Fan case, motor unit and moving body

Abstract

A fan case (1) is provided with a first member (2), and a second member (3). The first member includes a first main body portion (21), and one or more hooks (23). The one or more hooks are arranged in one or more locations at the outer periphery of the first main body portion, in a plan view from a first direction. The second member includes a second main body portion (31), and one or more claws (33). The one or more claws are arranged at the outer periphery of the second main body portion, in a plan view from the first direction, in positions corresponding to the one or more hooks, in such a way that the one or more hooks catch thereon. At least one of the one or more hooks extends in the first direction toward the second member side from an edge portion of a first opening of the first main body portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fan case, a motor unit, and a moving body. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fan case including a first member and a second member, a motor unit including the fan case, and a moving body including the motor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connection structure between air conditioning units. The connection structure described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a locking hole formed above a fitting portion of one air conditioning unit, protruding from one air conditioning unit toward the other air conditioning unit, and a locking protrusion protruding from the other air conditioning unit so as to be inserted into the locking hole and locked. The two air conditioning units are connected by fitting the fitting portions together while the locking protrusion is inserted into the locking hole.

[0003] However, in the conventional connecting structure described in Patent Document 1, the locking hole portion and the locking protrusion are located on the outside (protrude) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two air conditioning units are connected, which causes a problem that the air conditioning units connected by the connecting structure become large. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-315583 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fan case, a motor unit, and a moving body that can be made smaller.

[0006] A fan case according to one aspect of the present disclosure houses a motor. The motor has a rotor including a rotary shaft extending in a first direction, and the rotor rotates around the axis of the rotary shaft. The fan case includes a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member are coupled to each other along the first direction. The first member has a first body portion and one or more hooks. The first body portion has a first opening that opens toward the second member. The one or more hooks are arranged on the outer periphery of the first body portion when viewed from above in the first direction. The second member has a second body portion and one or more claws. The second body portion has a second opening that opens toward the first member. The one or more claws are arranged on the outer periphery of the second body portion when viewed from above in the first direction at positions corresponding to the one or more hooks so that the one or more hooks can be hooked onto them. At least one of the one or more hooks extends from an end of the first opening of the first body portion toward the second member along the first direction.

[0007] Furthermore, the one or more hooks may be a plurality of hooks, the one or more claws may be a plurality of claws, and the first member and the second member may be connected to each other by each of the plurality of hooks being hooked onto a corresponding one of the plurality of claws.

[0008] It is also preferable that at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of each of the one or more hooks is aligned along the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion in a plan view from the first direction.

[0009] It is also preferable that the outer surface of the hook is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the first main body portion when viewed in a plan view from the first direction.

[0010] It is also preferable that the outer surface of the hook is flat.

[0011] Furthermore, the first member may have a flange provided at the end of the first opening of the first main body portion, and the flange may be provided at the end of the first opening so that a gap is created between the flange and the hook in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion.

[0012] The first member may have a protruding portion provided on the first main body portion on an extension line of the hook in the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first direction, a first distance between the flange and a first hooking portion of the hook on which the claw is hooked may be shorter than a second distance between the second opening of the second main body portion and a second hooking portion of the claw on which the hook is hooked.

[0014] The first member or the second member may have an outer peripheral flange of the exhaust port.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the tip of the claw is along the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion when viewed in a plan view from the first direction.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable that the one or more hooks are a plurality of hooks, the first main body portion has an outer peripheral surface including a plurality of regions having different curvatures, and the plurality of hooks are arranged along the outer peripheral surface.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable that the one or more hooks and the one or more claws are located more inward than the outermost part of the first main body portion in a plan view from the first direction.

[0018] A motor unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the fan case and the motor.

[0019] A moving body according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the motor unit and a moving body main body, the motor unit being mounted on the moving body main body.

[0020] According to the fan case, motor unit, and moving body according to the above aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the size of the fan case, motor unit, and moving body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fan case according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fan case. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the fan case. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fan case. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first member of the fan case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the motor unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a hook of the first member of the fan case. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a claw of the second member of the fan case. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a front view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a side view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an external view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fan case according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of the fan case. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fan case. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a hook of the first member of the fan case. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a claw of the second member of the fan case. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a front view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a side view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fan case according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of the fan case. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the fan case. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the first member of the fan case. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a hook of the first member of the fan case. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the claws of the second member of the fan case. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a front view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C is a side view of the hooks and claws when the first member and the second member are fitted together in the fan case. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The fan case and motor unit according to Embodiments 1 and 2, and the vehicle (mobile body) according to Embodiment 4 will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the size, thickness, and respective ratios of each component in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0023] (Embodiment 1) (1) Fan case The configuration of a fan case 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of fan case 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 includes a first member 2 and a second member 3. Fan case 1 has a structure in which first member 2 and second member 3 are joined to each other along first direction D1.

[0025] The fan case 1 is used in a motor unit 4 as shown in FIG. 9, which includes a motor 41 as shown in FIG. 6, for example. FIG. 9 is an external view of the motor unit according to embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the main parts of the motor unit according to embodiment 1. The fan case 1 houses the motor 41.

[0026] (2) Motor unit The configuration of the motor unit 4 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 9, the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment includes a fan case 1. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, the motor unit 4 includes a motor 41, a circuit board 42, a circuit board guide 43, a motor case 44, a bottom plate 45, a connector 46, and blades 47 (see Fig. 21). Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] The motor unit 4 is electrically connected to a control device 52 (see FIG. 21) via a cable 53 (see FIG. 21). The motor unit 4 is supplied with power from the control device 52 via the cable 53. Furthermore, the motor 41 is driven to rotate based on a control signal from the control device 52.

[0029] The motor unit 4 is used in, for example, a mobile object. Examples of mobile objects in which the motor unit 4 is used include vehicles such as four-wheeled automobiles, two-wheeled automobiles, and three-wheeled automobiles.

[0030] (3) Fan case components Hereinafter, each component of fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. As described above, fan case 1 includes first member 2 and second member 3 (see FIG. 1).

[0031] Fan case 1 shown in Figure 1 houses blades 47 (see Figure 21). Fan case 1 also houses motor case 44, bottom plate 45, and connector 46 shown in Figure 6. Fan case 1 is made of resin or the like.

[0032] (3.1) First member Fig. 2 is a side view of fan case 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a top view of fan case 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of fan case 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of first member 2 of fan case 1. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, first member 2 has first main body portion 21, protrusion 22, a plurality of hooks 23 (five in the illustrated example), a plurality of flanges 24 (three in the illustrated example) (see Fig. 5), and a plurality of protrusions 251 to 255.

[0033] (3.1.1) First body part As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the first main body portion 21 is cylindrical and has a side surface portion 211 and an annular portion 212. The first main body portion 21 has a first opening 213 (see FIG. 5). The side surface portion 211 is cylindrical. The annular portion 212 protrudes inward from one end (the upper end in FIG. 4) of the side surface portion 211. More specifically, the annular portion 212 protrudes inward from one end of the side surface portion 211 so as to connect the side surface portion 211 and the protruding portion 22. The side surface portion 211 and the annular portion 212 are integrally formed.

[0034] (3.1.2) Projection 1 to 5, the protrusion 22 is cylindrical and protrudes in the first direction D1 from the end of the first main body portion 21. More specifically, the protrusion 22 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the inner circumferential end of the annular portion 212 of the first main body portion 21. The protrusion 22 is located around an opening 11, which will be described later.

[0035] (3.1.3) Hooks 1 to 5, the multiple hooks 23 are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. More specifically, the multiple hooks 23 are provided spaced apart from one another around the end side (lower end side in FIG. 4) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. In other words, the multiple hooks 23 are provided at intervals of at least a certain distance in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211.

[0036] Each of the multiple hooks 23 extends from an end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1. In the example of FIG. 4, all of the multiple hooks 23 extend from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1. Each hook 23 is provided on the other end (the lower end in FIG. 4) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. Each hook 23 extends from the end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1.

[0037] 7A is a perspective view of a hook 23 of the first member 2 of the fan case according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7A, each hook 23 is U-shaped when viewed from the front and includes two first pieces 231 and two second pieces 232. Each of the two first pieces 231 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1 and extends along the first direction D1 from an end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body 21. The second piece 232 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1 and connects the tips of the two first pieces 231 (the lower ends in FIG. 7A ) together. The two first pieces 231 and the second piece 232 are integrally formed. Each hook 23 has a hooking hole 233 surrounded by the two first pieces 231 and the second piece 232.

[0038] Each of the multiple hooks 23 is plate-shaped and has an outer surface 234 and an inner surface 235 that face each other in the thickness direction of the hook 23. The outer surface 234 and the inner surface 235 of each hook 23 are curved along the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. More specifically, the outer surface 234 and the inner surface 235 of the hook 23 are formed in a shape that approximates the curvature of the portion of the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 where the hook 23 is provided. As a result, the fan case 1 can be made more compact and the external appearance of the fan case 1 can be improved.

[0039] As described above, since each hook 23 is U-shaped, a slide mechanism for the mold is not required when molding the first member 2, making it easier to manufacture the first member 2.

[0040] (3.1.4) Flanges As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple flanges 24 are provided at an end 214 of the first opening 213 (see Fig. 5) of the first main body portion 21. The multiple flanges 24 are provided at intervals from one another at the end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211. In other words, the multiple flanges 24 are provided at intervals of at least a certain distance from one another in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211.

[0041] Each flange 24 is provided in a portion of the side surface portion 211 in the circumferential direction where no hooks 23 are provided. The flange 24 is provided, for example, between two adjacent hooks 23.

[0042] Each flange 24 extends from an end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 along the first direction D1 toward the second member 3. In the example of Fig. 4, all of the multiple flanges 24 extend from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1.

[0043] Each flange 24 has a shape such that the width in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211 narrows with increasing distance from the end portion 214 of the side surface portion 211. The length of each flange 24 in the first direction D1 is shorter than the length of the hook 23 in the first direction D1.

[0044] When the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, each flange 24 enters into the groove 35 of the second member 3. More specifically, before the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, each flange 24 enters into the groove 35. This makes it easy to align the first member 2 and the second member 3. Therefore, the first member 2 and the second member 3 can be easily joined. In other words, each flange 24 functions as a guide.

[0045] (3.1.5) Projection 4 and 7A, the multiple protrusions 251 are provided on the first main body portion 21 on extensions of the hooks 23. More specifically, each protrusion 251 is provided on the first main body portion 21 on extensions of the hooks 23 in the first direction D1. Each protrusion 251 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first piece 231 of the hook 23 on the first main body portion 21. The thickness of the portion where the protrusion 251 is provided is the sum of the thickness of the first main body portion 21 and the thickness of the protrusion 251, and is therefore thicker than the thickness of both ends of the first main body portion 21 in the circumferential direction (the thickness of only the first main body portion 21).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple protrusions 252 are provided on the first main body portion 21 along the first direction D1. More specifically, each protrusion 252 is provided at a position different from that of the protrusion 251 so as to be parallel to the protrusion 251. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple protrusions 253 are provided on the annular portion 212 of the first main body portion 21. More specifically, each protrusion 253 is provided on the annular portion 212 of the first main body portion 21 in a portion that will be near the exhaust port 13 when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple protrusions 254 are provided on the annular portion 212 of the first main body portion 21. More specifically, each protrusion 254 is provided along the circumferential direction of the annular portion 212. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple protrusions 255 are provided on the annular portion 212 of the first main body portion 21. More specifically, each protrusion 255 is provided on the annular portion 212 so as to connect the protrusions 254 together.

[0047] (3.2) Second member As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the second member 3 has a second main body portion 31, a protruding portion 32, and a plurality of (for example, five) claws 33.

[0048] (3.2.1) Second body part As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the second main body portion 31 is cylindrical and has a side surface portion 311 and an annular portion 312. The second main body portion 31 has a second opening 313 (see FIG. 4). The side surface portion 311 is cylindrical. The annular portion 312 protrudes inward from one end of the side surface portion 311 (the lower end in FIG. 4 and the upper end in FIG. 9). More specifically, the annular portion 312 protrudes inward from one end of the side surface portion 311 so as to connect the side surface portion 311 and the protruding portion 32. The side surface portion 311 and the annular portion 312 are integrally formed.

[0049] (3.2.2) Projection 9, the protrusion 32 is cylindrical and protrudes in the first direction D1 from the end of the second main body portion 31. More specifically, the protrusion 32 protrudes in the first direction D1 from the inner circumferential end of the annular portion 312 of the second main body portion 31. The protrusion 32 is located around the opening 12, which will be described later.

[0050] (3.2.3) Nails As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple claws 33 correspond one-to-one to the multiple hooks 23. The multiple claws 33 are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the second member 3 in a plan view from the first direction D1. The multiple claws 33 are provided on the end (the upper end in Fig. 4) of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. More specifically, each claw 33 protrudes from the side surface portion 311 in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0051] The multiple claws 33 are spaced apart from one another around the end of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. That is, the multiple claws 33 are spaced apart at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7B, each of the claws 33 has two first pieces 331 and a second piece 332. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the claws 33 of the second member 3 of the fan case 1 according to the first embodiment. Each of the two first pieces 331 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1 and protruding outward from the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. The second piece 332 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31 and protruding outward from the side surface portion 311. The two first pieces 331 and the second piece 332 are integrally formed. Each of the first pieces 331 is shaped so that its height increases with increasing distance from the second opening 313 in the first direction D1. In other words, the protrusion amount of each of the first pieces 331 increases with increasing distance from the second opening 313 in the first direction D1. The second piece 332 connects the ends (lower ends in FIG. 7B ) of the two first pieces 331 in the first direction D1 of the two first pieces 331. Each claw 33 has a recess 333 surrounded by the two first pieces 331 and the second pieces 332.

[0053] (3.2.4)Protrusion 4, the multiple protrusions 34 are provided to protrude from the second main body portion 31. More specifically, the multiple protrusions 34 are provided to protrude outward from the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. Each protrusion 34 has a shape whose longitudinal direction is the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311, and is provided near the second opening 313.

[0054] Each of the protrusions 34 has an L-shaped cross section when viewed from the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311, and each of the protrusions 34 and the side surface portion 311 forms a groove 35.

[0055] When the first member 2 is joined to the second member 3, the flange 24 of the first member 2 is inserted into the groove 35. The flange 24 is inserted into the groove 35 before the hook 23 of the first member 2 is hooked onto the claw 33 of the second member 3.

[0056] (3.2.5)Protrusion 4 and 9, the multiple protrusions 361 are provided on the second main body portion 31 along the first direction D1. The multiple protrusions 362 are provided on the protrusion 32 as shown in Fig. 9. The multiple protrusions 363 are provided on the annular portion 312 of the second main body portion 31 as shown in Fig. 9. More specifically, each protrusion 363 is provided on the annular portion 312 of the second main body portion 31 in a portion that will be near the exhaust port 13 when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together.

[0057] (3.3) Connection between the first member and the second member 1 and 8A to 8C, the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined to each other by hooking the multiple hooks 23 onto corresponding ones of the multiple claws 33. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the hooks 23 and the claws 33 when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are fitted together in the fan case 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8B is a front view of the hooks 23 and the claws 33 when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are fitted together in the fan case 1 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8C is a side view of the hooks 23 and the claws 33 when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are fitted together in the fan case 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0058] Before being joined, the first member 2 and the second member 3 are separated from each other (the state shown in FIG. 4 ). As the first member 2 is brought closer to the second member 3 from the above state, the hook 23 of the first member 2 comes into contact with the claw 33 of the second member 3. Specifically, the second piece 232 of the hook 23 comes into contact with the first piece 331 of the claw 33. As the first member 2 continues to move closer to the second member 3, the hook 23 is bent outward by the claw 33. As the first member 2 moves away from the second opening 313, the protrusion amount of the first piece 331 of the claw 33 increases, and therefore the bending of the first piece 231 of the hook 23 increases. As the first member 2 moves closer to the second member 3, the second piece 232 of the hook 23 passes over the claw 33. At this time, the claw 33 is positioned in the hooking hole 233 of the hook 23. The hook 23 returns from its outwardly bent state to its original state. Through the steps described above, the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together.

[0059] As described above, as shown in FIG. 8C , each hook 23 extends from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1. In other words, each hook 23 reduces the bulge of the first main body portion 21 toward the outside (outward, perpendicular to the first direction D1) of the first main body portion 21. Specifically, each hook 23 does not have a portion at its base (on the first main body portion 21 side) that protrudes outward from the first main body portion 21 and bends downward. The first piece 231 of each hook 23 does not protrude toward the outside (left side in FIG. 8C ) of the first main body portion 21, but extends downward.

[0060] As a result, as shown in Fig. 8C, the amount of protrusion of hooks 23 and claws 33 (the amount of protrusion in the left-right direction in Fig. 8C) can be reduced. This allows the outer diameter L11 of fan case 1 to be reduced in plan view from first direction D1, as shown in Fig. 2. In other words, the fan case 1 can be made more compact.

[0061] Furthermore, since all of the plurality of hooks 23 and all of the plurality of claws 33 are coupled together, the first member 2 and the second member 3 can be coupled together more firmly while the size of the fan case 1 can be reduced.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, and 7B, in the fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, the outer surface 234 and inner surface 235 of the multiple hooks 23 are aligned with the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. This allows the fan case 1 to be made more compact and improves the external appearance of the fan case 1. This also makes it easier to make the thickness of the hooks 23 relatively uniform. Specifically, the thickness of the hooks 23 can be made constant at about 2 mm. This makes it easier to manufacture the first member 2 having the hooks 23. However, it is not essential that the thickness of the hooks 23 be constant in the fan case 1.

[0063] 4, in the first direction D1, the first distance L21 between the tip of the flange 24 and the first catch portion 236 of the hook 23 is shorter than the second distance L31 between the second opening 313 of the second main body portion 31 and the second catch portion 334 of the claw 33. The first catch portion 236 is the portion on which the claw 33 catches. The second catch portion 334 is the portion on which the hook 23 catches. This improves the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, thereby making it easier to join the first member 2 and the second member 3.

[0064] Incidentally, when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together, the tips of the claws 33 of the second member 3 are aligned with the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. In other words, the most protruding portions of the claws 33 are aligned with the outer peripheral surface 215. More specifically, the second pieces 332 of the claws 33 are formed in a shape that approximates the curvature of the portions of the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 where the corresponding hooks 23 are provided. This allows the fan case 1 to be made more compact and improves the external appearance of the fan case 1.

[0065] Furthermore, first main body portion 21 has outer peripheral surface 215 that includes multiple regions with different curvatures. Outer surfaces 234 of multiple hooks 23 are curved along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21 in a plan view from first direction D1. In other words, multiple hooks 23 have different shapes depending on the shape of the installation location on first main body portion 21. This makes it possible to reduce the size of fan case 1 and improve the external appearance of fan case 1.

[0066] Furthermore, each hook 23 is provided at a distance from the flange 24. This prevents the stress of the hook 23 from affecting the flange 24 even if the hook 23 is bent and stress is applied to the hook 23.

[0067] (3.4)Aperture As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the fan case 1 has two openings 11 and 12. More specifically, the first member 2 has the opening 11, and the second member 3 has the opening 12. The opening 11 is formed at one end of the first member 2 in the first direction D1 (the upper end in Figure 1), and has an opening surface normal to the first direction D1. The opening 12 is formed at one end of the second member 3 in the first direction D1 (the upper end in Figure 9), and has an opening surface normal to the first direction D1. When the fan case 1 accommodates the bottom plate 45, a part of the bottom plate 45 fits into the opening 12.

[0068] (3.5) Outlet flange 1 and 4, fan case 1 has outer peripheral flange 14 of exhaust port 13 for exhaust. More specifically, in fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, second member 3 has outer peripheral flange 14. Exhaust port 13 has an opening surface whose normal is a direction perpendicular to first direction D1.

[0069] The outer peripheral flange 14 is frame-shaped and has two pieces: a first piece 141, a second piece 142, and a third piece 143. In the first embodiment, the two first pieces 141, the second piece 142, and the third piece 143 are integrally formed. The two first pieces 141 face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. Each first piece 141 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second piece 142 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. The third piece 143 is located below the second piece 142 and is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13.

[0070] When the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, the first member 2 can be brought close to the second member 3 so that the end 27 of the first member 2 is aligned with the second piece 142 and the upper part of the first piece 141 of the outer peripheral flange 14. This improves the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, making it easier to join the first member 2 and the second member 3. Before the hooks 23 of the first member 2 ride over the claws 33 of the second member 3, the first member 2 and the second member 3 can be aligned by the outer peripheral flange 14.

[0071] The first member 2 may have an outer peripheral flange. Even in this case, when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, the first member 2 can be brought close to the second member 3 so that the end of the second member is aligned with the outer peripheral flange. This improves the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined.

[0072] (3.6) Regulatory Department The restricting portion 37 shown in FIG. 9 comes into contact with the connector 46, thereby restricting the movement of the connector 46 relative to the substrate 42 (see FIG. 6).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9 , the restricting portion 37 includes a protrusion 371. The protrusion 371 is formed of resin or the like. The protrusion 371 protrudes from a portion of the second main body portion 31 and faces the connector 46. More specifically, the protrusion 371 protrudes from a portion of the annular portion 312 of the second main body portion 31 along the first direction D1 and faces the connector 46 across a gap in the first direction D1. The protrusion 371 is formed integrally with the second main body portion 31, for example, from resin. When a force is applied to the connector 46 in a direction approaching the protrusion 371 in the first direction D1 (downward in FIG. 9 ), the connector 46 comes into contact with the protrusion 371. When the connector 46 comes into contact with the protrusion 371, it cannot move further downward. This restricts the downward movement of the connector 46.

[0074] (4) Components of the motor unit Hereinafter, each component of the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0075] (4.1) Motor As shown in FIG. 6, the motor 41 is housed in a motor case 44. In the motor 41, a rotor 411 including a rotary shaft 413 extending in the axial direction (first direction D1) rotates around the axial center of the rotary shaft 413. In other words, the motor 41 rotates around the first direction D1 as the axial direction. The motor 41 is, for example, an inner rotor type motor as shown in FIG. 6. The motor 41 is directly or indirectly connected to blades 47 (see FIG. 21), and the blades 47 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 41. Note that the motor 41 is not limited to being an inner rotor type motor, and may be an outer rotor type motor.

[0076] (4.2) Substrate 6 is, for example, a printed circuit board. The board 42 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from above in the thickness direction of the board 42, and has a through-hole 421 in the center through which the rotation shaft 413 passes. Furthermore, the board 42 has a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) mounting holes 422. The board 42 is housed in a motor case 44 while being held by a board guide 43.

[0077] The substrate 42 is provided with a plurality of circuit elements for driving the motor 41. The plurality of circuit elements provided on the substrate 42 constitute a drive circuit 48 (see FIG. 21) that drives the motor 41. The drive circuit 48 is electrically connected to the motor 41 via an electrical path such as a lead wire. The drive circuit 48 generates drive power for driving the motor 41 from power supplied from the control device 52 (see FIG. 21) via the connector 46 and a cable 53 (see FIG. 21). The drive circuit 48 supplies the generated drive power to the motor 41. The motor 41 is driven to rotate by the drive power supplied from the drive circuit 48.

[0078] (4.3) Board guide As shown in FIG. 6 , the board guide 43 is formed in an annular shape with an opening 431 in the center, and the board 42 is disposed on one surface of the board guide 43 in the first direction D1. The board guide 43 holds the board 42 between the bottom plate 45 and the board guide 43 in the first direction D1. A plurality of (three in the illustrated example) protrusions 432 are formed on the outer periphery of the surface of the board guide 43 facing the board 42. Each protrusion 432 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes along the first direction D1. Each protrusion 432 passes through a circular mounting hole 422 formed in the board 42 and is heat-stakingly fastened thereto. This fixes the board 42 to the board guide 43. The board guide 43 also has a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) insertion holes 433 formed on the outer periphery of the opening 431. Lead wires connecting the motor 41 and the board 42 are passed through each insertion hole 433.

[0079] (4.4) Motor case As shown in Fig. 6, the motor case 44 is a metal member formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an opening on one side in the first direction D1 (the upper side in Fig. 6). The motor case 44 houses the motor 41 inside. The motor case 44 holds the circuit board 42. The motor case 44 holds the circuit board 42 via a circuit board guide 43.

[0080] The motor case 44 has a bottom surface portion 441, a tubular portion 442, an annular portion 443, a tubular portion 444, and a tip portion 445. The bottom surface portion 441, the tubular portion 442, the annular portion 443, the tubular portion 444, and the tip portion 445 are integrally formed. The bottom surface portion 441 is, for example, disk-shaped. The tubular portion 442 is provided to protrude from the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 441. The annular portion 443 is provided at the tip of the tubular portion 442. The tubular portion 444 is provided to protrude from the outer periphery of the annular portion 443. The tip portion 445 is provided at the tip of the tubular portion 444. The tip portion 445 has a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) through holes 446 and a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) through holes 447.

[0081] (4.5) Bottom plate As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom plate 45 is a metal member formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom that is open on one side in the first direction D1 (downward in FIG. 6).

[0082] The bottom plate 45 has a bottom surface portion 451, a tubular portion 452, and a tip portion 453. The bottom surface portion 451, the tubular portion 452, and the tip portion 453 are integrally formed. The bottom surface portion 451 is, for example, disk-shaped. The tubular portion 452 is provided so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 451. The tip portion 453 is provided at the tip of the tubular portion 452. The tip portion 453 has a plurality of through holes 454 (only one is shown in FIG. 6) and a plurality of through holes 455 (three in the illustrated example).

[0083] The bottom plate 45 is attached to the motor case 44 so as to cover the opening of the motor case 44. More specifically, screws are inserted into the plurality of through holes 446 of the motor case 44 and the plurality of through holes 454 of the bottom plate 45, and the motor case 44 and the bottom plate 45 are screwed together.

[0084] With the motor case 44 and the bottom plate 45 fixed together, screws 49 (see Figure 9) are inserted into the multiple through holes 447 of the motor case 44, the multiple through holes 455 of the bottom plate 45, and the multiple through holes of the fan case 1, thereby attaching the motor case 44 and the bottom plate 45 to the fan case 1.

[0085] (4.6) Connector 6 is a connecting member for electrically connecting the substrate 42 and the cable 53 (see FIG. 21). The connector 46 is an insertion-mount type connector, and the insertion and removal direction of the connector 46 is along a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0086] 6, connector 46 includes a housing 461 and a plurality of connection terminals (not shown) inside housing 461. The plurality of connection terminals are electrically connected to substrate 42 and cable 53. The plurality of connection terminals are made of metal such as brass.

[0087] The accommodation portion 461 is a resin molded part made of, for example, polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT). The accommodation portion 461 is formed integrally with the board guide 43. The accommodation portion 461 is formed in a square tubular shape having an accommodation hole 462. The accommodation hole 462 has an opening formed in a rectangular shape. A connector of the cable 53 is inserted into the accommodation hole 462. This electrically connects the multiple connection terminals and the cable 53.

[0088] (4.7) Feather The vanes 47 (see FIG. 21) are rotated by the motor 41 shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the vanes 47 are housed in the fan case 1 (see FIG. 9) while being directly or indirectly connected to the motor 41. For example, the vanes 47 are attached to a portion of the rotating shaft 413 that protrudes from the motor case 44. Inside the fan case 1, the vanes 47 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 41. This can enhance the cooling effect.

[0089] (5) Effects In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, at least one of one or more hooks 23 in first member 2 extends from an end of first opening 213 of first main body 21 along first direction D1 toward second member 3. This reduces the amount of protrusion of hook 23 and claw 33 in a direction perpendicular to first direction D1 in a plan view from first direction D1, allowing fan case 1 to be made more compact.

[0090] In the fan case 1 according to the first embodiment, the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together by hooking the multiple hooks 23 onto corresponding ones of the multiple claws 33. This allows the fan case 1 to be made more compact, while also allowing the first member 2 and the second member 3 to be joined more firmly by hooking the hooks 23 onto the claws 33 at multiple locations.

[0091] In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, at least one of outer surface 234 and inner surface 235 of each of one or more hooks 23 is aligned along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21 in a plan view from first direction D1. This makes it easier to reduce the size of fan case 1 and to make the thickness of hooks 23 relatively uniform. Furthermore, because outer surface 234 is aligned along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21, the external appearance of fan case 1 can be improved.

[0092] In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, in plan view from first direction D1, outer surface 234 of hook 23 is curved along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21. This allows fan case 1 to be made more compact and improves the external appearance of fan case 1.

[0093] In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, protrusion 251 is provided on an extension line of hook 23 at end 214 of first opening 213 of first main body portion 21. This allows the portion on the extension line of hook 23 to be thicker than both circumferential ends of first main body portion 21, thereby improving resistance to forces acting on first main body portion 21 when hook 23 bends.

[0094] In the fan case 1 according to the first embodiment, in the first direction D1, the first distance L21 between the flange 24 and the first catch portion 236 of the hook 23 is shorter than the second distance L31 between the second opening 313 of the second main body portion 31 and the second catch portion 334 of the claw 33. This improves the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined, making it easier to join the first member 2 and the second member 3.

[0095] In the fan case 1 according to the first embodiment, the first member 2 or the second member 3 has an outer peripheral flange 14 of the exhaust port 13. This enhances the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together. This makes it easy to join the first member 2 and the second member 3 together.

[0096] In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, in a plan view from first direction D1, the tips of claws 33 are aligned along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21. This allows for a more compact fan case 1 and improves the external appearance of fan case 1.

[0097] In fan case 1 according to embodiment 1, first main body portion 21 has outer circumferential surface 215 that includes multiple regions with different curvatures, and multiple hooks 23 are arranged along outer circumferential surface 215 of first main body portion 21. This allows for the miniaturization of fan case 1 and improves the external appearance of fan case 1.

[0098] (6) Variations A modification of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0099] As a modification of the first embodiment, the outer surfaces 234 of the plurality of hooks 23 may be flat.

[0100] As a modification of the first embodiment, all of the plurality of hooks 23 are not limited to extending along the first direction D1, and only some of the plurality of hooks 23 may extend along the first direction D1. In short, it is sufficient that at least one of the plurality of hooks 23 extends from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3 along the first direction D1.

[0101] As a modification of embodiment 1, in a plurality of hooks 23, only one of outer surface 234 or inner surface 235 of hook 23 may be aligned along outer peripheral surface 215 of first main body portion 21 in a plan view from first direction D1. Specifically, in each hook 23, outer surface 234 may be aligned along outer peripheral surface 215 and inner surface 235 may be flat, or outer surface 234 may be flat and inner surface 235 may be aligned along outer peripheral surface 215. This modification also makes it possible to further reduce the size of fan case 1 and improve the appearance of fan case 1.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the motor case 44 is made of metal, but the entire motor case 44 is not limited to being made of metal. As a variation of the first embodiment, only a portion of the motor case 44 may be made of metal. In short, it is preferable that the motor case 44 includes a metal portion.

[0103] For example, the motor case 44 includes a resin member and a metal member. The motor case 44 uses the resin member to hold the circuit board 42. The resin member holds the circuit board 42 directly or via a circuit board guide 43. The metal member is provided around the resin member. This allows the motor case 44 to hold the circuit board 42 with the resin member, while enhancing the shielding effect with the metal member.

[0104] The fan case 1 and motor unit 4 according to the above-described modified example also achieve the same effects as the fan case 1 and motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0105] (Embodiment 2) Figure 10 is a perspective view of fan case 1a according to embodiment 2. Fan case 1a according to embodiment 2 differs from fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it has multiple hooks 23a and multiple claws 33a as shown in Figure 10 (only one is shown in Figure 10).

[0106] (1) Composition Fan case 1a according to embodiment 2 includes first member 2a and second member 3a, as shown in Figure 10. Note that for fan case 1a according to embodiment 2, components similar to those of fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0107] The motor unit 4 according to the second embodiment includes a fan case 1a, similar to the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment, and is used in a moving body such as a vehicle.

[0108] (2) Fan case components (2.1) First member As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, first member 2a, like first member 2 of embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 5), has first main body 21, protrusion 22, multiple hooks 23a (only one is shown in FIG. 10), multiple flanges 24a, and multiple protrusions 252, 253. FIG. 11 is a top view of fan case 1a1a according to embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the same fan case.

[0109] (2.1.1) Hooks 10 and 12 are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1, similar to the multiple hooks 23 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the multiple hooks 23a are provided spaced apart from one another around the other end side (the lower end side in FIG. 12) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. That is, the multiple hooks 23a are provided at intervals of at least a certain distance in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211.

[0110] The plurality of hooks 23a extend from an end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1. In the example of FIGS. 10 to 12, all of the plurality of hooks 23a extend from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1. Each hook 23a is provided on the other end (the lower end in FIG. 12) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. Each hook 23a extends from the end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1.

[0111] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a hook 23a of a first member 2a of a fan case 1a according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 13A, each hook 23a has a hooking hole 237. The hooking hole 237 is formed below the hook 23a. Each hook 23a is plate-shaped and has an outer surface 234 and an inner surface 235 that face each other in the thickness direction of the hook 23a. The outer surface 234 and the inner surface 235 of each hook 23a are flat. In other words, no large protrusions or the like are formed on the outer surface 234 and the inner surface 235 of each hook 23a.

[0112] (2.1.2) Flanges 12, the multiple flanges 24a are provided at the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21. The multiple flanges 24a are provided at the end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21, spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211. In other words, the multiple flanges 24a are provided at least a certain distance apart in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211.

[0113] Each flange 24a is provided in a portion of the side surface portion 211 in the circumferential direction where no hooks 23a are provided. For example, the flange 24a is provided between two adjacent hooks 23a. In this case, the flange 24a is provided at the end 214 of the first opening 213 so that a gap 241 is generated between the flange 24a and the hooks 23a in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion 21.

[0114] Each flange 24a extends from an end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1. In the example of Fig. 12, all of the multiple flanges 24a extend from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1.

[0115] The flanges 24a have substantially the same length in the first direction D1 in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. The length of each flange 24a in the first direction D1 is shorter than the length of the hooks 23a in the first direction D1.

[0116] Like the flange 24 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4), each flange 24a enters into the groove 35 of the second member 3a when the first member 2a and the second member 3a are joined. More specifically, each flange 24a enters into the groove 35 before the first member 2a and the second member 3a are joined. This makes it easy to align the first member 2a and the second member 3a, and therefore makes it easy to join the first member 2a and the second member 3a. In other words, each flange 24a functions as a guide.

[0117] (2.2) Second member Similar to the second member 3 of embodiment 1 (see Figures 4 and 9), the second member 3a includes a second main body portion 31, a protrusion 32, and multiple claws 33a (only one is shown in Figure 10), as shown in Figures 10 and 12.

[0118] (2.2.1) Nails As shown in Fig. 12, the claws 33a correspond one-to-one to the hooks 23a. The claws 33a are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the second member 3a in a plan view from the first direction D1. The claws 33a are provided on the end (the upper end in Fig. 12) of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. More specifically, each claw 33a protrudes from the side surface portion 311 in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0119] The multiple claws 33a are provided spaced apart from one another around the end side of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. That is, the multiple claws 33a are provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0120] Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the claws 33a of the second member 3a of the fan case 1a according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 13B, each claw 33a has a shape that increases in height in the first direction D1 as it moves away from the second opening 313. In other words, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31, each claw 33a has a triangular shape.

[0121] (2.3) Connection between the first and second members Fig. 14A is a perspective view of hooks 23a and claws 33a when first member 2a and second member 3a are fitted together in fan case 1a according to embodiment 2. Fig. 14B is a front view of hooks 23a and claws 33a when first member 2a and second member 3a are fitted together in fan case 1a. Fig. 14C is a side view of hooks 23a and claws 33a when first member 2a and second member 3a are fitted together in fan case 1a. As shown in Figs. 10 and 14A to 14C, the first member 2a and second member 3a are joined together by hooking the multiple hooks 23a onto corresponding ones of the multiple claws 33a.

[0122] Before being joined, the first member 2a and the second member 3a are separated from each other (the state shown in FIG. 12). As the first member 2a is brought closer to the second member 3a from the above state, the hook 23a of the first member 2a comes into contact with the claw 33a of the second member 3a. Specifically, the tip of the hook 23a comes into contact with the claw 33a. As the first member 2a continues to move closer to the second member 3a, the hook 23a is bent outward by the claw 33a. As the first member 2a moves away from the second opening 313, the protrusion of the claw 33a increases, and the bending of the hook 23a increases. As the first member 2a is further brought closer to the second member 3a, the tip of the hook 23a passes over the claw 33a. At this time, the claw 33a is positioned in the hooking hole 237 of the hook 23a. The hook 23a returns from its outward bending state to its original state. Through the above steps, the first member 2a and the second member 3a are joined together.

[0123] As described above, as shown in Fig. 14C, each hook 23a extends from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1. In other words, each hook 23a reduces the bulge outward (outward perpendicular to the first direction D1) of the first main body portion 21. Each hook 23a does not protrude outward (to the left in Fig. 14C) from the first main body portion 21, but extends downward.

[0124] As a result, as shown in Fig. 14C, the amount of protrusion of hooks 23a and claws 33a (the amount of protrusion in the left-right direction in Fig. 14C) can be reduced. This allows the outer diameter L12 of fan case 1a to be reduced in plan view from first direction D1, as shown in Fig. 11. In other words, fan case 1a can be made more compact.

[0125] As in embodiment 1, all of the hooks 23a and all of the claws 33a are connected, so the first member 2a and the second member 3a can be connected more firmly while reducing the size of the fan case 1a.

[0126] In plan view from the first direction D1, the hooks 23a and the claws 33a are located inside the outermost portion of the first main body 21. In the first main body 21, the portion where the hooks 23a are provided is located inside the outermost portion of the portion other than the portion where the hooks 23a are provided. This allows the fan case 1a to be made more compact.

[0127] (2.4) Outlet flange As shown in Figures 10 and 12, fan case 1a has outer peripheral flange 14a of exhaust port 13 for exhaust. More specifically, in fan case 1a according to embodiment 2, first member 2a has a portion of outer peripheral flange 14a, and second member 3a has the remainder of outer peripheral flange 14a. Exhaust port 13 has an opening surface whose normal is perpendicular to first direction D1.

[0128] The outer peripheral flange 14a is frame-shaped. The outer peripheral flange 14a has two first pieces 144, two second pieces 145, a third piece 146, and a fourth piece 147. In the second embodiment, the two first pieces 144 and the third piece 146 are integrally formed. The two second pieces 145 and the fourth piece 147 are integrally formed.

[0129] The two first pieces 144 face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. Each first piece 144 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1. The third piece 146 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. The third piece 146 connects the two first pieces 144.

[0130] The two second pieces 145 face each other in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. Each second piece 145 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1. The fourth piece 147 is located below the third piece 146 and is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with both the first direction D1 and the normal direction to the opening surface of the exhaust port 13. The fourth piece 147 connects the two second pieces 145.

[0131] When the first member 2a and the second member 3a are joined together, the two first pieces 144 and third pieces 146 of the first member 2a and the two second pieces 145 and fourth pieces 147 of the second member 3a become one to form the outer peripheral flange 14a.

[0132] (3) Effects In fan case 1a according to embodiment 2, outer surface 234 of hook 23a is flat, which makes it easy to form hook 23a.

[0133] In fan case 1a according to embodiment 2, flange 24a is provided at end 214 of first opening 213 of first main body portion 21 so that gap 241 is created between flange 24a and hook 23a in the circumferential direction of first main body portion 21. This facilitates joining of first member 2a and second member 3a. Furthermore, because flange 24a is provided spaced apart from hook 23a, stress due to bending of hook 23a is less likely to be transmitted to flange 24a.

[0134] In fan case 1a according to embodiment 2, in plan view from first direction D1, hooks 23a and claws 33a are located inside the outermost part of first main body portion 21. This allows fan case 1a to be made even more compact.

[0135] (4) Variations As a modification of the second embodiment, all of the hooks 23a do not necessarily have to extend along the first direction D1, but it is sufficient that some of the hooks 23a extend along the first direction D1. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the hooks 23a extends from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3a along the first direction D1.

[0136] As a modification of the second embodiment, the outer surfaces 234 of the hooks 23a of the plurality of hooks 23a may be aligned along the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. This allows for further miniaturization and improves the appearance.

[0137] The modified example of the first embodiment may be applied to the fan case 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0138] Fan case 1a according to the above-described modified example also provides the same effects as fan case 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0139] (Embodiment 3) Figure 15 is a perspective view of a fan case according to embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 15, fan case 1b differs from fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 (see Figure 1) in that it has multiple hooks 23b and multiple claws 33b.

[0140] (1) Fan case Fan case 1b includes first member 2b and second member 3b, as shown in Figure 15. With regard to fan case 1b, components that are the same as those in fan case 1 according to embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0141] The motor unit 4 including the fan case 1b is used in a moving body such as a vehicle, similar to the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0142] (2) Fan case components (2.1) First member Figure 16 is a top view of fan case 1b according to embodiment 3. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of fan case 1b. Figure 18 is a perspective view of first member 2b of fan case 1b. As shown in Figures 15 to 18, first member 2b has first main body portion 21, protrusion 22, multiple hooks 23b (only three are shown in Figure 15), multiple flanges 24b, and multiple protrusions 251 to 255.

[0143] (2.1.1) Hooks 15 to 18 are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1, similar to the multiple hooks 23 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the multiple hooks 23b are provided spaced apart from one another around the other end side (the lower end side in FIG. 17) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. That is, the multiple hooks 23b are provided at intervals of at least a certain distance in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 211.

[0144] The plurality of hooks 23b extend from an end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3b along the first direction D1. In the example of FIGS. 15 to 18, all of the plurality of hooks 23b extend from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3b along the first direction D1. Each hook 23b is provided on the other end (the lower end in FIG. 17) of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. Each hook 23b extends from the end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3b along the first direction D1.

[0145] 19A is a perspective view of a hook 23b of a first member 2b of a fan case 1b according to the third embodiment. Similar to the hook 23 of the first embodiment (FIG. 7A), each hook 23b is U-shaped when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 19A, and includes two first pieces 231 and a second piece 232. Each of the two first pieces 231 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1 and extends along the first direction D1 from an end 214 of the side surface portion 211 of the first main body 21. The second piece 232 is a rectangular plate with its longitudinal direction aligned perpendicular to the first direction D1 and connects the tips (lower ends in FIG. 19A ) of the two first pieces 231 together. Each hook 23b has a hooking hole 233 surrounded by the two first pieces 231 and the second piece 232.

[0146] Furthermore, each hook 23b has two protrusions 238. The protrusions 238 are provided on the first piece 231 and extend along the first direction D1. A portion (upper end) of each protrusion 238 is located above the first piece 231 and is connected to the side surface portion 211 of the first main body portion 21. As a result, even if stress occurs due to bending of the hook 23b, the provision of the protrusions 238 can reinforce the hook 23b.

[0147] The plurality of hooks 23b are plate-shaped and have an outer surface 234 and an inner surface 235 that face each other in the thickness direction of the hook 23b.

[0148] (2.2) Second member As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the second member 3b includes a second main body portion 31, a protruding portion 32, and a plurality of claws 33b (only two are shown in the example of FIG. 15).

[0149] (2.2.1) Nails As shown in Fig. 17, the claws 33b correspond one-to-one to the hooks 23b. The claws 33b are arranged at multiple locations on the outer periphery of the second member 3b in a plan view from the first direction D1. The claws 33b are provided on the end (the upper end in Fig. 17) of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. More specifically, each claw 33b protrudes from the side surface portion 311 in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0150] The multiple claws 33b are provided spaced apart from one another around the other end of the side surface portion 311 of the second main body portion 31. That is, the multiple claws 33b are provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 311.

[0151] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a claw 33b of the second member 3b of the fan case 1b according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19B, each claw 33b has two first pieces 335, a second piece 336, and a third piece 337. Each of the two first pieces 335 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the first direction D1 and protruding from the side surface 311 of the second main body 31. The second piece 336 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the circumferential direction of the side surface 311 of the second main body 31 and protruding from the side surface 311. The third piece 337 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the circumferential direction of the side surface 311 and protruding from the side surface 311 of the second main body 31. The protruding amount of the third piece 337 is smaller than the protruding amount of the second piece 336. The two first pieces 335, the second piece 336, and the third piece 337 are integrally formed. Each of the claws 33 b has a recess 338 surrounded by two first pieces 335 , a second piece 336 and a third piece 337 .

[0152] (2.3) Connection between the first and second members Fig. 20A is a perspective view of hooks 23b and claws 33b when first member 2b and second member 3b are fitted together in fan case 1b according to embodiment 3. Fig. 20B is a front view of hooks 23b and claws 33b when first member 2b and second member 3b are fitted together in fan case 1b according to embodiment 3. Fig. 20C is a side view of hooks 23b and claws 33b when first member 2b and second member 3b are fitted together in fan case 1b according to embodiment 3. As shown in Figs. 15 and 20A to 20C, the first member 2b and second member 3b are joined together by each of the multiple hooks 23b being hooked onto a corresponding one of the multiple claws 33b.

[0153] Before being coupled, the first member 2b and the second member 3b are separated from each other (the state shown in FIG. 17). As the first member 2b is brought closer to the second member 3b from the above state, the hook 23b of the first member 2b comes into contact with the claw 33b of the second member 3b. Specifically, the second piece 232 of the hook 23b comes into contact with the claw 33b. As the first member 2b continues to move closer to the second member 3b, the hook 23b is bent outward by the claw 33b. As the first member 2b moves away from the second opening 313, the protrusion of the claw 33b increases, and therefore the bending of the first piece 231 of the hook 23b increases. As the first member 2b moves closer to the second member 3b, the second piece 232 of the hook 23b passes over the claw 33b. At this time, the claw 33b is positioned in the hooking hole 233 of the hook 23b. The hook 23b returns from its outwardly bent state to its original state. Through the steps described above, the first member 2b and the second member 3b are joined together.

[0154] (3) Variations As a modification of the third embodiment, all of the hooks 23b do not necessarily have to extend along the first direction D1, but it is sufficient that some of the hooks 23b extend along the first direction D1. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the hooks 23b extends from the end 214 of the first opening 213 of the first main body portion 21 toward the second member 3b along the first direction D1.

[0155] As a modification of the third embodiment, the outer surfaces 234 of the hooks 23b of the plurality of hooks 23b may be aligned along the outer peripheral surface 215 of the first main body portion 21 in a plan view from the first direction D1. This allows for further miniaturization and improves the appearance.

[0156] The modified example of the first embodiment may be applied to the fan case 1b according to the third embodiment.

[0157] Fan case 1b according to the above-described modified example also provides the same effects as fan case 1b according to the third embodiment.

[0158] The hooks 23, 23a, 23b may have a trapezoidal or semicircular shape. Specifically, the hooks 23, 23a, 23b may have a shape in which the width on the first member 2, 2a, 2b side is wider than the width on the second member 3, 3a, 3b side.

[0159] (Embodiment 4) In the fourth embodiment, a vehicle 5 (moving object) equipped with the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0160] (1) Composition Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 5 according to embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 21, the vehicle 5 includes a motor unit 4, a battery 51, a control device 52, a cable 53, and a vehicle body 54 (main body of the moving body). Note that, with respect to the motor unit 4 according to embodiment 4, components that are the same as those in the motor unit 4 according to embodiment 1 (see Fig. 1) are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0161] 21, vehicle 5 is a four-wheel hybrid vehicle in which an engine and a driving battery 51 are mounted on a vehicle body 54. Note that vehicle 5 is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, and may also be an electric vehicle.

[0162] The battery 51 is configured by, for example, a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 51 supplies power to the motor 41, a drive motor for running the vehicle 5, etc.

[0163] The control device 52 is electrically connected to the motor unit 4 by a cable 53 and controls the motor unit 4. More specifically, the control device 52 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 48 by the cable 53 via the connector 46 (see FIG. 6). The control device 52 controls the battery 51. More specifically, the control device 52 controls the power supply from the battery 51 to the motor 41, the drive motor, etc.

[0164] The vehicle body 54 is equipped with the motor unit 4, a battery 51, a control device 52, and a cable 53.

[0165] The motor unit 4 used in the vehicle 5 functions as a cooling fan system to suppress a rise in temperature of the battery 51. In the motor unit 4, when the motor 41 is driven to rotate, the blades 47 rotate and air is sent to the battery 51. This air-cools the battery 51 and suppresses a rise in temperature of the battery 51.

[0166] (2) Variations As a modification of the fourth embodiment, the vehicle 5 may be provided with the motor unit 4 according to the second embodiment or the motor unit 4 according to the third embodiment, instead of the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment.

[0167] In another variation of the embodiment, the moving body equipped with the motor unit 4 is not limited to the vehicle 5, but may be other than the vehicle 5. In the case of the motor unit 4 according to the second embodiment or the motor unit 4 according to the third embodiment, similarly to the case of the motor unit 4 according to the first embodiment, the moving body is not limited to the vehicle 5, but may be other than the vehicle 5.

[0168] The vehicle 5 and moving body according to each of the above-described modifications also achieve the same effects as the vehicle 5 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0169] The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely a part of the various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure. The embodiments and modifications can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0170] (Aspect) The present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0171] A fan case (1; 1a) according to a first aspect houses a motor (41). The motor (41) has a rotor (411) including a rotary shaft (413) extending in a first direction (D1) and rotates around the axis of the rotary shaft (413). The fan case (1; 1a) includes a first member (2; 2a) and a second member (3; 3a). The first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a) are coupled to each other along the first direction (D1). The first member (2; 2a) has a first main body portion (21) and one or more hooks (23; 23a). The first main body portion (21) has a first opening (213) that opens toward the second member (3; 3a). The one or more hooks (23; 23a) are arranged on the outer periphery of the first main body portion (21) in a plan view from the first direction (D1). The second member (3; 3a) has a second main body portion (31) and one or more claws (33; 33a). The second main body portion (31) has a second opening (313) that opens toward the first member (2; 2a). The one or more claws (33; 33a) are arranged on the outer periphery of the second main body portion (31) in a plan view from the first direction (D1) at positions corresponding to the one or more hooks (23; 23a) so that the one or more hooks (23; 23a) can be hooked onto the one or more claws (33; 33a). At least one of the one or more hooks (23; 23a) extends from an end portion (214) of the first opening (213) of the first main body portion (21) toward the second member (3; 3a) along the first direction (D1).

[0172] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the first aspect, when viewed from above in the first direction (D1), the amount of protrusion of the hooks (23; 23a) and the claws (33; 33a) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) can be reduced, thereby enabling the fan case (1; 1a) to be made smaller.

[0173] In the fan case (1; 1a) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the one or more hooks are a plurality of hooks (23; 23a) and the one or more claws are a plurality of claws (33; 33a). The first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a) are connected to each other by the plurality of hooks (23; 23a) being hooked onto the plurality of claws (33; 33a), respectively.

[0174] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the second aspect, the fan case (1; 1a) can be made smaller while the first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a) can be more firmly joined by engaging the hooks (23; 23a) with the claws (33; 33a) at multiple points.

[0175] In the fan case (1; 1a) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, at least one of the outer surface (234) and the inner surface (235) of each of the one or more hooks (23; 23a) is aligned along the outer peripheral surface (215) of the first main body portion (21) when viewed in a plane from the first direction (D1).

[0176] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the third aspect, the fan case (1) can be made smaller, and the thickness of the hooks (23) can be made relatively uniform.

[0177] In the fan case (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the outer surface (234) of the hook (23) is curved along the outer peripheral surface (215) of the first main body portion (21) when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1).

[0178] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the fourth aspect, the fan case (1) can be made more compact and the external appearance of the fan case (1) can be improved.

[0179] In the fan case (1a) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the outer surface of the hook (23a) is flat.

[0180] According to the fan case 1a of the fifth aspect, the hooks 23a can be easily formed.

[0181] In a fan case (1; 1a) according to a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first member (2; 2a) has a flange (24; 24a). The flange (24; 24a) is provided at an end (214) of a first opening (213) of the first main body portion (21). The flange (24; 24a) is provided at the end (214) of the first opening (213) so that a gap (241) is formed between the flange (24; 24a) and the hook (23; 23a) in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion (21).

[0182] The fan case (1; 1a) according to the sixth aspect facilitates joining of the first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a). Because the flanges (24; 24a) are spaced apart from the hooks (23; 23a), stress caused by bending of the hooks (23; 23a) is less likely to be transmitted to the flanges (24; 24a).

[0183] In a fan case (1) according to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first member (2) has a protrusion (251). The protrusion (251) is provided on the first main body (21) on an extension line of the hook (23) in the first direction (D1).

[0184] According to the fan case (1) of the seventh aspect, the portion on the extension line of the hook (23) can be made thicker than both ends of the first main body portion (21) in the circumferential direction, thereby strengthening the first main body portion (21) against the force acting on it when the hook (23) bends.

[0185] In the fan case (1; 1a) of the eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, in the first direction (D1), the first distance (L21) between the flange (24; 24a) and the first hooking portion (236) on which the claw (33; 33a) of the hook (23; 23a) is hooked is shorter than the second distance (L31) between the second opening (313) of the second main body portion (31) and the second hooking portion (334) on which the hook (23; 23a) of the claw (33; 33a) is hooked.

[0186] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the eighth aspect, the function as a guide can be improved when the first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a) are joined, so that the first member (2; 2a) and the second member (3; 3a) can be easily joined.

[0187] A fan case (1) according to a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first member (2) or the second member (3) has an outer peripheral flange (14) of the exhaust port (13).

[0188] The fan case 1 according to the ninth aspect can improve the guide function when the first member 2 and the second member 3 are joined together, thereby facilitating the joining of the first member 2 and the second member 3.

[0189] In a fan case (1; 1a) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the tips of the claws (33; 33a) are aligned along the outer peripheral surface (215) of the first main body portion (21) when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1).

[0190] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the tenth aspect, the fan case (1; 1a) can be made smaller and the external appearance of the fan case (1; 1a) can be improved.

[0191] In a fan case (1; 1a) according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first main body portion (21) has an outer peripheral surface (215) including a plurality of regions having different curvatures. The plurality of hooks (23; 23a) are arranged along the outer peripheral surface (215).

[0192] According to the fan case (1; 1a) of the eleventh aspect, the fan case (1; 1a) can be made smaller and the external appearance of the fan case (1; 1a) can be improved.

[0193] In the fan case (1a) according to the twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, one or more hooks (23a) and one or more claws (33a) are located inside the outermost part of the first main body portion (21) when viewed in a plan view from the first direction (D1).

[0194] According to the fan case (1a) of the twelfth aspect, the fan case (1; 1a) can be made smaller.

[0195] A motor unit (4) according to a thirteenth aspect includes the fan case (1; 1a) according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and a motor (41).

[0196] According to the motor unit (4) of the thirteenth aspect, in the fan case (1; 1a), when viewed in a plane from the first direction (D1), the amount of protrusion of the hooks (23; 23a) and the claws (33; 33a) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) can be reduced, thereby making it possible to make the fan case (1; 1a) smaller.

[0197] A moving body (vehicle 5) according to a fourteenth aspect includes the motor unit (4) according to the thirteenth aspect and a moving body main body (car body 54). The moving body main body is equipped with the motor unit (4).

[0198] According to the moving body (vehicle 5) of the 14th aspect, in the fan case (1; 1a), when viewed in a plane from the first direction (D1), the amount of protrusion of the hooks (23; 23a) and claws (33; 33a) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1) can be reduced, thereby making it possible to make the fan case (1; 1a) smaller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1,1a,1b Fan case 11,12,431 aperture 13 Exhaust port 14,14a Peripheral flange 141,144,231,331,335 1st piece 142,145,232,332,336 2nd piece 143,146,337 3rd piece 147 4th piece 2, 2a, 2b First member 21 First main body part 211 Side part 212,312,443 Annular part 213 First Opening 214 End 215 Outer surface 22 Protrusion 23, 23a, 23b Hook 233,237 Hook hole 234 Exterior 235 Inside 236 First hook 238 Protrusion 24,24a flange 241 Gap 251,252,253,254,255,361,362,363,371,432 Projection 27 End 3,3a,3b 2nd member 31 Second main body part 311 Side part 313 Second Opening 32,34 Protrusion 33,33a,33b claw 35 Groove 37 Regulatory Department 333,338 recess 334 Second hook 4 Motor Unit 41 Motor 411 Rotor 413 Rotational Axis 5. Vehicles (moving objects) 54 Vehicle body (mobile body) L11, L12 length L21 1st distance L31 2nd distance D1 1st direction

Claims

1. A fan case accommodating a motor in which a rotor including a rotation shaft extending in a first direction rotates around an axis of the rotation shaft, a first member and a second member coupled to each other along the first direction; the first member includes a first main body portion having a first opening that opens toward the second member; a plurality of hooks arranged on an outer periphery of the first main body portion in a plan view from the first direction, the second member includes a second main body portion having a second opening that opens toward the first member; a plurality of claws arranged on an outer periphery of the second main body portion in a plan view from the first direction at positions corresponding to the plurality of hooks so that the plurality of hooks can be hung on, and at least one of the plurality of hooks extends from an end of the first opening of the first main body portion toward the second member along the first direction, wherein the first member has a plurality of flanges provided at the end of the first opening of the first main body portion, Each of the plurality of flanges extends from a side surface of the first member toward the second member, the plurality of flanges are provided at ends of the side surface portions of the first main body portion and spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction, Each of the plurality of flanges is provided between two adjacent hooks, Each of the flanges has a shape such that the width in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion becomes narrower as it moves away from the end of the side surface portion, a plurality of protrusions are provided on the side surface of the second member from the side surface toward the outside, and grooves are formed by the protrusions and the side surface; The flange is inserted into the groove.

2. The fan case according to claim 1 , wherein the first member and the second member are coupled to each other by the plurality of hooks being hooked onto the plurality of claws, respectively.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of each of the plurality of hooks is aligned along an outer peripheral surface of the first main body portion in a plan view from the first direction. Fan case.

4. The fan case according to claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of each of the hooks is curved along the outer circumferential surface of the first main body portion in a plan view from the first direction.

5. A fan case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface of each of said hooks is flat.

6. A fan case as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flange is provided at the end of the first opening so that a gap is created between the flange and the hook in the circumferential direction of the first main body portion.

7. The first member is The fan case according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first main body portion has a protrusion provided on an extension line of the hook in the first direction.

8. 7. The fan case of claim 6, wherein in the first direction, a first distance between the flange and a first catch portion of the hook on which the claw is caught is shorter than a second distance between the second opening of the second main body portion and a second catch portion of the claw on which the hook is caught.

9. The fan case according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first member or the second member has an outer peripheral flange of an exhaust port.

10. The fan case according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tips of the claws are aligned along the outer peripheral surface of the first main body portion when viewed in a plan view from the first direction.

11. A fan case as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first main body portion has an outer peripheral surface including multiple regions with different curvatures, and the multiple hooks are arranged along the outer peripheral surface.

12. A fan case as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of hooks and the plurality of claws are located inside the outermost part of the first main body portion when viewed in a plan view from the first direction.

13. A motor unit comprising: the fan case according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and the motor.

14. A moving body comprising: the motor unit according to claim 13; and a moving body main body on which the motor unit is mounted.

Images