Ventilation member and ventilation housing

Abstract

The provided ventilation member can be fixed to a housing so as to cover a ventilation port of the housing that allows an internal space of the housing and an external space to communicate with each other. The ventilation member, in a state of being fixed to the housing, has therein a space serving as a ventilation passage connecting the ventilation port and the external space, and comprises: a top surface exposed to the external space; and a top surface protrusion protruding upward from the top surface. The top surface protrusion is positioned at a peripheral edge portion of the top surface. The ventilation member is suitable for suppressing entry of a liquid attached to the top surface into the ventilation passage.

Description

Ventilation member and ventilation housing

[0001] This invention relates to a ventilation member and a ventilation housing.

[0002] Vehicle-mounted 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, may be provided with vents that connect the internal and external spaces of the casing. These vents ensure ventilation between the inside and outside of the casing and mitigate pressure fluctuations within the casing. Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation member that is fixed to the casing so as to cover the vent. By fixing the ventilation member, it becomes possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign substances, such as liquids like water and oil, into the inside of the casing through the vent.

[0003] Figure 29 shows the ventilation member of Patent Document 1. Figure 29 shows the ventilation member 101 and the portion of the housing 110 to which the ventilation member 101 is fixed and its vicinity. The ventilation member 101 in Figure 29 comprises a bottomed cylindrical cover member 102 and a substantially cylindrical support member 103. The support member 103 is fitted inside the cover member 102 such that there is a gap between the inner surfaces of the bottom and sides of the cover member 102 and the sides of the support member 103. The housing 110 has a projection 111 that extends outward from the outer surface and has a ventilation opening 112 at its tip that connects the internal space 113 and the external space 114 of the housing. The ventilation member 101 is fixed to the housing 110 so as to cover the ventilation opening 112 by inserting the projection 111 into the support member 103. In its fixed state, the gap constitutes part of the ventilation passage 105 that connects the internal space 113 and the external space 114 of the housing. A ventilation membrane 104 is positioned at the end of the support member 103 opposite to the insertion side of the projection 111, and the gas flowing between the internal space 113 and the external space 114 passes through the ventilation membrane 104. The ventilation member 101 makes it possible to achieve both the flow of gas through the ventilation opening 112 and the suppression of foreign matter entering the interior of the housing 110.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-143524

[0005] According to the inventors' studies, when the ventilation member 101 is fixed to the horizontally extending projection 111, the liquid 120 that adheres to the top surface 108 of the cover member 102 and moves downward may flow around the side surface 109 and enter the ventilation passage 105 (see Figure 30). The intrusion of liquid 120 is likely to occur when the ventilation member 101 is made thinner in order to further reduce the size of the mounting space, or when the internal space 113 of the housing 110 becomes negatively pressurized relative to the external space 114.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a ventilation member that can be fixed to a housing so as to cover the ventilation opening of the housing, and is suitable for suppressing the intrusion of liquid adhering to the top surface into the ventilation passage.

[0007] [1] An embodiment of the present invention is a ventilation member that can be fixed to a housing so as to cover a ventilation opening of the housing that connects the internal space and the external space of the housing, and has a space inside that serves as a ventilation passage connecting the ventilation opening and the external space when fixed to the housing, and comprises a top surface exposed to the external space and a top surface projection projecting upward from the top surface, wherein the top surface projection is located on the peripheral edge of the top surface. [2] In the ventilation member described in [1] above, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, the top surface projection may have an outer peripheral portion that is in contact with the outer periphery of the top surface or projects outward from the outer periphery. [3] The ventilation member described in [1] or [2] above may include a first component having the top surface and a second component for connecting the first component and the housing. [4] The ventilation member described in [1] or [2] above may include a single molded body having the top surface and that can be fixed to the housing. [5] In the ventilation member described in any of [1] to [4] above, the number of top surface protrusions may be 1 or more and 3 or less. [6] In the ventilation member described in any of [1] to [5] above, the height of the top surface protrusions may be 3 mm or less. [7] In the ventilation member described in any of [1] to [6] above, the width of the top surface protrusions, determined by the length along a direction perpendicular to a virtual line segment from the center of the top surface to the center of the top surface protrusions within the plane of the top surface, may be 5 mm or less. [8] The ventilation member described in any of [1] to [7] above has an opening on its side that communicates with the ventilation passage, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, the top surface protrusions may be included in or partially overlap with the region enclosed by a first line segment connecting one end of the opening to the center of the top surface, a second line segment connecting the other end of the opening to the center, and the opening. [9] The ventilation member described in [8] above may have a single opening.

[10] In the ventilation member described in [9] above, the width of the opening, determined by the length of the intersection line between the virtual plane parallel to the top surface and the opening, may satisfy at least one selected from the group consisting of 20% or less of the entire circumference of the ventilation member and 7 mm or less.

[11] In the ventilation member described in any of [8] to

[10] above, the distance from the top surface to the upper end of the opening may be 1 mm or more.

[12] In the ventilation member described in any of [8] to

[11] above, the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is 4 mm. 2

[13] The ventilation member described in any of [8] to

[12] above may have a hole that extends from the opening into the interior of the ventilation member substantially parallel to the top surface and constitutes part of the ventilation passage.

[14] In the ventilation member described in

[13] above, when the length of the bottom surface of the hole from the opening is L1 and the length of the opening in the direction perpendicular to the top surface is H3, the ratio L1 / H3 may be 2 or more.

[15] The ventilation member described in any of [1] to

[14] above may have a side projection that protrudes laterally from the side surface near the outer circumference of the top surface.

[16] In the ventilation member described in

[15] above, the side projection may be in contact with the outer circumference of the top surface.

[17] In the ventilation member described in

[15] or

[16] above, the upper surface of the side projection may constitute a continuous surface with the top surface.

[18] The ventilation member described in any of

[15] to

[17] above is provided with a first side projection and a second side projection as the side projections, and when the portion of the outer circumference closest to or in contact with the first side projection is defined as the first outer circumference, the portion closest to or in contact with the second side projection is defined as the second outer circumference, and the portion closest to or in contact with the top projection is defined as the third outer circumference, the length along the outer circumference from the first outer circumference through the third outer circumference to the second outer circumference may be less than 50% of the entire circumference of the outer circumference.

[19] In the ventilation member described in

[18] above, the length along the outer circumference from the first outer circumference through the third outer circumference to the second outer circumference may be less than 20% of the entire circumference of the outer circumference.

[20] In the ventilation member described in any of

[15] to

[19] above, the amount of protrusion of the side projection, which is defined as the distance from the outer circumference of the top surface to the tip of the side projection when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, may be 0.1 mm or more.

[21] In the ventilation member described in any of

[15] to

[20] above, the distance between the top surface projection and the side projection closest to the top surface projection may be R1 × 0.15 mm or more, where R1 (unit: mm) is the maximum diameter of the top surface.

[22] In the ventilation member described in any of

[15] to

[21] above, the distance between the top surface projection and the side projection closest to the top surface projection may be 7 mm or less.

[23] The ventilation member described in any of [1] to

[22] above may further comprise a waterproof ventilation membrane arranged in the ventilation passage.

[24] The ventilation member described in any of [1] to

[23] above may be for electronic equipment or for vehicles.

[25] The ventilation member described in any of [1] to

[24] above may comprise a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member to the housing such that the top projection is below the center of the top surface.

[26] A ventilation housing according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing having a ventilation opening and a ventilation member fixed to the housing so as to cover the ventilation opening, wherein the ventilation opening connects the internal space and the external space of the housing, the ventilation member is the ventilation member described in any of [1] to

[25] above, and the ventilation member is fixed to the housing such that the top projection is below the center of the top surface.

[27] In the ventilated housing described in

[26] above, at least one selected from the group consisting of the housing and the ventilation member may be provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member to the housing such that the top surface projection is below the center of the top surface.

[28] In the ventilated housing described in

[27] above, each of the housing and the ventilation member may be provided with the positioning mechanism, and the housing-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the housing, and the member-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the ventilation member, may be configured to fit together with each other.

[0008] The ventilation member of the present invention is suitable for preventing liquid adhering to the top surface from entering the ventilation channel.

[0009] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic top view showing an example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the ventilation member shown in Figures 1A to 1C fixed to a housing. This is a schematic top view showing another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing yet another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing yet another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a top view for explaining an example of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view for explaining an example of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view for explaining an example of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a schematic diagram for explaining the dimensions of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view for explaining an example of the shape of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view for explaining an example of the shape of a top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view illustrating an example of the shape of the top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of the shape of the top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view illustrating an example of the shape of the top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of the shape of the top protrusion that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example of the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic top view illustrating another example of the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic bottom view illustrating another example of the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic front view illustrating another example of the positional relationship between the top protrusion and the opening that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the positional relationship between the top protrusion and the opening that the ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. These are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the ventilation member shown in Figures 11A to 11D fixed to a housing.This is a schematic diagram illustrating the dimensions of an opening that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic top view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of a ventilation member shown in Figures 15A to 15B fixed to a housing. This is a top view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the dimensions of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a side view illustrating an example of a side projection that a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention may have. This is a top view illustrating an example of the shape of a side projection that may be provided by a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view illustrating an example of the shape of a side projection that may be provided by a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a top projection and a side projection that may be provided by a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a top projection and a side projection that may be provided by a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a top projection and a side projection that may be provided by a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic exploded perspective view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic bottom view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a ventilation housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another example of a ventilation housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a ventilated housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional ventilation member. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional ventilation member fixed to a housing.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is for illustrative purposes only. The ventilation structure of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown below.

[0011] [Ventilation Member] An example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1A to 1C. Figure 1B is a top view of the ventilation member 1 (1A) of Figure 1A, viewed from the side of the top surface 2. Figure 1C is a bottom view of the ventilation member 1A, viewed from the side opposite to the top surface 2. The ventilation member 1A is fixable to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation opening 54 of the housing 51 that connects the internal space 52 and the external space 53 of the housing 51. The ventilation member 1A is a bottomed cylindrical member and, when fixed to the housing 51, has a space inside that becomes at least a part of the ventilation passage 3 connecting the ventilation opening 54 and the external space 53 (see Figure 2). The ventilation member 1A has a top surface 2 exposed to the external space 53 and a top surface projection 4 protruding upward from the top surface 2. The top surface 2 is formed by the outer surface of the bottom of the ventilation member 1A. The number of top surface projections 4 provided on the ventilation member 1A is 1. The top surface projection 4 is in contact with the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, and more specifically, it extends along the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. However, the position of the top surface projection 4 is not limited as long as it is located on the peripheral edge 7 of the top surface 2. The peripheral edge 7 is defined as the region within a distance of 0.2 × R1 from the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2, with the maximum diameter of the top surface 2 being R1 (unit is mm; the same applies hereinafter). The maximum diameter R1 is defined as the maximum distance that can be taken between any two points on the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. The top surface projection 4 may be located in regions within a distance of 0.15 × R1, 0.1 × R1, and even 0.05 × R1 from the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. The position of the top surface projection 4 in a certain region includes both the case in which the top surface projection 4 is included in the region when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, and the case in which it partially overlaps with the region. The top surface projection 4 may be included in the region within the range of the above-mentioned distances from the outer circumference 5 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The relationship between the top surface projection 4 and the outer circumference 5 is not limited as long as the top surface projection 4 is located on the peripheral edge 7. As shown in Figure 3, the top surface projection 4 may have a portion that protrudes from the outer circumference 5 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, in other words, it may have an outer peripheral portion 6 that protrudes outward from the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2.

[0012] The ventilation member 1A can be fixed to the housing 51 such that the top surface projection 4 is below the center of the top surface 2 (see Figure 2). In the state shown in Figure 2, the top surface 2 is substantially parallel to the vertical. However, when fixed to the housing 51, the top surface 2 may be inclined from the vertical. With the ventilation member 1A, even if the liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 moves downward while fixed to the housing 51, the top surface projection 4 can prevent the liquid 61 from flowing around to the side surface 8 of the ventilation member 1A. It is presumed that the aggregation of the liquid 61 by the top surface projection 4 contributes to the suppression of flow. The aggregated liquid 61 is thought to be more likely to fall from the top surface 2 without flowing around to the side surface 8. In this specification, "substantially parallel" means that the difference in angles is typically within 5°, preferably within 4°, more preferably within 3°, even more preferably within 2°, particularly preferably within 1°, and most preferably within 0.5°.

[0013] In the example shown in Figure 2, the ventilation member 1A is fixed to a projection 55 of the housing 51 via a support member 41. A ventilation opening 54 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical projection 55, and the ventilation member 1A is fixed to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation opening 54. In other words, the ventilation member 1A can function as a ventilation cap for the ventilation opening 54. The support member 41 is a cylindrical member having openings at both ends 42A and 42B. The support member 41 and the ventilation member 1A are connected when the support member 41 is inserted into the interior of the ventilation member 1A from the side of one end 42A. The support member 41 and the housing 51 are connected when the projection 55 is inserted into the interior of the support member 41 from the opening on the other end 42B side of the support member 41. In the example in Figure 2, the support member 41 functions as a component that connects the ventilation member 1A and the housing 51.

[0014] The ventilation member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be an assembly comprising a ventilation member 1A and a support member 41. An example of the ventilation member 1 including the ventilation member 1A and the support member 41 is shown in Figure 4. The ventilation member 1 (1B) in Figure 4 includes a first component 9 (9A) having a top surface 2 on which a top surface projection 4 is located at the peripheral edge 7, and a second component 10 (10A) for connecting the first component 9A and the housing 51. The ventilation member 1B is an assembly including the first component 9 and the second component 10. The first component 9A has the same configuration as the ventilation member 1A. The second component 10A has the same configuration as the support member 41. The first component 9 and the second component 10 may be detachable from each other, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of the first component 9 and the second component 10 may be provided with a detachment mechanism for that purpose. The detachment mechanism may have known detachment parts such as fitting parts and screw parts. The assembled ventilation member 1B may consist of three or more parts, including the first part 9 and the second part 10.

[0015] The ventilation member 1A shown in Figures 1A to 1C includes a top surface 2 on which a top surface projection 4 is located at the peripheral edge 7, and may also include a single molded body that can be fixed to the housing 51, or may be composed of such a single molded body. The single molded body may be composed of a single material. Another example of a ventilation member 1 including a single molded body is the ventilation member 1D shown in Figures 11A to 11D. The ventilation member 1 including a single molded body may have a configuration that allows it to be fixed to the housing 51 without the need for a support member 41 (see Figure 13 as an example).

[0016] The ventilation member 1A may consist of a first component 9 (9B) having a top surface 2 on which a top surface projection 4 is located at the peripheral edge 7, and a second component 10 (10B) for connecting the first component 9B and the housing 51 (see Figure 5 as an example). The ventilation member 1 (1C) in Figure 5 is an assembly including the first component 9B and the second component 10B. The ventilation member 1C has a configuration in which the ventilation member 1A is divided into two by a cut surface parallel to the top surface 2. However, in the assembled ventilation member 1C, the position and number of cut surfaces dividing the ventilation member 1A are not limited to the above example.

[0017] The number of top surface protrusions 4 provided on the top surface 2 of the ventilation member 1 is not limited, but may be, for example, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, or 1.

[0018] An example of a ventilation member 1 having two or more top surface protrusions 4 is shown in Figures 6A to 6C. The configuration of the ventilation member 1 in Figures 6A to 6C is the same as that of the ventilation member 1A in Figures 1A to 1C, except for the number and arrangement of the top surface protrusions 4. The ventilation member 1 in Figure 6A has two top surface protrusions 4, a first top surface protrusion 4A and a second top surface protrusion 4B. When observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, let O1 be the center of the top surface 2, O2 be the center of the first top surface projection 4A, and O2' be the center of the second top surface projection 4B. The angle θ1 (=∠O2O1O2') formed by the imaginary line segments O1O2 and O1O2' may be less than 180°, and may be 175° or less, 150° or less, 120° or less, 90° or less, less than 90°, 75° or less, 60° or less, 45° or less, less than 45°, 30° or less, less than 30°, 20° or less, 15° or less, 10° or less, or even 5° or less. The lower limit of θ1 is, for example, greater than 0°, and may be 1° or more, or even 2° or more. An example where θ1 is 5° or less is shown in Figure 6B. The configurations of the first top surface projection 4A and the second top surface projection 4B may be the same or different. The ventilation member 1 in Figure 6C is provided with three top surface protrusions 4: a first top surface protrusion 4A, a second top surface protrusion 4B, and a third top surface protrusion 4C. When observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the angle θ1 (=∠O2O1O2') formed by the imaginary line segments O1O2 and O1O2' can take the range described above. When observed from the same direction, with O2'' as the center of the third top surface protrusion 4C, the angle θ1' (=∠O2O1O2'') formed by the imaginary line segments O1O2 and O1O2'' can also take the range described above as exemplified for θ1. θ1 and θ1' may be the same or different. The sum of θ1 and θ1' may be less than 180°, and may be 175° or less, 150° or less, 120° or less, 90° or less, less than 90°, 75° or less, 60° or less, 45° or less, less than 45°, 30° or less, less than 30°, 20° or less, or 15° or less. The configurations of the first top surface protrusion 4A, the second top surface protrusion 4B, and the third top surface protrusion 4C may all be identical, two may be identical and the remaining one different, or all may be different. The center O1 of the top surface 2 and the centers O2 (O2, O2', O2'') of the top surface protrusions 4 (4A, 4B, 4C) can be identified as the centroids of the top surface 2 and the top surface protrusions 4 (4A, 4B, 4C), respectively, when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0019] A ventilation member 1 having two or more top surface protrusions 4 may be fixed to the housing 51 such that at least one top surface protrusion 4 is below the center of the top surface 2, or it may be fixed to the housing 51 such that all of the top surface protrusions 4 are below the center of the top surface 2.

[0020] The preferred height H1 of the top surface projection 4 (see Figure 1A) may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2 and the top surface projection 4, the size of the top surface 2, and the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2. In one embodiment, the height H1 of the top surface projection 4 may be 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1.3 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, and even 0.5 mm or less. The lower limit of the height H1 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, and may be 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, and even 0.5 mm or more. In another embodiment, the height H1 of the top surface projection 4 may be R1 × 0.1 mm or less, R1 × 0.08 mm or less, R1 × 0.06 mm or less, R1 × 0.05 mm or less, R1 × 0.042 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.04 mm or less, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may also be R1 × 0.008 mm or more, R1 × 0.01 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.02 mm or more. The height H1 can be determined by the distance between the point of the top surface projection 4 that protrudes most upward from the top surface 2 and the top surface 2.

[0021] The preferred width W1 of the top surface projection 4 may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2 and the top surface projection 4, the size of the top surface 2, and the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2. In one embodiment, the width W1 of the top surface projection 4 may be 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, and even 2 mm or less. The lower limit of the width W1 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, and may be 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, and even 1 mm or more. In another embodiment, the width W1 of the top surface projection 4 may be R1 × 0.3 mm or less, R1 × 0.25 mm or less, R1 × 0.2 mm or less, R1 × 0.17 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.15 mm or less, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may also be R1 × 0.04 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.05 mm or more. The width W1 is determined as the length of the top surface projection 4 along a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line segment O1O2 that extends from the center O1 of the top surface 2 to the center O2 of the top surface projection 4 within the plane of the top surface 2 (see Figure 7).

[0022] The preferred depth D1 of the top surface projection 4 may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2 and the top surface projection 4, the size of the top surface 2, and the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2. In one embodiment, the depth D1 of the top surface projection 4 may be 2 mm or less, 1.7 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, and even 0.5 mm or less. The lower limit of the depth D1 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, and even 0.3 mm or more. In another embodiment, the depth D1 of the top surface projection 4 may be R1 × 0.1 mm or less, R1 × 0.08 mm or less, R1 × 0.06 mm or less, R1 × 0.05 mm or less, R1 × 0.042 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.04 mm or less, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may also be R1 × 0.008 mm or more, R1 × 0.01 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.02 mm or more. The depth D1 is determined as the length of the top surface projection 4 along the direction connecting the center O1 of the top surface 2 and the center O2 of the top surface projection 4 within the plane of the top surface 2 (see Figure 7).

[0023] The shape of the top surface projection 4 may be, for example, a prism, a pyramid, or a frustum, and a part of it may be cut off. A prism, pyramid, or frustum may be partially cut off so that, for example, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4 follows the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. Examples of prisms include polygonal prisms such as triangular and square prisms, elliptical prisms, and cylinders. Examples of pyramids include polygonal pyramids such as triangular and square pyramids, elliptical pyramids, and cones. Examples of frustums include triangular frustums, square frustums, and other polygonal frustums, elliptical frustums, and cones.

[0024] An example of a top surface projection 4 is shown in Figures 8A to 10B. Figures 8A, 9A, and 10A are side views showing the top surface projection 4 and its vicinity as observed from a direction along the top surface 2, and Figures 8B, 9B, and 10B are top views showing the top surface projection 4 and its vicinity as observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The top surface projection 4 in Figures 8A and 8B has the shape of a rectangular prism. The top surface projection 4 in Figures 9A and 9B has the shape of a triangular pyramid. Reference numerals 4a and 4b are the edges and vertices of the triangular pyramid, respectively. In all cases, a portion of the top surface projection 4 is cut out so as to follow the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2 when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The top surface projection 4 in Figures 10A and 10B is triangular when observed from a direction along the top surface 2, and has a shape in which a portion of the circumference is on the outer circumference when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The top surface projection 4 in Figures 10A and 10B can be formed, for example, by cutting out a portion of a cone, which has a base portion that contacts the top surface 2, so as to follow the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. Reference numeral 4c corresponds to the vertex of the cone. As shown in Figure 8A, the top surface projection 4 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a direction along the top surface 2. Also, as shown in Figures 9A and 10A, the top surface projection 4 may have a triangular shape when viewed from a direction along the top surface 2.

[0025] However, the shape of the top surface projection 4 is not limited to the above example.

[0026] The top surface projection 4, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, preferably extends along the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2, or has an outer circumference portion 6 that protrudes outward from the outer circumference 5, and it is particularly preferable that it extends along the outer circumference 5.

[0027] The shape of the top surface 2 shown in Figures 1A and 1B is circular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. However, the shape of the top surface 2 is not limited to the above examples. The shape of the top surface 2 may be a polygon including a square and a rectangle, an ellipse, or an irregular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The corners of the polygon may be rounded.

[0028] The size of the ventilation member 1A is expressed by the area of ​​the top surface 2, for example, 20 to 500 mm. 2 And, 50-250 mm 2 75-200mm 2 Furthermore, 100-150 mm 2 That's fine.

[0029] The height H2 of the ventilation member 1A is, for example, 2 to 20 mm, and may be 3 to 15 mm, 4 to 12 mm, or even 5 to 10 mm. The height H2 can be determined by the distance between the top surface 2 and the point furthest from the top surface 2 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0030] The thickness T1 of the side portion 11 of the ventilation member 1A is, for example, 0.5 to 3 mm, and may be 0.6 to 2.5 mm, 0.7 to 2 mm, 0.75 to 1.5 mm, or even 0.8 to 1.2 mm.

[0031] Another example of a ventilation member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 11A to 11D. Figure 11B is a top view of the ventilation member 1 (1D) of Figure 11A, viewed from the side of the top surface 2. Figure 11C is a bottom view of the ventilation member 1D, viewed from the side opposite to the top surface 2. Figure 11D is a front view of the ventilation member 1D, viewed from the front (the side where the opening 12 is provided). The configuration of the top surface projection 4 in the ventilation member 1D is the same as that of ventilation members 1A to 1C. Explanations that overlap with those of ventilation members 1A to 1C are omitted.

[0032] The ventilation member 1D has an opening 12 on its side surface 8 that communicates with the ventilation passage 3. The opening 12 is the only opening on the side surface 8. However, the ventilation member 1D may have two or more openings 12 on its side surface 8. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4 of the ventilation member 1D is located in a region 18 enclosed by a virtual first line segment 17A connecting one end 16A of the opening 12 and the center O1 of the top surface 2, a virtual second line segment 17B connecting the other end 16B of the opening 12 and the center O1, and the opening 12. More specifically, it is included in the region 18 (see Figure 12A). When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4 may partially overlap with the region 18 (see Figure 12B). However, the configuration in which the top surface projection 4 is included in the region 18 is particularly suitable for suppressing the intrusion of liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 into the ventilation passage 3. Furthermore, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4 of the ventilation member 1D overlaps with a virtual line segment O1O3 connecting the center O1 of the top surface 2 and the center O3 of the opening 12. This configuration is particularly suitable for suppressing the intrusion of liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 into the ventilation passage 3. The center O3 is defined as the intersection point of the opening 12 with a virtual straight line that passes through the center O1 of the top surface 2 and is perpendicular to a virtual line segment connecting the ends 16A and 16B of the opening 12, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. Note that if the ventilation member 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has two or more top surface projections 4, at least one top surface projection 4 may satisfy the relationship with the opening 12, and the lowest top surface projection 4 when fixed to the housing 51 may satisfy this relationship.

[0033] The ventilation member 1D has a hole 13 extending from the opening 12 into the interior of the ventilation member 1D. The hole 13 may extend substantially parallel to the top surface 2. The hole 13 constitutes part of the ventilation passage 3. At the end opposite to the opening 12, the hole 13 is connected to a first space 14 which has a cylindrical shape and extends perpendicular to the top surface 2. The hole 13 is connected to the side of the first space 14. At the end opposite to the side of the top surface 2, the first space 14 is connected to a second space 15 which has a cylindrical shape and extends perpendicular to the top surface 2. The end of the second space 15 opposite to the side connected to the first space 14 is an open end. The direction in which the first space 14 and the second space 15 extend is not limited to the above and may be inclined from the direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. The first space 14 and the second space 15 constitute part of the ventilation passage 3. The gas flowing through the ventilation passage 3 can pass through the opening 12, the hole 13, the first space 14, and the second space 15 in that order, or in the reverse order. The hole 13 extending from the opening 12 into the interior of the ventilation member 1D can help prevent the liquid 61 that has entered the opening 12 from traveling through the interior of the ventilation member 1D and reaching the ventilation opening 54 of the housing 51. The maximum diameter of the second space 15 is larger than the maximum diameter of the first space 14. When observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the center O5 of the first space 14 is in a different position from the center O6 of the second space 15 (see Figure 11B). Also, when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the distance D4 from the center O3 of the opening 12 to the center O5 of the first space 14 is greater than the distance D5 from the center O3 of the opening 12 to the center O6 of the second space 15 (see Figure 11B). This embodiment is suitable for ensuring the length of the hole 13 from the opening 12. The center O5 of the first space 14 and the center O6 of the second space 15 can be identified as the centroid of the cross-section observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, provided that the first space 14 and the second space 15 extend in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, and the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the direction of extension does not change along that direction of extension.

[0034] The ventilation member 1D can be fixed to the housing 51 such that the top surface protrusion 4 is below the center of the top surface 2 (see FIG. 13). FIG. 13 shows a cross-section A-A of FIG. 11B for the ventilation member 1D. In the example of FIG. 13, the ventilation member 1D is fixed to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation port 54 of the housing 51 by inserting the protrusion 55 of the housing 51 into the interior of the second space 15. Also, the ventilation member 1D is directly fixed to the housing 51 without passing through other members. Even if the liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 moves downward on the top surface 2 in the state fixed to the housing 51, the top surface protrusion 4 can suppress the intrusion of the liquid 61 into the side surface 8 of the ventilation member 1D and the intrusion of the intruded liquid 61 into the opening 12.

[0035] The width W2 of the opening 12 (see FIG. 14) determined by the length of the intersection line 20 between the virtual surface 19 parallel to the top surface 2 and the opening 12 may satisfy at least one selected from the group consisting of 20% or less of the entire circumference of the ventilation member 1D and 7 mm or less. Depending on the shape of the opening 12, the width W2 may change depending on the selected virtual surface 19. In this case, the maximum width W2 during the change may satisfy at least one of the above. The entire circumference for calculating the ratio of the width W2 in the entire circumference of the ventilation member 1D can be specified as the length of the intersection line between the virtual surface 19 used to determine the width W2 and the side surface 8 (including the opening 12) of the ventilation member 1D. The width W2 may be 19% or less, 17% or less, 15% or less, 14% or less, 13% or less, 12% or less, 11% or less, and further 10% or less of the entire circumference of the ventilation member 1D, and may be 3% or more, 5% or more, 7% or more, 9% or more, and further 10% or more. The width W2 may be 6.5 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, and further 4 mm or less, and may be 1.5 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 2.5 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, and further 4 mm or more. However, the preferable width W2 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D and the type of the liquid 61 that can adhere to the top surface 2, etc. The above is the preferable width W2 of the opening 12 in a certain aspect.

[0036] The preferable distance D2 (see FIG. 14) from the top surface 2 to the upper end of the opening 12 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D and the type of the liquid 61 that can adhere to the top surface 2. In one aspect, the distance D2 may be, for example, 1 mm or more, and may be 1.5 mm or more, 2 mm or more, and further may be 2.5 mm or more, and may be 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, and further may be 2 mm or less.

[0037] In the example shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, the shape of the opening 12 observed along the direction connecting the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D and the center O3 of the opening 12 is rectangular. However, the shape of the opening 12 is not limited to the above example, and may be a polygon including a rectangle and a square, a circle, an ellipse, or an irregular shape when observed along the above direction. The corners of the polygon may be rounded. The central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D is defined by a virtual straight line passing through the center O1 of the top surface 2 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0038] The preferable cross-sectional area of the opening 12 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D and the type of the liquid 61 that can adhere to the top surface 2. In one aspect, the cross-sectional area of the opening 12 may be, for example, 1 mm 2 or more, and may be 2 mm 2 or more, 3 mm 2 or more, 4 mm 2 or more, 5 mm 2 or more, 6 mm 2 or more, 7 mm 2 or more, and further may be 8 mm 2 or more, and may be 20 mm 2 or less, 19 mm 2 or less, 17 mm 2 or less, 15 mm 2 or less, 14 mm 2 or less, 12 mm 2 or less, and further may be 10 mm 2 or less. The cross-sectional area of the opening 12 can be specified as the area of the opening 12 observed along the direction connecting the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D and the center O3 of the opening 12.

[0039] The preferred length of the hole 13 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D and the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2. In one embodiment, the length of the hole 13 is expressed by the length L1 (see Figure 11C) of the bottom surface of the hole 13 from the opening 12, and is, for example, 2 mm or more, 2.5 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4 mm or more, and even 4.5 mm or more, and may be 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7.5 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6.5 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, and even 5 mm or less. The length L1 can be determined as the shortest distance from the opening 12 located at one end 21A of the hole 13 to the other end 21B of the hole 13.

[0040] The preferred relationship between the length L1 of the bottom surface of the hole 13 from the opening 12 and the length H3 (see Figure 14) of the opening 12 in the direction perpendicular to the top surface 2 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D and the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2. In one embodiment, the ratio L1 / H3 of length L1 to length H3 may be, for example, 2 or more, 2.5 or more, even 3 or more, and may be 5 or less, 4.5 or less, 4 or less, 3.5 or less, or even 3 or less. Embodiments in which lengths L1 and H3 satisfy the above relationship are particularly suitable for preventing liquid 61 that has entered the opening 12 from advancing inside the ventilation member 1D and reaching the ventilation opening 52 of the housing 51. Length H3 can be specified as the maximum length of the opening 12 in the direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0041] In the ventilation member 1D, the above-described preferred range may be simultaneously satisfied for at least one selected from the group consisting of width W2, distance D2, opening cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 12, length L1, and ratio L1 / H3.

[0042] In the examples shown in Figures 11A to 11D, the first space 14 and the second space 15 have the shape of cylinders extending in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2. However, the shapes of the first space 14 and the second space 15 are not limited to the above examples. The first space 14 and the second space 15 may have the shape of prisms other than cylinders or frustums. Examples of prisms other than cylinders are triangular prisms, square prisms, cylinders and elliptical prisms. Examples of frustums are frustums of triangular pyramids, frustums of square pyramids, frustums of cones and frustums of ellipses. The shapes of the first space 14 and the second space 15 may be the same or different from each other.

[0043] The preferred maximum diameter R2 of the first space 14 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D, but in one embodiment it may be, for example, 2 to 13 mm, and may also be 2.5 to 10 mm, 3 to 8 mm, 3.5 to 7 mm, or even 4 to 6 mm. The maximum diameter R2 is determined as the maximum distance that can be taken between any two points on the circumference 22 of the cross section perpendicular to the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D in the first space 14.

[0044] The preferred maximum diameter R3 of the second space 15 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D, but in one embodiment it may be, for example, 4 to 25 mm, 5 to 20 mm, 6 to 15 mm, 7 to 13 mm, 8 to 12 mm, or even 9 to 11 mm. The maximum diameter R3 is determined as the maximum distance that can be taken between any two points on the circumference 23 of the cross section perpendicular to the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D in the second space 15.

[0045] The ratio of the maximum diameter R2 to the maximum diameter R3, R2 / R3, is, for example, 0.25 to 0.75, and may also be 0.3 to 0.7, 0.35 to 0.65, 0.4 to 0.6, or even 0.45 to 0.55.

[0046] The preferred height H4 of the first space 14 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D, but in one embodiment it may be, for example, 1 to 10 mm, but may also be 2 to 9 mm, 2.5 to 8 mm, 3 to 7 mm, or even 3.5 to 6 mm. The height H4 is determined as the height difference between the lowest and highest points of the first space 14 in the direction along the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D.

[0047] The preferred height H5 of the second space 15 may vary depending on the size of the ventilation member 1D, but in one embodiment it may be, for example, 1 to 10 mm, but may also be 2 to 9 mm, 2.5 to 8 mm, 3 to 7 mm, or even 3.5 to 6 mm. The height H5 is determined as the height difference between the lowest and highest points of the second space 15 in the direction along the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D.

[0048] The ratio of height H4 to height H5, H4 / H5, can be, for example, 0.5 to 2, 0.75 to 1.5, or even 0.8 to 1.25.

[0049] In a ventilation member 1D having an opening 12, the configuration of the space constituting at least a part of the ventilation passage 3 communicating from the opening 12 is not limited to the above example.

[0050] The ventilation member 1D shown in Figures 11A to 11D is a single molded body that has a top surface 2 on which top surface protrusions 4 are located on the peripheral edge 7 and is fixable to the housing 51. However, it may also be an assembled product including a first part 9 having a top surface 2 on which top surface protrusions 4 are located on the peripheral edge 7, and a second part 10 for connecting the first part 9 and the housing 51. The number and position of dividing lines in the case of an assembled product are not limited.

[0051] Another example of the ventilation member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 15A and 15B. Figure 15B is a top view of the ventilation member 1 (1E) of Figure 15A, viewed from the side of the top surface 2. The ventilation member 1E is provided with two side projections 24 (first side projection 24A and second side projection 24B) that protrude laterally from the side surface 8 near the outer circumference 5 36 of the top surface 2. The configuration of the ventilation member 1E is the same as that of the ventilation member 1D shown in Figures 11A to 11D, except for the provision of side projections 24. Repeated explanations are omitted.

[0052] The inclusion of the side projections 24 can further suppress the intrusion of liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 into the ventilation passage 3. This effect of the side projections 24 may be based on the following: As shown in Figure 16, liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 may move along the top surface 2 in a curved manner (liquid 61A). Also, the position where liquid 61 may adhere is varied, and it is not guaranteed that liquid 61 will adhere directly above the top projections 4 (liquids 61B, 61C). In these cases, if the side projections 24 are present, it is conceivable that liquids 61A, 61B, and 61C that have moved downwards along the top surface 2 will be attracted to the side projections 24, making it easier for them to fall without wrapping around the side surface 8 of the ventilation member 1E. Figure 16 is a plan view of the ventilation member 1E and its vicinity in a state fixed to the housing 51, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0053] The position of the side projection 24 is not limited as long as it is located in the vicinity 36 of the outer circumference 5 on the side surface 8. The vicinity 36 of the outer circumference 5 is defined as the region within a distance of 0.2 × H2 from the outer circumference 5 with respect to the height H2 of the ventilation member 1E. The side projection 24 may be located in regions within a distance of 0.15 × H2, 0.1 × H2, and even 0.05 × H2 from the outer circumference 5. The position of the side projection 24 in a certain region includes both the case in which the side projection 24 is included in the region when observed along the direction perpendicular to the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1E toward the tip 26 of the side projection 24, and the case in which the side projection 24 partially overlaps with the region. The side projection 24 may be included in the regions within each of the above distance ranges when observed along the above direction. The relationship between the side projection 24 and the outer circumference 5 is also not limited as long as the side projection 24 is located in the vicinity 36 of the outer circumference 5. The side projections 24 (24A, 24B) shown in Figures 15A and 15B are in contact with the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. Furthermore, the upper surfaces 25 (25A, 25B) of the side projections 24 (24A, 24B) form a continuous surface with the top surface 2. Note that, when observed along the above direction, the side projections 24 do not normally have an outer circumference protruding upward from the outer circumference 5. The tip 26 can be identified as the point on the side projection 24 furthest from the central axis CA.

[0054] The number of side protrusions 24 on the ventilation member 1 is not limited, but may be, for example, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, or even 1 to 2, or even 1 or 2. Figure 17 shows an example of a ventilation member 1 having one side protrusion 24.

[0055] The preferred amount of protrusion of the side projection 24 may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4, and the side projection 24, the size of the top surface 2, the shape and dimensions of the top surface projection 4, the distance from the top surface projection 4, the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2, etc. In one embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the side projection 24 is expressed by the distance D3 from the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2 to the tip 26 of the side projection 24 when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2 (see Figure 18), and may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, and even 0.5 mm or more. The upper limit of the protrusion is expressed by the distance D3, and may be, for example, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1.3 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, and even 0.5 mm or less. In another embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the side projection 24 is expressed by the distance D3, and with R1 as the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, it may be R1 × 0.008 mm or more, R1 × 0.01 mm or more, R1 × 0.02 mm or more, R1 × 0.03 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.04 mm or more, and may be R1 × 0.1 mm or less, R1 × 0.08 mm or less, R1 × 0.06 mm or less, R1 × 0.05 mm or less, R1 × 0.042 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.04 mm or less.

[0056] The preferred width W3 of the side projection 24 may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4, and the side projection 24, the size of the top surface 2, the shape and dimensions of the top surface projection 4, the distance from the top surface projection 4, the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2, etc. In one embodiment, the width W3 of the side projection 24 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, and even 1 mm or more. The upper limit of the width W3 may be, for example, 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, and even 2 mm or less. In another embodiment, the width W3 of the side projection 24 may be R1 × 0.008 mm or more, R1 × 0.01 mm or more, R1 × 0.02 mm or more, R1 × 0.03 mm or more, R1 × 0.04 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.05 mm or more, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may also be R1 × 0.3 mm or less, R1 × 0.25 mm or less, R1 × 0.2 mm or less, R1 × 0.17 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.15 mm or less. The width W3 can be determined by the length of the intersection line between the upper surface 25 of the side projection 24 and the side surface 8 of the ventilation member 1E (see Figure 18). If the upper surface 25 forms a continuous surface with the top surface 2, the width W3 may be determined by the length of the intersection line between the upper surface 25 and the outer circumference 5 of the ventilation member 1E.

[0057] The preferred height H6 of the side projections 24 may vary depending on the material of the top surface 2, the top surface projections 4 and the side projections 24, the size of the top surface 2, the shape and dimensions of the top surface projections 4, the distance from the top surface projections 4, the type of liquid 61 that may adhere to the top surface 2, etc. In one embodiment, the height H6 of the side projections 24 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, and even 0.5 mm or more. The upper limit of the height H6 may be, for example, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1.3 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, 0.6 mm or less, and even 0.5 mm or less. In another embodiment, the height H6 of the side projection 24 may be R1 × 0.008 mm or more, R1 × 0.01 mm or more, R1 × 0.02 mm or more, R1 × 0.03 mm or more, R1 × 0.04 mm or more, and even R1 × 0.05 mm or more, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may also be R1 × 0.1 mm or less, R1 × 0.08 mm or less, R1 × 0.06 mm or less, R1 × 0.05 mm or less, R1 × 0.042 mm or less, and even R1 × 0.04 mm or less. The height H6 can be determined by the maximum length of the portion of the side projection 24 that is in contact with the side surface 8, in the direction along the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1E (see Figure 18).

[0058] The shape of the side projection 24 is, for example, a prism, pyramid, or frustum having a portion in contact with the side surface 8 or an upper surface 25 as its base, and a part thereof may be cut off. The prism, pyramid, and frustum may have a portion cut off at the portion in contact with the side surface 8, for example, such that the upper surface 25 of the side projection 24 forms a continuous surface with the top surface 2. Examples of prisms include polygonal prisms such as triangular prisms and square prisms, elliptical prisms, and cylinders. Examples of pyramids include polygonal pyramids such as triangular pyramids and square pyramids, elliptical pyramids, and cones. Examples of frustums include triangular frustums, square frustums, and other polygonal frustums, elliptical frustums, and cones. However, the shape of the side projection 24 is not limited to the above examples.

[0059] Examples of the side projection 24 are shown in Figures 19A to 22B. Figures 19A, 20A, 21A, and 22A are top views showing the side projection 24 and its vicinity as observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, while Figures 19B, 20B, 21B, and 22B are side views showing the side projection 24 and its vicinity as observed in a direction along the top surface 2. The side projection 24 in Figures 19A and 19B has the shape of a rectangular prism with the top surface 25 as its base. The side projection 24 in Figures 20A and 20B has the shape of a triangular prism with the top surface 25 as its base. Reference numeral 24b indicates one side of the prism. However, in the examples in Figures 19A to 20B, a part of it is cut off in the portion that is in contact with the side surface 8. The side projection 24 in Figures 21A and 21B has the shape of a square pyramid with the portion that is in contact with the side surface 8 as its base. Reference numeral 24c denotes the vertex of the cone, and 24d denotes the edge of the cone. However, in the examples shown in Figures 21A and 21B, a portion of the part (base) that is in contact with the side surface 8 is cut off. The side projection 24 in Figures 22A and 22B is triangular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, and has a quadrilateral shape when viewed from a direction along the top surface 2. The side projection 24 in Figures 22A and 22B can be formed, for example, by cutting off a portion of a square pyramid with the part in contact with the side surface 8 as its base, so that the top surface 25 forms a continuous surface with the top surface 2. Reference numeral 24c corresponds to the vertex of the cone.

[0060] The ventilation member 1E in Figures 15A and 15B is provided with a first side projection 24A and a second side projection 24B as side projections 24. When the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2 is defined as the first outer circumference 27A being in contact with the first side projection 24A, the second outer circumference 27B being in contact with the second side projection 24B, and the third outer circumference 27C being in contact with the top surface projection 4, the length L2 (see Figure 23) along the outer circumference 5 from the first outer circumference 27A through the third outer circumference 27C to the second outer circumference 27B may be less than 50% of the entire circumference of the outer circumference 5, and may be 45% or less, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 29% or less, 27% or less, 25% or less, 24% or less, 22% or less, 20% or less, less than 20%, 19% or less, 18% or less, 17% or less, 16% or less, 15% or less, 14% or less, 13% or less, 12% or less, 11% or less, or even 10% or less. Furthermore, the length L2 may be 5% or more of the entire circumference of the outer circumference 5, and may also be 7% or more, 9% or more, 10% or more, 12% or more, 14% or more, or even 15% or more.

[0061] The distance between the top surface projection 4 and the side projection 24 closest to the top surface projection 4 is, for example, R1 × 0.15 mm or more, with R1 being the maximum diameter of the top surface 2, and may be R1 × 0.2 mm or more, R1 × 0.3 mm or more, R1 × 0.4 mm or more, or even R1 × 0.5 mm or more, or R1 × 0.8 mm or less, R1 × 0.75 mm or less, R1 × 0.7 mm or less, R1 × 0.65 mm or less, R1 × 0.6 mm or less, R1 × 0.55 mm or less, or even R1 × 0.5 mm or less. The distance between the top surface projection 4 and the side projection 24 is determined by the shortest distance between the two projections.

[0062] The distance between the top surface projection 4 and the side projection 24 closest to the top surface projection 4 may be 7 mm or less, and may be 6.5 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, or even 3 mm or less. The lower limit of the distance may be 2 mm or more, and may be 2.2 mm or more, 2.4 mm or more, or even 2.5 mm or more.

[0063] When observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, let O1 be the center of the top surface 2, O2 be the center of the top surface projection 4, O4 be the center of the first side projection 24A, and O4' be the center of the second side projection 24B. Then, the angle θ2 (=∠O2O1O4) formed by the imaginary line segments O1O2 and O1O4, and the angle θ2' (=∠O2O1O4') formed by the imaginary line segments O1O2 and O1O4' may be less than 90°, and may be 85° or less, 75° or less, 60° or less, 45° or less, less than 45°, 30° or less, less than 30°, 20° or less, 15° or less, 10° or less, or even 5° or less (see Figure 24A). The lower limit of θ2 and θ2' may be greater than 0°, and may be 1° or more, or even 2° or more. θ2 and θ2' may be the same or different. An example where θ2 and θ2' are different is shown in Figure 24B. The center O4 (O4') is determined as the centroid of the side projection 24A (24B) when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0064] The ventilation member 1E in Figures 15A and 15B is provided with both an opening 12 and a side projection 24, but the ventilation member 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with only the side projection 24 among the opening 12 and the side projection 24.

[0065] Another example of the ventilation member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 25A and 25B. Figures 25A and 25B show the ventilation member 1 (1F), the portion of the housing 51 to which the ventilation member 1F is fixed, and its vicinity. Figure 25B shows the cross section D-D of Figure 25A for the ventilation member 1F and the housing 51. The ventilation member 1F in Figures 25A and 25B includes a first component 9 (9C) having a top surface 2 on which a top surface projection 4 is located at the peripheral edge 7, and a second component 10 (10C) for connecting the first component 9C and the housing 51. The first component 9C and the second component 10C are fixed to each other at a fitting portion 32. In the ventilation member 1F, an opening 12 is formed by the fixing of the first component 9C and the second component 10C to each other. Also, by being fixed to each other, a space constituting part of the ventilation passage 3 is formed between the first component 9C and the second component 10C. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface projection 4 and the opening 12 overlap. The ventilation member 1F is also suitable for suppressing the intrusion of liquid 61 adhering to the top surface 2 into the ventilation passage 3, even when the ventilation member 1F is fixed to the housing 51 such that the top surface projection 4 is below the center O1 of the top surface 2.

[0066] The second component 10C of the ventilation member 1F has legs 34 extending to the side opposite to the side to which the first component 9C is fixed. In the example in Figures 25A and 25B, there are three legs 34. However, the number of legs 34 is not limited. A claw 33 is provided at the tip of each leg 34. The ventilation member 1F can be fixed to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation opening 54 by being inserted from the side of the second component 10C into the opening 58 that constitutes the ventilation opening 54 of the housing 51. As shown in Figures 25A and 25B, the claw 33 of the second component 10C and the inner surface 59 of the housing 51 can be fitted together to prevent the ventilation member 1F from coming out of the housing 51. Also, as shown in Figures 25A and 25B, the sealing performance of the housing 51 at the opening 58 can be improved by placing a seal ring 62 between the ventilation member 1F and the housing 51.

[0067] The ventilation member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member 1 to the housing 51 such that the top projection 4 is below the center of the top surface 2. An example of a ventilation member 1 equipped with a positioning mechanism is shown in Figures 26A and 26B. Figure 26A is a bottom view of the ventilation member 1 (1G) equipped with a positioning mechanism, viewed from the side opposite to the top surface 2, and Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view taken along cross-section B-B of Figure 26A. The ventilation member 1G in Figures 26A and 26B includes a projection 28 as a positioning mechanism, which protrudes from the inner surface 30 of the side portion 29 of the ventilation member 1G in the direction of the central axis CA. By providing a recess, such as a groove, on the side surface of the projection 55 of the housing 51 that can be fitted with the projection 28, the ventilation member 1G can be fixed to the housing 51 such that the top projection 4 is below the center of the top surface 2. As long as such fixing is possible, the specific configuration of the positioning mechanism and the position of the positioning mechanism in the ventilation member 1 are not limited to the above example. In the examples shown in Figures 26A and 26B, the top surface projection 4 and the protruding portion 28 overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2.

[0068] Examples of materials that can constitute the ventilation member 1 according to embodiments of the present invention are resins. Examples of resins are thermoplastic resins and elastomers (elastic resins). Examples of thermoplastic resins are polyamides (PA) such as nylon, polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and engineering plastics such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate (PC) and polyphenylene ether (PPE). Elastomers may be rubber. Examples of elastomers include nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, fluororubber, acrylic rubber, hydrogenated rubber, or various thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include polyester elastomers (TPEE; also known as TPC), polystyrene elastomers (TPS), polyolefin elastomers (TPO), and polyamide elastomers (TPAE). The elastic resin may also be TPEE.

[0069] The ventilation member 1 may contain materials other than resin. The ventilation member 1 may contain pigments such as carbon black and titanium white, reinforcing fillers such as glass particles and glass fibers, and additives such as water repellents. However, the materials that the ventilation member 1 may contain are not limited to the above examples.

[0070] The ventilation member 1 may be composed of a single material or of two or more materials. Furthermore, if it is composed of two or more materials, a part made of one material may be combined with a part made of a different material. For example, in a ventilation member 1 in which a first part 9 and a second part 10 are combined, the material constituting the first part 9 and the material constituting the second part 10 may be the same or different.

[0071] The top surface protrusion 4 and the side surface protrusion 24, selected from the group, and the portion of the ventilation member 1 excluding the top surface protrusion, may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0072] The ventilation member 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be formed by any known molding method. Examples of molding methods include injection molding and 3D printing. However, the molding method for the ventilation member 1 is not limited to the above examples.

[0073] The ventilation member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a waterproof ventilation membrane arranged in the ventilation passage 3. Arranging the waterproof ventilation membrane in the gas flow path between the external space 53 and the internal space 52 can further contribute to suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter from the external space 53 into the internal space 52. The waterproof ventilation membrane may, for example, be arranged at the end 31A of the second component 10 in the ventilation member 1B of Figure 4, so as to cover the opening of the second component 10 on the end 31A side. The end 31A is the end of the two ends 31A and 31B of the second component 10 that is closer to the bottom of the first component 9. The waterproof ventilation membrane may also, for example, be arranged at the connection between the first space 14 and the second space 15 in the ventilation member 1D of Figures 11A to 11D, so as to cover the opening of the first space 14 at the connection. However, the position of the waterproof ventilation membrane on the ventilation passage 3 is not limited to the above examples.

[0074] Examples of waterproof and breathable membranes include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, meshes, and porous membranes. A waterproof and breathable membrane may have a laminated structure of two or more membranes. A waterproof and breathable membrane may include a porous membrane and at least one layer selected from the group consisting of woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and meshes. Examples of materials constituting a waterproof and breathable membrane are organic polymer materials. Examples of organic polymer materials are fluororesins, polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and ethylene vinyl acetate. Examples of fluororesins are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, and tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymers. Examples of polyolefins are homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, and 4-methylpentene-1,1-butene. Examples of polyamides are nylon and aramid. A waterproof and breathable membrane may contain nanofibers. Examples of nanofibers are nanofibers containing various resins such as polyacrylonitrile, nylon, and polylactic acid. Porous membranes can be manufactured by known stretching or extraction methods.

[0075] The waterproof and breathable membrane may include a PTFE porous membrane. The PTFE porous membrane offers a particularly excellent balance between breathability per unit area and the ability to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter. The waterproof and breathable membrane may have a laminated structure of a PTFE porous membrane and a breathable support material such as a nonwoven fabric.

[0076] The thickness of the waterproof and breathable membrane is, for example, 1 μm to 5 mm. The air permeability of the waterproof and breathable membrane is expressed by the Gurley air permeability measured in accordance with the air permeability measurement method B (Gurley method) specified in JIS L1096:2020, and is, for example, 0.1 to 300 seconds / 100 mL. However, the thickness and air permeability of the waterproof and breathable membrane are not limited to the above ranges.

[0077] The waterproof and breathable membrane may be treated with a liquid-repellent coating. Furthermore, the liquid-repellent coating of the waterproof and breathable membrane can be carried out by known methods.

[0078] The waterproof and breathable membrane may be placed on the ventilation passage 3 by joining it to the components constituting the ventilation member 1. Various welding methods such as heat welding, ultrasonic welding, and laser welding can be applied for joining. Adhesion methods such as adhesives, tacks, and double-sided adhesive tapes may also be applied for joining. The ventilation member 1 with the waterproof and breathable membrane placed on it may also be formed by insert molding.

[0079] The ventilation member 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be for electronic equipment or for vehicles. However, the use of the ventilation member 1 is not limited to the above examples. Examples of housings 51 for fixing the ventilation member 1 include housings for vehicle electrical components such as lamps, inverters, converters, ECUs (Electronic Control Units), battery packs, radars, and cameras. The housing 51 for fixing the ventilation member 1 may also be housings for various electronic devices for home, medical, or office use. However, the housing 51 for fixing the ventilation member 1 is not limited to the above examples.

[0080] [Ventilated Housing] An example of a ventilated housing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 27. The ventilated housing 63 (63A) in Figure 27 comprises a housing 51 having a ventilation opening 54 and a ventilation member 1 fixed to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation opening 54. The ventilation opening 54 connects the internal space 52 and the external space 53 of the housing 51. The ventilation member 1 is fixed to the housing 51 such that the top projection 4 is below the center O1 of the top surface 2. The ventilation member 1 provided in the ventilated housing 63A of Figure 27 is the ventilation member 1D shown in Figures 11A to 11D. However, the ventilation member 1 that the ventilated housing 63 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided is not limited to the ventilation member 1D, and may be any one selected from the group consisting of the above-described ventilation members 1A to 1C, 1E to 1G.

[0081] In a ventilated housing 63 according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one selected from the group consisting of a housing 51 and a ventilation member 1 may be provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member 1 to the housing 51 such that the top projection 4 is below the center O1 of the top surface 2. An example of a ventilation member 1 having a positioning mechanism is the ventilation member 1G shown in Figures 26A and 26B. The positioning mechanism may be capable of fixing the ventilation member 1 to the housing 51 such that the top projection 4 is vertically below the center O1 of the top surface 2.

[0082] An example of a ventilated housing 63 having a positioning mechanism is shown in Figures 28A and 28B. Figure 28B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section C-C of the ventilated housing 63 (63B) in Figure 28A. In the ventilated housing 63B, both the housing 51 and the ventilation member 1 are equipped with a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism on the ventilation member 1 side includes a protrusion 28. The protrusion 28 is as described above in the description of the ventilation member 1G. The positioning mechanism on the housing 51 side includes a groove 56. The groove 56 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 57 of the projection 55. The protrusion 28 and the groove 56 are configured to fit together. As shown in the example in Figures 28A and 28B, in the ventilated housing 63 according to the embodiment of the present invention, both the housing 51 and the ventilation member 1 are equipped with a positioning mechanism, and the housing-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the housing 51, and the member-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the ventilation member 1, may be configured to fit together. However, the configuration of the housing-side positioning mechanism and the member-side positioning mechanism is not limited to the above example, as long as the ventilation member 1 can be fixed to the housing 51 such that the top surface projection 4 is below the center O1 of the top surface 2. For example, the housing-side positioning mechanism may include a protrusion and the member-side positioning mechanism may include a groove, and the protrusion and the groove may be configured to fit together.

[0083] The configuration of the housing 51 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 27. The housing 51 can have any configuration as long as the ventilation member 1 can be fixed so as to cover the ventilation opening 54.

[0084] Examples of materials constituting the housing 51 include resin, metal, and composite materials thereof. The same applies to the materials constituting the protrusions 55. However, the materials constituting the housing 51 are not limited to the above examples. The materials constituting the parts of the housing 51 other than the protrusions 55 may be the same as or different from the materials constituting the protrusions 55.

[0085] The configuration of the ventilated housing 63 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the example shown in Figure 27. It can have any configuration as long as it includes a housing 51 having a ventilation opening 54 and a ventilation member 1 fixed to the housing 51 so as to cover the ventilation opening 54.

[0086] The ventilated housing 63 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a housing for electronic equipment or for vehicles. However, the applications of the ventilated housing 63 are not limited to the above examples. The ventilated housing 63 may be a housing for vehicle electrical components such as lamps, inverters, converters, ECUs (Electronic Control Units), battery packs, radars, and cameras. The ventilated housing 63 may also be a housing for various electronic devices for home, medical, and office use.

[0087] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples shown below.

[0088] [Example 1] The ventilation member 1D shown in Figures 11A to 11D was formed by 3D printing using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the material. The formed ventilation member 1D had the following characteristics: - The shape and dimensions of the top surface 2 are a circle with a diameter of 12 mm. The height H2 of the ventilation member 1D is 6 mm. - It has one top surface protrusion 4. The height H1, depth D1, and width W1 of the top surface protrusion 4 are all 0.5 mm. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the top surface protrusion 4 extends along the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2. - It does not have side protrusions 24. - It has a single opening 12 on the side surface 8 that communicates with the ventilation passage 3. The shape of the opening 12 is rectangular when viewed along the direction connecting the central axis CA of the ventilation member 1D and the center O3 of the opening 12. The width W2 of the opening 12 is 4 mm and the height H3 is 2 mm. The distance D2 from the top surface 2 to the upper end of the opening 12 is 1 mm. The length L1 of the bottom surface of the hole 13, which extends from the opening 12 into the interior of the ventilation member 1D substantially parallel to the top surface 2 and forms part of the ventilation passage 3, is 6 mm. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface 2, the center O2 of the top surface projection 4 is located on an imaginary line segment connecting the center O1 of the top surface 2 and the center O3 of the opening 12. It consists of a single molded body that has a top surface 2 and can be fixed to the housing 51.

[0089] Separately from the above, for comparison purposes, a ventilation member A was formed that has the same configuration as ventilation member 1D except that it does not have a top surface projection 4.

[0090] (Oil Intrusion Test) The formed ventilation member 1D or ventilation member A was fixed to the projection 55 of the housing 51 as shown in Figure 13. The ventilation member 1D was fixed so that the top projection 4 was vertically downward with respect to the center O1 of the top surface 2, and the top surface 2 was substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The ventilation member A was fixed so that the top surface 2 was substantially parallel to the vertical direction. Next, with the ventilation member 1D (or A) fixed, the internal space 52 of the housing 51 was subjected to a negative pressure of 5 kPa relative to the external space 53, and once the pressure in the internal space 52 stabilized, one drop of 0.02 mL of ATF oil (Toyota Auto Fluid WS) was applied to the uppermost part of the top surface 2 using a dropper. The behavior of the oil after application was visually confirmed, and it was determined that if the oil that moved downward on the top surface 2 entered the ventilation passage 3 through the opening 12, it was unacceptable, and if it fell from the ventilation member without entering the ventilation passage 3, it was deemed acceptable.

[0091] The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0092]

[0093] According to Example 1, it was confirmed that by providing the top surface protrusion 4, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of liquid adhering to the top surface 2 into the ventilation passage 3.

[0094] [Example 2] The ventilation member 1E shown in Figures 15A and 15B was formed by 3D printing using PMMA as the material. The formed ventilation member 1E had the same characteristics as the ventilation member 1D formed in Example 1, except for the following characteristics: - It has two side protrusions 24 (first side protrusion 24A, second side protrusion 24B). Both side protrusions 24A and 24B are in contact with the outer circumference 5 of the top surface 2, and their upper surfaces 25A and 25B form a continuous surface with the top surface 2. - Both side protrusions 24A and 24B are rectangular prisms with the part in contact with the side surface 8 of the ventilation member 1E as the base, and their protrusion amount D3, width W3, and height H6 are all 0.5 mm. - The distance between the first side protrusion 24A and the second side protrusion 24B is 6 mm. The distance between the top projection 4 and the first side projection 24A, and the distance between the top projection 4 and the second side projection 24B are both 3 mm.

[0095] In Example 2, five ventilation members 1E were formed, with the width W1 of the top surface protrusions varying from 0.5 mm to 2 mm in 0.5 mm increments.

[0096] The oil intrusion test described in Example 1 was performed on the formed ventilation member 1E. However, the position where the ATF oil was applied was above the second side projection 24B on the top surface 2 of the ventilation member 1E fixed to the housing 51 and near the outer circumference 5. The results of the oil intrusion test in Example 2 are shown in Table 2.

[0097]

[0098] [Example 3] A ventilation member B was formed that had the same configuration as the ventilation member 1E in Example 2, except that it did not have the top surface protrusion 4. The ventilation member B had only side protrusions 24A and 24B. When the same oil ingress test as in Example 1 was performed on the formed ventilation member B, the result was negative.

Claims

1. A ventilation member that can be fixed to a housing so as to cover a ventilation opening of the housing that connects the internal space and the external space of the housing, the ventilation member having a space inside that serves as a ventilation passage connecting the ventilation opening and the external space when fixed to the housing, and comprising a top surface exposed to the external space and a top surface projection projecting upward from the top surface, wherein the top surface projection is located on the peripheral edge of the top surface.

2. The ventilation member according to claim 1, wherein, when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, the top surface projection has an outer peripheral portion that is in contact with the outer peripheral of the top surface or protrudes outward from the outer peripheral.

3. The ventilation member according to claim 1, comprising: a first component having the top surface; and a second component for connecting the first component and the housing.

4. The ventilation member according to claim 1, comprising a single molded body having the top surface and being fixable to the housing.

5. The ventilation member according to claim 1, wherein the number of top surface protrusions is 1 or more and 3 or less.

6. The ventilation member according to claim 1, wherein the height of the top surface projection is 3 mm or less.

7. The ventilation member according to claim 1, wherein the width of the top surface protrusion, determined by the length along a direction perpendicular to a virtual line segment extending from the center of the top surface to the center of the top surface protrusion within the surface of the top surface, is 5 mm or less.

8. The ventilation member according to claim 1, having an opening on its side that communicates with the ventilation passage, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, the top surface projection is included in or partially overlaps with a region enclosed by a first line segment connecting one end of the opening and the center of the top surface, a second line segment connecting the other end of the opening and the center, and the opening.

9. The ventilation member according to claim 8, having a single opening.

10. The ventilation member according to claim 9, wherein the width of the opening, determined by the length of the intersection line between the virtual plane parallel to the top surface and the opening, satisfies at least one selected from the group consisting of 20% or less of the entire circumference of the ventilation member and 7 mm or less.

11. The ventilation member according to claim 8, wherein the distance from the top surface to the upper end of the opening is 1 mm or more.

12. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the opening is 4 mm 2 The ventilation member according to claim 8.

13. The ventilation member according to claim 8, having a hole that extends from the opening into the interior of the ventilation member substantially parallel to the top surface and forms part of the ventilation passage.

14. The ventilation member according to claim 13, wherein when the length of the bottom surface of the hole from the opening is L1 and the length of the opening in the direction perpendicular to the top surface is H3, the ratio L1 / H3 is 2 or more.

15. The ventilation member according to claim 1, further comprising a lateral projection extending laterally from the side surface near the outer circumference of the top surface.

16. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the side projection is in contact with the outer circumference of the top surface.

17. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the upper surface of the side projection forms a continuous surface with the top surface.

18. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the side projections include a first side projection and a second side projection, and when the portion of the outer circumference closest to or in contact with the first side projection is defined as the first outer circumference, the portion closest to or in contact with the second side projection is defined as the second outer circumference, and the portion closest to or in contact with the top projection is defined as the third outer circumference, the length along the outer circumference from the first outer circumference through the third outer circumference to the second outer circumference is less than 50% of the entire circumference of the outer circumference.

19. The ventilation member according to claim 18, wherein the length along the outer circumference from the first outer circumference portion through the third outer circumference portion to the second outer circumference portion is less than 20% of the entire circumference of the outer circumference.

20. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the amount of protrusion of the side projection, determined as the distance from the outer circumference of the top surface to the tip of the side projection when observed from a direction perpendicular to the top surface, is 0.1 mm or more.

21. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the distance between the top surface projection and the side surface projection closest to the top surface projection is R1 × 0.15 mm or more, with the maximum diameter of the top surface being R1 (unit: mm).

22. The ventilation member according to claim 15, wherein the distance between the top surface projection and the side surface projection closest to the top surface projection is 7 mm or less.

23. The ventilation member according to claim 1, further comprising a waterproof ventilation membrane disposed in the ventilation channel.

24. The ventilation member according to claim 1, which is for use in electronic equipment or vehicles.

25. The ventilation member according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member to the housing such that the top surface projection is located below the center of the top surface.

26. A ventilated housing comprising a housing having a vent opening and a ventilation member fixed to the housing so as to cover the vent opening, wherein the vent opening connects the internal space and the external space of the housing, the ventilation member is a ventilation member according to any one of claims 1 to 25, and the ventilation member is fixed to the housing such that the top projection is below the center of the top surface.

27. The ventilation housing according to claim 26, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the housing and the ventilation member is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing the ventilation member to the housing such that the top projection is below the center of the top surface.

28. The ventilation housing according to claim 27, wherein each of the housing and the ventilation member is provided with the positioning mechanism, and the housing-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the housing, and the member-side positioning mechanism, which is the positioning mechanism of the ventilation member, are configured to be able to fit together with each other.

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