Case, method for assembling case, and method for manufacturing component assembly

Abstract

[Problem] To facilitate the work of attaching a case when a case applied to a vehicle component serving as a noise source is divided into two separate components. [Solution] A case 10 according to the present disclosure is divided into a first case constituent body 11 and a second case constituent body 41, and a first connecting projecting part 15 of the first case constituent body 11 and a second connecting projecting part 45 of the second case constituent body 41 are connected by a hinge. As a result, it is not necessary to insert a hand into a lower region of the first and second case structures 11, 41, and work can be more easily performed than with a configuration in which components are fixed together by providing an engaging protuberance and a protuberance-engaging part on both an upper end part and a lower end part.

Description

Case, case assembly method, and part assembly manufacturing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a case for a vehicle component that is a source of noise.

[0002] A known conventional case is one formed by combining two case components (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2020-133408 A (FIG. 2, paragraph

[0021] , etc.)

[0004] In the above-described case, the two case components and the hinge portion are integrated, but when attaching the case to a vehicle component during the vehicle assembly process, for example, it may be necessary to attach the two case components as separate components one by one. In this way, when the case is divided into two separate components, it is desired to make the case attachment work easier.

[0005] The container of claim 1, which was made to solve the above problem, is a case comprising first and second case components that are fitted to both sides of a vehicle component that is a noise source and are configured to be combined with each other in a combined state; overlapping surfaces that are provided on the first and second case components and are overlapped with each other in the combined state; a first connecting protrusion that is provided on the first case component and protrudes from the overlapping surface toward the second case component on the side of the overlapping surface; a second connecting protrusion that is provided on the second case component and protrudes toward the first connecting protrusion; and a hinge protrusion and hinge receiving portion that are provided separately as the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion and are configured to be changeable between a state in which they are separated from each other and a state in which they engage with each other to rotatably connect the first and second case components.

[0006] In the case of claim 1, one side edge of the first and second case components is hingedly connected to each other, so that the case can be installed even when the space around one side edge is narrow. This makes it easier to install the case than, for example, when one side edge and the other side edge of the first and second case components both have a locking mechanism that requires finger operation.

[0007] 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a compressor is housed in a case according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compressor; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the case in an open state; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the lower end of the case in an open state; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first case structure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first case structure; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second case structure; 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the protruding portion of the case. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the case when the hinge protrusion is inserted into the hinge receiving portion. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the case when the triangular rib is in contact with the second tip wall portion. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the case when the interference wall is in contact with the second tip wall portion. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the lower end of the case according to a modified example. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the case according to a modified example. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the lower end of the case according to a modified example. FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the case according to a modified example.

[0008] [First embodiment] A case 10 of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15. As shown in Figure 1, the case 10 of this embodiment is a soundproof case that surrounds a compressor 90 for a car air conditioner and absorbs or blocks noises such as driving noise generated by the compressor 90.

[0009] 2, the compressor 90 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes, in order from one axial end (the right end in FIG. 2), a first large diameter portion 90A, a first small diameter portion 90B, a second large diameter portion 90C, and a second small diameter portion 90D. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the axial direction of the compressor 90 will be referred to as a "first horizontal direction H1," and the direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction H1 and the up-down direction will be referred to as a "second horizontal direction H2."

[0010] The first small diameter portion 90B and the second large diameter portion 90C of the compressor 90 are longer in the axial direction than the first large diameter portion 90A and the second small diameter portion 90D. Furthermore, the outer surface of the compressor 90 is provided with fixing portions 91 for fixing to surrounding vehicle components. Each fixing portion 91 has a rectangular column portion 91A extending in the second horizontal direction H2 and a connecting portion 91B connecting the rectangular column portion 91A to the cylindrical surface of the compressor 90. A through hole 91H is formed in the center of the rectangular column portion 91A for inserting a bolt therethrough. The fixing portions 91 are disposed at the upper end of the compressor 90, at a position closer to the second large diameter portion 90C of the first small diameter portion 90B and at a position closer to the second small diameter portion 90D of the second large diameter portion 90C, and at the lower end of the compressor 90, at a position closer to the first large diameter portion 90A of the first small diameter portion 90B and at a position spanning the first large diameter portion 90A and the first small diameter portion 90B. In addition, a pipe 92 protrudes from the cylindrical bottom surface of the compressor 90 on the first large diameter portion 90A side.

[0011] 1 and 3, the case 10 includes first and second semi-cylindrical case components 11, 41, each formed by vertically splitting a generally cylindrical body with bottoms at both ends, and these components can be switched between a separated state and a rotatably connected state. When the first and second case components 11, 41 are joined together at mating surfaces 11M, 41M (see FIG. 9), a housing space R for housing the compressor 90 is formed inside the case 10.

[0012] The first and second case structures 11, 41 each have a hard cover body 12, 42 and a soft cushioning body 30, 60 fixed inside the cover body 12, 42. The cover body 12, 42 is made of, for example, a non-foamed resin, and the cushioning body 30, 60 is made of, for example, a foamed resin. However, the materials of the cover body 12, 42 and the cushioning body 30, 60 are not limited to these. Furthermore, the first and second case structures 11, 41 may have a single-layer structure made of a non-foamed resin or a single-layer structure made of a foamed resin.

[0013] The first and second case structures 11, 41 are formed with component receiving portions 11U, 41U (see FIGS. 5 and 8 ) that form the accommodation space R when combined, and the opening edges thereof serve as the above-mentioned mating surfaces 11M, 41M. The first and second case structures 11, 41 are also provided with projections and recesses that match the outer shape of the compressor 90. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , the first and second case structures 11, 41 have, in order from one axial end (the right end in FIG. 1 ), a first large diameter portion 11A, 41A, a first small diameter portion 11B, 41B, a second large diameter portion 11C, 41C, and a second small diameter portion 11D, 41D. Furthermore, the first and second case structures 11, 41 further have projections 11E, 41E that project upward and downward from the other end (the left end in FIG. 1 ) of the second large diameter portion 11C, 41C in the first horizontal direction H1 and the second small diameter portion 11D, 41D.

[0014] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, each component receiving portion 11U, 41U is formed in a range from a position near the end of the first large diameter portion 11A, 41A of the first and second case structures 11, 41 to a position near the end of the second small diameter portion 11D, 41D, and the first large diameter portion 11A, 41A and the second small diameter portion 11D, 41D have cylindrical bottom walls 11A1, 41A1, 11D1, 41D1 that face the compressor 90 in the first horizontal direction H1.

[0015] The first and second case components 11, 41 are formed with a plurality of notches 11K, 41K for exposing the fixing portion 91 and piping 92 (see FIG. 2) of the compressor 90. Each notch 11K, 41K for exposing the upper fixing portion 91 extends circumferentially from the upper edge of the first and second case components 11, 41, and in the fixed state, the openings 11L, 41L abut against each other to form a circumferentially extending elongated hole. Similarly, each notch 11K, 41K for exposing the lower fixing portion 91 extends circumferentially from the lower edge of the first and second case components 11, 41, and in the fixed state, the openings 11L, 41L abut against each other to form a circumferentially extending elongated hole. The notch 41K for exposing the piping 92 extends in the second horizontal direction H2 from the side edge on the first large diameter portion 41A side of the overlapping surface 41M of the second case component 41, and its opening 41L abuts against the overlapping surface 11M of the first case component 11 to form a through hole (see Figure 1).

[0016] In this embodiment, of the two upper and two lower notches 11K, 41K extending in the circumferential direction, the notch 11K, 41K on the upper side of the second small diameter portion 11D, 41D and the notch 11K, 41K on the lower side of the first large diameter portion 11A, 41A are the boundaries, and the overlapping surfaces 11M, 41M on the second small diameter portion 11D, 41D side are closer to the second case structure 41 than the overlapping surfaces 11M, 41M on the first large diameter portion 11A, 41A side.

[0017] 4, a first connecting protrusion 15 and a second connecting protrusion 45 for rotatably connecting the first and second case components 11, 41 are provided at the lower ends of the first and second case components 11, 41. Details of the first and second case components 11, 41, including the first connecting protrusion 15 and the second connecting protrusion 45, will be described below.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5 , the upper end of the first case member 11 includes claw engagement portions 25 at the first large-diameter portion 11A, the second large-diameter portion 11C, and the protruding portion 11E. Each claw engagement portion 25 protrudes upward from the upper end of the cover body 12 and includes a pair of side walls 26 facing each other in the first horizontal direction H1, and a locking wall 27 connecting the upper ends of the side walls 26 on the mating surface 11M side. The locking wall 27 slopes downward as it moves away from the mating surface 11M (see FIG. 9 ). The claw engagement portions 25 also include finger hook walls 28 extending in the first horizontal direction H1 from the ends of the pair of side walls 26 opposite the mating surface 11M, so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0019] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first case member 11 includes a bulging portion 11R between the two lower notches 41K, where the lower ends of the first small diameter portion 11B and the second large diameter portion 11C bulge downward. The lower edge of this bulging portion 11R is located at approximately the same height as the lower edge of the overhanging portion 11E. The first connecting protrusion 15 is located in two places on the bulging portion 11R: below the first small diameter portion 11B and on the overhanging portion 11E. Only about 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first connecting protrusion 15 on the overhanging portion 11E overlaps with the component receiving portion 11U in the first horizontal direction H1, with the remaining portion being offset from the component receiving portion 11U. As a result, the first connecting protrusion 15 is positioned at a position where at least a portion of it is offset from the component receiving portion 11U in the first horizontal direction H1, and at a position below the portion of the component receiving portion 11U that accommodates the small diameter portion (first small diameter portion 90B) of the compressor 90.

[0020] The cover body 12 of the first case component 11 has extension walls 14 that hang downward from the lower edge of the cover body 12 at two positions corresponding to the first connecting protrusions 15. The surface of this extension wall 14 facing the second case component 41 also constitutes part of the mating surface 11M. The first connecting protrusion 15 protrudes from this extension wall 14 toward the second case component 41 and has a first base end wall portion 16 that protrudes from the extension wall 14, a first tip wall portion 17 diagonally below it, and a pair of connecting walls 18 that connect the first base end wall portion 16 and the first tip wall portion 17. Note that a reinforcing rib 14L that connects the extension wall 14 to the underside of the bulging portion 11R or the overhanging portion 11E is formed on the surface of the extension wall 14 opposite the mating surface 11M.

[0021] The connecting wall portion 18 has horizontal walls 18A extending in the second horizontal direction H2 from a pair of side edges of the extension wall 14 and vertical walls 18B hanging down from the tips of the horizontal walls 18A. The first base end wall portion 16 extends from the lower end of the extension wall 14 to a position approximately at the center of the horizontal wall 18A, generally perpendicular to the mating surface 11M. The first tip wall portion 17 extends parallel to the first base end wall portion 16 between the lower ends of the vertical walls 18B of the connecting wall portion 18 and protrudes slightly toward the mating surface 11M beyond the vertical walls 18B. A hinge receiving portion 20, which passes through the first connecting projection 15, is formed between the first base end wall portion 16 and the first tip wall portion 17. Since the first distal wall portion 17 is disposed below the first base end wall portion 16 and on the side of the second case component 41, the hinge receiving portion 20 has an opening surface that is inclined toward the outward opening side from a plane perpendicular to the mating surface 11M. Note that the first distal wall portion 17 may be disposed on the same plane as the first base end wall portion 16, and the opening surface of the hinge receiving portion 20 may face vertically upward.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover body 12 of the first case structure 11 is provided with a flange wall 11F1 that protrudes from the lower edge of the first large diameter portion 11A to approximately the same height as the lower edge of the extension wall 14, and a flange portion 11F2 that protrudes by about one plate thickness from the upper edge and side edge of the first large diameter portion 11A, the upper edge of the first small diameter portion 11B, and the upper edge of the protruding portion 11E, and extends the overlapping surface 11M.

[0023] 10 , the second case member 41 is provided at its upper end with an engagement claw 55 that engages with the claw engagement portion 25 of the first case member 11. The engagement claw 55 extends from an upright wall 54 that stands from the upper end of the cover body 42 toward the first case member 11, and its tip forms a return portion 56. The return portion 56 has a first inclined surface 56A that is inclined upward from the tip of the engagement claw 55 toward the base end, a second inclined surface 56B that is inclined less than the first inclined surface 56A, and a locking surface 56C that extends downward from the base end side end of the second inclined surface 56B and is perpendicular to the main body of the engagement claw 55. When the first case component 11 is in the combined state, this locking surface 56C abuts against the end surface of the locking wall 27 of the claw engagement portion 25 of the first case component 11, thereby causing the engagement claw 55 to engage with the claw engagement portion 25 (see Figure 9).

[0024] The engaging claw 55 is disposed in the center of the upright wall 54 in the first horizontal direction H1, and protruding walls 54A are provided on both sides of the engaging claw 55 on the upright wall 54, protruding to the same height as the side walls 26 of the claw engagement portion 25. As shown in Figure 9, when the engaging claw 55 is engaged with the claw engagement portion 25, the engaging claw 55 is located below the side walls 26 of the claw engagement portion 25 and the protruding walls 54A of the upright wall 54, and does not protrude. A reinforcing rib 55L connecting the engaging claw 55 and the upright wall 54 is provided on the underside of the engaging claw 55.

[0025] 7 and 8, the second case structure 41 has a bulging portion 41R at the lower end of the first small diameter portion 41B that bulges out to the same height as the lower end of the second large diameter portion 41C. The lower ends of the bulging portion 41R and the second large diameter portion 41C are at the same height as the lower end of the protruding portion 41E, and a lower wall 41S that protrudes downward from these lower ends is integrally formed with the cover body 42.

[0026] In addition, similar to the flange wall 11F1 and flange portion 11F2 of the first case component 11, the second case component 41 also has a flange wall 41F1 that protrudes from the lower edge of the first large diameter portion 41A, and a flange portion 41F2 that protrudes by about one plate thickness from the upper edge and side edge of the first large diameter portion 41A and the upper edge and side edge of the first small diameter portion 41B and the upper edge and side edge of the protruding portion 41E.

[0027] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second connecting protrusions 45 are disposed in two locations on the lower wall 41S, one below the first small diameter portion 41B and the other below the overhanging portion 41E, corresponding to the first connecting protrusions 15. The lower wall 41S is formed with downwardly extending extension walls 44 at two locations corresponding to the second connecting protrusions 45. The surface of the extending wall 44 facing the first case member 11 also constitutes part of the mating surface 41M. The second connecting protrusion 45 includes a second base end wall portion 46 that protrudes from the extending wall 44 toward the side opposite the first case member 11, a depending wall portion 48 that depends from the tip of the second base end wall portion 46, and a second tip wall portion 47 that bends from the lower end of the depending wall portion 48 toward the side opposite the first case member 11. The depending wall portion 48 and the second tip wall portion 47 together constitute a hinge protrusion 50. In other words, the tip of the hinge protrusion 50 protruding from the second base end wall portion 46 is bent to form the second tip wall portion 47. The second base end wall portion 46 protrudes outward in the second horizontal direction H2 further than the overhanging portion 41E and the bulging portion 41R.

[0028] Approximately the lower one-third of the portion of the hanging wall portion 48 is tapered downward, with the width narrowing as it extends downward, and the second distal wall portion 47 extends with the same width as the tip of the tapered hanging wall portion 48. The width of this second distal wall portion 47 is approximately one-half to one-third the width of the second base end wall portion 46. In addition, the outer edge of the second base end wall portion 46 is formed with a tapered surface 46T that is inclined so that the planar cross section becomes smaller as it extends downward.

[0029] 7, each second connecting projection 45 is formed with a triangular rib 51 that connects the second base end wall portion 46 and the depending wall portion 48 of the hinge projection 50. The triangular rib 51 is disposed in the center of the second tip wall portion 47 in the first horizontal direction H1, and its oblique side connects the corner between the second base end wall portion 46 and the bottom wall 41S and the bent portion of the hinge projection 50 (the corner between the depending wall portion 48 and the second tip wall portion 47). Note that the first base end wall portion 16 of the first connecting projection 15 is formed with a base end notch 16K that can receive the triangular rib 51 (see FIGS. 5 and 11).

[0030] 7 and 11 , each second connecting projection 45 has interference walls 52 formed at two positions on either side of the triangular rib 51 in the first horizontal direction H1. The interference walls 52 are disposed on the opposite side of the second base end wall portion 46 from the hinge projection 50, and connect the second base end wall portion 46 and the lower wall 41S with the overhanging portion 41E or the bulging portion 41R. The outer edge of the interference wall 52 has a lower portion that forms an interference surface 52A that extends flush with the outer surface of the hanging wall portion 48 (i.e., the rising surface of the second tip wall portion 47), and an upper portion that forms an inclined surface 52B that slopes toward the overhanging portion 41E or the bulging portion 41R.

[0031] 12 , when the cases 10 are combined, the second base end wall 46 of the second connecting projection 45 has its mating surface 41M side overlapping the first base end wall 16 of the first connecting projection 15 from the mating surfaces 11M, 41M side, and its hanging wall 48 side facing the hinge receiving portion 20 of the first connecting projection 15 from above. At this time, the triangular rib 51 is received in the base end notch 16K of the first base end wall 16. Then, the hinge projection 50 of the second connecting projection 45 penetrates the hinge receiving portion 20 of the first connecting projection 15, and the second tip wall 47 of the second connecting projection 45 overlaps the first tip wall 17 of the first connecting projection 15 from the side opposite the mating surfaces 11M, 41M. This positions the first case member 11 and the second case member 41 in the up-down direction.

[0032] In addition, in the combined state, the first case member 11 and the second case member 41 are positioned in the second horizontal direction H2 by overlapping surfaces 11M, 41M and by the hanging wall portion 48 abutting against the opening edge on the first tip wall portion 17 side of the hinge receiving portion 20. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, both side edges of the first base end wall portion 16 of the second connecting projection 45 abut against or are close to the pair of connecting walls 18 of the first connecting projection 15, so that the first case member 11 and the second case member 41 are also positioned in the first horizontal direction H1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the configuration in which both side edges of the first base end wall portion 16 abut against or are close to the pair of connecting wall portions 18 of the first connecting protrusion 15 is applied to both of the two sets of first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45, but it may also be applied to only one set. In this case, even if the spacing between the first connecting protrusions 15 and the spacing between the second connecting protrusions 45 are misaligned due to manufacturing variations, etc., it is possible to position the first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45 in the first horizontal direction H1 and connect both sets. The first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45 may be one set, or three or more sets.

[0034] 13, the first and second connecting projections 15, 45 are changed from a mutually separated state to a state in which they engage with each other and rotatably connect the first and second case structures 11, 41 when the hinge projection 50 of the second connecting projection 45 is inserted into the hinge receiving portion 20 of the first connecting projection 15. At this time, because the hanging wall portion 48 is tapered and the width of the second tip wall portion 47 is reduced, the tip of the hinge projection 50 (second tip wall portion 47) can be easily inserted into the hinge receiving portion 20, and the positioning is achieved as it is inserted further in. Furthermore, because the hinge projection 50 can be connected to the hinge receiving portion 20 without interfering with it, the hinge portion is less likely to be damaged compared to, for example, a system in which hinge portions are connected by elastic deformation of each other.

[0035] Then, the second case component 41 is rotated relative to the first case component 11 so that the mating surfaces 11M, 41M approach each other. At this time, the corner between the second base end wall portion 46 and the lower wall 41S or the upper end portion of the triangular rib 51 is brought into contact with the mating surface 11M of the first case component 11 to serve as a fulcrum for the rotation, thereby guiding the rotation. Furthermore, after rotation to a certain extent, the second tip wall portion 47 of the hinge protrusion 50 faces the first tip wall portion 17 of the first connecting protrusion 15 from below and interferes with each other, thereby restricting movement of the second case component 41 in a direction that releases the connection between the first connecting protrusion 15 and the second connecting protrusion 45.

[0036] When the mating surfaces 11M, 41M overlap, the second base end wall portion 46 of the second connecting protrusion 45 overlaps the first base end wall portion 16 of the first connecting protrusion 15, and the second tip wall portion 47 of the hinge protrusion 50 wraps around and abuts underneath the first tip wall portion 17 of the first connecting protrusion 15, and the hanging wall portion 48 of the hinge protrusion 50 abuts against the opening edge on the first tip wall portion 17 side of the hinge receiving portion 20.

[0037] Also, during rotation, just before the case 10 enters the combined state, the engaging claw 55 of the second connecting protrusion 45 approaches the claw engaging portion 25 of the first connecting protrusion 15. As the case 10 continues to rotate, the first inclined surface 56A or the second inclined surface 56B of the return portion 56 of the engaging claw 55 abuts against the inclined locking wall 27 of the claw engaging portion 25, and the engaging claw 55 moves toward the rear while elastically deforming. Then, when the mating surfaces 11M and 41M overlap, the return portion 56 of the engaging claw 55 passes through the locking wall 27, and the engaging claw 55 elastically returns to its original position. Then, the locking surface 56C abuts against the end surface of the locking wall 27 of the claw engaging portion 25, and the engaging claw 55 engages with the claw engaging portion 25. This places the case 10 in the combined state.

[0038] At this time, the upright wall 54 on which the engaging claw 55 is arranged may bend away from the claw engagement portion 25, causing a problem in which the barbed portion 56 does not completely pass through the locking wall 27. In this case, it is possible to pinch the claw engagement portion 25 and the upright wall 54 and push the engaging claw 55 in. However, since the finger hook wall 28 is provided on the side wall 26 of the claw engagement portion 25 and the protruding wall 54A is provided on the upright wall 54, the area of ​​contact with the finger is increased, making it less likely for the finger to become sore. Furthermore, since the side wall 26 of the claw engagement portion 25 and the protruding wall 54A of the upright wall 54 protrude above the engaging claw 55, even if a peripheral component approaches the engaging claw 55 from above, the peripheral component abuts against the side wall 26 of the claw engagement portion 25 and the protruding wall 54A of the upright wall 54, preventing the engaging claw 55 from abutting against the engaging claw 55. This prevents the engaging claw 55 from being unintentionally pushed in from above and disengaging.

[0039] When opening the case 10, the engagement claw 55 is pushed from above and shifted toward the locking wall 27, thereby releasing the engagement and allowing the second case component 41 to be rotated outward.

[0040] However, when inserting the hinge protrusion 50 into the hinge receiving portion 20, if the tip of the hinge protrusion 50 (second tip wall portion 47) does not enter the hinge receiving portion 20 and the second case structure 41 begins to rotate as is, it is possible that time will be lost.

[0041] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, a triangular rib 51 is provided on the second connecting protrusion 45, and when the second connecting protrusion 45 is lowered while the tip of the hinge protrusion 50 is shifted from the hinge receiving portion 20 and positioned outside the first tip wall portion 17, the oblique side of the triangular rib 51 abuts against the tip of the first tip wall portion 17, causing the second case component 41 to slide diagonally downward (see Figure 14), making it possible to quickly notice that the hinge protrusion 50 is not inserted into the hinge receiving portion 20.

[0042] Furthermore, when inserting the hinge protrusion 50 into the hinge receiving portion 20, for example, if the lower wall 41S of the second case structure 41 is closer to the first tip wall portion 17 of the first connecting protrusion 15, and the hinge protrusion 50 is inserted all the way in, the upper surface of the second base end wall portion 46 of the second connecting protrusion 45 may interfere with the first tip wall portion 17 of the first connecting protrusion 15, making rotation difficult.

[0043] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, an interference wall 52 is provided on the second base end wall portion 46 of the second connecting protrusion 45. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, even when the second case structure 41 is opened 90 degrees and the second tip wall portion 47 is inserted into the hinge receiving portion 20 and advances to the back, the interference surface 52A of the interference wall 52 abuts against the first tip wall portion 17, so that the second connecting protrusion 45 does not go too far back, and the installation work becomes smoother.

[0044] Next, the attachment of the case 10 to the compressor 90 will be described. This attachment of the case 10 is performed on a vehicle assembly line. First, only the first case component 11 of the first and second case components 11, 41 is placed on the side of a surrounding vehicle component 101 (see FIGS. 12 and 13), and the compressor 90 is received in the component receiving portion 11U of the first case component 11. Then, bolts are inserted into the through holes 91H of the fixing portion 91 of the compressor 90, and with the first case component 11 in place, the compressor 90 is fixed to the surrounding vehicle component.

[0045] It is also possible to first align the first case component 11 with the compressor 90, and then fix the first case component 11 and the compressor 90 to the surrounding vehicle components, or to fix only the first case component 11 to the surrounding vehicle components, and then fix the compressor 90 on top of that.

[0046] Next, the hinge protrusion 50 of the second case structure 41 is inserted into the hinge receiving portion 20 of the first case structure 11 to couple them together, and the second case structure 41 is rotated. Then, the mating surfaces 11M, 41M overlap each other, and the engaging claws 55 engage with the claw engaging portions 25, thereby combining the case 10 and positioning the first and second case structures 11, 41 against the compressor 90. Thereafter, other components are assembled to complete the parts assembly 100 (see FIG. 12 ). Note that the case 10 of this embodiment may be used when the compressor is secured to surrounding vehicle components after the first and second case structures are positioned against the compressor.

[0047] Incidentally, in conventional compressor cases, two case components and a hinge portion are integrated together, but as in this embodiment, when the case is attached to the compressor on a vehicle assembly line, it can be difficult to install the compressor with the case attached. However, in this embodiment, the case 10 is divided into first and second case components 11, 41, which solves the above-mentioned problem.

[0048] Here, it is also conceivable to fasten the two case components by providing, for example, engaging claws and claw engagement portions at both the upper and lower ends. However, depending on the installation situation of other vehicle components, the space required to insert a hand to engage the engaging claws and claw engagement portions may be narrow, making the work difficult. In contrast, in the case 10 of this embodiment, the lower ends of the first and second case components 11, 41 are insert hinges, so there is no need to insert a hand into the lower areas of the first and second case components 11, 41, making the work easier. Furthermore, since there is no need to secure space for inserting a hand, the parts assembly can be made compact.

[0049] Furthermore, because the first connecting protrusion 15 protrudes in the second horizontal direction H2 so as to be away from the mating surface 11M, even when the compressor 90 is received in the component receiving portion 11U, it is easy to see from diagonally above, facilitating the insertion of the hinge protrusion 50. Furthermore, because the opening surface of the hinge receiving portion 20 faces diagonally upward, it is easier to find the position of the hinge receiving portion 20.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the two sets of first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45 is positioned at a position at least partially offset from the component receiving portions 11U, 41U, so that the one first connecting protrusion 15 does not overlap with the compressor 90 and is easily visible. Therefore, by aligning the position of one second connecting protrusion 45 with one first connecting protrusion 15, it is easy to align the first and second case structures 11, 41. Moreover, the other first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45 are also positioned below the portion that accommodates the small diameter portion (first small diameter portion 90B) of the compressor 90, so that the gap between the other first connecting protrusion 15 and the underside of the compressor 90 (the underside of the first small diameter portion 90B) is large, making the other first connecting protrusion 15 also easily visible.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first and second case components 11, 41 have a two-layer structure having the cover body 12, 42 and the buffer body 30, 60. Therefore, the compressor 90 is protected by the buffer body 30, 60, and the first and second connecting protrusions 15, 45, the engaging claw 55, and the claw engaging portion 25 are disposed on the relatively hard cover body 12, 42, thereby stably fixing the first and second case components 11, 41 together.

[0052] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the case 10 is configured to have a generally cylindrical shape, but this is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Furthermore, the compressor 90 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The case 10 may be used in a car air conditioner compressor having a shape other than a cylindrical shape.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the case 10 is used with the mating surfaces 11M and 41M facing each other in the second horizontal direction H2, but the mating surfaces 11M and 41M may be used with the mating surfaces 11M and 41M facing each other in the vertical direction. For example, the first case structure 11 may be installed with the component receiving portion 11U facing upward, and the compressor 90 may be installed thereon.

[0054] The triangular rib 51 may not be provided.

[0055] The interference wall 52 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 16 , the first connecting protrusion 15 may not have a step, and the first base end wall 16 and the first tip wall 17 may be disposed on the same plane. In this case, the second connecting protrusion 45 may be bent to abut against the first base end wall 16 and the first tip wall 17, as in the first embodiment, or the second connecting protrusion 45 may be flat and abut against the opening edge of the hinge receiving portion 20 but not abut against the first base end wall 16 and the first tip wall 17, as shown in Fig. 16 . Alternatively, the first connecting protrusion 15 of the first embodiment may be connected to the flat second connecting protrusion 45.

[0057] As shown in Figure 17, a configuration may be possible in which a shaft portion 15J is provided on the first connecting protrusion 15, and a receiving portion 15U that receives the shaft portion 15J is provided on the second connecting protrusion 45. The receiving portion 15U has a circular cross section and a shaft passing portion 15T at its lower portion that communicates the inside and outside of the receiving portion 15U. The shaft passing portion 15T is disposed in an area that sandwiches the lower end of the receiving portion 15U and is closer to the first case component 11, and is narrower than the inner diameter of the receiving portion 15U. The shaft portion 15J has a circular shape with the outer sides removed from two parallel surfaces, and extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the mating surface 11M of the first case component 11.

[0058] When the second case component 41 opens relative to the first case component 11 and the orientation of the axis passing portion 15T and the orientation of the axis portion 15J are aligned relative to the center of the receiving portion 15U, the first connecting protrusion 15 and the second connecting protrusion 45 can be connected or detached, and when the first and second case components 11, 41 approach a combined state, the inner surface of the receiving portion 15U (the opening edge of the axis passing portion 15T) and the axis portion 15J interfere with each other, making it difficult for the first connecting protrusion 15 and the second connecting protrusion 45 to be detached.

[0059] The shaft portion 15J may have a circular cross section and may be elastically deformed to be received in the receiving portion 15U.

[0060] <Supplementary Notes> Below, the group of features extracted from the above embodiment will be explained, indicating, as necessary, the effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above embodiment will be indicated in parentheses as appropriate below, but these group of features are not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0061] [Feature 1] First and second case components (11, 41) that are applied to both sides of a vehicle component (90) that is a noise source and are configured to be combined with each other in a combined state; overlapping surfaces (11M, 41M) that are provided on the first and second case components (11, 41) and that overlap each other in the combined state; a first connecting protrusion (15) that is provided on the first case component (11) and that protrudes from the overlapping surface (11M) toward the second case component (41) on the side of the overlapping surface (11M); and a second connecting protrusion (45) that is provided on the second case component (41) and that protrudes toward the first connecting protrusion (15). The case (10) includes first and second hinge portions (20, 50) that are provided separately as the first connecting protrusion (15) and the second connecting protrusion (45) and are configured to be changeable between a state in which they are separated from each other and a state in which they engage with each other to rotatably connect the first and second case components (11, 41).

[0062] In the case of Feature 1, because one side edge of the first and second case components is hinged to each other, installation is possible even when the space around the one side edge is narrow, and installation of the case can be made easier than, for example, when one side edge and the other side edge of the first and second case components both have a locking mechanism that requires finger operation. Also, because the first connecting protrusion protrudes toward the second case component from the mating surface, the first connecting protrusion is easy to find when viewed from the other side edge, making it easier to connect the second hinge portion to the first hinge portion.

[0063] [Feature 2] The case (10) according to Feature 1, wherein the first hinge portion (20) is a hinge receiving portion (20) that penetrates the first connecting protrusion (15) and has an opening surface that is inclined toward a side that opens outward from a plane perpendicular to the overlapping surface (11M) of the first case structure (11), and the second hinge portion (50) is a hinge protrusion (50) that is disposed on the second connecting protrusion (45) and is formed to penetrate the hinge receiving portion (20).

[0064] In the case of feature 2, the hinge receiving portion opens at an angle, so that the hinge receiving portion can be seen from either the side edge side of the first case structure or the direction perpendicular to the overlapping surface.

[0065] [Feature 3] The case according to Feature 2, wherein the first connecting protrusion (15) comprises: a first base end wall portion (16) perpendicular to the mating surface (11M) of the first case component (11); a first tip wall portion (17) parallel to the first base end wall portion (16), spaced apart laterally toward the second case component (41), and having the hinge receiving portion (20) between the first base end wall portion (16) and the first tip wall portion (17); and a pair of connecting walls connecting the first base end wall portion (16) and the first tip wall portion (17) on both sides of the hinge receiving portion (20).

[0066] [Feature 4] The second connecting protrusion (45) overlaps the first base end wall portion (16) from the side of the overlapping surface (11M, 41M) in the combined state and includes a second base end wall portion (46) whose part faces the hinge receiving portion (20), and the hinge protrusion (50) protrudes from the second base end wall portion (46) so as to penetrate the hinge receiving portion (20) and has a second tip wall portion (47) whose tip is bent so as to overlap the first tip wall portion (17) from the side opposite to the overlapping surface (11M, 41M).

[0067] According to the case of feature 4, the second base end wall portion of the second connecting protrusion overlaps the first base end wall portion of the first connecting protrusion from the overlapping surface side, and the second tip wall portion of the second connecting protrusion overlaps the first tip wall portion of the first connecting protrusion from the side opposite the overlapping surface, thereby positioning the first and second case components in the vertical direction.

[0068] [Feature 5] The case according to Feature 4, wherein the hinge protrusion (50) is configured to abut against an opening edge of the hinge receiving portion (20) on the side of the first tip wall portion (17) in the combined state.

[0069] According to the case of feature 5, the mating surfaces abut against each other and the hinge protrusion abuts against the opening edge on the first tip wall side of the hinge receiving portion, so that the first and second case components are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the mating surfaces.

[0070] [Feature 6] The case according to Feature 4, further comprising a triangular rib (51) connecting the hinge protrusion (50) and the second base end wall portion (46).

[0071] According to the case of Feature 6, the hinge protrusion is reinforced to prevent damage. Also, if the hinge part is not inserted properly, the second case component slides down along the oblique side when the triangular rib abuts against the second tip wall part, making it easy to notice that the hinge part is not inserted properly.

[0072] [Feature 7] The second connecting protrusion (45) is provided with an interference wall (52) that is provided on the opposite side of the hinge protrusion (50) with respect to the second base end wall portion (46) and has an interference surface (52A) that is flush with a rising surface of the second tip wall portion (47) of the hinge protrusion (50), and when the second tip wall portion (47) is inserted into the hinge receiving portion (20) with the first and second case components (11, 41) opened 90 degrees, the interference surface (52A) is configured to abut against the first tip wall portion (17).

[0073] According to the case of Feature 7, when the first and second case components are opened 90 degrees and the second tip wall portion is inserted into the hinge receiving portion, the interference surface abuts against the first tip wall portion, thereby preventing the hinge protrusion from entering too far into the hinge receiving portion and hindering rotation.

[0074] [Feature 8] The case according to Feature 5, wherein a plurality of pairs of the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45) are provided, and in at least one pair of the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45), a pair of the connecting wall portions (18) are configured to position the hinge protrusions (50).

[0075] According to the case of feature 8, in at least one set of first and second connecting projections, the pair of connecting wall portions positions the hinge projections, so that the first and second case components are positioned in the rotation axis direction.

[0076] [Feature 9] The case according to Feature 1, wherein the first and second hinge portions (20, 50) are configured to be connectable without interfering with each other when the first and second case structures (11, 41) are in an open state.

[0077] According to Feature 9, the first and second hinge portions can be connected without interfering with each other, making the first and second hinge portions less likely to be damaged than in a configuration requiring elastic deformation. Also, since the force required to press the hinge portions together is less necessary than in a configuration requiring elastic deformation, the hinge portions can be easily connected even in narrow spaces or places that are difficult to see.

[0078] [Feature 10] The case according to Feature 9, wherein the first and second case components (11, 41) interfere with each other when approaching the combined state, and movement of the first and second hinge portions (20, 50) in a direction in which they separate is restricted.

[0079] According to feature 10, when the first and second case structures approach a combined state, the coupled state of the first and second hinge portions is more likely to be maintained.

[0080] [Feature 11] The case according to Feature 10, wherein one of the first and second hinge portions (50) has a receiving portion (45U) having a circular cross section and a shaft passing portion (45T) that radially connects the inside and outside of the receiving portion (45U) and is narrower than the inner diameter of the receiving portion (45U), and the other of the first and second hinge portions (20) has a non-circular cross section and has a shaft portion (15J) that can pass through the shaft passing portion (45T) when the first and second case structures (11, 41) are in an open state, but that interferes with an opening edge of the shaft passing portion (45T) in the receiving portion (45U) when the first and second case structures (11, 41) approach the combined state.

[0081] [Feature 12] The case according to Feature 1, wherein the first and second case structures (11, 41) include component receiving portions (11U, 41U) that receive the vehicle component (90), and a plurality of sets of the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45) are provided, and one set of the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45) is arranged at a position at least partially offset from the component receiving portion (11U, 41U) in the axial direction of the pivot shaft.

[0082] According to feature 12, when only one of the first and second case components is assigned to a vehicle component and the other case component is attached, the first or second hinge portion is positioned at a position offset from the vehicle component and is easy to see, so that the first or second hinge portion can be used as a landmark to connect the other hinge portion, making it easy to align the positions of the first and second case components.

[0083] [Feature 13] The case according to Feature 12, wherein the vehicle component (90) has a large diameter portion (90A, 90C) and a small diameter portion (90B, 90D).

[0084] The vehicle component may have a shape with a uniform cylindrical surface, or may have a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion as in feature 13.

[0085] [Feature 14] The case according to Feature 13, wherein another pair of the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45) are arranged at positions corresponding to portions of the component receiving portions (11U, 41U) that receive the small diameter portions (90B, 90D).

[0086] According to feature 14, when only one of the first and second case components is assigned to a vehicle component and the other case component is attached, the space between the outer surface of the vehicle component and the first or second connecting protrusion becomes larger, making it easier to see the first or second connecting protrusion.

[0087] [Feature 15] The case according to Feature 1, further comprising: an engaging claw (55) disposed on one (41) of the first and second case structures and extending in the direction of relative movement of the first and second case structures (11, 41); and a claw receiving portion (25) disposed on the other (11) of the first and second case structures and engaging with the engaging claw (55) when the first and second case structures (11, 41) are butted against each other.

[0088] According to feature 15, the first and second case structures are held in an overlapping state.

[0089] [Feature 16] The case according to Feature 15, wherein the engagement claw (55) can be released from engagement by being pressed from the outside, and a protective wall (25, 54A) protruding outward beyond the engagement claw (55) is provided on the outer surface of the first or second case structure (11, 41) at a position that sandwiches the engagement claw (55).

[0090] According to feature 16, even if a surrounding part or the like moves toward the engaging claw, it collides with the protective wall and is prevented from colliding with the engaging claw, thereby suppressing disengagement of the engaging claw.

[0091] [Feature 17] The case according to Feature 15, wherein finger hooks (28, 54A) are provided on the outer surfaces of the first and second case structures (11, 41), and can be used to hook fingers and pinch the engaging claws (55) and the claw receiving portions (25) so as to bring them closer together.

[0092] According to feature 17, when the engaging claw is pressed into the claw receiving portion, the finger can be hooked on the finger hook portion, thereby preventing the finger from being hurt.

[0093] [Feature 18] The case according to Feature 1, wherein the first and second case components (11, 41) include a cover body (12, 42) and a buffer body (30, 60) disposed inside the cover body (12, 42) and softer than the cover body (12, 42).

[0094] According to feature 18, the vehicle components are protected by the buffer.

[0095] [Feature 19] The case according to Feature 18, wherein the first and second connecting protrusions (15, 45) are integrally formed with the cover body (12, 42).

[0096] According to feature 19, the first and second hinge portions are arranged on the relatively harder cover body between the cover body and the buffer body, so that the connection between the first and second hinge portions can be stabilized while the buffer body protects the vehicle components.

[0097] [Feature 20] A case assembling method for assembling the case (10) according to any one of Features 1 to 19 to a compressor (90) as a vehicle part, wherein, in a state where only the first case component (11) of the first and second case components is assigned to the compressor (90), the compressor (90) is assembled to another vehicle component (101), and then the second case component (41) is combined with the first case component (11) and assigned to the compressor (90).

[0098] [Feature 21] A method for manufacturing a parts assembly (100) in which a plurality of vehicle parts (90, 101) including a compressor (90) are assembled, the method comprising the steps of: of the first and second case components included in the case according to any one of Features 1 to 19, only the first case component (11) is assigned to the compressor (90); the compressor (90) is assembled to another vehicle part (101); and then the second case component (41) is combined with the first case component (11) and assigned to the compressor (90).

[0099] As in Features 20 and 21, when the compressor is assembled to other vehicle components with only the first case structure attached and then the second case structure is attached, it is possible that the working space is narrow, and the effect of Feature 1 described above can be more effectively achieved.

[0100] Although the present specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the scope of the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples, and also includes parts of the specific examples taken out alone.

[0101] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Case 11 First case component 12 Cover body 15 First connecting protrusion 16 First base end wall portion 17 First tip wall portion 18 Connecting wall portion 20 Hinge receiving portion 25 Claw engaging portion 41 Second case component 45 Second connecting protrusion 46 Second base end wall portion 47 Second tip wall portion 48 Hanging wall portion 50 Hinge protrusion 51 Triangular rib 52 Interference wall 55 Engaging pawl 90 Compressor

Claims

1. First and second case members configured to be directed from both sides to a vehicle part serving as a noise source and to be joined together to form a joined state, a superposed surface provided on the first and second case members and superposed on each other in the joined state, a first connecting protrusion provided on the first case member and protruding to the side of the second case member from the superposed surface on the side of the superposed surface, a second connecting protrusion provided on the second case member and protruding toward the first connecting protrusion, and first and second hinge parts provided separately on the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion and configured to be changeable between a state of being separated from each other and a state of being engaged with each other to rotatably connect the first and second case members. A case comprising:

2. The first hinge part is a hinge receiving part having an opening surface that penetrates the first connecting protrusion and inclines to the opening side outside the vertical plane with respect to the superposed surface of the first case member. The second hinge part is a hinge protrusion disposed on the second connecting protrusion and formed to penetrate the hinge receiving part. The case according to claim 1.

3. The first connecting protrusion includes a first base end wall part perpendicular to the superposed surface of the first case member, a first tip wall part parallel to the first base end wall part, separated laterally and toward the second case member, and having the hinge receiving part between the first base end wall part, and a pair of connecting wall parts connecting between the first base end wall part and the first tip wall part on both sides of the hinge receiving part. The case according to claim 2.

4. The second connecting protrusion includes a second base end wall part that overlaps the first base end wall part from the superposed surface side in the joined state and a part of which faces the hinge receiving part. The hinge protrusion protrudes from the second base end wall part so as to penetrate the hinge receiving part, and the tip part is bent to have a second tip wall part that overlaps the first tip wall part from the side opposite to the superposed surface. The case according to claim 3.

5. The hinge protrusion is configured to abut against the opening edge on the first tip wall part side of the hinge receiving part in the joined state. The case according to claim 4.

6. The case according to claim 4, comprising a triangular rib connecting the hinge protrusion and the second base end wall part.

7. The second connecting protrusion is provided on the side opposite to the hinge protrusion with respect to the second base end wall portion, and is provided with an interference wall having an interference surface flush with the rising surface of the second tip wall portion among the hinge protrusions. When the second tip wall portion is inserted into the hinge receiving portion in a state where the first and second case bodies are opened by 90 degrees, the interference surface is configured to contact the first tip wall portion. The case according to claim 4.

8. A plurality of sets of the first and second connecting protrusions are provided. In at least one set of the first and second connecting protrusions, a pair of the connecting wall portions are configured to position the hinge protrusion. The case according to claim 5.

9. The first and second hinge portions are configured such that they can be connected without interfering with each other when the first and second case bodies are in an open state. The case according to claim 1.

10. When the first and second case bodies approach the combined state, they interfere with each other, and the movement of the first and second hinge portions in the separating direction is restricted. The case according to claim 9.

11. One of the first and second hinge portions has a receiving portion with a circular cross-section, a shaft passing portion that communicates radially inside and outside the receiving portion and is narrower in width than the inner diameter of the receiving portion. The other of the first and second hinge portions has a non-circular cross-section and can pass through the shaft passing portion when the first and second case bodies are in an open state. On the other hand, when the first and second case bodies approach the combined state, it has a shaft portion that interferes with the opening edge of the shaft passing portion in the receiving portion. The case according to claim 10.

12. The first and second case bodies are provided with a component receiving portion for receiving the vehicle component. A plurality of sets of the first and second connecting protrusions are provided. One set of the first and second connecting protrusions is arranged at a position at least partially offset from the component receiving portion in the axial direction of the rotation axis. The case according to claim 1.

13. The vehicle component has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. The case according to claim 12.

14. Another set of the first and second connecting protrusions is arranged at a position corresponding to a portion of the component receiving portion that receives the small diameter portion. The case according to claim 13.

15. An engagement claw arranged on one of the first and second case components and extending in the relative movement direction of the first and second case components, and a claw receiving portion arranged on the other of the first and second case components and engaging with the engagement claw in a state where the first and second case components are butted against each other. The case according to claim 1, comprising the engagement claw and the claw receiving portion.

16. The engagement claw can be disengaged by being pressed from the outside. A protective wall protruding outward from the engagement claw is provided on the outer surface of the first or second case component at a position sandwiching the engagement claw. The case according to claim 15.

17. Finger hooks are provided on the outer surfaces of the first and second case components so that a finger can be placed thereon to pinch the engagement claw and the claw receiving portion closer to each other. The case according to claim 15.

18. In a case assembling method of assembling the case according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to a compressor as the vehicle component, with only the first case component of the first and second case components being assigned to the compressor, after the compressor is assembled to other vehicle components, the second case component is combined with the first case component and assigned to the compressor. The case assembling method.

19. A method of manufacturing a component assembly in which a plurality of vehicle components including a compressor are assembled. With only the first case component of the first and second case components included in the case according to any one of claims 1 to 17 being assigned to the compressor, after the compressor is assembled to other vehicle components, the second case component is combined with the first case component and assigned to the compressor. The method of manufacturing a component assembly.

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