Patent ID: 7607198
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: B01D,B60H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A hinge mechanism for detachably engaging a casing with a cover in an air cleaner comprising: an insertion portion which is formed on one of the casing and the cover and protrudes outward from an outer face of the one of the casing and the cover, the insertion portion having an insertion tip; and a holding portion which is formed on the other one of the casing and the cover, the holding portion having an insertion hole for receiving the insertion portion thereinto; an elastic clip member retained on one of the holding portion and the insertion portion, wherein the clip member includes an engagement part which releasably engages the insertion hole of the holding portion or an outer peripheral face of the insertion portion, and a spring part is formed integrally with the engagement part to apply a pressing force, the spring part includes a bending part which includes a bend in the clip member, and first and second opposing parts of the clip member project from either side of the bending part, the insertion portion is shaped and configured to be removably inserted into the insertion hole; wherein the first opposing part is formed into an inside part and an outside peripheral part by a U-shaped slot, the inside part and an outside peripheral part maintaining a connection near the bending part and defining the engagement part; a secondary bending part, which biases the outside peripheral part farther from the second opposing part than the inside part is formed in the outside peripheral part.