Ventilation structure

Abstract

A ventilation structure 3a comprises a housing 2a and a ventilation component 1a. The housing 2a comprises a pedestal unit 22a positioned so as to surround a ventilation port 21 that communicates an external space 2v and an internal space 2u of the housing 2a. The ventilation component 1a comprises: a first member 10a which is attached to the ventilation port 21 and has a through-hole serving as a section of a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v; and a second member 30a which is attached to the first member 10a and covers the opening of the through-hole. In a cross-section taken to show the vent 21 where the external space 2v is seen at the top with reference to the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a, the pedestal unit 22a has an upward-facing top surface 22f that is disposed below the lower end 31 of the second member 30a and disposed above an adjacent section 26s of an outer surface 25s adjacent to the pedestal unit 22a.

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 a ventilation component fixed to a ventilation opening in the housing. The ventilation structure can prevent water, dust, and other contaminants from entering the housing while mitigating pressure fluctuations inside 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] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by providing a base portion that reduces the force acting on the ventilation component in the removal direction.

[0010] The present invention provides a ventilation structure comprising a housing and a ventilation part, wherein the housing comprises a base portion positioned to surround a ventilation hole that connects the internal space of the housing with an external space, and the ventilation part comprises: a first member attached to the ventilation hole and having a through hole as part of the ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; and a second member attached to the first member and covering the opening of the through hole, wherein, in a cross section set so that the external space is above the external surface of the housing and the ventilation hole appears, the base portion has an upper surface facing upward, below the lower end of the second member and above an adjacent portion of the external surface that is adjacent to the base portion.

[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 a ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the housing of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A is a plan view schematically showing another example of the housing of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a ventilation structure including the housing of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the force acting on a ventilation component when high-pressure cleaning water is sprayed toward the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the force acting on a ventilation component when high-pressure cleaning water is sprayed toward a conventional ventilation structure. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another example of the ventilation structure of FIG. 1A. FIG. 6B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing Modification 1 of the ventilation structure of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of FIG. 7A. Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second modified example of the ventilation structure of the present invention, and Fig. 8B is a plan view schematically showing the ventilation structure of Fig. 8A.

[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 comprises a base portion positioned to surround a ventilation hole that connects the internal space of the housing with an external space, and the ventilation part comprises: a first member attached to the ventilation hole and having a through hole as part of the ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; and a second member attached to the first member and covering the opening of the through hole, wherein in a cross section set so that the external space is above the external surface of the housing and the ventilation hole appears, the base portion has an upper surface facing upward, below the lower end of the second member and above an adjacent portion of the external surface adjacent to the base portion.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the first aspect, when viewed from the external space side along the central axis of the ventilation port, there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the ventilation port in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge of the ventilation part and the outer edge of the base portion is in a range of 5 mm or less.

[0015] In a third aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the first or second aspect, when viewed from the external space side along the central axis of the ventilation port, the outer edge of the base portion has a shape that follows an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and the outer edge of the ventilation part overlaps with the outer edge of the imaginary circle.

[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, when the portion of the outer surface other than the adjacent portion is defined as a reference portion in the cross section, the adjacent portion and the reference portion are flush with each other, or the adjacent portion is located below the reference portion.

[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 base portion has an annular portion disposed along the circumferential direction of the ventilation hole.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the base portion has a plurality of divided portions that are divided along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening.

[0019] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, in a ventilation structure according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the housing further includes a cylindrical protrusion that protrudes toward the edge of the ventilation hole, and the base portion is positioned so as to surround the protrusion.

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to the seventh aspect, in the cross section, the protrusion has an upper surface facing upward, above the upper surface of the base portion and above the lower end of the second member.

[0021] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, for example, in the ventilation structure according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the ventilation part further includes a ventilation film attached so as to close the opening of the through hole.

[0022] 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.

[0023] [Ventilation Structure] An example of a ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IA-IA in Figure 1B. Figure 1B is a plan view of Figure 1A. The ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B includes a ventilation part 1a and a housing 2a.

[0024] The housing 2a includes a base portion 22a positioned to surround a ventilation hole 21, which is an opening that connects an internal space 2u of the housing 2a with an external space 2v. The ventilation component 1a includes a first member 10a and a second member 30a. The first member 10a is attached to the ventilation hole 21 and has a through hole as part of the ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The second member 30a is attached to the first member 10a and covers one opening 13 of the through hole.

[0025] 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 first member 10a through the other opening 14 of the first member 10a and the inner periphery 12a of the first 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.

[0026] For ease of understanding, in the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIG. 1A, the ventilation part 1a is attached to a housing 2a whose outer surface 25s is horizontal and whose external space 2v is located above. However, the attachment direction of the ventilation part 1a is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1A. For example, the ventilation part 1a may be attached to a housing 2a whose outer surface 25s is horizontal and whose external space 2v is located below. Alternatively, the ventilation part 1a may be attached to a housing 2a whose outer surface 25s is at a certain angle with respect to the horizontal. The same applies to ventilation structures 3b to 3d described below.

[0027] The structures of the housing 2a and the ventilation part 1a will be described in more detail below.

[0028] Hereinafter, for convenience, a cross section of the ventilation structure 3a, in which the external space 2v is positioned above the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a and the ventilation opening 21 appears, will be referred to as the cross section CSa. Typically, the cross section CSa is a cross section passing through the central axis X of the ventilation opening 21 (see FIG. 1A ). In the cross section CSa, the base portion 22a has an upper surface 22f facing upward, below the lower end 31 of the second member 30a and above the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s adjacent to the base portion 22a. The ventilation structure 3a having such a structure can reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1a in the pull-out direction, thereby preventing the ventilation component 1a from separating from the ventilation opening 21. In this specification, the "pull-out direction" refers to the direction from bottom to top in the cross section CSa.

[0029] In this specification, the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s refers to the region of the outer surface 25s adjacent to the base portion 22a in the cross section CSa. The adjacent portion 26s may be a surface parallel to the outer surface 25s or a surface at a certain angle relative to the outer surface 25s. When the adjacent portion 26 is inclined relative to the outer surface 25s, the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22a may be located above the adjacent portion 26 that contacts the outer edge 22e of the base portion 22a. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the adjacent portion 26s is a surface parallel to the outer surface 25s. When viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X (see FIG. 1B), the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s may correspond to the portion of the outer surface 25s that surrounds the base portion 22a.

[0030] The above-described effects of the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B will be described in detail using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 illustrates the force acting on the ventilation component 1a when high-pressure cleaning water Whp is sprayed toward the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figure 1A. Figure 5 illustrates the force acting on the ventilation component 301 when high-pressure cleaning water Whp is sprayed toward a conventional ventilation structure 300. As shown in Figure 4, in the ventilation structure 3a, the high-pressure cleaning water Whp sprayed toward the ventilation component 1a is likely to change direction upward when it hits the side of the base portion 22a. This makes it difficult for the high-pressure cleaning water Whp to enter between the ventilation component 1a and the housing 2a. This reduces the force acting in the direction of escape on the ventilation component 1a due to the high-pressure cleaning water Whp, thereby preventing the ventilation component 1a from separating from the ventilation opening 21. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5 , in a conventional ventilation structure 300 in which the housing 302 does not have a base, the high-pressure cleaning water Whp sprayed toward the ventilation part 301 travels along the outer surface 302s of the housing 302 and is likely to directly act on the ventilation part 301. In particular, when the high-pressure cleaning water Whp gets between the ventilation part 301 and the housing 302, a large force is generated that pushes the ventilation part 301 upward. Therefore, the force acting on the ventilation part 301 in the direction of escape due to the high-pressure cleaning water Whp may cause the ventilation part 301 to detach from the vent 303.

[0031] When the ventilation structure 3a is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is preferable that there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 5 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easy to reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1a in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0032] When the ventilation structure 3a is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is more preferable that there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 3 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of release on the ventilation component 1a due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0033] 1B , when the ventilation structure 3a is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the outer edge 22e of the base 22a may have a shape that follows an imaginary circle C1 centered on the central axis X. In this case, the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a preferably overlaps with the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1 or is located inside the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1. This structure makes it easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of release on the ventilation component 1a due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0034] 1B, it is more preferable that the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a overlaps with the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1. With this structure, it is possible to effectively reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1a in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0035] In this specification, the phrase "one outer edge overlaps the other outer edge" refers not only to cases where one outer edge completely overlaps the other outer edge, but also to cases where one outer edge is slightly outward from the other outer edge, or where the other outer edge is slightly inward from the one outer edge. "Slightly" refers to, for example, ±3 mm.

[0036] When the ventilation structure 3a is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the outer edge 22e of the base 22a may or may not overlap the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a. The outer edge 22e of the base 22a may have a portion that overlaps with the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a and a portion that does not overlap with the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a. The portion that does not overlap with the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a includes a portion located inside the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a and a portion located outside the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1a.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1A , in the ventilation structure 3a, the maximum vertical length h1 between the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22a in a cross section CSa passing through the central axis X is smaller than the diameter R1 of the imaginary circle C1. That is, h1<R1 is satisfied. In this specification, the horizontal direction refers to a direction parallel to the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a when the outer surface 25s is considered to be a horizontal plane. In this specification, the vertical direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a when the outer surface 25s is considered to be a horizontal plane.

[0038] In the ventilation structure 3a, the maximum length h1 is preferably 1 mm or more. When the maximum length h1 is 1 mm or more, the force acting on the ventilation part 1a in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like can be more effectively reduced. There is no particular upper limit to the maximum length h1. For example, the maximum length h1 may be 30 mm or less.

[0039] In the ventilation structure 3a, the diameter R1 of the imaginary circle C1 is preferably in the range of not less than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1a and not more than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1a plus 5 mm.

[0040] The lower end 16 of the first member 10a of the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation port 21 may or may not be in contact with the upper surface 22f of the base 22a. There may be some areas that are in contact and some areas that are not in contact. In the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the lower end 16 of the first member 10a of the ventilation component 1a attached to the ventilation port 21 is in contact with the upper surface 22f of the base 22a.

[0041] In the cross section CSa, the protrusion 2p may have an upper surface 21f facing upward, above the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22a and above the lower end 31 of the second member 30a. 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 in a cylindrical shape toward the edge 2f of the ventilation hole 21. With this structure, the ventilation component 1a attached to the protrusion 2p is prevented from coming off the ventilation hole 21.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the housing 2a of Fig. 1A. As shown in Fig. 2, in the housing 2a, the base portion 22a is positioned so as to surround the protrusion 2p. This structure can more effectively reduce the force acting on the ventilated part 1a in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc. It is preferable that no groove or recess exists between the protrusion 2p and the base portion 22a.

[0043] 2, in the housing 2a, the base 22a may have an annular portion 23 arranged along the circumferential direction of the vent 21. The annular portion 23 may have an outer edge 23e that follows the outer edge C1e of an imaginary circle C1. When the base 22a has the annular portion 23, it is possible to more effectively reduce the force acting in the removal direction on the ventilating component 1a due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0044] Fig. 3A is a plan view schematically illustrating another example of the housing 2a of Fig. 1A. The housing 2b shown in Fig. 3A has the same structure as the housing 2a shown in Fig. 2, except that the base portion has a plurality of divided portions 24 that are divided along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening 21. The ventilation structure 3a may include the housing 2b instead of the housing a.

[0045] 3A , the base portion 22b of the housing 2b may have a plurality of divided portions 24 that are divided along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening 21. Each of the divided portions 24 may have an outer edge 24e that follows the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1. The housing 2b can also reduce the force acting in the removal direction on the ventilation component 1a due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3A, recesses 24g are present between adjacent divided portions 24. That is, in the housing 2b, the base portion 22b has a plurality of recesses 24g. The recesses 24g may be flat. The recesses 24g and the adjacent portions 26s may be flush with each other.

[0047] 3A , when viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the area occupied by the dividing portion 24 is preferably larger than the area occupied by the recess 24g. This structure can improve the effect of reducing the force acting on the ventilating component 1a in the removal direction.

[0048] 3A, the plurality of divided portions 24 are preferably arranged evenly along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening 21. With such a structure, it is possible to effectively reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1a in the removal direction.

[0049] The number of the plurality of dividing sections 24 is not particularly limited.

[0050] When the ventilation structure 3a has a housing 2b instead of the housing a, the ventilation structure 3a may have parts where the lower end 16 of the first member 10a and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22b are in contact and parts where they are not in contact.

[0051] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a ventilation structure 3a including a housing 2b instead of the housing a. Note that Fig. 3B is a diagram illustrating a portion CP1 where the lower end 16 and the upper surface 22f are in contact with each other and a portion CP2 where the lower end 16 and the upper surface 22f are not in contact with each other, and therefore does not necessarily correspond to Fig. 3A.

[0052] 3B , in a cross section CSa passing through the central axis X, the maximum horizontal length between the central axis X and the outer edge 22e of the base portion 22b is defined as maximum length d1. In the cross section CSa passing through the central axis X, the maximum vertical length between the lower end 16 of the first member 10a and the recess 24g in the portion CP2 is defined as maximum length d2. In this case, it is preferable that d1 > d2 be satisfied.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the maximum length d1 is preferably in the range of not less than half the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1a and not more than half the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1a + 2.5 mm.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the maximum length d2 is preferably 1 mm or more. If the maximum length d2 is 1 mm or more, the force acting on the ventilation part 1a in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like can be more effectively reduced. There is no particular upper limit to the maximum length d2. For example, the maximum length d2 may be 30 mm or less.

[0055] In the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base portion 22a extends in a direction from an adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a toward the external space 2v.

[0056] When the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a is a horizontal plane, the inclination angle θ of the base portion 22a with respect to the horizontal plane in a cross section CSa passing through the central axis X may be in the range of 75° to 105°, as shown in FIG. 1A . For example, when the inclination angle θ is 75° or more and less than 90°, the base portion 22a may have a truncated cone shape. For example, when the inclination angle θ is 90° or less, the base portion 22a may have a cylindrical shape. When the inclination angle θ is more than 90° and less than 105°, the base portion 22a may have an inverted truncated cone shape.

[0057] When the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a is a horizontal plane, the inclination angle θ of the base 22a with respect to the horizontal plane may be 90°. When the inclination angle θ is 90°, the effect of reducing the force acting on the ventilating part 1a in the removal direction can be improved.

[0058] The base portion 22a may be integrated with the outer surface 25s or may be fixed to the outer surface 25s. In the example shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the base portion 22a is integrated with the outer surface 25s. That is, the base portion 22a is formed in advance on the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a.

[0059] In the cross section CSa, the portion of the outer surface 25s other than the adjacent portion 26s is defined as a reference portion 27s. The reference portion 27s may be planar. As shown in FIG. 1A , in the cross section CSa, the adjacent portion 26s and the reference portion 27s may be flush with each other.

[0060] The structure of the outer surface 25s is not limited to the example shown in Figures 1A and 1B. For example, in the cross section CSa, the adjacent portion 26s may be located below the reference portion 27s.

[0061] Another example 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 3b shown in Figures 6A and 6B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except for the structure of the housing. In Figures 6A and 6B, the same elements as those in the ventilation structure 3a are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0062] The ventilation structure 3b shown in Figures 6A and 6B includes a ventilation component 1a and a housing 2c. As shown in Figure 6A, in the housing 2c, the adjacent portion 26s is located below the reference portion 27s. The ventilation structure 3b having such a structure can also reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1a in the direction of removal due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc., thereby preventing the ventilation component 1a from separating from the ventilation opening 21.

[0063] Hereinafter, for convenience, a cross section of the ventilation structure 3b, which is set so that the external space 2v is located above the outer surface 25s of the housing 2c and the ventilation opening 21 appears, will be referred to as a cross section CSb. Typically, the cross section CSb is a cross section passing through the central axis X of the ventilation opening 21 (see FIG. 6A ). In the cross section CSb, the base portion 22c has an upper surface 22f facing upward, below the lower end 31 of the second member 30a and above the adjacent portion 26s.

[0064] In the housing 2c, a groove portion 28 is formed in a region of the outer surface 25s corresponding to the adjacent portion 26s. The adjacent portion 26s is included in the groove portion 28. As a result, the adjacent portion 26s is located lower than the reference portion 27s.

[0065] The groove 28 may have a bottom surface 28s parallel to the outer surface 25s, or may have a bottom surface 28s at a certain angle relative to the outer surface 25s. In the example shown in Figure 6A, the groove 28 has a bottom surface 28s parallel to the outer surface 25s.

[0066] In the housing 2c, the maximum vertical length between the deepest part of the bottom surface 28s of the groove portion 28 and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22c corresponds to the maximum vertical length h1 between the adjacent portion 26s and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22c.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6A, the maximum vertical length between the deepest part of the bottom surface 28s of the groove portion 28 and the upper surface 22f of the pedestal portion 22c may be the same as the maximum vertical length between the deepest part of the bottom surface 28s of the groove portion 28 and the upper surface of the reference portion 27s.

[0068] When the groove portion 28 has a bottom surface 28s that is at a certain angle relative to the outer surface 25s, for example, the bottom surface 28s of the groove portion 28 may be inclined from the reference portion 27s toward the base portion 22c.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6B, when viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the groove 28 may be provided so as to surround the pedestal portion 22c.

[0070] 6B , when viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the outer edge 28e of the groove 28 may have a shape that follows an imaginary circle C2 that is centered on the central axis X. This structure can effectively reduce the force acting in the removal direction on the ventilated part 1a due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0071] 6B, when viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the diameter R2 of the imaginary circle C2 is larger than the diameter R1 of the imaginary circle C1. In other words, R2>R1 is satisfied.

[0072] In the ventilation structure 3b, the diameter R2 of the imaginary circle C2 is preferably equal to or greater than the diameter R1 + 5 mm. The diameter R2 may be equal to or greater than the diameter R1 + 10 mm, or may be equal to or greater than the diameter R1 + 20 mm. There is no particular upper limit to the diameter R2. For example, the diameter R2 may be equal to or less than the diameter R1 + 50 mm.

[0073] The base portion 22c can be formed, for example, by forming a groove portion 28 on the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a.

[0074] The first member 10a of the ventilation component 1a includes an elastic material and has an open tubular structure. In other words, the first member 10a is formed in a tubular shape with openings at both ends. The second member 30a has a closed tubular structure. In other words, the second member 30a is formed in a tubular shape with an opening at only one end. The first member 10a is inserted into the second member 30a and fixed to the second member 30a in a state in which a portion of the outer circumferential portion 12b of the first member 10a elastically deforms to form a contact portion 6d with a portion of the inner circumferential portion 32a of the second member 30a. The inner diameter of the second member 30a is larger than the outer diameter of the first member 10a between the contact portion 6d and the opening 14 in the axial direction of the first member 10a.

[0075] 1A, the closed tubular structure of the second member 30a has a side wall 32 and a bottom wall 33. The side wall 32 extends along a central axis X. The bottom wall 33 extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X. A corner is formed by the intersection of the bottom wall 33 and the side wall 32.

[0076] In this embodiment, the ventilation component 1a further includes a ventilation membrane 20a attached to the first member 10a so as to close the opening of the through-hole. The ventilation membrane 20a covers the opening 13 of the first member 10a.

[0077] Typically, the breathable membrane 20a is covered with a bottom wall 33. The bottom wall 33 is disposed, for example, spaced apart from the breathable membrane 20a in the axial direction of the ventilation component 1a, so that a space 36 is formed between the bottom wall 33 and the breathable membrane 20a.

[0078] A plurality of openings (not shown) are formed on the side surface of the second member 30 a. In the ventilation structures 3 a and 3 b, ventilation between the inside and outside of the housings 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c is ensured through the ventilation holes 21 on the inside of the protrusions 2 p of the housings 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, the openings 13 in the first member 10 a, the ventilation membrane 20 a, the space 36, and the plurality of openings in the second member 30 a.

[0079] The structure of the ventilation component 1a can be seen, for example, in the ventilation component described in Patent Document 1.

[0080] 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.

[0081] (Variation 1) Variation 1 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. The ventilation structure 3c shown in Figures 7A and 7B 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. The ventilation structure 3c can reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1b in the direction of removal due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc., thereby preventing the ventilation component 1b from separating from the ventilation opening 21.

[0082] The ventilation structure 3c shown in Figures 7A and 7B includes a ventilation component 1b and a housing 2a. The ventilation component 1b includes a first member 10b and a second member 30b. The first member 10b is attached to the ventilation port 21. The first member 10b is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The second member 30b is attached to the outer periphery 12b of the first member 10b and covers one opening 13 of the through hole in the first member 10b.

[0083] 7A , the ventilation component 1b is fixed to the protrusion 2p of the housing 2a by inserting the protrusion 2p into the first member 10b through the other opening 14 of the first member 10b and abutting the inner periphery 12a of the first member 10b against the outer periphery 2q of the protrusion 2p, thereby providing a ventilation structure 3c.

[0084] The first member 10b is a cylindrical body with openings at both ends. The first member 10b has an open tube structure with both ends open. The second member 30b is a cylindrical body with a bottom. The second member 30b has a closed tube structure with one end open and the other end closed.

[0085] 7A , the closed tubular structure of the second member 30b has a side wall 32 and a bottom wall 33. The side wall 32 extends along the central axis X. The bottom wall 33 extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X. A corner is formed by the intersection of the bottom wall 33 and the side wall 32.

[0086] The ventilation component 1b further includes a ventilation membrane 20b attached to the first member 10b so as to close the opening of the through-hole 13. The ventilation membrane 20b covers the opening 13 of the first member 10b.

[0087] Typically, the ventilation membrane 20b is covered with a bottom wall 33. The bottom wall 33 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 33 and the ventilation membrane 20b.

[0088] The second member 30b is joined to the first member 10b with the first member 10b inserted into the second member 30b from the end where the breathable membrane 20b is disposed. Here, the inside of the second member 30b refers to the space surrounded by the opening of the second member 30b and the inner periphery 12a. By covering the breathable membrane 20b, the second 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.

[0089] The ventilation component 1b has a space 36b between an inner periphery 32a of a second member 30b joined to a first member 10b and an outer periphery 12b of the first member 10b.

[0090] In the ventilation structure 3c, 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 first member 10b, the ventilation membrane 20b, the space 36a, and the space 36b.

[0091] When the ventilation structure 3c is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is preferable that there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1b and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 5 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easy to reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1b in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0092] When the ventilation structure 3c is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is more preferable that there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1b and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 3 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of removal on the ventilation component 1b due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0093] 7B , when the ventilation structure 3c is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the outer edge 22e of the base 22a may have a shape that follows an imaginary circle C1 centered on the central axis X. In this case, the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1b preferably overlaps with the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1 or is located inside the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1. This structure makes it easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of release on the ventilation component 1b due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0094] 7B, it is more preferable that the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1b overlaps with the outer edge C1e of the imaginary circle C1. With this structure, it is possible to effectively reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1b in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0095] Hereinafter, for convenience, a cross section of the ventilation structure 3c, which is set so that the external space 2v is located above the outer surface 25s of the housing 2a and the ventilation opening 21 appears, will be referred to as a cross section CSc. Typically, the cross section CSc is a cross section passing through the central axis X of the ventilation opening 21 (see FIG. 7A ). As shown in FIG. 7A , the maximum vertical length h1 between the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22a in the cross section CSc passing through the central axis X is smaller than the diameter R1 of the imaginary circle C1. That is, h1<R1 is satisfied.

[0096] In the ventilation structure 3c, the maximum length h1 is preferably 1 mm or more. When the maximum length h1 is 1 mm or more, the force acting on the ventilation part 1b in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like can be more effectively reduced. There is no particular upper limit to the maximum length h1. For example, the maximum length h1 may be 30 mm or less.

[0097] In the ventilation structure 3c, the diameter R1 of the imaginary circle C1 is preferably in the range of not less than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1b and not more than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1b plus 5 mm.

[0098] 7A and 7B, the lower end 16 of the first member 10b of the ventilation component 1b attached to the ventilation port 21 does not contact the upper surface 22f of the base 22a. A gap exists between the lower end 16 of the first member 10b and the upper surface 22f of the base 22a.

[0099] As for the structure of the ventilation component 1b, for example, reference can be made to the ventilation assembly described in Patent Document 2.

[0100] 7A and 7B, the ventilation structure 3c includes the housing 2a shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B and 2 as its housing, but the housing included in the ventilation structure 3c is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation structure 3c may include the housing 2b shown in FIG. 3A or the housing 2c shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as its housing.

[0101] (Variation 2) Variation 2 of the ventilation structure of this embodiment is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIA-VIIIA in Figure 8B. Figure 8B is a plan view of Figure 8A. The ventilation structure 3d shown in Figures 8A and 8B has the same structure as the ventilation structure 3a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, except that it includes a housing 2d instead of the housing 2a and a ventilation component 1c instead of the ventilation component 1a. The ventilation structure 3d can reduce the force acting in the direction of removal on the ventilation component 1c due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc., thereby preventing the ventilation component 1c from separating from the ventilation opening 21.

[0102] The ventilation structure 3d shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a ventilation component 1c and a housing 2d. The housing 2d differs from the housing 2a included in the ventilation structure 3a shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B in that the housing 2d 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 2d to the external space 2v. The base 22d included in the housing 2d has the same structure as the base 22a included in the housing 2a. The ventilation component 1c includes a first member 10c and a second member 30c. The first member 10c is attached to the ventilation hole 21. The first member 10c is cylindrical and has a through hole as a ventilation path between the internal space 2u and the external space 2v. The second member 30c is attached to the outer periphery of the first member 10c and covers the opening of the through hole in the first member 10c.

[0103] The first 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.

[0104] The insertion portion 15b of the first member 10c is cylindrical and has approximately the same diameter as the vent hole 21 of the housing 2c, 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.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 8A, when the insertion portion 15b of the ventilation component 1c is inserted into the ventilation opening 21 of the housing 2c, 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 2d. 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 2d. In this way, the ventilation component 1c is fixed to the housing 2d. This provides a ventilation structure 3d.

[0106] 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 first member 10c. The ventilation membrane 20c is fixed to the support portion 15a so as to cover the through-hole of the first member 10c.

[0107] Typically, the breathable membrane 20c is covered by a second member 30c. A bottom wall 33 of the second 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 33 and the breathable membrane 20c.

[0108] A plurality of openings (not shown) are formed on the side surface of the second member 30c. In the ventilation structure 3d, ventilation between the inside and outside of the housing 2d is ensured via the ventilation port 21 of the housing 2d, the through-hole of the first member 10c, the ventilation membrane 20c, the space 36, and the plurality of openings of the second member 30c.

[0109] 8A , by providing a seal portion 5f on the surface of the support portion 15a of the first member 10c that faces the housing 2d, it is possible to improve the adhesion and / or airtightness between the housing 2d and the ventilation part 1c. In particular, when the support portion 15a and the insertion portion 15b of the first 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.

[0110] When the ventilation structure 3d is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is preferable that there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1c and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 5 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easy to reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1c in the removal direction due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0111] When the ventilation structure 3d is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, it is more preferable that a cross section perpendicular to the central axis X exists in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1c and the outer edge 22e of the base 22a is within a range of 3 mm or less. With such a structure, it is easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of removal on the ventilation component 1c due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0112] 8B , when the ventilation structure 3d is viewed from the external space 2v side along the central axis X, the outer edge 22e of the base 22d may have a shape that follows an imaginary circle C3 centered on the central axis X. In this case, the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1c preferably overlaps with the outer edge C3e of the imaginary circle C3 or is located inside the outer edge C3e of the imaginary circle C3. This structure makes it easier to reduce the force acting in the direction of release on the ventilation component 1c due to high-pressure cleaning water, etc.

[0113] 8B, it is more preferable that the outer edge 11e of the ventilation component 1c overlaps with the outer edge C3e of the imaginary circle C3. With this structure, it is possible to more effectively reduce the force acting on the ventilation component 1c in the direction of removal due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like.

[0114] Hereinafter, for convenience, a cross section of the ventilation structure 3d, which is set so that the external space 2v is located above the outer surface 25s of the housing 2d and the ventilation opening 21 appears, will be referred to as a cross section CSd. Typically, the cross section CSd is a cross section passing through the central axis X of the ventilation opening 21 (see FIG. 8A ). As shown in FIG. 8A , the maximum vertical length h2 between the adjacent portion 26s of the outer surface 25s and the upper surface 22f of the base portion 22d in the cross section CSd passing through the central axis X is smaller than the diameter R3 of the imaginary circle C3. That is, h2<R3 is satisfied.

[0115] In the ventilation structure 3d, the maximum length h2 is preferably 1 mm or more. If the maximum length h2 is 1 mm or more, the force acting in the direction of removal on the ventilation part 1c due to high-pressure cleaning water or the like can be more effectively reduced. There is no particular upper limit to the maximum length h2. For example, the maximum length h2 may be 30 mm or less.

[0116] In the ventilation structure 3d, the diameter R3 of the imaginary circle C3 is preferably in the range of not less than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1c and not more than the outer diameter of the ventilation component 1c plus 5 mm.

[0117] 8A and 8B, the lower end 16 of the first member 10c of the ventilation component 1c attached to the ventilation hole 21 does not contact the upper surface 22f of the base 22d. The lower end 16 of the first member 10c is located in the internal space 2u of the housing 2d.

[0118] For the structure of the ventilation component 1c, reference can be made to the ventilation member described in Patent Document 3, for example.

[0119] In the example shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the ventilation structure 3d includes, as a pedestal, a pedestal 22d having the same structure as the pedestal 22a of the housing 2a shown in Figures 1A and 1B, but the structure of the pedestal of the ventilation structure 3d is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation structure 3d may include, as a pedestal, a pedestal having the same structure as the pedestal 22b of the housing 2b shown in Figure 3A, or a pedestal having the same structure as the pedestal 22c of the housing 2c shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0120] The above-described housings (housings 2a to 2d) can be made of materials commonly used for housings. For example, when the housings are cast, iron, aluminum alloy, copper, brass, etc. can be used as the housing material. For example, when the housings are forged, iron, aluminum alloy, etc. can be used as the housing material. For example, when the housings are 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), etc. can be used as the housing material.

[0121] The above examples may be combined with each other unless technically inconsistent.

[0122] 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 comprises a base portion positioned to surround a ventilation hole that connects the internal space of the housing with the external space, and the ventilation part comprises: a first member attached to the ventilation hole and having a through hole as part of the ventilation path between the internal space and the external space; and a second member attached to the first member and covering the opening of the through hole, wherein, in a cross section set so that the external space is above the external surface of the housing and the ventilation hole appears, the base portion has an upper surface facing upward, below the lower end of the second member and above an adjacent portion of the external surface that is adjacent to the base portion.

2. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the exterior space side along the central axis of the ventilation port, there is a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the ventilation port in which the maximum radial distance between the outer edge of the ventilation part and the outer edge of the base is within a range of 5 mm or less.

3. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the external space side along the central axis of the ventilation opening, the outer edge of the base has a shape that follows an imaginary circle centered on the central axis, and the outer edge of the ventilation part overlaps with the outer edge of the imaginary circle.

4. A ventilation structure as described in claim 1, wherein, in the cross section, when the portion of the outer surface other than the adjacent portion is defined as a reference portion, the adjacent portion and the reference portion are flush with each other, or the adjacent portion is located below the reference portion.

5. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has an annular portion disposed along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening.

6. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the base portion has a plurality of divided portions that are divided along the circumferential direction of the ventilation opening.

7. The ventilation structure according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a cylindrical protrusion protruding toward the edge of the ventilation opening, and the base portion is positioned so as to surround the protrusion.

8. The ventilation structure according to claim 7, wherein, in the cross section, the protrusion has an upper surface facing upward, above the upper surface of the base portion and above the lower end of the second member.

9. 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.

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