer edge surface 117a and the outer peripheral surface 130a of the upper cover 130. The inclined surface 117b is formed of a curved surface. As an example, the inclined surface 117b is provided so as to smoothly connect with the outer edge surface 117a of the blower 110. The upper end of the upper cover 130 has an upper edge surface 130b (opposing surface) that extends inward from the outer peripheral surface 130a. The upper edge surface 130b faces a portion of the inclined surface 117b. The inclined surface 117b is formed of a curved surface, but is not limited to this, and may be formed of a flat surface, for example.

[0028] Inclined surface 117b is configured to intersect with imaginary line V1 that is perpendicular to outer peripheral surface 130a of upper cover 130 and extends inward, at the upper end (end on the first outer surface side) of outer peripheral surface 130a of upper cover 130. Inclined surface 117b is inclined until it passes through the point where it intersects with imaginary line V1.

[0029] As described above, by disposing outer edge surface 117a and outer peripheral surface 130a with a predetermined distance P1 between them and providing inclined surface 117b that slopes downward (toward the second outer surface) and inward from outer edge surface 117a, a configuration can be achieved in which gap P1 narrows as it extends inward, making gap P1 less noticeable. By intentionally providing gap P1 between outer edge surface 117a and outer peripheral surface 130a in this way and making gap P1 less noticeable, it is possible to prevent impairment of the design of the external appearance, compared to a case in which gap P1 is not provided, even if dimensional variations occur when molding a part.

[0030] Furthermore, by inclining the inclined surface 117b until it passes through the point where it intersects with the imaginary line V1 that is perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 130a of the upper cover 130 and extends inward, when the gap P1 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface 130a of the upper cover 130, only the smooth curved surface that constitutes the inclined surface 117b is visible, making the gap P1 less noticeable and preventing the design of the exterior from being impaired.

[0031] Incidentally, inclined surface 117b is provided so as to slope until it passes through the point where it intersects with imaginary line V1 that is perpendicular to outer peripheral surface 130a of upper cover 130 and extends inward, but this is not limited thereto, and it is preferable that it is provided so as to slope until it passes through the point where it intersects with imaginary line V2 along which upper edge surface 130b extends. As a result, even when gap P1 is viewed from the direction in which upper edge surface 130b extends, only the smooth curved surface that constitutes inclined surface 117b is visible, making gap P1 less noticeable and preventing impairment of the design of the external appearance.

[0032] The inclined surface 117b functions as a reflecting portion that reflects light. As an example, the inclined surface 117b is formed of a reflecting member that reflects light. By forming the inclined surface 117b from a reflecting member, light is reflected at the inclined surface 117b, and the light is scattered inside the gap P1, thereby making it possible to make the gap P1 less noticeable by utilizing an optical illusion. Note that the inclined surface 117b is formed of a reflecting member that reflects light, but is not limited to this. For example, the inclined surface 117b may be configured to function as a reflecting portion by attaching a reflecting sheet that reflects light.

[0033] Fan 110 is chamfered or rounded at the corners between outer edge surface 117a and inclined surface 117b. As described above, by blurring the boundary line (ridge line) between outer edge surface 117a and inclined surface 117b, gap P1 can be made less noticeable.

[0034] An intervening member 118 (third member) is provided on the inside of the upper cover 130 to arrange the outer edge surface 117a and the outer circumferential surface 130a at a predetermined distance P1. The intervening member 118 is interposed between the upper cover 130 and the inclined surface 117b, and is formed, for example, to extend along the upper cover 130. The intervening member 118 has a configuration that allows it to be locked or fixed to the upper cover 130.

[0035] Inclined surface 117b has a contact portion that comes into contact with interposition member 118. The contact portion is a rib 117c that protrudes from inclined surface 117b. As an example, rib 117c is formed to protrude downward from inclined surface 117b. Rib 117c is provided so as to engage with step portion 118a that is formed in a stepped shape at the upper end of interposition member 118.

[0036] In the above configuration, the upper end of blower 110 and interposition member 118 are combined so that rib 117c and step 118a mesh with each other, thereby positioning blower 110 and interposition member 118. Then, interposition member 118 is engaged with upper cover 130, thereby positioning the upper end of blower 110 and upper cover 130. In other words, positioning can be performed so that outer edge surface 117a and outer circumferential surface 130a are disposed with a predetermined distance P1 between them.

[0037] Furthermore, by providing the intervening member 118 (step portion 118a) that engages with the rib 117c on the inside of the upper cover 130, the thickness L1 of the upper cover 130 can be sufficiently ensured, compared to a configuration in which the inclined surface 117b and the upper cover 130 directly engage with each other, for example, a configuration in which a rib provided on the inclined surface 117b can engage with a step portion provided on the upper end portion (upper edge surface 130b) of the upper cover 130, making the gap P1 less noticeable.

[0038] The inclined surface 117b has a rib 117c at a position overlapping with the outer peripheral surface 130a when viewed from the direction D1 in which the upper edge surface 130b extends. By having the rib 117c at a position overlapping with the outer peripheral surface 130a when viewed from the direction D1 in which the upper edge surface 130b extends, the rib 117c is configured to be invisible when looking into the gap P1 along the upper edge surface 130b, even if the direction D1 in which the upper edge surface 130b extends is inward and downward. Therefore, the rib 117c can be configured to be as invisible as possible through the gap P1.

[0039] The intervening member 118 may be configured as part of the blower 110, may be configured as part of the upper cover 130, or may be configured as an independent member provided between the blower 110 and the upper cover 130.

[0040] Although the inclined surface 117b and the upper edge surface 130b are disposed with a gap therebetween, this is not limiting, and the inner end of the upper edge surface 130b may be configured to be in substantial contact with the inclined surface 117b. This makes the rib 117c and the boundary line between the components invisible through the gap P1, making the gap P1 less noticeable. This prevents dimensional variations that occur when molding the components from impairing the design of the external appearance.

[0041] The configuration that can prevent the appearance design from being impaired has been described as being applied to the fan 110 (outer peripheral surface 117a) that constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and the upper cover 130 (outer peripheral surface 130a) that constitutes part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, but is not limited to this and may also be applied to the upper cover 130 and the lower cover 140. Also, it is not limited to the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and may be applied to, for example, two adjacent members that constitute the top surface of the housing. Furthermore, when the thickness of the top surface of the housing can be ignored, that is, when the outer peripheral surface 117a is almost thin, the configuration may be applied to the member that constitutes the top surface of the housing and the member that constitutes the side surface of the housing.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the configurations shown in the above-described embodiment can be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the above-described embodiment, that have the same effects, or that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 100 air purifier, 110 blower (first member), 117a outer edge surface (first outer surface), 117b inclined surface, 117c rib, 118 intervening member (third member), 130 upper cover (second member), 130a outer peripheral surface (second outer surface), 130b upper edge surface (opposing surface), 131 insertion opening, P1 gap, V1 imaginary line

Claims

1. A housing, a first member having a first outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing; a second member having a second outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing; the first outer surface and the second outer surface are disposed at a predetermined interval so that a gap is generated between the first outer surface and the second outer surface; the first member has an inclined surface inclined inwardly from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface in the gap, the inclined surface intersects with an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the second outer surface and extends inward, at an end of the second outer surface on the first outer surface side; a third member provided inside the second member and capable of being engaged with the second member; the second member has an opposing surface that faces a portion of the inclined surface, The inclined surface has an abutment portion that abuts against the third member at a position that overlaps with the second outer surface when viewed from the direction in which the opposing surface extends.

2. The housing according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined surface is configured as a reflecting portion that reflects light.

3. 3. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the first member has a corner formed between the first outer surface and the inclined surface and is chamfered or rounded.

4. The housing according to claim 1 , wherein the abutment portion is a rib protruding from the inclined surface.

5. the first member is an electrical device configured to include a part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing, the second member is a cover that includes an insertion opening for inserting the electrical device, and that forms a part of the outer circumferential surface of the housing by inserting and locking the electrical device through the insertion opening, The housing according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is detachably attached to the electrical device.

6. A housing, a first member having a first outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing; a second member having a second outer surface that is a part of the outer surface of the housing; a support portion that is provided inside the second outer surface and abuts against the first member to generate a gap between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, a first opposing surface of the first member and a second opposing surface of the second member facing each other and spaced apart from each other inside the gap; the first member and the second member are formed such that a dimension between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface gradually decreases from the gap toward the inside, the first member has a contact portion protruding from the first opposing surface, the support portion receives and abuts against the protruding end of the abutment portion of the first member, thereby generating the gap; The abutment portion is provided at a position that does not overlap with the gap in an extension direction of the second opposing surface. Case.

Images