Fixing structure for electronic components

Abstract

To improve the assembly precision of electronic components. [Solution] A fixing structure for an electronic component to a support member provided on a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the electronic component has a first projection that protrudes to a first side in a first direction and a first through hole in a first direction through which a fastener passes, and the support member has a cavity that receives the electronic component with a second direction perpendicular to the first direction as the insertion direction, a first groove provided in a first wall that borders the cavity and guides the movement of the first projection along the second direction, a hole or recess provided in the first wall that connects to the first groove and into which the first projection fits, and a fastening hole in a first direction provided at a position different from the hole or recess in the first wall and into which a fastener is fastened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fixing structure for electronic components.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a switch that turns on / off according to the opening / closing operation of a design cover provided at an opening of a door.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for electronic components such as this type of switch, relatively high assembly accuracy is required, but it is difficult to improve the assembly accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, on one side, the present disclosure aims to improve the assembly accuracy of electronic components.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] On one side, a fixing structure of an electronic component with respect to a support member provided in a vehicle, The electronic component, has a first protruding portion protruding to a first side in a first direction, and has a first through hole in the first direction through which a fastener passes, The support member, has a cavity portion for receiving the electronic component with an insertion direction being a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and has a first groove portion provided in a first wall portion bounding the cavity portion and guiding movement of the first protruding portion along the second direction, A hole or recess is provided in the first wall portion, which is connected to the first groove portion and into which the first projection portion fits, A fixing structure is provided, having a fastening hole in the first wall portion at a position different from the hole or recess, and the fastener being fastened to the fastener in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one respect, this disclosure makes it possible to improve the assembly accuracy of electronic components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the vehicle door in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a vehicle door, seen from a different direction. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vehicle door. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the design cover in its individual state. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the housing. [Figure 6] Another perspective of the housing. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a switch device. [Figure 8] Another perspective view of the switch device. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view relating to the fixing structure between the housing and the switch device. [Figure 10] This is another cross-sectional view relating to the fixing structure between the housing and the switch device. [Figure 11] This is another cross-sectional view relating to the fixing structure between the housing and the switch device. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of the electrical components that will be implemented. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram of the cable routing and a perspective view of the design cover. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the relationship between the wiring and the decorative cover. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram of the cable routing and a cross-sectional view of the wiring passing through the shaft portion. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the pad. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of the design cover with the pad attached. [Figure 18] It is another perspective view of the design cover with the pad attached. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing one insertion portion. [Figure 20] It is another perspective view showing one insertion portion. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing the separated pad and the design cover. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view showing the seal structure in the peripheral wall member. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view of the peripheral wall member in a single piece state. [Figure 24] It is a cross-sectional view of the seal structure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and the shapes and the like in the drawings may be exaggerated partially for the convenience of explanation. Also, in the drawings, for the sake of clarity, only some of the portions having the same attribute existing in plurality may be provided with reference numerals.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the vehicle door 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1 and the like, orthogonal three axes (X, Y, Z axes) are shown in a right - hand coordinate system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the vehicle door 1 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from another direction. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle door 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the design cover 10 in a single piece state. The relationship between each member of a part of the vehicle door 1 shown in FIG. 1 and this right - hand coordinate system is common in each figure.

[0011] In this embodiment, the vehicle door 1 is provided with a decorative cover 10 on the door outer panel 2 (only a portion is shown). The decorative cover 10 is provided in such a manner that it covers the opening of the door outer panel 2 and is rotatable around a rotation axis I1 (see Figure 4) relative to the door outer panel 2. The rotation axis I1 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and extends in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0012] The decorative cover 10 comprises a cover body portion 11 and a shaft portion 12. The cover body portion 11 covers the opening of the door outer panel 2, and in this embodiment, as an example, has a substantially rectangular shape. The shaft portion 12 forms a rotation axis I1 and is rotatably supported by the housing 3, which will be described later.

[0013] The opening covered by the design cover 10 may be provided in another panel member, such as a garnish, fixed to the inside (indoor side) of the door outer panel 2, instead of the door outer panel 2. In this case, in the following description, "door outer panel 2" may be read as the corresponding "other panel member."

[0014] In this embodiment, the decorative cover 10 is rotatably supported by the housing 3. The housing 3 is fixed, for example, to the inside (indoor side) of the door outer panel 2. The housing 3 may be positioned above the decorative cover 10. The characteristic configuration of the housing 3 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0015] The decorative cover 10 is rotatable around the rotation axis I1 between an initial position (normal position) aligned with the surface of the door outer panel 2 and an operating position rotated inward (towards the center in the vehicle width direction) relative to the surface of the door outer panel 2. The decorative cover 10 is biased toward the initial position by a spring element 14 (see Figure 13). The user can rotate the decorative cover 10 to the operating position by pushing it with their finger (hand) against the reaction force from the spring element 14.

[0016] The vehicle door 1 is provided with a switch device 20 for detecting the rotation of the design cover 10 from its initial position to its operating position. The switch device 20 is in the form of an on / off switch and turns on from the off state when the design cover 10 rotates from its initial position to its operating position. The switch device 20 is electrically connected to a connector CT1 (see Figure 2) on the door outer panel 2 side, and is electrically connected via the connector CT1 to a control device (not shown) such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). When the switch device 20 is turned on, the control device activates a door lock actuator (not shown) to unlock the door lock device (not shown). Further details of the switch device 20 will be described later with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0017] A pad 30 is attached to the design cover 10. The design cover 10 is assembled to the housing 3 with the pad 30 attached (sub-assembly state). The pad 30 (see Figure 17, etc.) is provided so as to partially surround the cover body portion 11 of the design cover 10. Specifically, the pad 30 has a C-shape with an open bottom and surrounds the portion of the roughly rectangular outer perimeter of the design cover 10 that corresponds to three sides excluding the bottom.

[0018] The pad 30 is assembled by being inserted into the design cover 10 from above. Details of how the design cover 10 and the pad 30 are joined will be described later with reference to Figures 16 to 21.

[0019] The design cover 10 may be provided with an illumination device 90 that uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like as a light source. The illumination device 90 emits light in a manner that illuminates the design cover 10. For example, at night, if the proximity of a legitimate user (electronic key) is detected, the illumination device 90 may be turned on.

[0020] The lighting device 90 is electrically connected from the design cover 10 to the housing 3 and then to the connector CT1 (described later) on the door outer panel 2 side, and then electrically connected to the control device (not shown) via the connector CT1. Details of the wiring configuration for such electrical connections will be described later with reference to Figures 12 to 15.

[0021] The connector CT1 is fixed to the door outer panel 2 above the housing 3. In this embodiment, the door outer panel 2 is provided with a peripheral wall member 50 that protrudes inward so as to surround the connector CT1. The peripheral wall member 50 forms a seal between itself and the door inner panel 4 (see Figure 24) by having its interior-side end face face the door inner panel 4 (see Figure 24) via a sealing material 80. The peripheral wall member 50 may also be formed as part of the door outer panel 2. Details of the peripheral wall member 50 and the sealing material 80 will be described later with reference to Figures 22 to 24.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 11, further details of the housing 3 and the switch device 20 will be described.

[0023] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the housing 3 from different directions, Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the switch device 20 from different directions, and Figures 9, 10, and 11 are cross-sectional views relating to the fixing structure between the housing 3 and the switch device 20.

[0024] In this embodiment, the switch device 20 is positioned in the switch placement section 70 of the housing 3. The switch placement section 70 is a hollow section with an opening on the passenger compartment side. The switch device 20 is inserted into the switch placement section 70 from the passenger compartment side and assembled. The insertion direction of the switch device 20 (an example of a second direction) is primarily the vehicle width direction, but it may be inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction. Hereinafter, "front side in the insertion direction" refers to the passenger compartment side in the insertion direction, and "rear side in the insertion direction" refers to the outside of the vehicle.

[0025] The switch device 20 has a case body 25 with contacts 201 and leaves 202 that perform the switching function. When the leaves 202 make contact with contacts 201, an ON signal is generated. The leaves 202 are in the form of leaf springs and are normally in a state away from contacts 201. The leaves 202 make contact with contacts 201 when the design cover 10 rotates from the initial position to the operating position.

[0026] Furthermore, the switch device 20 has a pair of protrusions that project in the vertical direction (an example of a first direction). Specifically, the switch device 20 has an upper boss 251 that projects upward in the vertical direction and a lower boss 252 that projects downward in the vertical direction. The upper boss 251 and the lower boss 252 are formed at approximately the same position when viewed in the vertical direction, but they may be formed at offset positions when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the switch device 20 has a vertical through-hole 254 in the case body 25 through which a screw 8 passes. The screw 8 is a fastener for fixing (fastening) the switch device 20 to the housing 3. Note that other similar fasteners may be used instead of the screw 8. The through-hole 254 may or may not have a screw thread.

[0028] The switch arrangement section 70 is a space bounded by multiple walls, including an upper wall section 71, a lower wall section 72, a wall section 73 in the front-rear direction, and a wall section 74 on the outside of the vehicle. Note that some or all of the wall sections 73 and / or 74 may be omitted.

[0029] An upper groove 712 is formed in the upper wall portion 71, which is a groove along the insertion direction. The upper groove 712 is formed at a position corresponding to the upper boss 251 of the switch device 20. The upper groove 712 has a shape into which the upper end of the upper boss 251 fits, so that the upper boss 251 can slide in the insertion direction. For example, if the shape of the upper boss 251 is cylindrical, the width of the upper groove 712 (width in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction) may be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder. The depth of the upper groove 712 (depth relative to the base portion of the upper wall portion 71) may be significantly smaller than the height of the upper boss 251 (protrusion height relative to the periphery).

[0030] The upper wall portion 71 has a hole portion 714 on the inner side in the insertion direction of the upper groove portion 712, in a manner continuous with the upper groove portion 712. The hole portion 714 is shaped to accommodate the upper boss 251. Therefore, the depth of the hole portion 714 (depth of the upper wall portion 71 relative to the base portion) is approximately the same as the height of the upper boss 251. The shape of the hole portion 714 may be slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the upper boss 251. In this case, the upper boss 251 will be press-fitted into the hole portion 714. The hole portion 714 may be a through hole or a recess with a bottom.

[0031] The upper wall portion 71 has fastening holes 78 for the screw 8. In this embodiment, the fastening holes 78 are located further back in the insertion direction than the hole portion 714, but they may be located at other positions. Preferably, the fastening holes 78 are offset from the hole portion 714 in both the insertion direction and in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. This enhances the positioning function at two locations: the fastening holes 78 and the hole portion 714. The fastening holes 78 are located at the same position as the through-hole 254 of the switch device 20 when viewed in the vertical direction at the insertion completion position.

[0032] A lower boss guide portion 722 is formed on the lower wall portion 72, which is in the form of a groove (recess) and / or groove hole along the insertion direction. The lower boss guide portion 722 is formed at a position corresponding to the lower boss 252 of the switch device 20. The lower boss guide portion 722 has a shape into which the lower end of the lower boss 252 fits, so that the lower boss 252 can slide in the insertion direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the lower boss guide portion 722 is a groove in the section on the entrance side in the insertion direction, and becomes a groove hole partway through.

[0033] The shape of the lower boss guide portion 722 is arbitrary, but may be set according to the shape of the lower boss 252, etc. For example, if the shape of the lower boss 252 is cylindrical, the width of the lower boss guide portion 722 (width in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction) may be slightly larger than the cylindrical diameter of the lower boss 252 (see Figure 11). The depth of the lower boss guide portion 722 (depth relative to the base of the lower wall portion 72) may be significantly smaller than the height of the lower boss 252 (protrusion height relative to the periphery), or it may be equal to the height of the lower boss 252. The depth of the lower boss guide portion 722 may be set such that the distance from the groove bottom surface of the lower boss guide portion 722 to the groove bottom surface of the upper groove portion 712 is approximately equal to the distance from the boss top surface of the lower boss 252 to the boss top surface of the upper boss 251.

[0034] The lower boss guide portion 722 extends further in the insertion direction than the upper groove portion 712. Specifically, the lower boss guide portion 722 terminates at a position opposite the hole portion 714 in the vertical direction. That is, the lower boss guide portion 722 extends to approximately the same position (along the insertion direction) as the inner end of the hole portion 714 in the insertion direction.

[0035] A vertical through-hole 725 is formed in the lower wall portion 72. The through-hole 725 is vertically opposite the fastening hole 78 in the upper wall portion 71. The through-hole 725 has a shape that allows the head of the screw 8 to pass through.

[0036] Next, we will explain how to assemble the switch device 20 into the switch arrangement section 70 of the housing 3.

[0037] First, the switch device 20 is inserted into the switch mounting section 70 with the upper boss 251 fitted into the upper groove 712 and the lower boss 252 fitted into the lower boss guide section 722. This determines the insertion direction and reduces the possibility of insertion being misaligned from the correct insertion direction. As insertion progresses, the switch device reaches an insertion position in the hole 714 that is vertically opposed to the upper boss 251, and insertion is completed. At this point, the rear end face of the switch device 20 may come into contact with the outer wall 74 of the vehicle. In this case, insertion is completed when the switch device 20 hits the outer wall 74 of the vehicle, making it easy to determine the insertion completion position.

[0038] At the insertion completion position, the through-hole 254 of the switch device 20 is visible when looking upwards in the vertical direction from the through-hole 725 of the lower wall portion 72. Also at the insertion completion position, the position of the through-hole 725 of the switch placement portion 70 and the position of the fastening hole 78 of the upper wall portion 71 coincide. Therefore, the screw 8 can be fastened from the through-hole 725 of the lower wall portion 72 through the through-hole 254 of the switch device 20 to the fastening hole 78. As the screw 8 is tightened, the switch device 20 is lifted upwards (see Figures 9 to 11), and when tightening is complete, the upper boss 251 is fully fitted (or press-fitted) into the hole 714. In this way, the assembly of the switch device 20 into the switch placement portion 70 of the housing 3 is completed. In this assembled state, the switch device 20 is fixed to the housing 3 by fastening with the screw 8 and by fitting the upper boss 251 into the hole 714. As a result, the rotational freedom of the switch device 20 relative to the housing 3 is eliminated, and the position (orientation) of the switch device 20 is completely constrained. This improves the positional accuracy of the switch device 20 relative to the housing 3.

[0039] In this way, according to this embodiment, when assembling the switch device 20 into the switch arrangement section 70 of the housing 3, it is possible to improve the ease of assembly while also improving the positional accuracy of the switch device 20 relative to the housing 3.

[0040] Next, a preferred wiring configuration in this embodiment will be described.

[0041] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrical component 9 to be installed. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the wiring route and is a perspective view of the design cover 10. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the wiring 91 and the design cover 10. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the wiring route and is a cross-sectional view of the wiring 91 passing through the shaft portion 12.

[0042] In this embodiment, as described above, an electronic component, the lighting device 90, is provided on the design cover 10, which is a movable member. The lighting device 90 is provided on the back side (vehicle interior side) of the design cover 10.

[0043] Wiring from a movable member, such as the design cover 10, should preferably be implemented in a manner that does not obstruct the movement of the movable member and does not cause excessive displacement due to the movement of the movable member. In this embodiment, the wiring (harness) 91 from the lighting device 90 is routed through the shaft portion 12 of the design cover 10. Specifically, the shaft portion 12 has a hollow portion 120, through which the wiring 91 is passed. The wiring 91 extends through the shaft portion 12 in the direction of extension of the shaft portion 12 (vehicle longitudinal direction). It is then pulled out from the notch 122 of the shaft portion 12 and routed into the housing 3.

[0044] In this way, according to this embodiment, the movement of the wiring 91 can be effectively suppressed even when the decorative cover 10 rotates. That is, the wiring 91 can be routed in a manner that does not hinder the movement of the decorative cover 10 and does not cause excessive displacement due to the movement of the decorative cover 10.

[0045] Next, a preferred example of the bonding structure between the pad 30 and the design cover 10 will be described.

[0046] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pad 30, Figure 17 is a perspective view of the design cover 10 with the pad 30 attached, Figure 18 is another perspective view of the design cover 10 with the pad 30 attached, Figure 19 is a perspective view showing one insertion part 112, Figure 20 is another perspective view showing one insertion part 112, and Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the pad 30 and design cover 10 in a separated state.

[0047] In this embodiment, the pad 30 has a C-shape as described above, is assembled in such a manner that it is inserted into the design cover 10, and engages with the design cover 10.

[0048] The pad 30 includes an upper edge portion 31 positioned relative to the upper edge of the design cover 10 and leg portions 32 positioned relative to the two lateral sides of the design cover 10. Each of the leg portions 32 may be formed symmetrically, and unless otherwise specified, the leg portion 32 on one side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction will be described below. The same applies to the design cover 10, where the components for engaging with the leg portions 32 (such as the insertion portion 112) are provided in pairs and are symmetrical.

[0049] The leg portion 32 is inserted into the insertion portion 112 of the design cover 10 and engages (fits) with the insertion portion 112.

[0050] The insertion portions 112 are provided on both sides (both sides in the vehicle's front-rear direction) of the cover body portion 11 of the design cover 10. Below, one of the pair of insertion portions 112 will be described. In the following description, "outside in the vehicle's front-rear direction" refers to the side away from the center of the two insertion portions 112 in the vehicle's front-rear direction, with the center of the two insertion portions 112 as the reference point.

[0051] As shown in Figure 19, the insertion portion 112 has a first engaging portion 1121, a second engaging portion 1122, and a third engaging portion 1123.

[0052] The first engaging portion 1121 has a C-shaped cross-section that opens outward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is provided on the upper side of the cover body 11. The first engaging portion 1121 engages with the leg portion 32 so as to surround it from three C-shaped sides. For this purpose, the cross-sectional shape of the leg portion 32 in the axial range that engages with the first engaging portion 1121 substantially matches the shape of the region surrounded by the C-shaped first engaging portion 1121.

[0053] The second engaging portion 1122 has a C-shaped cross-section with an opening on the passenger compartment side and is provided on the lower side of the cover body 11. The second engaging portion 1122 is provided below the first engaging portion 1121 and is continuous with the first engaging portion 1121, but may be positioned slightly apart from the first engaging portion 1121. The second engaging portion 1122 engages with the leg portion 32 so as to surround the leg portion 32 from three C-shaped sides. For this purpose, the cross-sectional shape of the leg portion 32 in the axial range that engages with the second engaging portion 1122 substantially coincides with the shape of the region surrounded by the C-shaped second engaging portion 1122.

[0054] In this way, the insertion portion 112, through the cooperation of the first engaging portion 1121 and the second engaging portion 1122, can surround the leg portion 32 in all four directions in a cross-sectional view, thereby effectively increasing the engagement strength.

[0055] Here, the second engaging portion 1122 extends vertically in such a manner that the cross-sectional area of ​​the C-shaped section decreases as it extends downward. Correspondingly, the leg portion 32 also decreases in cross-sectional area as it extends downward. As a result, when inserting the leg portion 32 into each of the second engaging portions 1122 from above, guidance along the tapered shape is achieved, allowing the leg portion 32 to be securely inserted into the second engaging portion 1122.

[0056] The third engaging portion 1123 is provided on the outer side of the first engaging portion 1121 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The third engaging portion 1123 may be provided continuously from the passenger compartment side wall portion (the wall portion forming a C-shaped cross-section) of the first engaging portion 1121.

[0057] The third engaging portion 1123 includes a boss hole 11230 and an inclined surface forming portion 11232.

[0058] The boss hole 11230 is a hole in the vehicle width direction, into which the boss 3220 of the leg portion 32 fits. The boss 3220 is provided on the convex portion 322 on the outer side of the leg portion 32 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and protrudes inward (inward in the vehicle width direction). The convex portion 322 is in a form that is elastically deformable relative to other parts of the leg portion 32, and protrudes outward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0059] The inclined surface forming portion 11232 forms an inclined surface that slopes outward (outward in the vehicle width direction) as it goes downward. When the pad 30 is assembled to the design cover 10, the inclined surface forming portion 11232 comes into contact with the boss 3220 on the leg portion 32 side during the process until the boss 3220 fits into the boss hole 11230. Subsequently, as the boss 3220 fits into the boss hole 11230, it moves downward while pressing the inclined surface forming portion 11232 toward the vehicle interior. At this time, the convex portion 322 of the leg portion 32 elastically deforms toward the vehicle interior. That is, the convex portion 322 is gradually lifted toward the vehicle interior along the inclined surface of the inclined surface forming portion 11232. Then, when the boss 3220 fits into the boss hole 11230, the elastic deformation of the convex portion 322 returns to its original state (restoration), and the engagement between the third engaging portion 1123 and the leg portion 32 (boss 3220) is completed. Note that the engagement of the boss 3220 and the boss hole 11230 is achieved at the position where the pad 30 is completed when it is assembled to the design cover 10. This makes it easier to see the completed assembly state and improves ease of assembly.

[0060] In this way, the insertion portion 112 can restrain the vertical movement of the leg portion 32 through engagement between the boss 3220 and the boss hole 11230, and can effectively increase the engagement strength between it and the leg portion 32.

[0061] Next, a preferred sealing structure between the peripheral wall member 50 and the door inner panel 4 will be described.

[0062] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the seal structure in the peripheral wall member 50, Figure 23 is a perspective view of the peripheral wall member 50 in its individual state, and Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the seal structure.

[0063] In this embodiment, the peripheral wall member 50 has a range of different heights (dimensions in the vehicle width direction). Specifically, the peripheral wall member 50 has an upper first peripheral wall portion 51 and a lower second peripheral wall portion 52. The sealing material 80 includes a first sealing material 81 provided on the vehicle compartment side end face of the first peripheral wall portion 51 and a second sealing material 82 provided on the vehicle compartment side end face of the second peripheral wall portion 52. Hereafter, the space surrounded by the peripheral wall member 50 and the sealing material 80 (the space to be sealed) will also be referred to as the "sealed space".

[0064] The first sealing material 81 is sandwiched between the first peripheral wall portion 51 and the door inner panel 4 and undergoes elastic deformation, sealing the space between them (see Figure 24). The second sealing material 82 is sandwiched between the second peripheral wall portion 52 and the door inner panel 4 and undergoes elastic deformation, sealing the space between them (see Figure 24).

[0065] As described above, the end face of the peripheral wall member 50 on the vehicle interior side forms a sealing portion (hereinafter also referred to as the "sealing surface") to prevent water and other substances from entering the interior. The height of the sealing surface is determined under various constraints (requirements) and tends to differ at each location. In this embodiment as well, in the area where the housing 3 is provided, the height of the sealing surface must exceed the height of the housing 3 (dimension in the vehicle width direction). On the other hand, in the area above the housing 3, the height is determined by other requirements, and in this embodiment, the height of the sealing surface can be lower than the height of the housing 3.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second circumferential wall portion 52 is higher than the first circumferential wall portion 51 (its dimension in the vehicle width direction is larger). In modified examples, the opposite relationship may be observed.

[0067] In configurations where steps are formed on the sealing surface, the sealing performance tends to decrease because continuous placement of the sealing material is not possible due to the steps.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, the ends of the first circumferential wall portion 51 and the second circumferential wall portion 52 overlap. Consequently, the ends of the first sealing material 81 and the second sealing material 82 also overlap. In this case, the end of the first circumferential wall portion 51 is positioned outside (outside of the sealing space) of the end of the second circumferential wall portion 52. This significantly reduces the possibility of water or the like, which travels along the direction of gravity, entering the sealing space through the small gap between the end of the first circumferential wall portion 51 and the end of the second circumferential wall portion 52.

[0069] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above.

[0070] For example, in the embodiment described above, a fixing structure between the switch device 20 and the housing 3 is illustrated, but this embodiment can also be applied to fixing structures between other electronic components and other support members. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 3 Housing (support member), 70 Switch placement section (cavity), 71 Upper wall section (first wall section), 712 Upper groove section (first groove section), 714 Hole section (hole or recess), 72 Lower wall section (second wall section), 722 Lower boss guide section (second groove section), 725 Through hole (second through hole), 78 Fastening hole, 20 Switch device (electronic component), 251 Upper boss (first projection), 254 Through hole (first through hole), 252 Lower boss (second projection), 8 Screw (fastening section)

Claims

1. A fixing structure for electronic components to a support member provided on a vehicle, The aforementioned electronic component is A first projection that protrudes to the first side in the first direction, It has a first through-hole in the first direction through which a fastener passes, The aforementioned support member is A cavity for receiving the electronic component, with the second direction perpendicular to the first direction as the insertion direction, A first groove is provided in the first wall that defines the cavity, and guides the movement of the first protrusion along the second direction, A hole or recess is provided in the first wall portion, which is connected to the first groove portion and into which the first projection portion fits, A fixing structure having a fastening hole in the first wall portion at a position different from the hole or recess portion, and the fastener being fastened to the fastener in the first direction.

2. The aforementioned electronic component further, It has a second projection that protrudes to the second side opposite to the first side in the first direction, The aforementioned support member further, The fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the second wall portion that defines the cavity portion is provided on the second wall portion that faces the first wall portion in the first direction and has a second groove portion that guides the movement of the second protrusion portion along the second direction.

3. The aforementioned support member further, The second wall portion is provided and has a second through-hole in the first direction that overlaps with the fastening hole in the first direction, The fastening device is fastened to the fastening hole by passing through the second through hole and the first through hole in the first direction, according to claim 2.

4. The second direction is a direction that intersects the vertical direction, The fixing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic component is an on / off switch that responds to the movement of the movable member.

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