DESCRIPTION VENTILATION FAN

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation fan that is fixed to and placed on a plate material such as a window glass sheet. Background

[0002] There have been conventional methods of fixing a ventilation fan, in which a circular hole is made in a window glass sheet, a soft resin is interposed along an edge of the circular hole, and a main body of the ventilation fan is inserted in and fixed to the circular hole of the window glass sheet. One of these methods uses an inverted-V-shaped fixing component formed by a spring material having a free distal end and a central portion bulging outward from an outer peripheral portion, a support piece that supports the distal end of the fixing component for the distal end to be pressed and expanded outward, and a fixing screw that can tighten the distal end of the fixing component for the distal end to be pressed and expanded outward. In this method, the fixing component is caused to function in a direction in which the edge of the window hole is pressed and expanded, thereby generating a force to fix the product. Therefore, the main body is inserted into the circular hole, and then one can screw-tighten the body with him or her facing from the indoor side toward the window glass sheet, so that operation is easy (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] In another fixing method, there is provided a fixing component that fixes a product between a fixing screw extending through a flange of a main body and a screw component capable of being tightened in cooperation with the fixing screw. On an upper portion of a cylinder of the main body, a groove for the fixing component is provided, and in a state where a screw is loosened, the fixing component comes down and is hidden in the main body groove to some degree, and therefore easily passes through a window hole. With this, the screw component moves to the flange side of the product by screw-tightening, so that the fixing component can get up to sandwich and fix the window glass sheet between the product and the fixing component. Therefore, this method only requires popular operations and can be easily understood by anyone. Citation List Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature l: Japanese Patent No. 3255824 Summary

Technical Problem

[0005] However, in the former method described above, a spring material is used for a fixing component, and the fixing component is pressed by a screw tip to move to the outside in order to be fixed to an edge of a window hole. Accordingly, the fixing component is required to have a certain degree of thickness. Therefore, the fixing component has high elasticity, and accordingly an extra force is required to insert the fixing component, thereby degrading insertability. Furthermore, because the fixing component has a spring-shape, it is difficult to recognize a sense of tightening a fixing screw. If the fixing screw is excessively tightened, then the fixing component is deformed. Consequently, a product can not be fixed or a fixed product may be not removed.

[0006] That is, the inverted-V-shaped fixing component used in the former method has a function of pressing and fixing an edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet when the fixing component is pressed by the screw, in addition to a function of securing good fitness at the time of insertion. Accordingly, the fixing component is required to have a certain degree of strength. Therefore, there is a problem that greater force is required to insert the fixing component due to repulsion force resulting from its elasticity, thereby degrading insert ability of the fixing component, and at the time of screw-tightening, a sense of tightening the screw is not easily recognized because the fixing component has a spring-shape, and if the screw is excessively tightened, then the fixing component is deformed.

[0007] In the latter method in which a window glass sheet is sandwiched between a fixing component and a main body flange, when a fixing screw is loosened, a screw component moves to a side opposite to the main body flange side, and the fixing component that has not been restricted comes down to a side opposite to the main body flange side up to within a main body groove. Therefore, the fixing component can pass through the window glass sheet without coming into contact with an edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet. Specifically, the fixing screw extends through the fixing component, and both ends of the fixing component are regulated in a width direction by respective side surfaces of the groove. Therefore, when the fixing screw is loosened, the fixing component comes down in a fixing direction. However, because the fixing component does not have any part that serves as a support point, the position where the fixing component starts to come down may be changed. Therefore, if a distal end of the fixing component gets up, then the distal end comes in contact with the edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet, so that the fixing component does not pass through the window glass sheet, and cannot fix the product on the window glass sheet.

[0008] That is, in the latter fixing method, at the time of inserting the product, a screw is loosened to cause the fixing component to come down, thereby hiding the fixing component in the main body groove, and at the time of fixing the product, the screw is tightened up, thereby moving the screw component to raise the fixing component. Therefore, at the time of inserting the product into the circular hole of the window glass sheet, there is not any object that comes in contact with the circular hole, and accordingly any extra force is not required, thereby providing good conditions of construction. However, in practice, the product has an object incorporated therein, such as a blade, and so can not be provided with a groove large enough to hide the fixing component inside the groove in its entirety. Accordingly, it is supposed that the fixing component is inclined to a degree to which it makes its projection not to get stuck with the edge of the circular hole on the window glass sheet. Therefore, there is not any support portion for the fixing component in a moving direction of the screw component, and accordingly the angle at which the fixing component comes down varies. Consequently, there is a problem that the distal end of the fixing component comes in contact with the edge of the window hole, and the product cannot be fixed.

[0009] The present invention has been achieved in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a ventilation fan that gives an easily recognizable tightening sense at the time of tightening, and can be reliably fixed to a circular hole of a plate material, thereby resulting in good conditions of construction and low cost. Solution to Problem

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a ventilation fan that comprises a cylinder having an axially-extending groove on an upper portion thereof and a flange, and is fixed to a plate material by a fixing mechanism in a state where the cylinder is inserted in a hole of the plate material, wherein the fixing mechanism includes: a fixing component that has a bent plate shape having a base portion formed with a screw insertion portion and a distal-end portion, and that is placed in the groove with the base portion being located on a side of the flange and a bending portion being directed upward; a fixing screw that extends through the flange, protrudes into the groove, and extends through the screw insertion portion; and a screw component that is thread ably mounted on the fixing screw and moves in the groove to approach the flange as the fixing screw is screw-tightened, the fixing component has a convex portion protruding from an end of the base portion in a width direction, the groove is provided with a fixing-component movement regulating unit that pivotally supports the convex portion and regulates movement of the fixing component in a direction in which the fixing component gets away from the flange and in an upward direction, and when the screw component approaches the flange by screw-tightening the fixing screw, the screw component presses the fixing component so that the base portion of the fixing component gets up, and sandwiches the plate material between the flange and the fixing component by screw-tightening the fixing screw. Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0011] The ventilation fan according to the present invention can achieve good conditions of construction at the time of mounting the ventilation fan, and can be reliably fixed to a circular hole with an appropriate degree of tightening, thereby requiring low cost. Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation fan.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a fixing component.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part in a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to a window glass sheet.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of a main body groove.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the fixing component is placed in the main body groove.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the fixing component is placed.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the fixing component having been placed is in process of being removed.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the fixing component is in process of being removed from a gap between an apex of a groove triangular-shaped convex portion and a main-body groove-removal prevention guide.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a movable state of the fixing component.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a state where a main body cylinder with the fixing component being in an installation state is inserted into the window glass sheet.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part of the ventilation fan when the fixing component is in an installation state.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part of the ventilation fan when the fixing component is in process of being tightened.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the attachment part in a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet.
FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet.
FIG. 16 is an illustration showing an insertion state of a pressing component and the window glass sheet.
FIG. 17 is an illustration showing a configuration of a conventional ventilation fan.
FIG. 18 is an illustration showing a configuration of a fixing component of the conventional ventilation fan.
FIG. 19 is an illustration showing a fixing part of an upper portion of the conventional ventilation fan.
FIG. 20 is an illustration showing a fixing part of a lower portion of the conventional ventilation fan. Description of Embodiments

[0013] Embodiments of a ventilation fan according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0014] Embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ventilation fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation fan. A main body 4 is configured to include a main body cylinder 4g that is a part inserted in a circular hole of a window glass sheet 7 and a main body flange 4d that comes in butt contact with and is fixed on the window glass sheet 7. A grill 5 including an interior-air intake port is placed at a distal end of the main body flange 4d. A shutter 9 that prevents a back flow of interior air is provided on an end- surface side of the main body cylinder 4g. A main body groove 4a is provided on an upper portion of the main body cylinder 4g. A fixing component 1 that fixes the window glass sheet 7 is placed on the side of the main body flange 4d of the main body groove 4a.

[0015] A circular hole in which the main body cylinder 4g is inserted is provided on the window glass sheet 7. A window glass packing 8 for preventing entry of rainwater is placed along an edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7. The main body cylinder 4g has inside an air blower 10 that introduces air. An orifice 6 that guides air to the air blower 10 is provided in the main body flange 4d, and is connected to the main body cylinder 4g. The grill 5 that takes in air is provided on a front surface of the orifice 6 in a removable manner for maintenance. Air having taken into the orifice 6 by the air blower 10 through the grill 5 passes through inside of the main body cylinder 4g, and is discharged from the shutter 9 to outside of the main body cylinder 4g.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixing component 1. The fixing component 1 has a shape bent into two parts, and forms a fixing-component base portion Id and a fixing-component distal-end portion lb that are delimited by the bending portion. An angle of the bending portion is an obtuse angle. At both ends of the fixing-component base portion Id, fixing-component convex portions la that serve as a rotational axis are provided in the form of protruding sideward. An elongate hole shaped fixing-component screw-insertion portion lc is provided in the same surface (the fixing-component base portion Id) .

[0017] The fixing-component distal-end portion lb is formed wider and longer than the fixing-component base portion Id. In addition to providing the fixing-component screw-insertion portion lc in the fixing-component base portion Id, the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is wider and longer, and therefore heavier than the fixing-component base portion Id. The fixing-component distal-end portion lb extends to substantially the same height as a side of the fixing-component base portion Id on which the fixing-component convex portions la are provided, and takes form of an end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb being able to be placed within the main body groove 4a. The fixing component 1 is situated in the main body groove 4a with being convex upward and with the fixing-component base portion Id being located on the side of the main body flange 4d.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part in a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet 7. A fixing screw 3 extends through the fixing-component screw-insertion portion lc of the fixing component 1, and is tightened together with a screw component 2 having a female screw. Therefore, the window glass sheet 7 is sandwiched between the fixing component l and the main body flange 4d through the window glass packing 8. By using this force, the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet 7. At this time, the fixing-component base portion Id becomes upright, and the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb protrudes from the main body groove 4a. The screw component 2 is moved by feeding of the fixing screw 3 to sandwich the window glass sheet 7 between the fixing component 1 and the main body flange 4d through the window glass packing 8. Therefore, the degree of tightening can be easily sensed.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main body groove 4a. Each side of the main body groove 4a serves as a main-body groove side portion 4h that guides the fixing screw 3 (not shown in FIG. 5) in its tightening direction. A main-body groove-disengagement prevention guide 4j that prevents the screw component 2 from being disengaged from the main body groove 4a is provided above the main-body groove side portion 4h. A groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c that guides a screw component upward is provided as a first regulating member, and in its vicinity, a groove dead-end portion 4b that is capable of accommodating therein the fixing-component convex portion la is provided at an end of the main body groove 4a on the side of the main body flange 4d as a second regulating member. A surface of the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c on the opposite side to the main body flange 4d is a guide surface that guides the screw component 2. A fixing-component stopper 4f that prevents the fixing component 1 from falling off the main body groove 4a when the fixing component 1 is disengaged from the fixing screw 3 is provided on a bottom surface of the main body groove 4a on the side closer to the end of the main body cylinder 4g than the main-body groove-engagement prevention guide 4j. On the main body flange 4d, a main-body screw-hole portion 4e is provided in the form of an elongated aperture, through which the fixing screw 3 extends to fix the main body flange 4d to the window glass plate 7. A screw receiver 4k is provided at an end of the main body groove 4a on the side of the main body flange 4d, and supports the fixing screw 3 extending through the main body flange 4d and protruding into the main body groove 4a. The groove dead-end portion 4b constitutes a fixing-member movement regulating unit along with the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the fixing component 1 is placed on the main body-groove 4a. In a state where the fixing screw 3 is loosened, the fixing component 1 is inclined to the side of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb, and the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is situated within the main body groove 4a. As described above, because the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is heavier than the fixing-component base portion Id, the fixing component 1 hardly remains being upright in a state where the fixing screw 3 is loosened. Because the fixing-component stopper 4f is provided on the bottom surface of the main body groove 4a, the fixing component 1 is not easily removed from the main body groove 4a even when the fixing screw 3 is disengaged. As shown in FIG. 6, a state where the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb has been situated in the main body groove 4a is referred to as "installation state".

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view representing a state where the fixing component 1 is placed. The fixing-component convex portion la is accommodated in an area surrounded by the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c and the groove dead-end portion 4b. Since the fixing-component convex portion la is loosely inserted in the groove dead-end portion 4b, the fixing component 1 can be rotated. Furthermore, Since the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c is provided, the fixing-component convex portion la remains in the groove dead-end portion 4b, and therefore does not easily come off.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the fixing component 1 having been placed is in process of being removed. When the fixing screw 3 is removed, the fixing-component convex portion la is capable of passing through a gap between the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c and the groove dead-end portion 4b.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the fixing component 1 is in process of being removed from a gap between an apex of the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c and the main-body groove-disengagement prevention guide 4j. Such a construction is provided that the fixing component 1 is removed from the main body groove 4a by passing the fixing-component convex portion la through the gap between the apex of the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c and the main-body groove-disengagement prevention guide 4j, while inclining the fixing component 1 for the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb to approach the bottom surface of the main body groove 4a.

[0024] By forming this construction, a rotational axis can be provided to the fixing component 1 without increasing the number of components or degrading assemblability, and a constructing method can be improved at a low cost.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a movable state of the fixing component 1. Because the fixing component 1 can rotate about the fixing-component convex portions la as a rotational axis, the fixing component 1 rotates in a constant position. The fixing-component distal-end portion lb is heavier than the fixing-component base portion Id. Accordingly, when a fixing screw is loosened, the fixing component 1 comes down due to its self-weight so that the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb approaches the bottom surface of the main body groove 4a. Therefore, the fixing component 1 can be in an installation state at the time of construction.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the main body cylinder 4g with the fixing component 1 being in the installation state is inserted into the window glass sheet 7. The main body cylinder 4g is inserted in such a manner that an edge surface of the window glass packing 8 for preventing entry of rainwater, which is provided along the edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7 follows the main body cylinder 4g. Because the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is hidden in the main body groove 4a, the fixing component 1 has a form such that the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is not stuck at the window glass packing 8. Furthermore, because the fixing component 1 is bent at an obtuse angle, the angle formed between the fixing-component distal-end portion lb and the bottom surface of the main body groove 4a is smaller than 90 degrees, so that the window glass packing 8 does not butt the fixing-component distal-end portion lb. The main body cylinder 4g is inserted until the fixing component 1 passes through the window glass sheet 7 and the main body flange 4d comes in contact with the window glass sheet 7. In this manner, the window glass sheet 7 is guided along the fixing-component distal-end portion lb to a bending portion of the fixing component 1 where it protrudes in the highest degree from the main body groove 4a, and therefore smooth insertion can be achieved, thereby facilitating constructing.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part of the ventilation fan when the fixing component 1 is in an installation state. When the fixing screw 3 is loosened, the screw component 2 is accommodated in an apex portion of the bending portion of the fixing component 1, thereby making the protrusion amount of the fixing component 1 from the main body groove 4a to be small.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part of the ventilation fan when the fixing component 1 is in process of being tightened. By-tightening the fixing screw 3, the screw component 2 moves along the main-body groove side portion 4h to the side of the main body flange 4d, and moves upward along the guide surface of the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c, while raising the fixing component 1. In this way, the fixing screw 3 coupled with the screw component 2 also moves upward.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment part in a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet 7. The fixing screw 3 is moved to the edge surface of the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7 by the screw component 2 lifted on the apex of the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c. Therefore, a screw portion of the fixing screw 3 presses the window glass packing 8 from the inside to outside, thereby fixing the window glass sheet 7.

[0030] FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a state where the ventilation fan is fixed to the window glass sheet 7. A pressing component 11 having a sprig shape and having a slant surface to press an exterior surface of the window glass packing 8 is disposed on a lower portion of the main body cylinder 4g, thereby pressing the window glass packing 8 that prevents entry of rainwater, so as not to leave any gap between the main body flange 4d and the window glass packing 8.
[0031] FIG. 16 is an illustration showing an insertion state of the pressing component 11 and the window glass sheet 7. When the window glass sheet 7 reaches the bending portion of the fixing component 1 situated at the upper portion, there is not any gap left between the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7 and the main body cylinder 4g, but the pressing component 11 formed as a spring can be deformed according to the size of the gap, and therefore inserted in the circular hole. Furthermore, the pressing component 11 formed as a spring is provided at the lower portion of the main body cylinder 4g as described above, thereby reliably fixing the ventilation fan. Furthermore, a distal end of the pressing component 11 is formed into an L-shape. Therefore, even when the thickness of the window glass sheet 7 changes to some degree, it is possible to fix the ventilation fan without leaving any gap between the window glass packing 8 and the main body flange 4d because of the L-shape at the distal end of the pressing component 11 and its spring elasticity.

[0032] FIG. 17 depicts a configuration of a conventional ventilation fan for comparison. FIG. 18 depicts a configuration of a fixing component of the conventional ventilation fan. FIG. 19 depicts a fixing part on an upper portion of the conventional ventilation fan. FIG. 2 0 depicts a fixing part on a lower portion of the conventional ventilation fan. As shown in FIG. 18, in the conventional ventilation fan, a fixing component 21 does not have any support point, and therefore a start position for the fixing component 21 to come down is not constant, as shown in FIG. 19. Accordingly, if the fixing component 21 leans on a screw component 22, then a distal end of the fixing component 21 comes in contact with an edge of a circular hole of a window glass sheet 27. Consequently, the fixing component 21 does not pass through the window glass sheet 27, and thus can not fix the window glass sheet 27 between the fixing component 21 and a main body flange 24d. As shown in FIG. 20, because on the lower side of the ventilation fan, a fixing-screw insertion portion of the main body 4 is an elongated hole, when a fixing screw 23 isloosened, a screw component 22 and the fixing screw 23 drop to the bottom of the hole due to their own weights. Therefore, when a product is inserted, the screw component 22 and the fixing screw 23 come in contact with an edge of a circular hole of the window glass sheet 27, and accordingly interfere with the insertion of the product.

[0033] On the other hand, in the ventilation fan according to the present embodiment, the fixing-component convex portions la that serve as a rotational axis are provided in the fixing component 1. Accordingly, when the fixing screw 3 is loosened, the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb can be reliably hidden inside the main body groove 4a. Therefore, when the main body cylinder 4g is inserted into the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7, the fixing component 1 does not interfere with the insertion, thereby providing better workability. Furthermore, a lower portion of the ventilation fan does not have a fixing structure using a fixing screw and a screw component. Therefore, when the main body cylinder 4g is inserted into the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7, the screw component does not interfere with the insertion, thereby providing better workability.

[0034] As described above, the ventilation fan according to the present embodiment includes the fixing-component convex portions la, the groove dead-end portions 4b, and the groove triangular-shaped convex portions 4c. The fixing-component convex portion la is provided at each end of the fixing-component base portion Id, which is located on the lower side at the time of installing the fixing component 1. The groove dead-end portion 4b is provided on an end of the main body groove 4a, which is engaged with the fixing-component convex portion la. The groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c that forms a space for which the fixing component 1 can rotate is provided before an end surface of the main body groove 4a. With this configuration, the fixing component 1 can rotate about the fixing component convex portions la as a rotational axis, and accordingly the fixing component 1 is inclined at a predetermined angle in cooperation with the feeding of the fixing screw 3. Furthermore, it is possible to insert the fixing component 1 from a gap between the groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c and the main body groove 4a into the groove dead-end portion 4b. By forming such a structure, a rotational axis can be provided in the fixing component 1 without increasing the number of components.

[0035] The fixing-component distal-end portion lb of the fixing component 1 is made heavier than the fixing-component base portion Id thereof, and thereby the fixing component 1 easily comes down to the side of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb in a state where the fixing screw 3 is loosened, so that the end of the fixing-component distal-end portion lb is hidden in the main body groove 4a. With this configuration, an edge of a circular hole of the window glass sheet 7 is guided along a bend of the fixing component 1 at the time of installing a product. Therefore, the main body cylinder 4g can be smoothly inserted into the circular hole.

[0036] The screw component 2 moves with being guided by the screw feeding and the main-body groove side portion 4h. The groove triangular-shaped convex portion 4c is provided in a position slightly away from the end of the main body groove 4a on the side of the main body flange 4d, and therefore the screw component 2 moves upward just before tightening the window glass sheet 7. At this time, the
fixing screw 3 having been fastened to the screw component 2 also moves in the upward direction, and accordingly, the edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7 is pressed by the fixing screw 3. Therefore, a fixing force is applied not only in a direction of sandwiching the window glass sheet 7, but also in a direction of pressing and expanding the edge of the circular hole of the window glass sheet 7. Accordingly, the ventilation fan can be reliably fixed.

[0037] In the embodiment described above, a case where the ventilation fan is installed in a circular hole of a window glass sheet has been explained as an example. However, the ventilation fan according to the present embodiment is not limited to being placed on a window glass sheet, and can be placed on any plate material with an opening. Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a configuration in which a fixing component is a folded plate piece has been explained as an example. However, the fixing component may have a curved surface body. In this manner, various modifications can be made in the present invention.

Reference Signs List

[0038] 1 fixing component
1a fixing-component convex portion
1b fixing-component distal-end portion
1c fixing-component screw-insertion portion
1d fixing-component base portion
2 screw component
3 fixing screw
4 main body
4a main body groove
4b groove dead-end portion
4c groove triangular-shaped convex portion
4d main body flange
4e main-body screw-hole portion
4f fixing-component stopper
4g main body cylinder
4h main-body groove side portion
4j main-body groove-disengagement prevention guide
4k screw receiver
5 grill
6 orifice
7 window glass sheet
8 window glass packing
9 shutter
10 air blower
11 pressing component

CLAIMS

1. A ventilation fan that comprises a cylinder having an axially-extending groove on an upper portion thereof and a flange, and is fixed to a plate material by a fixing mechanism in a state where the cylinder is inserted in a hole of the plate material, wherein the fixing mechanism includes: a fixing component that has a bent plate shape having a base portion formed with a screw insertion portion and a distal-end portion, and that is placed in the groove with the base portion being located on a side of the flange and a bending portion being directed upward; a fixing screw that extends through the flange, protrudes into the groove, and extends through the screw insertion portion; and a screw component that is thread ably mounted on the fixing screw and moves in the groove to approach the flange as the fixing screw is screw-tightened, the fixing component has a convex portion protruding from an end of the base portion in a width direction, the groove is provided with a fixing-component movement regulating unit that pivotally supports the convex portion and regulates movement of the fixing component in a direction in which the fixing component gets away from the flange and in an upward direction, and when the screw component approaches the flange by screw-tightening the fixing screw, the screw component presses the fixing component so that the base portion of the fixing component gets up, and sandwiches the plate material between the flange and the fixing component by screw-tightening the fixing screw.

2. The ventilation fan according to claim 1, wherein the screw insertion portion formed on the fixing component is an elongated hole, the fixing-member movement regulating unit includes a first regulating member that is provided on a bottom surface of the groove and regulates movement of the fixing component in a direction in which the fixing component gets away from the flange, and a second regulating member that regulates movement of the fixing component in an upward direction, and
the first regulating member has a guide surface that guides the screw component approaching the flange in an upward direction.

3. The ventilation fan according to claim 2, wherein in the fixing component, the distal-end portion is heavier than the base portion.

4. The ventilation fan according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing component has an obtuse angle for the bending portion, and has a length for an end of the distal-end portion to be situated within the groove in a state before the screw component is screw-tightened by the fixing screw.