Switch device and charging port unit equipped with switch device

Abstract

To provide a switch device capable of enhancing the space efficiency and assembly performance of a switch and a lighting device, etc. while maintaining the respective functions of the switch and the lighting device, etc., and provide a charging port unit having the switch device.SOLUTION: A switch device includes an operation knob 30 which has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 32 penetrating through a mount hole 25 of a panel 20, and an operating portion 31 for blocking an outer end portion of the panel 20 in the peripheral wall portion 32, and is movable back and forth between an advanced position and a retreated position, a part of the peripheral wall portion 32 on the operating portion 31 side being exposed from the mount hole 25 to the outside at least at the retreated position, a holder 40 for holding the operation knob 30 so that the operation knob is movable forward and backward, a switch unit which is arranged in the holder 40 so as to face the operating portion 31 and is operated by the operation knob 30 advanced from the retreated position to the advanced position, and a lighting unit 33a which is provided at a portion of the peripheral wall portion 32 that is exposed from the mount hole 25 when located at the retreated position, and emits light from a first light source in a direction intersecting an advancing and retreating direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device and a charging port unit including the switch device. [Background technology]

[0002] The charging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has electrical components such as a switch that detects whether the lid is open or closed, an illumination light, and a charging indicator individually arranged within the charging port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-064504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The charging device of Patent Document 1 requires labels for the switch, illumination light, and charging indicator, which are individually arranged, as well as space for arranging each of them.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a switch device and a charging port unit equipped with a switch device that can improve space efficiency and assembly ease of the switch, lighting, etc. while maintaining the functions of each of the switch, lighting, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a switch device comprising: an operating knob having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that passes through a mounting hole in a panel; an operating portion that closes the outer end of the peripheral wall portion relative to the panel, the operating knob being movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, with a portion of the peripheral wall portion on the operating portion side exposed to the outside from the mounting hole at least when in the retracted position; a holder that holds the operating knob so that it can be advanced and retracted; a switch portion that is disposed within the holder opposite the operating portion and is operated by the operating knob advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position; and an illumination portion that is provided in the portion that is exposed from the mounting hole in the peripheral wall portion when in the retracted position and that irradiates light from a first light source in a direction intersecting the advancing and retracting direction.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a charging port unit including: an attachment panel that is disposed on an interior side of a receptacle in a vehicle body panel and that has an attachment hole formed therein so as to be positioned within the receptacle; a charging inlet disposed on the attachment panel; and a switch device that is attached to the attachment hole of the mounting panel, wherein the switch device has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that passes through the attachment hole of the mounting panel and an operation portion that closes an end of the peripheral wall portion that is on the outer side of the mounting panel, the operation knob being movable between an advanced position and a retracted position and wherein a portion of the peripheral wall portion that is on the side of the operation portion is exposed to the outside from the attachment hole when at least the retracted position is provided; a holder that holds the operation knob in an advanceable and retractable manner; a switch portion that is disposed within the holder to face the operation portion and is operated by the operation knob that is advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position; and an illumination portion that is provided in a portion that is exposed from the attachment hole in the peripheral wall portion when the switch device is in the retracted position and that irradiates light from a first light source toward the charging inlet.

[0008] According to the present invention, the lighting unit is provided in a portion that is exposed through the mounting hole in the peripheral wall when the switch device is in the retracted position, so the switch unit and the lighting unit can be integrated into a single unit while maintaining the functions of both the switch and the lighting. This improves space efficiency and ease of assembly compared to when the switch unit and the lighting unit are provided separately. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a switch device and a charging port unit equipped with a switch device, it is possible to improve the space efficiency and assembly ease of the switch, lighting, etc. while maintaining the respective functions of the switch, lighting, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of a charging port unit including a switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a charging port unit equipped with a switch device. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting panel around the mounting hole when viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear view of the mounting panel around the mounting hole when viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the periphery of the switch device in FIG. 2 when not in operation. [Figure 7B] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the periphery of the switch device in FIG. 2 during operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a charging port unit 2 including a switch device 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Referring to Figure 1, charging port unit 2 includes charging inlet 15 to which a charging plug (not shown) is connected, and is attached to a side panel 1 of the electric vehicle. Charging inlet 15 is a receiving unit for replenishing electricity to a battery (not shown) that stores electricity for driving the electric vehicle. Instead of being attached to side panel 1, charging port unit 2 may be attached to the front of the vehicle, such as near the hood, or to the rear of the vehicle, such as near the back door.

[0014] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction is the length direction of the vehicle body, the Y direction is the width direction of the vehicle body, and the Z direction is the height direction of the vehicle body. In each drawing, the direction indicated by the X arrow is the front side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the rear side. The direction indicated by the Y arrow is the inside of the vehicle (inner side), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outside of the vehicle (outer side). The direction indicated by the Z arrow is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the charging port unit 2 is provided on the side panel 1, the forward / backward direction when operating the switch device 5 coincides with the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0015] 6 , switch device 5 includes one switch 51, first light source 52, and second light source 53, and can detect user operations, display predetermined characters or figures, illuminate charging inlet 15, and indicate the charging state. In other words, switch device 5 of this embodiment is configured such that one switch 51 and two types of light sources 52 and 53 are unitized and assembled into charging port unit 2.

[0016] First, charging port unit 2 in which switch device 5 is disposed will be specifically described.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, an opening 11 serving as a receptacle is provided in a side panel 1 to which a charging port unit 2 is attached. In this embodiment, the shape of opening 11 is generally elliptical when viewed from the vehicle width direction, but this can be changed as needed.

[0018] 1, charging port unit 2 includes mounting panel 20 attached to side panel 1, a lid (not shown) that releasably closes opening 11, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that opens and closes the lid. When switch 51 is pressed, a control unit (not shown) provided in charging port unit 2 outputs a signal to the drive mechanism, causing the lid to open and close automatically.

[0019] 2, mounting panel 20 is made of resin (for example, polypropylene) and includes mounting panel main body 21 that closes opening 11 and support portion 22 that pivotally supports the lid. Mounting panel main body 21 is provided with mounting portion 23 in which charging inlet 15 is disposed. Mounting panel main body 21 is provided with mounting hole 25 that is positioned within opening 11.

[0020] Mounting portion 23 has an annular frame wall 23a that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, and a mounting opening 23b is formed at the inner end of frame wall 23a in the vehicle width direction. Charging inlet 15 is disposed in mounting opening 23b from the inside in the vehicle width direction. Connection portion 15a of charging inlet 15 is located within opening 11 and is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through opening 11 when the lid is open.

[0021] 1, an insertion hole 24 through which an arm (not shown) provided on the lid is inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat is provided between the support portion 22 and the mounting portion 23. A seal member (not shown) that seals the gap between the lid and the mounting panel main body 21 in the closed position is attached to the mounting panel main body 21.

[0022] The mounting hole 25 is provided to expose the switch device 5 to the outside of the vehicle through the opening 11 when the lid is open. The mounting hole 25 is a generally rectangular hole provided in the mounting panel 20 so as to be positioned within the opening 11. The mounting hole 25 is located radially outward from the charging inlet 15.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the portion of the mounting panel 20 where the switch device 5 is mounted will be specifically described.

[0024] 1 and 2, the mounting panel 20 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane defined by the up-down and front-rear directions. The frame wall 23a is formed in an annular shape that extends in a width direction that intersects with the mounting panel main body 21. The mounting panel main body 21 has a first recess 21a and a second recess 21b.

[0025] The first recess 21a is recessed annularly on the widthwise inward side of the mounting panel main body 21, and is defined by a first bottom 21f and a first sidewall 21g. The first bottom 21f is a flat surface and constitutes the first panel portion. The first sidewall 21g rises outward in the widthwise direction from the radially outer end of the first bottom 21f. The front-to-rear dimension of the first recess 21a is set so that the upper side is wider than the lower side. More specifically, the upper right side of the first recess 21a in FIG. 1, i.e., the upper side in the vehicle height direction, bulges outward toward the rear.

[0026] The second recess 21b is formed by recessing a portion of the circumferential direction of the first recess 21a inward in the width direction. The second recess 21b is formed by lowering the first recess 21a by one step inward in the width direction. The second recess 21b is defined by a second bottom 21h and a second side wall 21c. The second bottom 21h is a flat surface and forms a second panel portion. The second recess 21b is provided in a position above and on the front side of the vehicle body of the first recess 21a. The second recess 21b is located on the outside near the charging inlet 15.

[0027] A second side wall 21c is formed by a step between first bottom 21f and second bottom 21h. Second side wall 21c faces charging inlet 15 (the inner side of mounting panel 20). The vehicle width direction dimension of second side wall 21c is set to be larger than the vehicle width direction dimension of lighting unit 33a (described later) (see FIG. 8).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting hole 25 is provided on the rear side of the mounting portion 23. The mounting hole 25 has a first hole 25a formed in the first recess 21a and a second hole 25b formed in the second side wall 21c. The first hole 25a penetrates the first bottom 21f of the first recess 21a in the width direction, and the second hole 25b penetrates the second side wall 21c in the front-rear direction. The front end of the first hole 25a and the outer end of the second hole 25b in the vehicle width direction are spatially connected. The first hole 25a opens outward in the vehicle width direction, and the second hole 25b opens toward the charging inlet. The second hole 25b forms an opening on the charging inlet side.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the mounting panel 20 is provided with a panel peripheral wall portion 26 surrounding the mounting hole 25. The panel peripheral wall portion 26 extends further inward in the vehicle width direction from an inner end surface 21d of the first bottom portion 21f on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. The panel peripheral wall portion 26 has a front wall portion 26a, a rear wall portion 26b, an upper wall portion 26c, and a lower wall portion 26d provided on the front, rear, upper, and lower sides of the mounting hole 25. The front wall portion 26a is formed by the second bottom portion 21h. An inner end surface 26e of the panel peripheral wall portion 26 is integrally formed with the inner end surface 21e of the second bottom portion 21h. The inner end surface 26e of the panel peripheral wall portion 26 functions as a panel seal surface to which a seal member 80 (described later) of the switch device 5 is pressed.

[0030] 3 and 4, the mounting panel 20 is provided with a plate-shaped mounting frame 27 that extends further inward in the vehicle width direction from its inner surface in the vehicle width direction. The mounting frame 27 has an upper plate 27a, a lower plate 27b, and a rear plate 27c that surround the upper, lower, and rear sides of the panel peripheral wall portion 26. The mounting frame 27 is formed in a U-shape with the front side of the panel peripheral wall portion 26 open. The mounting frame 27 surrounds the panel peripheral wall portion 26.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the upper plate 27a and the lower plate 27b are provided with a plurality of bosses 27d, 27e, and 27f for attaching the switch device 5. The upper plate 27a, the lower plate 27b, and the rear plate 27c are provided to connect the plurality of bosses 27d, 27e, and 27f. As shown in Fig. 5, an inner end 27g of the mounting frame 27 extends further inward in the vehicle width direction than an inner end surface 26e of the panel peripheral wall portion 26.

[0032] Next, the switch device 5 will be described in detail.

[0033] 2, the switch device 5 is attached to the mounting panel 20 from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. At least a part of the switch device 5 is arranged so as to be exposed from the mounting hole 25 of the mounting panel 20.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 6, the switch device 5 includes an operation knob 30, a holder 40, a circuit board 50, a light guiding lens 60, a cover 70, and a sealing member 80. A switch 51, a first light source 52, and a second light source 53 are arranged on the circuit board 50. As shown in Fig. 7A, the switch device 5 is attached to the inner side of the mounting panel 20 in the vehicle width direction so as to cover the mounting hole 25.

[0035] 7A and 7B, the operation knob 30 is attached to the mounting panel 20 via a holder 40, and is configured to be movable between an advanced position and a retracted position relative to the mounting hole 25. The advanced position refers to an operating position in which the operation knob 30 is pressed inward in the width direction relative to the mounting hole 25 of the mounting panel 20, as shown in Fig. 7B. The retracted position refers to a non-operating position in which the operation knob 30 is not pressed, as shown in Fig. 7A.

[0036] The operation knob 30 has a cylindrical knob peripheral wall portion (peripheral wall portion) 32 extending in the forward / backward direction, and an end wall portion (operating portion) 31 closing the outer end of the knob peripheral wall portion 32, and is held so as to be able to advance and retreat relative to the holder 40. When the operation knob 30 is in the retracted position, a part of the knob peripheral wall portion 32 on the side of the end wall portion 31 is exposed to the outside through the mounting hole 25. The knob peripheral wall portion 32 passes through the mounting hole 25.

[0037] 6, the end wall 31 includes a first light-transmitting portion 31a that can transmit light from a first light source 52 provided in the holder 40, and a second light-transmitting portion 31b that can transmit light from a second light source 53 provided in the holder 40. The operation knob 30 includes an illumination portion 33a that is provided in a portion of the knob peripheral wall 32 that is exposed from the mounting hole 25 and that irradiates light from the first light source 52 in a direction intersecting the forward / backward direction. A seal member 80 is provided integrally with the operation knob 30. The seal member 80 will be described in detail later.

[0038] 6 and 8, the holder 40 is attached to the mounting panel 20 from the inside in the vehicle width direction. A light guide lens 60 is housed on the outside of the holder 40 in the vehicle width direction, and a circuit board 50 is housed on the inside of the holder 40 in the vehicle width direction. A switch 51, a first light source 52, and a second light source 53 are arranged on the circuit board 50. The light guide lens 60 includes a first light guide lens 61 and a second light guide lens 62.

[0039] The holder 40 has a first lens housing portion 46 that houses the first light guide lens 61 and a second lens housing portion 47 that houses the second light guide lens 62 inside a holder main body 41 made up of a base portion 42 and a holder peripheral wall portion 43. The outer side of the holder 40 in the vehicle width direction is covered by an operation knob 30 and a seal member 80, and the inner side of the holder 40 in the vehicle width direction is covered by a cover 70.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the operation knob 30 and the seal member 80 close the opening of the holder 40 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] The operation knob 30, the holder 40, the circuit board 50, the light guide lens 60, the cover 70, and the seal member 80 will be described in detail below.

[0042] 7A, the operation knob 30 is made of resin (for example, polycarbonate). The operation knob 30 is disposed in the mounting hole 25 and is exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction through the opening 11 when the lid is opened. The switch device 5 is pressed by moving the operation knob 30 back and forth in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7A, the end wall portion 31 is disposed opposite the mounting panel main body 21 so as to face the first hole portion 25a of the mounting hole 25, thereby constituting the operating portion. The end wall portion 31 is formed with flat surfaces in the front-rear and up-down directions perpendicular to the forward / backward direction (the vehicle body width direction). The end wall portion 31 is large enough to cover the first hole portion 25a, and is rectangular when viewed in the vehicle body width direction (see FIG. 1). Before the switch is operated, the switch device 5 is arranged so that the widthwise outer end surface of the end wall portion 31 and the widthwise outer end surface of the first bottom portion 21f are aligned.

[0044] 7A, the knob peripheral wall portion 32 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the outer periphery of the end wall portion 31. The knob peripheral wall portion 32 includes a front side surface portion 33, a rear side surface portion 34, a lower side surface portion 35, and an upper side surface portion 21c. The front side surface portion 33 is a side surface portion that is arranged along the second side wall portion 21c so as to face the second hole portion 25b of the mounting hole 25. The front side surface portion 33 has a size that allows it to close the second hole portion 25b and has a curved surface that extends along the second side wall portion 21c. The front side surface portion 33 is provided so as to be flush with the second side wall portion 21c, and therefore faces the charging inlet 15 side (the inner side of the mounting panel 20). The front side surface portion 33 is provided with a side translucent portion 33a that constitutes an illumination portion.

[0045] 7A, the side light-transmitting portion 33a is made of a light-transmitting resin material. The side light-transmitting portion 33a has a rectangular shape that is smaller than the front side surface portion 33 when viewed in the front-rear direction. The side light-transmitting portion 33a is exposed from the second hole portion 25b. As shown in FIG. 8, the side light-transmitting portion 33a is fitted into a through-hole 33c that penetrates the front side surface portion 33 in the front-rear direction (penetrating the inside and outside of the outer peripheral wall).

[0046] The side light-transmitting portion 33a is disposed on the front side surface portion 33 so that at least a portion of the side light-transmitting portion 33a is positioned outward in the width direction from the second bottom portion 21h, even when the switch device 5 is pressed and the operation knob 30 slides inward in the width direction relative to the mounting panel 20. In other words, even when the operation knob 30 is pressed inward in the width direction, the side light-transmitting portion 33a is disposed in a position where it remains exposed toward the charging inlet 15.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7A, the first light-transmitting portion 31a and the second light-transmitting portion 31b are provided on the end wall portion 31. The first light-transmitting portion 31a and the second light-transmitting portion 31b are made of a light-transmitting resin. The first light-transmitting portion 31a is a predetermined character or graphic provided to allow the user to recognize the position of the operating knob 30 for operating the opening and closing of the lid. The second light-transmitting portion 31b is an indicator that shows the charging state of the battery.

[0048] 8, the first light-transmitting portion 31a is disposed opposite to a first light source 52 provided on the circuit board 50. The first light-transmitting portion 31a is configured to display predetermined characters, figures, etc. on the end wall portion 31 by transmitting light from the first light source 52.

[0049] 9, the second light-transmitting portion 31b is disposed opposite to the second light source 53 provided on the circuit board 50. The second light-transmitting portion 31b transmits light from the second light source 53, thereby displaying the state of charge of the battery on the end wall portion 31.

[0050] 10, the operation knob 30 has a partition wall 37 that extends from the end wall 31 inward in the vehicle width direction inside the knob peripheral wall 32 and vertically divides the inside of the knob peripheral wall 32. The partition wall 37 is provided in the center in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The partition wall 37 has a protrusion 37a that protrudes further inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end at the center in the front-rear direction.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, the protrusion 37a of the partition wall 37 is disposed opposite the switch 51 disposed in the operation hole 42c of the base portion 42 of the holder 40. When the operation knob 30 is operated inward in the width direction (advance / retract direction), the protrusion 37a enters the operation hole 42c and presses the switch 51. The protrusion 37a is disposed adjacent to the switch 51. The operation knob 30 operates the switch 51 via the protrusion 37a.

[0052] 9, a first lens housing portion 46 and a first light guide lens 61 are housed inside the knob peripheral wall portion 32 and below the partition wall 37. A second lens housing portion 47 and a second light guide lens 62 are housed inside the knob peripheral wall portion 32 and above the partition wall 37.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, a circumferential groove 38 is provided in the center of the knob peripheral wall 32 in the vehicle width direction. The circumferential groove 38 is provided more inward in the vehicle width direction than the illumination portion 33a. As shown in Fig. 8, an annular seal member 80 is attached to the circumferential groove 38 and surrounds the knob peripheral wall 32.

[0054] 8, the operation knob 30 is held relative to the holder 40 via a seal member 80 so that the inner end 32a of the knob peripheral wall 32 in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the base 42 of the holder 40 in the assembled state. When the switch device 5 is not pressed, a gap S is provided between the inner end 32a of the knob peripheral wall 32 and the base 42, and between the inner surface of the end wall 31 and the outer ends in the width direction of the first and second lens housing portions 46, 47 of the holder 40. By providing these gaps S, when the switch device 5 is pressed, the operation knob 30 is slidable (advanced and retreated) inward in the width direction relative to the holder 40.

[0055] 9 and 10, a plurality of knob-side guide portions 32b are provided on the knob peripheral wall portion 32. Each knob-side guide portion 32b protrudes inward from the knob peripheral wall portion 32 and extends in the vehicle body width direction.

[0056] 10 and 11, a first engagement hole 33b and a second engagement hole 34a penetrating in the front-rear direction are provided near the widthwise inner ends of the front side surface portion 33 and the rear side surface portion 34 that face each other in the front-rear direction of the knob peripheral wall portion 32. A third engagement hole 35a penetrating in the up-down direction is provided near the vehicle widthwise inner end of the lower side surface portion 35 that is located at the bottom of the knob peripheral wall portion 32. As shown in FIG. 11, the first to third engagement holes 33b, 34a, 35a are each formed as openings that penetrate the knob peripheral wall portion 32.

[0057] Referring to Figure 6, the holder 40 is made of resin (e.g., polycarbonate). The holder 40 has a holder main body 41, a substrate holding portion 45, a first lens housing portion 46, and a second lens housing portion 47. The holder main body 41 is cylindrical with its inner end closed and its outer end open in the vehicle body width direction. The holder main body 41 has a base portion 42 and a holder peripheral wall portion 43. An attachment piece 44 is formed on the base portion 42.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 8, the base portion 42 is disposed opposite the end wall portion 31 perpendicular to the vehicle body width direction. Referring to Fig. 10, the base portion 42 is provided with a first light guiding hole 42a, a second light guiding hole 42b, and an operation hole 42c, each of which penetrates in the vehicle body width direction. The first light guiding hole 42a is located at the bottom of the base portion 42, and the second light guiding hole 42b is located above the first light guiding hole 42a in the base portion 42.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 8, the first light guiding hole 42a communicates with the first lens housing portion 46. As shown in Fig. 11, the second light guiding hole 42b communicates with the second lens housing portion 47. As shown in Fig. 10, the operation hole 42c is provided in the center of the base portion 42 in the up-down and front-rear directions, between the first light guiding hole 42a and the second light guiding hole 42b. In this embodiment, the operation hole 42c is provided continuously with the first light guiding hole 42a.

[0060] 6, the holder peripheral wall 43 contains the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion 47, and extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface of the base portion 42 in the vehicle width direction. The holder peripheral wall 43 is formed in a generally rectangular shape, and is formed to have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the operation knob 30 when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and is larger than the operation knob 30.

[0061] 8, the holder peripheral wall portion 43 protrudes less from the base portion 42 than the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion 47, and the widthwise outer end portion 43a of the holder peripheral wall portion 43 is located widthwise more inward than the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion 47. The holder peripheral wall portion 43 is located widthwise more inward than the panel peripheral wall portion 26 of the mounting panel main body 21. The widthwise outer end portion 43a of the holder peripheral wall portion 43 is disposed opposite the inner end surface 26e of the mounting panel main body 21.

[0062] An operation knob 30 (specifically, knob peripheral wall 32) is disposed inside the holder peripheral wall 43 and outside the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion. A holder fitting portion 83 of a seal member 80 is fitted into an outer end portion 43a in the width direction of the holder peripheral wall 43. The holder fitting portion 83 presses against the holder to seal between the outer end portion 43a and the inner end surface 26e. This prevents rainwater, dust, and the like from entering the holder 40.

[0063] 9, two mounting pieces 44 are provided at the upper end of the base portion 42 and one at the lower end of the base portion 42. A hole 44a penetrating in the width direction is formed in each mounting piece 44. The holder 40 is attached to bosses 27d, 27e, and 27f provided on the mounting panel main body 21 by screws (fastening members, not shown) inserted into each hole 44a from the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0064] 10, board holding portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape that opens inward in the width direction and includes board peripheral wall portion 45a that extends inward in the width direction from the outer peripheral edge of base portion 42. The outer shape of board holding portion 45 is set larger than circuit board 50 so that circuit board 50 can be accommodated therein.

[0065] The board peripheral wall 45a is provided with a plurality of board guide portions 45b for guiding the circuit board 50. The board guide portions 45b protrude inward from the board peripheral wall 45a and extend along the width direction. The base portion 42 is provided with mounting holes 45c for fixing the circuit board 50.

[0066] 8, a circuit board 50 is housed inside the board holding portion 45. An inner end of the board holding portion 45 in the width direction is covered by a cover .

[0067] 8, the first lens housing portion 46 houses a first light guide lens 61 that guides light from the light source to the first light transmitting portion 31a and the illumination portion 33a. The first lens housing portion 46 includes a first peripheral wall portion 46a and a partition wall portion 46g.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, the first peripheral wall portion 46a has a front wall portion 46b located on the front side, a rear wall portion 46c located on the rear side, and a lower wall portion 46d located on the lower side. The first peripheral wall portion 46a is formed with a U-shaped cross section so as to surround the first light guide hole 42a in the front-rear direction and below. The first peripheral wall portion 46a has an opening portion 46e that is open at the top. The opening portion 46e is located in a position facing the partition wall 37 of the operation knob 30. The opening portion 46e is shielded by the partition wall 37. The portion covered by the first peripheral wall portion 46a and the partition wall 37 is shielded in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

[0069] 8, the first peripheral wall portion 46a extends outward in the width direction from the outer surface of the base portion 42 in the width direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the front wall portion 46b is provided with a window portion 46f at a position corresponding to the lateral light-transmitting portion 33a of the front wall portion 46b from the upper end portion. The window portion 46f is formed so that the first peripheral wall portion 46a opens forward by making the amount of outward projection of the front wall portion 46b in the width direction smaller than the rear wall portion 46c and the lower wall portion 46d.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 8, the partition 46g is provided to cover the opening on the outer side in the width direction of the first peripheral wall 46a. The partition 46g is inclined so that the front side is positioned more outward in the width direction than the rear side. The inclination of the partition 46g follows the inclination of the first light guiding lens 61, which refracts light from the first light source 52 as shown by the arrow in Fig. 8 and guides it to the illumination unit 33a.

[0071] 8, the partition wall 46g functions as a dimming unit for dimming the light from the first light source 52 that is guided to the first light transmitting portion 31a via the first light guiding lens 61. The partition wall 46g is provided with a plurality of holes 46h, 46i, and 46j that penetrate in the width direction. The holes 46h, 46i, and 46j are provided corresponding to the first light transmitting portions 31a.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the multiple hole portions 46h, 46i, and 46j include hole portion 46h provided in the partition portion 46g at a position corresponding to the arrow of the first light-transmitting portion 31a, and hole portions 46i and 46j provided at positions corresponding to a frame surrounding the arrow of the first light-transmitting portion 31a.

[0073] The partition wall 46g blocks light from the first light source 52 from being emitted outward in the width direction in a portion where the plurality of holes 46h, 46i, 46j are not provided. Therefore, since light from the first light source 52 is emitted to the first light-transmitting portion 31a through the plurality of holes 46h, 46i, 46j, the brightness of the first light-transmitting portion 31a is adjusted to a desired level by adjusting the light from the first light source 52.

[0074] 11, the second lens housing portion 47 houses a second light guide lens 62 that guides light from the second light source 53 to the second light transmitting portion 31b. The second lens housing portion 47 is formed by a second peripheral wall portion 47a that surrounds the second light guide hole 42b. The second peripheral wall portion 47a extends outward in the width direction from the outer surface of the base portion 42 in the width direction. The inner peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall portion 47a is set larger than the second light guide hole 42b.

[0075] 9, the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion 47 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The partition wall 37 of the operation knob 30 is inserted between the first lens housing portion 46 and the second lens housing portion 47.

[0076] 6 and 9, the first peripheral wall portion 46a and the second peripheral wall portion 47a are provided with concave holder-side guide portions 46k, 47b that extend in the vertical direction. The holder-side guide portions 46k, 47b are provided to complement the knob-side guide portions 32b. This guides the sliding of the operating knob 30 in the width direction relative to the holder 40 when the switch device 5 is pressed. The knob-side guide portions 32b and the holder-side guide portions 46k, 47b are formed to complement each other.

[0077] 11, the first peripheral wall portion 46a and the second peripheral wall portion 47a are provided with first to third protruding engagement portions that protrude outward from the respective peripheral walls 46a, 47a. The first engagement portion 47c is a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front wall of the second peripheral wall portion 47a and engages with the first engagement hole 33b of the operation knob 30. The second engagement portion 47d is a protrusion that protrudes rearward from the rear wall of the second peripheral wall portion 47a and engages with the second engagement hole 34a of the operation knob 30. The third engagement portion (not shown) is a protrusion that protrudes downward from the bottom wall portion 46d of the first peripheral wall portion 46a and engages with the third engagement hole 35a of the operation knob 30. The first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d provided on the holder 40 engage with the first to third engagement holes 33b, 34a, 35a, thereby engaging the operation knob 30 and the holder 40.

[0078] Each of the engagement holes 33b, 34a, and 35a is formed larger than the width dimension of each of the engagement portions 47c and 47d. In other words, when the switch device 5 is not pressed, a gap is provided between the engagement portion and the engagement hole. This allows the engagement hole and the engagement portion to slide inward in the width direction relative to the holder 40, making the operation knob 30 slidable inward in the width direction relative to the holder 40 (advance and retreat).

[0079] 11, the first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d are inclined so that the portions on the side of the peripheral wall portions 46a, 47a are positioned more outward in the width direction than the portions on the opposite side of the peripheral wall portions 46a, 47a. Thus, when the operation knob 30 engages with the holder 40 from the outside in the width direction, the inclination of the first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d causes the first to third engagement holes 33b, 34a, 35a to elastically deform so as to widen toward the opposite side of the peripheral wall portions 46a, 47a, and guide the operation knob 30 to ride over the protrusions of the first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d. After riding over the first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d, the first to third engagement holes 33b, 34a, 35a elastically return to their original position, and the first to third engagement portions 47c, 47d are positioned within the first to third engagement holes 33b, 34a, 35a, thereby engaging the operation knob 30 with the holder 40.

[0080] 6, a switch 51, a first light source 52, a second light source 53, and a connection portion 54 are arranged on the circuit board 50. The switch 51 is arranged on the surface of the circuit board 50 facing the holder 40, in the center in the vertical and longitudinal directions of the vehicle body.

[0081] The first light source 52 is disposed on the surface of the circuit board 50 facing the holder 40, at the center in the front-rear direction and below the switch 51. Referring to Fig. 8, the first light source 52 illuminates the first light-transmitting portion 31a and the illumination portion 33a. The first light source 52 is provided at a position corresponding to the inner end of the first light-guiding lens 61.

[0082] The second light source 53 is disposed on the surface of the circuit board 50 facing the holder 40, in the center in the front-rear direction and above the switch 51. Referring to Fig. 11, the second light source 53 illuminates the second light-transmitting portion 31b. The second light source 53 has three light sources, each configured with LEDs or the like of three different colors.

[0083] As indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 6, the connection portion 54 is arranged on the surface of the circuit board 50 opposite to the holder 40. The connection portion 54 supplies power and the like to the switch 51, the first light source 52, the second light source 53, etc. The connection portion 54 protrudes from the surface of the circuit board 50 opposite to the holder 40. A cover 70 is arranged on the side of the circuit board 50 opposite to the holder 40.

[0084] 8, the first light guiding lens 61 is accommodated in the first lens accommodating portion 46. The first light guiding lens 61 has a columnar shape extending in the width direction as a whole. The first light guiding lens 61 has a straight portion 61a and an oblique portion 61b.

[0085] The straight portion 61a has a trapezoidal shape with a front side wider than a rear side when viewed in the vehicle width direction. An inner end of the straight portion 61a in the width direction is disposed to face the first light source 52.

[0086] The oblique portion 61b extends forward from the outer end of the straight portion 61a in the width direction. The front side of the oblique portion 61b is positioned more outward in the width direction than the rear side. The inclination angle of the oblique portion 61b with respect to the straight portion 61a is set to a predetermined angle that can refract the light of the first light source 52 and guide it to the illumination unit 33a. The front end of the oblique portion 61b has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The front end of the oblique portion 61b is located at a position corresponding to the illumination unit.

[0087] 9 and 11, the second light guide lens 62 is accommodated in the second lens housing portion 47. The second light guide lens 62 has a generally square shape when viewed in the vehicle body width direction, and has a columnar shape extending in the vehicle body width direction. The cross section of the second light guide lens 62 in the width direction has approximately the same size as the second lens housing portion 47, and is set to be slightly larger than the second light guide hole 42b.

[0088] 11 , the second light guiding lens 62 is inserted into the second lens accommodating portion 47 from the outer side in the width direction of the second lens accommodating portion 47, and is disposed on the base portion 42. The inner end of the second light guiding lens 62 in the vehicle body width direction is disposed to face the second light source 53.

[0089] 6, the cover 70 closes the opening at the inner end of the substrate holding portion 45. The cover 70 has a tub shape that is open outward in the width direction. An opening 71 is provided in the cover 70 at a position facing the connection portion 54, allowing the connection portion 54 to pass through.

[0090] A plurality of recesses 55, 72 corresponding to the respective protrusions 45b (see FIG. 10) of the board holding portion 45 are provided on the outer periphery of the circuit board 50 and the cover 70. The plurality of recesses 55, 72 determine the positioning of the circuit board 50 and the cover 70 within the board holding portion 45.

[0091] Through holes 56, 73 are provided on the outer peripheries of the circuit board 50 and the cover 70 for attaching the circuit board 50 and the cover 70 to the board holding portion 45. Fastening members (not shown) that pass through the through holes 56, 73 from the inside in the width direction are attached to the mounting holes 45c of the holder 40, thereby attaching the circuit board 50 and the board holding portion 45 of the cover 70 to the holder 40.

[0092] 8, the seal member 80 is made of a flexible material (e.g., elastomer) and is molded integrally with the operation knob 30 in this embodiment. The seal member 80 is annular and surrounds the operation knob 30. The seal member 80 bulges outward beyond the first hole 25a. The seal member 80 has a knob fitting portion 81, an arm portion 82, and a holder fitting portion 83.

[0093] The knob fitting portion 81 is fitted into the circumferential groove portion 38 of the operating knob 30. The arm portion 82 extends from a position outside the widthwise center of the knob fitting portion 81 toward the circumferential outside of the seal member 80. The arm portion 82 extends to a position where it overlaps with the panel circumferential wall portion 26 of the mounting panel main body 21 in the front-rear and up-down directions. The arm portion 82 is provided generally parallel to the end wall portion 31.

[0094] The holder fitting portion 83 has a generally rectangular annular shape corresponding to the outer end portion 43a of the holder peripheral wall portion 43, and is formed at the outer circumferential end portion of the arm portion 82 with a groove shape that continues circumferentially and opens toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The outer end portion 43a of the holder 40 is fitted into the holder fitting portion 83. The holder fitting portion 83 is pressed against the outer end portion 43a of the holder peripheral wall portion 43 and the opposing inner end surface 26e of the panel peripheral wall portion 26. This prevents rainwater, dust, and the like from entering the mounting panel 20 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0095] The switch device 5 is provided with a single sealing member 80 that prevents rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the space between the operating knob 30 and the holder 40 and seals the mounting hole 25 that connects the inside and outside of the mounting panel 20 in the vehicle width direction.

[0096] When the operation knob 30 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, the knob fitting portion 81 moves inward in the vehicle width direction together with the operation knob 30. Because the holder fitting portion 83 is pressed against the holder 40 and the mounting panel 20, the inner circumferential side (the operation knob 30 side) of the arm portion 82 elastically bends inward in the width direction, causing the operation knob 30 and the protrusion 37a to move toward the switch 51. When the pressing of the operation knob 30 stops, the arm portion 82 elastically restores its original shape, causing the operation knob 30 and the protrusion 37a to move away from the switch 51.

[0097] The switch device 5 and the charging port unit 2 including the switch device 5 according to the above embodiment have the following advantages.

[0098] In the switch device 5, the illumination unit 33a is provided in a portion that is exposed from the mounting hole 25 of the knob peripheral wall 32 when the operation knob 30 is in the retracted position. This allows the switch unit 51 and the illumination unit 33a to be unitized while maintaining the functions of each of the switch 51 and the illumination unit 33a. This improves space efficiency and ease of assembly compared to when the switch unit 51, the illumination unit 33a, etc. are provided separately. Furthermore, by exposing only the operation knob 30 to the outside from the mounting hole 25, the illumination unit 33a can illuminate the charging inlet, allowing the mounting hole 25 to be smaller and improving design.

[0099] The lighting section 33a is positioned so that it remains exposed from the mounting hole 25 even when the operation knob 30 is in the advanced position, so that the function of the lighting section 33a can be maintained even when the operation knob 30 is pressed.

[0100] The switch device includes a first light-transmitting portion 31a provided on an end wall portion (operating portion) 31, an illumination portion 33a having a first light source 52 arranged opposite the first light-transmitting portion 31a, a first light-guiding lens 61 that guides light from the first light source 52 to the illumination portion 33a, and a partition portion 46g that is integrally formed with the holder and acts as a dimming portion that blocks part of the light from the first light source 52 directed toward the first light-transmitting portion 31a.

[0101] As a result, although the required brightness differs between the illumination section 33a and the first light-transmitting section 31a, by integrating the dimming section into the holder 40, it is possible to achieve a simple configuration in which one light source 52 can illuminate both the illumination section 33a and the first light-transmitting section 31a, which have different roles.

[0102] The mounting panel 20 has a first bottom 21f as a first panel portion in which an attachment hole 25 is formed, a second bottom 21h as a second panel portion, and a second hole 25b as an opening on the charging inlet 15 side formed in the second side wall portion 21c between the first bottom 21f and the second bottom 21h, and the lighting portion 33a is exposed to the charging inlet 15 side from the second hole 25b.

[0103] This reduces the amount of protrusion of the operation knob 30 from the mounting panel 20, improving the appearance.

[0104] The operating knob 30 is provided with a sealing member 80 that surrounds the knob peripheral wall portion 32 in an annular shape, and the sealing member 80 is sandwiched between the mounting panel 20 and the holder 40. Therefore, by unitizing the switch device, it is not necessary to provide a sealing portion for each of the switch, lighting portion, and light-transmitting portion, which makes it possible to more efficiently simplify the structure and improve assembly ease.

[0105] Switch device 5 of the present invention may be attached directly to a vehicle body panel (panel). Switch device 5 can also be applied to devices other than charging port unit 2 in a vehicle, and similar actions and effects can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 side panel 2 Charging port unit 5 Switching device 15 Charging inlet 20 Mounting panel 21f 1st bottom (1st panel) 21h Second bottom (second panel) 25 Mounting hole 25b 2nd hole 30 Operation knob 31 End wall portion (operating portion) 31a 1st transparent part 31b 2nd transparent part 32 Knob peripheral wall (peripheral wall) 33a Lighting section 33 Side part 37 Partition Wall 37a Protrusion 40 Holder 46 First lens housing 46g Partition part (dimmer part) 47 Second lens housing 51 Switch (switch part) 52 First Light Source 53 Second Light Source 61 First light guide lens 62 Second light guide lens 80 Seal part

Claims

1. an operation knob having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that passes through a mounting hole in a panel and an operation portion that closes an end portion of the peripheral wall portion that is outside the panel, the operation knob being movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, and a portion of the peripheral wall portion on the side of the operation portion being exposed to the outside through the mounting hole at least when in the retracted position; a holder that holds the operation knob so that the operation knob can be advanced and retreated; a switch unit that is disposed in the holder so as to face the operation unit and is operated by the operation knob that is advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position; an illumination unit that is provided in a portion of the peripheral wall that is exposed through the mounting hole when the vehicle is in the retracted position, and that illuminates an illumination target with light from a first light source in a direction intersecting the advancing / retracting direction; The panel comprises: a first panel portion; a second panel portion located closer to the advanced position than the first panel portion; a side wall portion connected to the first panel portion and the second panel portion; The mounting hole is a first hole provided in the first panel portion; a second hole portion provided in the side wall portion, connected to the first hole portion, and penetrating the side wall portion in a direction intersecting the advance / retract direction, the illumination portion is exposed from the second hole portion. A switch device comprising:

2. an operation knob having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that passes through a mounting hole in a panel and an operation portion that closes an end portion of the peripheral wall portion that is outside the panel, the operation knob being movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, and a portion of the peripheral wall portion on the side of the operation portion being exposed to the outside through the mounting hole at least when in the retracted position; a holder that holds the operation knob so that the operation knob can be advanced and retreated; a switch unit that is disposed in the holder so as to face the operation unit and is operated by the operation knob that is advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position; an illumination unit that is provided on a portion of the peripheral wall that is exposed through the mounting hole when the device is in the retracted position and that irradiates light from a first light source in a direction that intersects with the advancing / retracting direction, the operation knob has an annular seal portion that surrounds the peripheral wall portion and is sandwiched between the panel and the holder; Switch device.

3. When the operation knob is in the advanced position, a part of the peripheral wall portion on the operation portion side is exposed to the outside through the mounting hole, At least a part of the illumination unit is exposed to the outside through the mounting hole even when the operation knob is in the advanced position. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first light source is disposed in the holder so as to face the operation unit, a first light guiding lens that guides light from the first light source to the illumination unit is disposed between the first light source and the operation unit; the operation unit is provided with a first light-transmitting portion that can transmit light from the first light source, the holder is provided with a light control section that blocks a part of the light from the first light source that is directed toward the first light transmitting section; The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The switch device according to claim 4 , wherein the light control unit is formed integrally with the holder.

6. a second light source disposed in the holder so as to face the operation unit; the operation unit is provided with a second light transmitting portion that can transmit light from the second light source, a second light guiding lens that guides the light from the second light source to the second light transmitting portion is disposed between the second light source and the operation portion; The switch device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The holder is a first lens housing portion that houses the first light guide lens; a second lens housing portion that houses the second light guide lens; The switch device according to claim 6, comprising:

8. The switch device according to claim 7 , wherein the operation knob has a partition wall disposed between the first lens housing portion and the second lens housing portion.

9. The switch device according to claim 8 , wherein the partition wall has a protrusion for pressing the switch portion.

10. an attachment panel disposed on an interior side of the vehicle body panel relative to the supply port, the attachment panel having an attachment hole formed therein so as to be positioned within the supply port; a charging inlet disposed on the mounting panel; a switch device mounted in the mounting hole of the mounting panel; Equipped with The switch device an operation knob having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that penetrates the mounting hole of the mounting panel and an operation portion that closes an end portion of the peripheral wall portion that is on the outer side of the mounting panel, the operation knob being movable between an advanced position and a retracted position, and a portion of the peripheral wall portion on the operation portion side being exposed to the outside through the mounting hole at least when in the retracted position; a holder that holds the operation knob so that the operation knob can be advanced and retreated; a switch unit that is disposed in the holder so as to face the operation unit and is operated by the operation knob that is advanced from the retracted position to the advanced position; an illumination unit that is provided in a portion of the peripheral wall that is exposed through the mounting hole when the vehicle is in the retracted position and that irradiates light from a first light source toward the charging inlet; A charging port unit comprising:

11. the mounting panel has a first panel portion, a second panel portion located closer to the advanced position than the first panel portion, and a side wall portion connected to the first panel portion and the second panel portion, the charging inlet is attached to the second panel portion on an opposite side to the first panel portion, the mounting hole has a first hole portion provided in the first panel portion and a second hole portion provided in the side wall portion and connected to the first hole portion, The illumination unit is exposed to the charging inlet side through the second hole. The charging port unit of claim 10.

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