Waterproof structure and electrical appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and specifically discloses a waterproof structure and an appliance. The waterproof structure comprises a mounting plate, a button and a waterproof cover, wherein the mounting plate is provided with a mounting opening; the button is installed in the mounting opening and is used to trigger a control element; the waterproof cover is arranged between the mounting plate and the control element, and the waterproof cover comprises a guide plate, wherein a button hole for the button to pass through is provided on the guide plate; the guide plate is used to receive water flowing down from the mounting opening and guide the water to the side of the control element. The water flowing into the waterproof structure from between the button and the mounting opening is received by the guide plate, so it will not drip onto the control element. The guide plate can guide the water to the side of the control element, and the water located on the side of the control element can be stored on the guide plate and gradually evaporated, or flow out from the guide plate. Since the water is guided to the side of the control element, the water will not flow to the control element, the control element remains dry, no short circuit occurs, and the button will not fail due to water immersion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a waterproof structure and an appliance. Background Art

[0002] The buttons of washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters all have waterproof structures, which are mainly used to prevent water from entering control components such as circuit boards or computer boards to avoid short circuits in control components and cause button failure. The waterproof structure in the prior art includes a waterproof cover, one end of which abuts against the circuit board to form a housing space with the circuit board, and the electronic components on the circuit board are arranged in the above-mentioned housing space. The other end of the waterproof cover is provided with an opening, and the button enters the housing space through the opening to contact the electronic component and trigger the electronic component.

[0003] The defect of the prior art is that, when the waterproof structure is used for a long time, it is difficult to prevent water from entering the accommodating space between one end of the waterproof cover and the circuit board. The water entering the accommodating space flows into the electronic components, causing a short circuit in the circuit board and failure of the buttons. Summary of the invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof structure to divert water entering the waterproof structure from the installation port to other places, so that the water will not flow onto the control element, thereby preventing the water from wetting the control element and preventing the key from failing.

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] A waterproof structure, comprising:

[0007] The mounting plate has a mounting opening;

[0008] A button, installed in the installation opening and used to trigger the control element;

[0009] A waterproof cover is arranged between the mounting plate and the control element, the waterproof cover comprises a guide plate, and a button hole is formed on the guide plate for the button to pass through;

[0010] The guide plate is used to receive water flowing down from the installation port and guide the water to the side of the control element.

[0011] Preferably, an annular rib is provided around the button hole, and the annular rib is located on a side of the guide plate close to the mounting plate.

[0012] Preferably, the guide plate comprises a high portion and a low portion, and water flows from the side where the high portion is located to the side where the low portion is located, and flows out from the low portion.

[0013] Preferably, the surface of the guide plate close to the mounting plate is an inclined surface, and the high portion and the low portion are respectively opposite ends of the inclined surface.

[0014] Preferably, the button includes a cap body and a column connected to each other, the cap body having a groove opening toward the waterproof cover, the column being arranged in the groove and having a spacing with an inner wall of the groove, the cap body being arranged in the mounting opening, and the column being arranged in the button hole.

[0015] Preferably, the waterproof cover further comprises a water baffle plate, which is arranged in the circumference of the guide plate and has a water outlet for water to flow out.

[0016] Preferably, the waterproof structure further comprises a sealing gasket, which abuts against the mounting plate and is sleeved on the peripheral surface of the button.

[0017] Preferably, the sealing gasket comprises an annular rib and a sealing portion which are connected to each other, the annular rib is sleeved outside the key, the sealing portion is connected to the outer side wall of the annular rib, and an annular groove is formed on the sealing portion.

[0018] Preferably, a receiving groove is provided in the circumference of the button, and at least a portion of the annular rib is disposed in the receiving groove and abuts against the groove wall of the receiving groove.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical appliance to improve its stability.

[0020] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0021] An electrical appliance comprises the above-mentioned waterproof structure.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the water flowing into the waterproof structure from between the button and the installation port is received by the guide plate, so it will not drip onto the control element. The guide plate has a diversion function, and can divert water to the side of the control element. The water located on the side of the control element can be stored on the guide plate and gradually evaporated, or flow out from the guide plate. Since the water is diverted to the side of the control element, the water will not flow onto the control element, the control element remains dry, no short circuit occurs, and the button will not fail due to water immersion. The waterproof structure provided by the present invention is simple and stable, and will not fail after long-term use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a waterproof structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the middle A;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a sealing gasket provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the waterproof structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention after the installation plate is removed;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a key provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a waterproof cover provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the figure:

[0031] 1. Mounting plate;

[0032] 2. button; 21. cap body; 22. column; 23. elastic plate; 231. first plate; 232. second plate;

[0033] 3. Waterproof cover; 31. Guide plate; 311. Key hole; 32. Annular rib; 33. Water retaining plate; 34. Water outlet; 35. First connecting part; 36. Second connecting part; 37. Ear plate;

[0034] 4. Control components;

[0035] 5. Sealing pad; 51. Annular rib; 52. Sealing portion; 53. Annular groove; 54. Annular protrusion;

[0036] 6. Bottom shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. It is also necessary to explain that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, rather than all.

[0038] Some directional words are defined in the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the directional words used, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside" and "outside", are used to facilitate understanding and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0041] This embodiment provides a waterproof structure for use in a washing machine, a water heater or a dishwasher. The waterproof structure can divert water entering the waterproof structure from the installation port to other places, and the water will not flow onto the control element 4, thereby preventing water from soaking the control element 4 and preventing the button 2 from failing.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the waterproof structure provided in this embodiment includes a mounting plate 1 and a button 2. The mounting plate 1 is provided with a mounting opening, and the button 2 is installed in the mounting opening and is used to trigger the control element 4 located below the button 2. Specifically, one end of the button 2 is located outside the mounting plate 1, so that the user can press the button 2, and the other end of the button 2 extends out of the mounting opening. By pressing one end of the button 2, the other end of the button 2 can be pressed against the control element 4, thereby triggering the control element 4. The control element 4 can be a computer board, and the control element 4 is a prior art, and its specific structure is not described in detail here.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the waterproof structure provided in this embodiment also includes a waterproof cover 3, which is arranged between the mounting plate 1 and the control element 4. The waterproof cover 3 includes a guide plate 31, and a button hole 311 is opened on the guide plate 31 for the button 2 to pass through. The guide plate 31 is used to receive the water flowing down from the mounting port and guide the water to the side of the control element 4. The mounting plate 1, the waterproof cover 3 and the control element 4 of the waterproof structure are arranged in sequence from top to bottom so that the water flows onto the waterproof cover 3 under the action of gravity. It can be understood that the mounting plate 1, the waterproof cover 3 and the control element 4 are arranged in sequence along other directions, which is also within the protection scope of the present invention, as long as the waterproof cover 3 can receive the water flowing down from the mounting port and guide the water to the side of the control element 4 so that the water cannot drip onto the control element 4.

[0044] Since the waterproof structure is to be installed on the housing of the appliance or other structures of the appliance, the waterproof cover 3 guides the water to the side of the control element 4, but the water is still inside the appliance. Too much water in the appliance will cause excessive humidity inside, affecting the sensitivity of the button 2 pressing the control element 4 and the performance of the control element 4 or other components in the appliance. In order to minimize the amount of water entering the waterproof structure, such as Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the waterproof structure also includes a sealing pad 5, which abuts against the mounting plate 1 and is sleeved on the circumference of the key 2. The sealing pad 5 is made of rubber or other flexible materials, and the sealing pad 5 and the key 2 are interference fit, thereby preventing water from flowing between the sealing pad 5 and the key 2.

[0045] The sealing gasket 5 serves as the first barrier of the waterproof structure, reducing the amount of water flowing into the waterproof cover 3, that is, the sealing gasket 5 can prevent water from flowing into the waterproof structure between the sealing gasket 5 and the mounting plate 1 and between the sealing gasket 5 and the button 2 as much as possible.

[0046] Specifically, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sealing pad 5 includes an annular rib 51 and a sealing portion 52 connected to each other. The annular rib 51 is sleeved outside the key 2, and the annular rib 51 and the key 2 are interference fit. The sealing portion 52 is connected to the outer side wall of the annular rib 51, and an annular groove 53 is provided on the sealing portion 52. The annular groove 53 can accommodate part of the water flow. The annular groove 53 is arranged on the sealing portion 52, and the water stored in the annular groove 53 will not flow between the annular rib 51 and the key 2, and the water will not flow between the sealing portion 52 and the mounting plate 1. Preferably, the annular groove 53 is a V-shaped groove, and the inclined groove wall of the annular groove 53 has a diversion effect.

[0047] In order to prevent water from flowing into the sealing cover from between the mounting plate 1 and the sealing gasket 5, an annular protrusion 54 is also provided on the sealing portion 52, and the annular protrusion 54 abuts against the lower surface of the mounting plate 1 to prevent water from flowing along the lower surface of the mounting plate 1. The number of the annular protrusions 54 can be one circle, two circles, or more than two circles, depending on the actual situation. The cross section of the annular protrusion 54 is preferably triangular, and the top of the annular protrusion 54 abuts against the mounting plate 1. Of course, the cross section of the annular protrusion 54 can also be other shapes such as arc, square, etc.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, a receiving groove may be provided in the circumference of the key 2, and a portion of the annular rib 51 is disposed in the receiving groove and abuts against the groove wall of the receiving groove. The receiving groove may be used to limit the movement of the sealing gasket 5 and improve the sealing performance of the sealing gasket 5. Of course, in other embodiments, the entire annular rib 51 may be located in the receiving groove.

[0049] like Figure 4-Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the portion of the key 2 disposed in the mounting opening is square, and the mounting opening, the sealing portion 52 and the annular rib 51 are all correspondingly square. In other embodiments, the portion of the key 2 disposed in the mounting opening may also be circular, and the mounting opening, the sealing portion 52 and the annular rib 51 are all correspondingly circular, which is not specifically limited here.

[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the button 2 includes a cap body 21 and a column 22 connected to each other. The cap body 21 is arranged in the installation opening, and the cap body 21 is a square structure matched with the installation opening. The column 22 is arranged in the button hole 311, and is used to trigger the control element 4. The column 22 is preferably a cylinder, and of course the column 22 can also be a polygonal structure. The cap body 21 has a groove with an opening toward the waterproof cover 3, and the column 22 is arranged in the groove and has a spacing with the inner side wall of the groove. The button 2 of this structure can prevent water from dripping from the button hole 311 on the guide plate 31 along the circumference of the button 2 to the control element 4.

[0051] Specifically, water flows downward along the outer circumference of the cap body 21 to the lower end of the cap body 21, and the water will not flow upward along the inner wall of the groove under the action of gravity, so the water will not flow onto the column 22, thereby preventing the water from being located in the button hole 311. If the inner wall of the groove fits the column 22, the water will continue to flow along the column 22 after flowing to the lower end of the cap body 21, and then the water will drip from the button hole 311 onto the control element 4.

[0052] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in order to make the cap body 21 of the button 2 move downward to trigger the control element 4 when it is pressed, and the cap body 21 and the column 22 can return to their original positions after the pressure on the cap body 21 is released, the button 2 also includes two elastic plates 23. The two elastic plates 23 each include a first plate 231 and a second plate 232, the first plate 231 and the second plate 232 are connected to form an L-shaped structure, one end of the first plate 231 is connected to the cap body 21, and the other end is connected to one end of the second plate 232, and the second plate 232 is connected to the guide plate 31. The button 2 can be integrally formed, or it can be manufactured in parts and connected by a connector.

[0053] The elastic plate 23 is preferably made of plastic or metal sheet. When the cap body 21 is pressed down, the first plate 231 bends, and the column 22 abuts against the control element 4. When the pressure is removed, the second plate 232 recovers its deformation, driving the cap body 21 and the column 22 to reset. Of course, in other embodiments, only one elastic plate 23 may be provided.

[0054] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, two sets of ear plate groups are connected to the guide plate 31, and each set of ear plate groups supports an elastic plate 23. Specifically, each set of ear plate groups includes a plurality of ear plates 37 arranged in parallel, and the second plate 232 is placed on the ear plates 37. The ear plates 37 can make the first plate 231 have a spacing with the guide plate 31, thereby providing a deformation space for the first plate 231, and can also support the key 2.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, when the sealing gasket 5 cannot completely prevent water from flowing into the waterproof structure, water enters the waterproof structure from the outer peripheral surface of the cap body 21 or the lower surface of the mounting plate 1, the water flowing into the waterproof structure will directly drip onto the waterproof cover 3. The waterproof cover 3 serves as the second barrier of the waterproof structure and can divert the water to the side of the control element 4 so that the control element 4 can still remain dry.

[0056] In order to enable the guide plate 31 to receive water flowing down from between the installation openings, the size of the button hole 311 is smaller than the size of the installation opening and is located directly below the installation opening, so that water can drip directly onto the guide plate 31.

[0057] When there is a lot of water on the guide plate 31, in order to prevent water from flowing out of the button hole 311 opened on the guide plate 31, an annular rib 32 is provided around the button hole 311, and the annular rib 32 is located on the side of the guide plate 31 close to the mounting plate 1. Furthermore, the spacing between the column 22 and the inner side wall of the groove forms an accommodating space, and the annular rib 32 is located in the accommodating space, so that water dripping from the cap body 21 onto the guide plate 31 will not flow into the space surrounded by the annular rib 32. In this embodiment, the button hole 311 is a circular hole, and the annular rib 32 is a circular ring structure. It can be understood that the button hole 311 and the annular rib 32 are in other shapes and are also within the protection scope of the present invention. The annular rib 32 and the guide plate 31 are preferably integrally formed to prevent water from flowing out between the annular rib 32 and the guide plate 31. The waterproof cover 3 can be made of plastic and injection molded, or made of metal and cast. Of course, the annular rib 32 and the guide plate 31 can also be manufactured separately and then connected by bonding, welding, fusion or the like.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, in order to make the guide plate 31 have a guiding effect, the guide plate 31 includes a high part and a low part, and water flows from the side where the high part is located to the side where the low part is located, and flows out from the low part. Preferably, the surface of the guide plate 31 close to the mounting plate 1 is an inclined surface, and the high part and the low part are the opposite ends of the inclined surface. The water on the guide plate 31 flows in the same direction, all flowing from the higher end of the inclined surface to the lower end, and flows out from the lower end of the inclined surface. Preferably, the guide plate 31 is tilted so that the surface of the guide plate 31 close to the mounting plate 1 is an inclined surface. Of course, in other embodiments, the thickness of the guide plate 31 can also gradually change from thick to thin, so that the surface of the guide plate 31 close to the mounting plate 1 is an inclined surface.

[0059] Of course, in other embodiments, the guide plate 31 may be an umbrella-shaped structure, the position of the guide plate 31 around the button hole 311 is the high part, the edge of the guide plate 31 is the low part, and the height of the upper surface of the guide plate 31 gradually decreases from the button hole 311 to the edge, and water flows around the button hole 311. However, when using a waterproof cover 3 of this structure, the size of the guide plate 31 needs to be larger than the size of the control element 4, so that the edges of the guide plate 31 can all be located on the side of the control element 4. Since the size of the control element 4 is relatively large, the waterproof cover 3 of this structure also needs to be larger, but since the size of the button 2 is relatively small, this larger size of the waterproof cover 3 increases the cost. Therefore, it is preferred to provide a guide plate 31 with the above-mentioned inclined surface. At this time, it is sufficient to ensure that the lower end of the inclined surface is located above the side of the control element 4.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown, the waterproof cover 3 also includes a water baffle 33, which is arranged in the circumference of the guide plate 31, and a water outlet 34 for water to flow out is provided on the water baffle 33. Specifically, the water outlet 34 is located at the lower end of the inclined surface. The water baffle 33 can prevent water from flowing out of the guide plate 31 from a position other than the water outlet 34, and further prevent water from dripping onto the control element 4. In the present embodiment, the guide plate 31 is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and the water baffles 33 are arranged on three sides of the guide plate 31, and one side is a water outlet 34. Of course, in other embodiments, the guide plate 31 can also be a disc, and the water baffle 33 is a circular ring with an opening in the circumference. It can be understood that guide plates 31 of other shapes are also within the protection scope of the present embodiment.

[0061] Continue as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the waterproof structure further includes a bottom shell 6, which can abut against the lower surface of the mounting plate 1 and enclose the mounting plate 1 to form a receiving cavity, in which the sealing gasket 5, the waterproof cover 3 and the control element 4 are all located. A avoidance opening is provided on the side wall of the bottom shell 6, and the lower end of the guide plate 31 extends out of the receiving cavity through the avoidance opening, so that the water outlet 34 of the waterproof cover 3 is located outside the receiving cavity. The water entering the waterproof structure through the mounting opening is guided to the outside of the receiving cavity by the guide plate 31, so as to prevent the water from splashing onto the control element 4 and facilitate keeping the air in the receiving cavity dry.

[0062] Continue as Figure 7 As shown, in order to improve the stability of the waterproof cover 3, the waterproof cover 3 also includes at least two connecting parts, the connecting parts are provided with connecting holes, and the connecting parts are connected to the mounting plate 1 or the bottom shell 6 through the connecting holes. The waterproof cover 3 in this embodiment is provided with a first connecting part 35 and a second connecting part 36, and the two connecting parts are arranged diagonally to improve the connection stability of the waterproof cover 3. Furthermore, the first connecting part 35 is connected to the lower end of the guide plate 31, and extends out of the accommodating cavity to be connected to the mounting plate 1. The second connecting part 36 is located in the accommodating cavity and is also connected to the mounting plate 1. A water retaining plate 33 is also provided in the axial direction of the second connecting part 36 to prevent water from flowing out of the connecting hole of the second connecting part 36.

[0063] The present embodiment also provides an electrical appliance, which includes the above-mentioned waterproof structure. The electrical appliance can be controlled by pressing the button 2 of the waterproof structure. The electrical appliance can be a washing machine, a water heater or a dishwasher, etc. The electrical appliance provided by the present embodiment has a good waterproof effect, and water will not flow onto the electronic control components, thereby avoiding short circuits in the electronic control components and failure of the button 2, thereby improving the stability of the electrical appliance.

[0064] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure, characterized in that: include: A mounting plate (1) having a mounting opening; A button (2) is installed in the installation opening and is used to trigger the control element (4); A waterproof cover (3) is arranged between the mounting plate (1) and the control element (4), the waterproof cover (3) comprising a guide plate (31), the guide plate (31) being provided with a button hole (311) for allowing the button (2) to pass through; The guide plate (31) is used to receive water flowing down from the installation opening and guide the water to the side of the control element (4); An annular rib (32) is provided in the circumference of the button hole (311), and the annular rib (32) is located on a side of the guide plate (31) close to the mounting plate (1); The waterproof structure further comprises a sealing pad (5), wherein the sealing pad (5) abuts against the mounting plate (1) and is sleeved on the peripheral surface of the key (2).

2. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide plate (31) comprises a high portion and a low portion, and water flows from the side where the high portion is located to the side where the low portion is located, and flows out from the low portion.

3. The waterproof structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the guide plate (31) close to the mounting plate (1) is an inclined surface, and the high portion and the low portion are respectively opposite ends of the inclined surface.

4. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The button (2) comprises a cap body (21) and a column (22) connected to each other, the cap body (21) having a groove opening toward the waterproof cover (3), the column (22) being arranged in the groove and having a spacing with an inner side wall of the groove, the cap body (21) being arranged in the installation opening, and the column (22) being arranged in the button hole (311).

5. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof cover (3) further comprises a water baffle (33), wherein the water baffle (33) is arranged in the circumferential direction of the guide plate (31), and a water outlet (34) for water to flow out is provided on the water baffle (33).

6. The waterproof structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing pad (5) comprises an annular rib (51) and a sealing portion (52) which are connected to each other. The annular rib (51) is sleeved outside the key (2). The sealing portion (52) is connected to the outer side wall of the annular rib (51). An annular groove (53) is formed on the sealing portion (52).

7. The waterproof structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The button (2) is provided with an accommodating groove in the circumference thereof, and at least a portion of the annular rib (51) is arranged in the accommodating groove and abuts against the groove wall of the accommodating groove.

8. An electrical appliance, characterized in that: The waterproof structure comprises the waterproof structure described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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