Ventilation structure

Abstract

A ventilation structure 3a comprises a housing 2a and a ventilation component 1a. The housing 2a has at least one stopper 22 that is positioned in the circumferential direction of a ventilation port 21 communicating an internal space 2u of the housing 2a with an external space 2v of the housing 2a, and that protrudes from an outer surface 2s of the housing 2a. The ventilation component 1a comprises: a cylindrical internal member 10a which is mounted on the ventilation port 21 and has a through-hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v; and an external member 30a which is mounted on an outer peripheral part 12b of the internal member 10a and covers the opening of the through-hole. In plan view with the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a as a reference, at least a part of the stopper 22 overlaps the ventilation component 1a without a base end part 22a of the stopper 22 overlapping the ventilation component 1a.

Description

Ventilated structure

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

[0002] The housings of automotive electrical components such as lamps, inverters, converters, electronic control units (ECUs), battery packs, radars, and cameras, as well as various electronic devices for home, medical, and office use, often have ventilation structures that ensure ventilation between the internal and external spaces of the housing and prevent foreign matter from entering the housing. The ventilation structures generally have ventilation components fixed to the openings of the housing. The ventilation structures can prevent water, dust, and other contaminants from entering the housing while mitigating pressure fluctuations within the housing due to temperature changes.

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

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

[0005] For example, Patent Document 3 describes a ventilation structure including a housing and a ventilation member fixed to an opening of the housing. The ventilation member includes a ventilation membrane and a support having a support portion that supports the ventilation membrane and an insertion portion that is inserted into the opening. The insertion portion includes multiple legs formed on the insertion start side. The legs include locking portions with tapered outer peripheries at the insertion start end. When the insertion portion of the ventilation member is inserted into the opening of the housing, the locking portions are pressed against the opening, causing the multiple legs to bend inward, thereby reducing the insertion pressure of the ventilation member against the housing. When the locking portions pass through the opening and are released from the pressure, they lock onto the inner surface of the housing, thereby fixing the ventilation member to the housing.

[0006] International Publication No. 2021 / 145383 International Publication No. 2020 / 075857 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-47425

[0007] The ventilation structures equipped with a housing and a ventilation part as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have room for reconsideration from the viewpoint of preventing the ventilation part attached to the ventilation opening of the housing from coming off the ventilation opening.

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

[0009] After extensive research, the inventors discovered that the above object can be achieved by providing a stopper portion that restricts the movement of a ventilation part attached to a ventilation port in a direction away from the ventilation port.

[0010] The present invention provides a ventilation structure comprising a housing and a ventilation part, wherein the housing has at least one stopper portion located circumferentially of a ventilation port that connects an internal space of the housing with an external space and protruding from an external surface of the housing, and the ventilation part comprises: a cylindrical internal member that is attached to the ventilation port and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; and an external member that is attached to the outer periphery of the internal member and covers the opening of the through hole, wherein, in a plan view based on the external surface of the housing, a base end of the stopper portion does not overlap the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps the ventilation part.

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

[0012] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing Modified Example 1 of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing Modified Example 2 of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing Modified Example 3 of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing Modified Example 4 of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 7A.

[0013] A ventilation structure according to a first aspect of the present invention is a ventilation structure comprising a housing and a ventilation part, wherein the housing has at least one stopper portion located circumferentially of a ventilation port that connects the internal space of the housing with the external space and protruding from the external surface of the housing, and the ventilation part comprises: a cylindrical internal member that is attached to the ventilation port and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space, and an external member that is attached to the outer periphery of the internal member and covers the opening of the through hole, and in a plan view based on the external surface of the housing, the base end of the stopper portion does not overlap the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps the ventilation part.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0022] [Ventilation Structure] An example of a ventilation structure according to this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IA-IA in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B is a plan view of FIG. 1A. The ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a ventilation component 1a and a housing 2a. The housing 2a has at least one stopper portion 22 protruding from the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a and positioned circumferentially around a ventilation hole 21, which is an opening that connects the internal space 2u of the housing 2a to the external space 2v. The ventilation component 1a includes an internal member 10a and an external member 30a. The internal member 10a is attached to the ventilation hole 21. The internal member 10a is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The external member 30a is attached to the outer periphery 12b of the internal member 10a and covers one opening 13 of the through hole in the internal member 10a.

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

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

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

[0026] 1B , in a plan view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the base end 22a of the stopper portion 22 does not overlap with the ventilation component 1a, but at least a portion of the stopper portion 22 overlaps with the ventilation component 1a. With the ventilation structure 3a having such a structure, even if the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation port 21 receives a force in a direction that causes the ventilation component 1a to separate from the ventilation port 21, the stopper portion 22 prevents the ventilation component 1a from separating from the ventilation port 21.

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

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

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

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A , in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is preferably greater than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper portion 22. That is, it is preferable that h1 > h2 be satisfied. This structure further prevents the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a from becoming detached from the ventilation hole 21. In the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the upper surface of the protrusion 2p that protrudes cylindrically toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] The plurality of stopper portions 22 are preferably positioned at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening 21. With this structure, even if the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation opening 21 receives a force in a direction that causes the ventilation component 1a to separate from the ventilation opening 21, the plurality of stopper portions 22 positioned at equal intervals further prevent the ventilation component 1a from separating from the ventilation opening 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] 1A , the closed tubular structure of the external member 30a has a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32. The side wall 31 extends along an axis X that passes through the center of the ventilation opening 21 of the housing 2a. The bottom wall 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. A corner is formed by the intersection of the bottom wall 32 and the side wall 31.

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

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

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

[0055] The structure of the ventilation component 1a can be seen, for example, in the ventilation component described in Patent Document 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0081] 6A , the closed tubular structure of the outer member 30b has a side wall 31 and a bottom wall 32. The side wall 31 extends along the axis X. The bottom wall 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis X. A corner is formed by the intersection of the bottom wall 32 and the side wall 31.

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

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

[0084] The outer member 30b is joined to the inner member 10b with the inner member 10b inserted into the outer member 30b from the end where the breathable membrane 20b is disposed. Here, the inside of the outer member 30b refers to the space surrounded by the opening of the outer member 30b and the inner periphery 12a. By covering the breathable membrane 20b, the outer member 30b functions as a cover member that protects the breathable membrane 20b from foreign matter such as dust and water that may fly in from the outside.

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

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

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6A , in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2a, the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation component 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is preferably greater than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation component 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper portion 22. That is, it is preferable that h1 > h2 be satisfied. This structure further prevents the ventilation component 1b attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2a from falling off the ventilation hole 21. In the ventilation structure 3e shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the upper surface of the protrusion 2p that protrudes cylindrically toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7A , in a side view based on the outer surface 2s of the housing 2e, the maximum vertical length h1 between the lower surface 11f of the ventilation component 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 is preferably greater than the maximum vertical length h2 between the upper surface 11e of the ventilation component 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 and the lower surface 22f of the stopper portion 22. That is, it is preferable that h1 > h2 be satisfied. This structure further prevents the ventilation component 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 of the housing 2e from becoming detached from the ventilation hole 21. Note that the ventilation structure 3f shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B does not have a cylindrical protrusion extending toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21, and therefore the upper surface 21f of the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21 corresponds to the outer surface 2s.

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

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

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

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

[0106] 7A and 7B, the lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c attached to the ventilation opening 21 is not in contact with the outer surface 2s of the housing 2e. The lower surface 11f of the ventilation part 1c is located in the internal space 2u of the housing 2e.

[0107] For the structure of the ventilation component 1c, reference can be made to the ventilation member described in Patent Document 3, for example.

[0108] 7A and 7B, the ventilation structure 3f includes, as a housing, the same stopper portion 22 as the housing 2a of the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but the structure of the stopper portion included in the ventilation structure 3f is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation structure 3f may include, as a stopper portion, one of the stopper portions 22 of the housings 2b, 2c, and 2d described above.

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

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

Claims

1. A ventilation structure comprising a housing and a ventilation part, wherein the housing has at least one stopper portion located circumferentially of a ventilation hole that communicates an internal space of the housing with an external space and protruding from an external surface of the housing, and the ventilation part comprises: a cylindrical internal member that is attached to the ventilation hole and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space and the external space, and an external member that is attached to the outer periphery of the internal member and covers the opening of the through hole, wherein in a plan view based on the external surface of the housing, a base end of the stopper portion does not overlap the ventilation part, and at least a portion of the stopper portion overlaps the ventilation part.

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

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

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

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

6. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stopper portion satisfies at least one selected from the group consisting of the following (i) and (ii): (i) after the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation opening, the pre-stopper portion protruding from the outer surface of the housing is inclined, bent, or curved toward the edge of the ventilation opening, and the pre-stopper portion has a vertical length greater than the maximum vertical length between the outer surface and the upper surface of the ventilation part in a side view based on the outer surface of the housing; and (ii) after the ventilation part is attached to the ventilation opening, the pre-stopper portion is formed by fixing the stopper portion to the outer surface of the housing.

7. A ventilation structure as described in claim 6, wherein when the above (i) is satisfied, the pre-stopper portion has a thin portion and a thick portion having a thickness greater than that of the thin portion.

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

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