Waterproof switch device and waterproof switch module for automobile trunk door

Abstract

Disclosed are a waterproof switch device and a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door using the waterproof switch device. Without using a PCB, terminal leads and a pair of switch terminal portions providing switch terminals are integrated with a switch bracket by injection molding. A button unit is capable of switching the exposed switch terminals and is sealingly joined to the top side of the switch bracket so that the space containing the switch terminals and the switch contacts is waterproof. The switch terminals and the guide portions of the switch cable are connected in the terminal accommodating space of the switch bracket, and the waterproof portion fills the terminal accommodating space so that they are fully embedded to make it waterproof. The waterproof switch device of the present application can directly connect the switch terminals to the cable without using a PCB, thereby reducing assembly work and manufacturing costs, and has perfect waterproof performance. The waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door adopts the waterproof switch device and constitutes a double waterproof structure by applying an additional waterproof structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device, and more particularly, to a waterproof switch device without using a printed circuit board (PCB) and a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door using the waterproof switch device. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a vehicle trunk door is equipped with a trunk door switch for performing an opening and closing operation such that the trunk interior light is turned on when the trunk door is opened and the trunk interior light is turned off when the trunk door is closed.

[0003] Figure 1 This is a photograph of a commercially available conventional vehicle tailgate switch 1. In this conventional vehicle tailgate switch 1, a universal switch 3 is mounted on a PCB 2 and provided with a cable soldering portion 4. This cable soldering portion 4 can be connected to the universal switch 3 and to an external cable (not shown) that transmits the switch signal via soldering. Furthermore, an injection-molded insulating plate 5 is added to the bottom of the PCB 2, and a molded component 6 is provided to cover and seal the injection-molded insulating plate 5 for waterproofing the backside.

[0004] The conventional vehicle trunk door switch 1 having such a configuration is built into a bracket housing (not shown) and can be sealed with a waterproof function by a molded part 6. The vehicle trunk door switch 1 embedded in the bracket housing and sealed with the molded part 6 is called a bracket assembly.

[0005] The conventional vehicle trunk door switch 1 can be manufactured by several methods, for example, manufacturing a general switch and a PCB, assembling the general switch and the PCB, connecting the cable to the cable welding part by welding, assembling the bracket assembly (assembling to the front shell), preparing a molded part with epoxy resin, etc.

[0006] Thus, the conventional vehicle tailgate switch 1 is a PCB-based switch, employing a PCB 2 as its primary component. Consequently, processes such as manufacturing the PCB 2, assembling the universal switch 3 and the PCB 2, and soldering the cable soldering portion 4 connecting the PCB 2 to the external cable are essential. Consequently, disadvantages such as an increased number of assembly steps, reduced productivity, and increased costs arise primarily due to the use of the PCB 2. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. One object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof switch device designed as a compact structure, which can directly connect switch terminals to cables without using a PCB, thereby reducing assembly work and manufacturing costs, and has perfect waterproof performance.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door having a double waterproof structure, wherein the waterproof switch module adopts a waterproof switch device and applies an additional waterproof structure thereto.

[0009] Problems solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0010] A waterproof switch device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for achieving the above-mentioned objectives, includes: a switch holder, first and second switch terminal portions, first and second switch cables, a button unit, and a waterproof portion. The switch holder includes a top side and side walls, and provides a terminal accommodating space surrounded by the top side and side walls. The first and second switch terminal portions include: a first switch terminal and a second switch terminal, each of which is at least partially exposed to the outer surface of the top side of the switch holder; and a first terminal guide portion and a second terminal guide portion, each of which is at least partially exposed to the terminal accommodating space. The first remaining portion of the first switch terminal and the first terminal guide portion, and the second remaining portion of the second switch terminal and the second terminal guide portion are embedded within the switch holder to form an integral part thereof. Terminal leads of the first and second switch cables are electrically connected to the exposed portions of the first and second terminal guide portions, respectively, and are located within the terminal accommodating space, with the remaining portions of the first and second switch cables extending outside the terminal accommodating space. The button unit includes a switch contact configured to connect or disconnect the first and second switch terminals depending on whether a pressing force is applied, and the button unit is attached to the top side of the switch bracket so that a switch contact space accommodating the first and second switch terminals and the switch contacts is sealed to be waterproof. The waterproof portion fills the terminal accommodating space so that exposed portions of the first and second terminal guide portions in the terminal accommodating space and the first and second switch cables are completely embedded in the waterproof portion to be waterproof.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch bracket may be an insulating plastic manufactured by an injection molding process such that the first remaining portion and the second remaining portion of the first switch terminal part and the second switch terminal part are embedded therein.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the ends of the first and second remaining portions of the first and second switch terminal portions embedded in the switch holder may extend to the sidewalls of the switch holder and be exposed to the outside. The surfaces of the reserved sections extending to the ends of the first and second remaining portions may each have a concave-convex cutout structure to prevent moisture from penetrating along these surfaces.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the waterproof portion may be formed by filling and curing a resin in the terminal receiving space, wherein the resin includes at least one of epoxy resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the switch holder may include a terminal housing including a rod mounting unit and a terminal retainer. The rod mounting unit may provide a switch contact accommodating space, the switch contact accommodating space being surrounded on the top side by sidewalls of a certain height and having an open top. The terminal retainer may be located below the rod mounting unit and form the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space, and the first remaining portion and the second remaining portion of the first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion, respectively, may be embedded in the terminal retainer.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the button unit may include a switch contact, a sealing member, a rod and a cover. The switch contact may be arranged in the switch contact accommodating space so as to always maintain contact with the first switch terminal, and may be configured to contact the second switch terminal only when downward pressure is applied to the switch contact. The sealing member may be airtightly sealed to the top side of the rod mounting unit so that the switch contact accommodating space is completely covered and waterproof, and the sealing member may be in contact with or close to the top surface of the switch contact. The rod may be arranged on the sealing member and may be cylindrical in shape with a stepped lateral side in which the lower portion of the rod is thicker than the upper portion of the rod. The cover may be configured to engage with the sealing member and be superimposed on the sealing member so that the upper portion of the rod is inserted through the cover. The cover may prevent the lower portion of the rod from sliding out of the cover by engaging the stepped lateral side and provide space for the rod to move upward and downward.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the sealing member may include: an annular flat portion sealingly bonded to the entire top side of the rod mounting unit with a waterproof adhesive; an annular push guide protrusion protruding outward, surrounded by the flat portion and recessed downward; and a push block portion protruding downward from the center of the push guide protrusion and positioned to contact or approach the center portion of the top side of the dome-shaped switch contact to uniformly press the dome-shaped switch contact. The annular flat portion, the push guide protrusion, and the push block portion may be integrally formed.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing member may be made of any one of rubber, silicone, and polyurethane having waterproof properties.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch contact may be a dome-shaped elastic conductor having a convex central portion, such that by applying downward pressure to the central portion, the switch contact may be deformed into a shape in which the central portion is substantially flush with the edge portion in a horizontal plane, and when the downward pressure is released, the switch contact may return to its original dome shape.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch holder may further include a partition wall protruding downward from a bottom surface of the terminal fixture in the terminal accommodating space to physically separate the first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch bracket may further include cable guide portions formed side by side on the inner surface of the side wall on both sides of the partition wall and configured to accommodate the first switch cable and the second switch cable to guide the first switch cable and the second switch cable to be fixed to both sides of the partition wall.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion may be configured such that they are exposed only to the terminal accommodating space without being exposed through a side wall of the switch holder.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the button unit may include a switch contact and a waterproof cover. The switch contact may be configured to be disposed on the first and second switch terminals so as to always maintain contact with the first switch terminal and only contact the second switch terminal when downward pressure is applied. The waterproof cover is bonded to the top side of the switch bracket, covering the first and second switch terminals and the switch contact, thereby sealing a receiving space formed by the top side of the switch bracket and enclosing the first and second switch terminals and the switch contact to waterproof them.

[0023] Meanwhile, a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises: a waterproof switch device according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, a housing unit and an elastic pressing portion. The housing unit comprises an upper housing and a lower housing that are press-fitted to each other, and the upper housing and the lower housing are configured to provide a waterproof switch accommodating space containing the waterproof switch device. The central portion of the upper housing is open, and a closed-loop groove or protrusion for waterproofing is formed on the top side of the lower housing along the periphery of the accommodating space. The elastic pressing portion is combined with the upper housing to completely cover the open central portion of the upper housing. The closed-loop protrusion or groove for waterproofing formed along the circumference of the edge of the elastic pressing unit is press-fitted to the closed-loop protrusion or groove for waterproofing formed on the lower housing to prevent water from penetrating into the waterproof switch accommodating space. A portion of the bottom of the elastic pressing portion can be configured to contact the button unit of the waterproof switch device.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower housing may include a pair of switch supports, which are vertically fixed to the bottom, spaced apart from each other, and provided with locking claws at the upper portion, wherein the pair of switch supports elastically support the press-fit waterproof switch device, thereby fixing the press-fit waterproof switch device so that it is not removed.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door may further include an elastic waterproof pad, which is arranged between a pair of switch supports on the bottom of the lower shell, and the waterproof switch device is placed on the elastic waterproof pad, thereby improving the waterproofness of the lower side of the waterproof switch device.

[0026] Because the switch terminal portion providing the switch terminals and the terminal leads for cable connection are integrated with the switch bracket, the waterproof switch device according to the present invention does not require a printed circuit board (PCB). Consequently, the PCB manufacturing process and the PCB-based assembly process can be eliminated. As a result, the number of assembly steps required to manufacture the waterproof switch device can be reduced overall, and the manufacturing process can be simplified, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs.

[0027] Because the waterproof switchgear according to the present invention utilizes a structure that eliminates the use of a PCB, integrating the switch bracket with the switch terminal section through an injection molding process using insulating resin, it is easy to provide a switch bracket that includes contact spaces for the switch terminals and a space for connecting the switch cables. This space can then be waterproofed using a sealing cover or film, or simply filled with waterproof resin. This ensures a complete waterproof structure for all conductive parts of the switchgear.

[0028] Because the waterproof switch device according to the present invention has a completely waterproof structure, it can be used in a variety of environments requiring excellent waterproof performance. As a typical example, the waterproof switch device can be used as a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door. Because the waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door according to the present invention has a separate waterproof structure that accommodates the housing unit and the elastic pressing portion of the waterproof switch device, it can be protected by a dual waterproof structure in addition to the waterproof structure of the waterproof switch device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] These and / or other aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 FIG2 is a photograph showing the structure of a conventional PCB-based tailgate switch.

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an assembled waterproof switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The exploded perspective view of the waterproof switch is shown in the figure.

[0033] Figure 4 To follow Figure 2 Cross-sectional view taken along line AA'.

[0034] Figure 5 To follow Figure 2 Cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a rear perspective view showing a state in which a switch terminal portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is connected to a switch cable located on a cable guide portion of a waterproof switch.

[0036] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of a switch terminal portion of a waterproof switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from two different diagonal directions.

[0037] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a cutout structure formed by laser etching on a horizontal terminal guide portion of a switch terminal part according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 10 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an assembly process of a waterproof switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 11FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a waterproof switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of an assembled waterproof switch according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Exploded perspective view of the waterproof switch shown in .

[0042] Figure 14 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled waterproof switch according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 15 for Figure 14 Exploded perspective view of the waterproof switch shown in .

[0044] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an assembled waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door using a waterproof switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 17 for Figure 16 An exploded perspective view of a waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door is shown in FIG.

[0046] Figure 18 To follow Figure 16 Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same components is omitted.

[0048] For the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, specific structure or function description is illustrative only for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. That is, the present invention can be applied to various changes and can have various forms, and specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents and substitutions are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0049] The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this application, the terms "including" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, one or more other features. It should be understood that the presence or other possibilities of fields or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof are not excluded in advance. When a component is described as "connected," "engaged," or "connected" to another component, the component can be directly connected or connected to the other components, but the other component between each component should be understood to be "connected," "engaged," or "connected." In addition, terms such as first and second can be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish a component from other components.

[0050] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an assembled state of the waterproof switch 10 in an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the waterproof switch device 10 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The waterproof switch device 10 shown is a cross-sectional view when cut along two cutting lines AA′ and BB′ that are orthogonal to each other.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the waterproof switch device 10 may include a button unit 15 , a switch terminal unit 40 , a switch bracket 20 , a switch cable 50 for transmitting a switch signal, and a waterproof portion 60 .

[0052] The switch terminal unit 40 may include a first switch terminal portion 40a and a second switch terminal portion 40b. The first switch terminal portion 40a may include a switch terminal 46a for connecting / disconnecting and first terminal guide portions 42a and 44a extending from the switch terminal 46a. The second switch terminal portion 40b may include a switch terminal 46b for connecting / disconnecting and second terminal guide portions 42b and 44b extending from the switch terminal 46b. The first terminal guide portions 42a and 44a and the second terminal guide portions 42b and 44b may be partially embedded in the switch bracket 20, and the remaining portions may extend into the terminal accommodation space 28 provided by the switch bracket 20. The switch terminals 46a and 46b may be exposed to the outside of the switch bracket 20.

[0053] The button unit 15 can connect or disconnect the switch terminals 46a and 46b of the switch terminal unit 40 according to whether a pressing force is applied. In addition, the button unit 15 can be engaged with the switch bracket 20 to seal the first accommodation space 26, thereby preventing water from intruding into the switch terminal unit 40 from the outside.

[0054] As described above, the switch holder 20 can be integrally joined to the pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b by embedding a portion of the pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b therein. Furthermore, the switch holder 20 can provide a first accommodation space (i.e., the switch contact accommodation space 26) in which the switch terminals 46a and 46b are exposed to the outside and the switch contact 32 is received, and a second accommodation space (i.e., the terminal accommodation space 28) in which the vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b of the pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b are exposed.

[0055] The switch cable 50 may include a pair of cables 50a and 50b. The terminal leads of the two switch cables 50a and 50b, from which the insulating coating has been removed, are connected to the vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b of the pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b, respectively, in the terminal accommodating space 28, while the remaining sections insulated with the insulating coating partially extend out of the terminal accommodating space 28.

[0056] The waterproof portion 60 can be engaged with the switch bracket 20 while filling the terminal accommodating space 28. Therefore, the waterproof portion 60 can prevent the vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b of the pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b and a portion of the pair of switch cables 50a and 50b located in the terminal accommodating space 28 from being penetrated by moisture.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, the switch holder 20 may be in the shape of a rectangular housing having a quadrangular top side 20t and four side walls 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d connected to the four corners of the quadrangular top side 20t, with the bottom of the switch holder 20 being open. The space surrounded by the top side 20t and the four side walls 20a-20d of the switch holder 20 may be provided as a terminal accommodating space 28 that accommodates and connects a pair of switch terminal portions 40a and 40b and a switch cable 50.

[0058] The switch holder 20 may include a terminal housing including a rod mounting unit 22 and a terminal fixing member 24 integrally engaged thereunder.

[0059] The rod mounting unit 22 can be disposed on the top side 20t of the switch bracket 20. As an example, the rod mounting unit 22 can have a circular or polygonal sidewall structure that protrudes upward to a certain height, and its top side can be flat. The figure shows a rectangular sidewall structure. The polygonal sidewall structure encloses a central space with an open top, so that the central space can be configured as a switch contact accommodating space 26. Multiple protruding pins 22P can be provided at multiple points on the top side of the rod mounting unit 22, that is, multiple protruding pins 22P can be provided around the switch contact accommodating space 26.

[0060] The terminal retainer 24 can be configured to protrude downward from the rod mounting unit 22, while partially forming the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space 26. Portions of the first and second horizontal terminal guides 44a and 44b, which are part of the first and second switch terminal sections 40a and 40b, are spaced apart from the bases of the first and second switch terminals 46a and 46b and embedded in the terminal retainer 24. The vertical terminal guides 42a and 42b of the first and second terminal sections 40a and 40b can extend beyond the terminal retainer 24. The first and second switch terminals 46a and 46b can be partially exposed, while their bases are embedded in the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space 26. At the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space 26, the two common terminals 46a of the first switch terminal section 40a are spaced apart from each other, and the contact terminal 46b of the second switch terminal section 40b can be positioned between the two common terminals 46a. In this way, the first and second switch terminal sections 40a and 40b can be integrally joined to the switch bracket 20 via the terminal retainer 24.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the button unit 15 may include a rod 30 , a switch contact 32 , a cover 34 , and a sealing member 36 .

[0062] The switch contact 32 can be arranged in the switch contact accommodating space 26 so as to always maintain contact with the first switch terminal (i.e., common terminal) 46a, and can be configured to only contact the second switch terminal (i.e., contact terminal) 46b when downward pressure is applied to the switch contact 32. That is, the switch contact 32 can be configured to connect or disconnect the first switch terminal 46a and the second switch terminal 46b depending on whether a pressing force is applied. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch contact 32 can be circular, with the height of the dome-shaped switch contact gradually increasing from the edge to the center when viewed from the side. The dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be arranged in the switch contact accommodating space 26. When the dome-shaped switch contact 32 is located in the switch contact accommodating space 26, the edge portion of the dome-shaped switch contact 32 maintains contact with the two common terminals 46a of the first switch terminal portion 40a, while its center portion can remain in a non-contact state (i.e., disconnected state) with the contact terminal 46b of the second switch terminal portion 40b. For example, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be made of a highly elastic conductor so that when an external force presses on the dome-shaped switch contact 32, its center portion can be lowered and contacted with the second switch terminal portion 40b (connected), and when the external force is removed, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can restore its original shape and return to a non-contact state (disconnected).

[0063] The sealing member 36 can be fixed to the top side of the rod mounting unit 22 to completely seal the switch contact accommodating space 26 to make it waterproof, and the sealing member 36 can contact or approach the top of the dome-shaped switch contact 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing member 36 may include a flat portion 36-1, a push guide protrusion 36-4, and a push block portion 36-2. The flat portion 36-1 is annular and can be completely airtightly bonded to the entire top side of the rod mounting unit 22 using, for example, a waterproof adhesive. The push guide protrusion 36-4 can be annular and recessed to protrude downward, and is surrounded by the flat portion 36-1. The push block portion 36-2 can protrude downward from the center of the push guide protrusion 36-4 and contact or approach the top of the dome-shaped switch contact 32. The push guide protrusion 36-4 and the push block portion 36-2 can be concentrically arranged with respect to the center of the sealing member 36. The outer bottom surface of the push block portion 36-2 can be extremely close to or in contact with the top of the dome-shaped switch contact 32, and the rod 30 can be placed on the inner groove of the push block portion 36-2. A plurality of latch holes 36-3 can be provided in the flat portion 36-1 of the sealing member 36. The sealing member 36 can be made of a material with excellent water resistance, such as rubber, silicone, polyurethane, etc. If a plurality of protruding pins 22P are inserted into the plurality of latch holes 36-3 for assembly, the sealing member 36 can completely cover the top side of the rod mounting unit 22. In this state, by bonding the sealing component to the upper side of the rod mounting unit 22 with an adhesive to waterproof, the switch contact accommodating space 26 is sealed into a waterproof space by the sealing component 36.

[0064] The rod 30 may be cylindrical in shape as a whole, and a rod flange portion 30-1 thicker than an upper portion is provided at a lower portion of the rod 30. A step is formed between the upper and lower portions of the rod 30. The rod 30 may be disposed on a sealing member 36. The lower portion of the rod 30 may be accommodated in an internal groove of a push block portion 36-2 of the sealing member 36.

[0065] The cover 34 can be stacked and bonded to the sealing member 36. It allows the upper portion of the rod 30 to be inserted through it and couples with the stepped lateral sides of the rod 30, preventing the lower portion of the rod 30 from slipping out of the cover 34 while providing space for the rod 30 to move up and down. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover 34 may include: a flat portion 34-1 adjacent to the flat portion 36-1 of the sealing member 36; a rod stopper 34-2 protruding upward from the center of the flat portion 34-1; and an annular structure with a rod coupling hole 34-3. A plurality of pin holes 34-4 may be provided in the flat portion 34-1. Multiple protruding pins 22P may be inserted into the plurality of pin holes 34-4. The rod coupling hole 34-3 of the rod stopper 34-2 has a lower diameter greater than the diameter of the rod flange portion 30-1, but an upper diameter smaller than the diameter of the rod flange portion 30-1 and greater than the upper diameter of the rod 30.

[0066] The rod 30 can be inserted into the rod coupling hole 34-3 provided in the cover 34 from bottom to top, so that the rod 30 can move vertically through the rod coupling hole 34-3 relative to the cover 34. The rod flange portion 30-1 can be caught by the rod stopper 34-2 so as not to protrude, and only the upper portion of the rod 30 can protrude out of the rod coupling hole 34-3.

[0067] Figure 6 A state in which the switch cable 50 is placed on the cable guide portion 39 of the waterproof switch device 10 and connected to the switch terminal unit 40 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 1 and 2 are perspective views of the switch terminal unit 40 according to the exemplary embodiment shown from two different diagonal directions.

[0068] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the first switch terminal portion 40a may include two common terminals 46a integrally connected to each other and a first terminal guide portion. The first terminal guide portion may include a first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a extending horizontally and a first vertical terminal guide portion 42a extending vertically from one end of the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a. The two common terminals 46a may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance and connected to each other via the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a.

[0069] The second switch terminal portion 40b may include a contact terminal 46b and a second terminal guide portion integrally connected to each other. The second terminal guide portion may include a second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b extending horizontally and a second vertical terminal guide portion 42b extending vertically from one end of the second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b. The contact terminal 46b may be disposed between the two common terminals 46a. Cable engagement holes 48a and 48b may be formed in the first vertical terminal guide portion 42a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 42b, respectively. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first vertical terminal guide portion 42a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 42b, after being combined with the switch cables 50a, 50b, may be bent to be parallel to the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a and the second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b.

[0070] The two common terminals 46a can extend obliquely upward from two points of the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a to be perpendicular to and higher than the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a. Similarly, the contact terminal 46b can also extend obliquely upward from one point of the second horizontal terminal guide portion to be perpendicular to and higher than the second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b.

[0071] In one exemplary embodiment, the switch holder 20 can be molded using an insulating plastic resin, such as a thermosetting resin, through an injection molding process. Specifically, the switch holder 20 and the rod mounting unit 22 on its top side 20t can be integrally molded by injection molding. Furthermore, during injection molding, the first and second switch terminal portions 40a, 40b can be embedded within the main body of the switch holder 20, thereby integrally combining the switch terminal portions 40a, 40b with the switch holder 20.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b may be embedded and fixed in the switch bracket 20. When the switch bracket 20 is prepared by an injection molding process, for example, Figure 8 As shown, the shaded portion (which may include the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b, the top side protrusions of the common terminal 46a and the contact terminal 46b, and portions of the first and second vertical terminal guide portions 42a, 42b) may be embedded in the terminal holder 24 of the switch holder 20. Ends of the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b may be exposed to the outside of the sidewall 20a of the switch holder 20. The remaining portions of the first and second vertical terminal guide portions 42a, 42b may be exposed to the terminal accommodation space 28 of the switch holder 20. The top side protrusions of the common terminal 46a and the contact terminal 46b may be exposed to the switch contact accommodation space 26.

[0073] In one embodiment, cutout structures (or serrations) 49 a and 49 b may be formed on surfaces of the horizontal terminal guide portions 44 a and 44 b of the first and second switch terminal portions 40 a and 40 b . Figure 9 FIG2 is a partially enlarged view of a cutout structure 49a or 49b formed in horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b according to an exemplary embodiment. The cutout structures 49a and 49b have a structure having a plurality of protrusions disposed therein, resulting in an uneven surface of the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b. The cutout structures 49a and 49b can be formed by methods such as laser etching or compression molding. The cutout structures 49a and 49b can be embedded in the terminal retainer 24 of the switch holder 20.

[0074] The cutout structures 49a and 49b can be tightly bonded to the terminal retainer 24 manufactured by the injection molding process, thereby effectively preventing moisture from entering the terminal retainer 24 from the outside along the surfaces of the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b. That is, the cutout structures 49a and 49b can enhance the waterproof function of the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b.

[0075] The first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a and the second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b of the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b can be embedded and fixed side by side in the terminal fixing member 24 of the switch bracket 20. In this state, the contact terminal 46b of the second switch terminal portion 40b can be located between the two common terminals 46a of the first switch terminal portion 40a, and the three terminals 46a and 46b are aligned with each other. The top surfaces of the two common terminals 46a and the contact terminal 46b can have the same height. In addition, the first vertical terminal guide portion 42a of the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 42b of the second switch terminal portion 40b are arranged side by side in the terminal accommodating space 28.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, a partition wall 38 for physically separating the first and second switch terminal portions 40a and 40b may be provided in the terminal accommodating space 28 of the switch holder 20. The partition wall 38 may have a predetermined height and a predetermined length extending from one sidewall to an opposite sidewall. Figure 6 The partition wall 38 is shown extending from the third side wall 20c toward the first side wall 20a. The first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b may be arranged on opposite sides of the partition wall 38 therebetween. That is, the partition wall 38 may physically separate the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b and support them to maintain a constant distance, so that the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b can be electrically insulated by the partition wall 38.

[0077] In addition, the switch bracket 20 may include a cable guide portion 39. The cable guide portion 39 may be provided in the terminal accommodation space 28 of the switch bracket 20. An end of the cable guide portion 39 is provided on an inner surface of any one of the plurality of side walls of the switch bracket 20. Figure 6 The diagram shows a case where a pair of cable guide portions 39 are provided in the inner surface of the first side wall 20a so that the cable guide portions 39 can be located on both sides of the partition wall 38. A cable guide groove 39-1 is formed in each cable guide portion 39. The pair of cable guide grooves 39-1 can be formed in a manner extending in parallel on the inner surface of the first side wall 20a of the switch bracket 20. Each of the plurality of cable guide grooves 39-1 can be a semicircular groove suitable for accommodating a round cable.

[0078] The dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be arranged between the rod 30 and the switch terminal unit 40. In detail, the sealing member 36 can be arranged below the rod 30, and the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be arranged between the sealing member 36 and the internal terminal fixing piece 24 of the switch bracket 20. The dome-shaped switch contact 32 is arranged to protrude toward the sealing member 36 so that the center of the dome-shaped switch contact 32 meets the center of the push block portion 36-2 of the sealing member 36. When the rod 30 is not pressed, only the peripheral portion of the dome-shaped switch contact 32 contacts the common terminal 46a of the first switch terminal portion 40a. When the push block portion 36-2 of the sealing member 36 pushes the dome-shaped switch contact 32 downward by applying an external force to the rod 30, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 contacts the contact terminal 46b of the second switch terminal portion 40b.

[0079] The cable 50 can be connected to the switch terminal unit 40. The ends of the first cable 50a and the second cable 50b, from which the insulating coating has been removed, can be connected to the vertical terminal guide portions of the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b, respectively. For example, they can be connected by welding. The vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b in a linear state can be connected to the cables 50a and 50b, respectively, and then can be bent to be parallel to the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b. The cables 50a and 50b connected to the vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b can extend out of the switch bracket 20 while being inserted into the cable guide groove 39-1 of the cable guide portion 39. The vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b and the cables 50a and 50b connected thereto are located in the terminal accommodating space 28.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, a waterproof portion 60 may be provided on the switch holder 20 to waterproof the terminal accommodating space 28. The waterproof portion 60 may be a waterproof material that completely fills the terminal accommodating space 28 of the switch holder 20 while completely covering the vertical terminal guide portions 42a and 42b and the cables 50a and 50b connected thereto. For example, exemplary molded resins such as at least one of epoxy resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane may be used as the waterproof material. Other materials that can provide a waterproof function may also be used to prepare the waterproof portion 60. For example, the waterproof portion 60 may be formed by injecting a resin into the terminal accommodating space 28 and then curing the resin. The waterproof portion 60 may be referred to as a resin molding portion. The waterproof portion 60 may provide a waterproof function to prevent any foreign matter such as moisture from entering the terminal accommodating space 28 of the switch holder 20 from the outside.

[0081] Figure 10 The assembly process of the waterproof switchgear according to the exemplary embodiment is schematically illustrated.

[0082] like Figure 10As shown, an injection mold (not shown) is first prepared to manufacture the switch holder 20 and the rod mounting unit 22 in one piece using an injection molding process. After the first and second terminal members 40a, 40b are placed in the injection mold, molten material, such as a thermosetting plastic or resin, is injected into the mold and allowed to solidify, thereby producing the switch holder 20 with the first and second terminal members 40a, 40b embedded therein and the rod mounting unit 22 integrated therein. At this point, the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b may need to be secured so that they do not move when the injection material is injected into the injection mold. To this end, the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b may have a length that allows them to extend from the sidewalls of the switch holder 20, so that their end sections can be secured by the injection mold. After injection molding, the end sections of the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b that extend from the sidewalls of the switch holder 20 may no longer be needed and can therefore be cut away, for example, by laser cutting.

[0083] Through this injection molding process, except for the ends of the first vertical terminal guide portion 42a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 42b extending outward from the switch holder 20, and the common terminal 46a and contact terminal 46b exposed at the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space 26, the remaining portions of the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b, including the first horizontal terminal guide portion 44a and the second horizontal terminal guide portion 44b, can be embedded in the injection molding material and integrated therewith. In other words, without using the PCB used in the prior art, a simple injection molding process can be used to provide the switch terminal for the dome-shaped switch contact 32 and the terminal guide portion that can be directly connected to the switch signal cables 50a and 50b, thereby integrating the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b with the switch holder 20.

[0084] The button unit 15 and the switch bracket 20 can be assembled together as follows. The dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be placed in the switch contact accommodating space 26 and contact the two common terminals 46a. The sealing member 36 can be provided above the dome-shaped switch contact 32 to cover the dome-shaped switch contact 32 and the rod mounting unit 22. At this time, the sealing member 36 is tightly bonded to the top side of the rod mounting unit 22 by a sealing bonding method such as a waterproof adhesive, so that the sealing member 36 can seal the switch contact accommodating space having the dome-shaped switch contact 32 and the switch terminals 46a and 46b. Through the sealing function of the sealing member 36, the switch contact accommodating space 26 can be protected as a sealed and waterproof space that does not allow moisture to penetrate from the outside.

[0085] The rod 30 can be placed on the inner groove of the push block portion 36-2 of the sealing member 36. Then, while the upper portion of the rod 30 is inserted into the rod coupling hole 34-3, the cover 34 can be placed on the sealing member 36 so that they overlap. During this joining process, the plurality of protruding pins 22p can be inserted into the pin holes 36-3 of the sealing member 36 and the pin holes 34-4 of the cover 34. The cover 34 can also be bonded to the sealing member 36 using an adhesive. The nail heads can be formed by melting the upper ends of the plurality of protruding pins 22p extending from the cover 34.

[0086] Furthermore, the rod 30 located on the sealing member 36 can be elastically supported by the dome-shaped switch contact 32. When no external force is applied to press the rod 30, the rod flange portion 30-1 can be stopped by the rod stopper 34-2 when it is hooked on the rod stopper 34-2. When an external force is applied to press the rod 30 downward, the rod 30 moves downward, pushing the sealing member 36, so that the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be pressed by the sealing member 36. The dome-shaped switch contact 32, which contacts the common terminal 46a, also contacts the contact terminal 46b, thereby closing the waterproof switch device 10. When the external force is removed, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can separate from the contact terminal 46b due to its elasticity.

[0087] After the cables 50a and 50b are connected to the switch terminal portions 40a and 40b, the switch terminal portions 40a and 40b may be bent and placed in the terminal accommodation space 28. In this state, epoxy resin may be injected into the terminal accommodation space 28 and then cured to form the waterproof portion 60. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, the cables 50a and 50b and the switch terminal portions 40a and 40b in the terminal accommodating space 28 may be completely covered by the waterproof portion 60, and only the insulating portions of the cables 50a and 50b may extend to the outside of the switch bracket 20, thereby obtaining a waterproof structure.

[0088] As described above, the waterproof switch device 10 according to the present invention can be manufactured as a simple, integrated structure that can be connected to a switch signal cable without using a PCB. Since it can be manufactured without using a PCB through simplified processes such as injection molding, cable welding, and epoxy resin molding, the number of assembly steps is reduced compared to the prior art, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs.

[0089] At the same time, the integrated waterproof switch device 10 can provide a perfect waterproof structure. The switch contact accommodating space 26 in which the switch contacts 32, 46a and 46b are located can be a waterproof space that is completely sealed and isolated from the outside by the sealing member 36. The terminal accommodating space 28 in which the cable 50 and the terminal guide portions 42a and 42b of the switch terminal unit 40 are located is also completely sealed by the waterproof portion 60, thereby forming a waterproof structure that prevents moisture from penetrating from the outside.

[0090] Furthermore, the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b of the first and second switch terminal portions 40a and 40b can be formed with recessed and convex surfaces by means of cutout structures 49a and 49b. These recessed and convex surfaces can significantly improve the contact tightness between the switch terminal unit 40 and the terminal retainer 24. Consequently, these cutout structures 49a and 49b can prevent moisture from penetrating from the outside along the surfaces of the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b. Furthermore, the recessed and convex surfaces can form multiple barriers between the terminal retainer 24 and the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b, thereby preventing a portion of the molten injection molding material from seeping into the gap between the horizontal terminal guide portions 44a and 44b and the terminal retainer 24 during the injection molding process for forming the waterproof portion 60. This is to prevent the infiltration of non-conductive molten material, which could reduce conductivity or prevent proper conduction between the dome-shaped switch contact 32 and the first and second terminal portions 40a and 40b. As described above, the waterproof switch device 10 according to the present invention can have a very high level of waterproof function by sealing all passages through which moisture may flow.

[0091] Furthermore, in the waterproof switch device 10 according to the present invention, since the first and second switch cables 50a, 50b are stably positioned within the cable guide 39 within the switch holder 20 while being exposed from the waterproof portion 60, unintended movement of the cables 50 can be more reliably prevented. This can more reliably prevent the conductors of the cables 50a, 50b from being disengaged from the terminal guides 42a, 42b of the first and second terminal portions 40a, 40b due to forced movement. Furthermore, when a liquid injection molding material (e.g., liquid epoxy resin) is injected into the terminal accommodating space 28 of the switch holder 20, the cables 50a, 50b can be secured within the cable guide 39. Consequently, when the liquid molding material is injected, the cables 50a, 50b do not become an obstacle to the formation of the waterproof portion 60.

[0092] In addition, the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b cannot physically contact each other due to the partition wall 38 provided in the switch holder 20. Therefore, when the switch is operated, the first switch terminal portion 40a and the second switch terminal portion 40b cannot be short-circuited, thereby preventing malfunction of the switch.

[0093] In addition, the sealing member 36 is provided with a closed-loop push guide protrusion 36-4 protruding from the top toward the bottom, so that when the sealing member 36 is pressed by the rod 30, the central portion of the sealing member 36 is evenly pressed by the push guide protrusion 36-4. Therefore, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be evenly pressed by the central portion of the sealing member 36, so that the switching operation can be performed smoothly and reliably.

[0094] Furthermore, a push block portion 36-2 is provided at the bottom of the sealing member 36, and is disposed within the inner region of the push guide protrusion 36-4. When the sealing member 36 is pressed by the rod 30, the push block portion 36-2 can press the center portion of the dome-shaped switch contact 32 more evenly with less force. Therefore, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be smoothly contacted, allowing for more reliable switching operation.

[0095] In addition, since the latch holes 34 - 4 provided around the rod coupling hole 34 - 3 of the cover 34 match the protruding pins 22P provided on the rod mounting unit 22 of the switch bracket 20 , the cover 34 can be more easily and stably combined with the rod mounting unit 22 of the switch bracket 20 .

[0096] Next, Figure 12 and Figure 13 An assembled state and an exploded state of the waterproof switch device 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment are shown.

[0097] As described above, in the waterproof switch device 10 according to the first embodiment, the terminal sections of the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b extend to the outside of the side walls of the switch holder 20 to serve as fixing means during the injection molding process to form the switch holder 20. Such a structure may require a separate waterproof means for the interface between the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 44a, 44b and the switch holder 20, and thus the cutout portions 49a, 49b are provided as the waterproof means.

[0098] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the waterproof switch device 100 according to the second embodiment may include a terminal housing 122 integrally joined to a switch terminal unit 40, a button unit 15, a switch holder 120, a cable 50, and a waterproof portion 160. This waterproof switch device 100 differs from the waterproof switch device 10 of the first embodiment in that the horizontal terminal guide portions 144a and 144b of the switch terminal unit 140 are recessed so as not to extend beyond the sidewalls of the switch holder 120. Of course, the waterproof switch device 100 of the second embodiment may also be constructed without a PCB, as in the first embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second switch terminal portions 40a and 40b may first be embedded and integrated with the terminal housing 122 through an injection molding process. Subsequently, the switch holder 120 may be integrated with the terminal housing 122 through an injection molding process. Consequently, the first and second switch terminal portions 40a and 40b embedded in the switch holder 120 are shielded from external exposure by the sidewalls 122a to 122d of the switch holder 120 and may be exposed only to the terminal accommodating space 128. Since the horizontal terminal guide portions 144 a and 144 b are not exposed to the outside of the side wall of the switch holder 120 , it is substantially impossible for moisture to penetrate into the interface between the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 144 a and 144 b and the switch holder 120 .

[0099] The terminal housing 122 may correspond to a combination of the rod mounting unit 22 and the terminal fixing member 24 of the waterproof switch device 10 according to the first embodiment. That is, the upper portion of the terminal housing 122 may be substantially the same as the rod mounting unit 22 of the first embodiment, and the lower portion of the terminal housing 122 may be substantially the same as the terminal fixing member 24.

[0100] The first switch terminal portion 140a and the second switch terminal portion 140b may have a configuration substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the first switch terminal portion 140a and the second switch terminal portion 140b may first be combined with the terminal housing 122 through an injection molding process utilizing a plastic resin such as a thermosetting resin. The first switch terminal portion 140a and the second switch terminal portion 140b may be integrally joined to the terminal housing 122 in a manner such that at least the middle sections of the horizontal terminal guide portions 144a and 144b are embedded in the main body of the terminal housing 122. The two ends of the horizontal terminal guide portions 144a and 144b may extend horizontally beyond both sides of the terminal housing 122. As in the first embodiment, the common terminal 146a and the contact terminal 146b of the first switch terminal portion 140a and the second switch terminal portion 140b may be exposed at the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space 126, respectively. The first and second vertical terminal guide portions 142a and 142b of the first and second switch terminal portions 140a and 140b may be vertically bent at ends of the horizontal terminal guide portions 144a and 144b, respectively, and extend downward to the outside of the terminal housing 122.

[0101] The assembly of the first switch terminal portion 140a, the second switch terminal portion 140b, and the terminal housing 122 can be integrally combined with the switch holder 120 through another injection molding process. The switch holder 120 can be injection molded using the same raw material as the terminal housing 122. Since the upper portion of the terminal housing 122 can protrude outside the injection mold for the switch holder 120, the protruding upper portion of the terminal housing 122 can be used to fix the terminal housing 122 to the injection mold of the switch holder 120 during the resin injection process.

[0102] The injection-molded switch bracket 120 may include a top side 122a and four side walls 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d coupled to its four corners, and include a terminal accommodation space 128 surrounded by them. The inner wall of the coupling hole 120-1 provided on the top side 122t of the switch bracket 120 may be integrally coupled while surrounding the outer wall of the terminal housing 122. As a result, as Figure 12As shown, the upper portion of the terminal housing 122 can protrude above the top side 122t of the switch holder 120. Furthermore, the end sections of the first and second switch terminal portions 140a, 140b extending from the terminal housing 122 can be embedded in the top side 122t of the switch holder 120, thereby further strengthening the bond between the terminal housing 122 and the switch holder 120. If the terminal housing 122 is first injection molded so that the switch terminal portions 140a, 140b can be embedded therein, and then the switch holder 120 is injection molded to be integrally joined with the terminal housing 122, the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 144a, 144b can be embedded in the top side 122t of the switch holder 120 and not exposed to the outside of the sidewall 122b. Consequently, moisture can be substantially prevented from penetrating from the outside along the first and second horizontal terminal guide portions 144a, 144b.

[0103] The protruding upper structure of the terminal housing 122 can be substantially the same as the rod mounting unit 22 in the first embodiment. The construction of the button unit 15 in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment as it is. Therefore, the dome-shaped switch contact 32 can be set in contact with the common terminal 146a in the switch contact accommodating space 126 provided on the top side of the terminal housing 122, and the sealing member 36 can be airtightly combined with the top side of the terminal housing 122 by an adhesive while covering the switch contact accommodating space 126. In addition, the rod 30 and the cover 34 on the sealing member 36 can be arranged in sequence while engaging with a plurality of protruding pins 22P to be fixed to the terminal housing 122.

[0104] Switch cables 50a and 50b can be connected by welding to the first and second vertical terminal guide portions 142a and 142b of the switch terminal portions 140a and 140b exposed from the terminal accommodating space 128 of the switch holder 120. The first and second vertical terminal guide portions 142a and 142b can then be bent horizontally so as to be placed within the terminal accommodating space 128 along with the exposed conductor portions of the cables 50a and 50b. In this state, the waterproof portion 160 can be formed by injecting molding resin to fill the terminal accommodating space 128 and curing the resin. Undercuts 160-1 can be formed on two corresponding lateral sides of the waterproof portion 160 to prevent it from separating from the terminal accommodating space 128 in the switch holder 120. Furthermore, a pair of grooves 160-2 corresponding to the shape of the lower portion of the terminal housing 122 can be provided on the top side of the waterproof portion 160.

[0105] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A waterproof switch device 200 according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0106] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 The waterproof switch device 200 according to the third embodiment is characterized by having a simplified thin structure compared to those in the previous embodiments. The waterproof switch device 200 may include a button unit 230, a switch terminal unit 240, a terminal housing 222, a switch bracket 220, a waterproof portion 260, and a cable 50.

[0107] The button unit 230 may include a dome-shaped switch contact 232 and a waterproof cover 236. The dome-shaped switch contact 232 may be the same as the dome-shaped switch contact 32 in the first or second embodiment. That is, the dome-shaped switch contact 232 may be an elastic conductor and may have a circular dome. The waterproof cover 236 may be of a size large enough to accommodate the dome-shaped switch contact 232 and the first and second switch terminals 246a and 246b. The waterproof cover 236 may be hermetically sealed to the top side of the switch bracket 220 while covering the dome-shaped switch contact 32 and the first and second switch terminals 246a and 246b. The waterproof cover 236 may be made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin film (such as a polyethylene terephthalate film) or a thermosetting film (such as a polyimide (PI) film). For example, the waterproof cover 236 made of such a resin film may be fused to the top side of the terminal housing 222 by applying heat. The waterproof cover 236 may also be made of, for example, rubber or silicone. In this case, the waterproof cover 236 may be bonded to the top side of the terminal housing 222 using, for example, an adhesive.

[0108] Through this sealing and bonding, the waterproof cover 236 can cooperate with the top side of the terminal housing 222 or the top side of the switch bracket 220 to seal the switch contact space including the dome-shaped switch contact 232 and the terminals 246a and 246b protruding from the top side of the terminal housing 222. In other words, the waterproof cover 236 can provide a waterproof function to prevent moisture from penetrating into the switch contact space. Therefore, the waterproof cover 236 can replace the function of the sealing member 36 in the first and second embodiments.

[0109] The button unit 230 may further include a protruding button 231 that protrudes upward from the center of the dome-shaped switch contact 232. The protruding button 231 can help a user more reliably press the dome-shaped switch contact 232. The protruding button 231 can be connected to the outer surface of the waterproof cover 236. As another example, the protruding button 231 can be directly bonded to the top surface of the dome-shaped switch contact 232 or integrally formed with the dome-shaped switch contact 232. In this case, the waterproof cover 236 can cover both the dome-shaped switch contact 232 and the protruding button 231.

[0110] The switch terminal unit 240 may include a pair of switch terminal portions 240 a and 240 b having the same configuration as that of the aforementioned embodiment.

[0111] As in the second embodiment, the terminal housing 222 integrally joined to the switch terminal unit 240 can be made of a resin material by an injection molding process. Then, the switch bracket 220 can be integrally joined to the combination of the switch terminal unit 240 and the terminal housing 222 by an injection molding process using the resin material. The switch bracket 220 can provide a terminal accommodating space 228 surrounded by a top side and four side walls.

[0112] Through this two-stage injection molding process, the following assembly can be obtained: it includes the switch bracket 220 and the terminal housing 222 integrally bonded to its top side, and the switch terminal unit 240 partially embedded in and integrally bonded to the terminal housing 222. At this time, the common terminal 246a and contact terminal 246b of the switch terminal unit 240 protrude from the top side of the terminal housing 222, and the first vertical terminal guide portion 242a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 242b of the switch terminal unit 240 extend downward. Subsequently, as in the second embodiment, the first vertical terminal guide portion 242a and the second vertical terminal guide portion 242b can be connected to the cables 50a and 50b, and then bent at right angles to be parallel to the first horizontal terminal guide portion 242a and the second horizontal terminal guide portion 242b, respectively, and positioned within the terminal accommodating space 228. The waterproof portion 260 can be formed by injecting and curing a waterproof material into the terminal accommodating space 228.

[0113] As another example, in a state where the switch terminal unit 240 is fixed to the injection mold, the terminal housing 222 and the switch holder 220 may be molded together through a one-time injection molding process as in the first embodiment.

[0114] In the waterproof switch device 200 according to the third embodiment, a waterproof function can be achieved on the upper and lower sides by the waterproof cover 236 and the waterproof portion 260, thereby providing waterproof performance equivalent to that of the second embodiment. Compared with the first and second embodiments, the thickness of the terminal housing 222 can be significantly reduced by simplifying the structure of the button unit 230. Ultimately, the waterproof switch device 200 as a whole can have a simplified and slim structure. Compared with the first and second embodiments, for the waterproof switch device 200, the number of components is reduced and the assembly process is simplified because components such as a rod, a cover, a sealing member, etc. used for the waterproof switch devices 10 and 100 according to the first and second embodiments are not required, and all that is required for assembly is to bond the waterproof cover 236 engaged with the dome-shaped switch contact 232 to the terminal housing 222.

[0115] at the same time, Figures 16 to 18 A waterproof switch module 300 for a vehicle trunk door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The waterproof switch module 300 employs the waterproof switch device 10 , 100 or 200 .

[0116] like Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the waterproof switch module 300 may include the waterproof switch device 10 , 100 or 200 described above and a switch housing configured to accommodate the waterproof switch device and applied to a vehicle trunk door.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch housing may include elastic pressing portions 310 and 330 , an upper housing 320 , and a lower housing 350 . The switch housing may further include an elastic waterproof pad 340 .

[0118] The lower housing 350 may be a generally rectangular housing 352, enclosed by a bottom and four sidewalls to form a switch storage space 354 with an open top. Furthermore, the lower housing 350 may include an upper outer edge 357 extending horizontally from the tops of the four sidewalls to a predetermined width. A waterproof groove 358 may be provided on the upper outer edge 357 along a closed loop that fully surrounds the perimeter of the switch storage space 354.

[0119] In addition, the lower housing 350 may include a pair of switch supports 356, which can be vertically fixed to the bottom, spaced apart from each other, and each having a locking claw on its upper portion. The waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200 can be inserted between the pair of switch supports 356. The pair of switch supports 356 can elastically support the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200 and secure it so that it is not separated by the locking claw. The cable 50 of the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200 can extend through the bottom of the lower housing 350.

[0120] The elastic waterproof pad 340 may be disposed between a pair of switch supports 356 on the bottom of the lower housing 350. The waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200 may be disposed on the elastic waterproof pad 340. The elastic waterproof pad 340 may enhance the waterproof performance of the lower side of the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200.

[0121] The upper housing 320 may include a quadrilateral picture frame structure including four side walls and an upper edge 326 , and providing a receiving space 324 therein. The lower housing 350 may be matched to the receiving space 324 of the upper housing 320 .

[0122] The elastic pressing portion may include an elastic pressing member 310. The elastic pressing member 310 may include a raised portion 314 that provides a drum-receiving space 317, and a bottom edge portion 312 that extends horizontally outwardly from the bottom of the raised portion 314 to a predetermined width. The elastic pressing member 310 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. The bottom edge portion 312 may be provided with a closed-loop waterproof protrusion 316 on its bottom to surround the raised portion 314. One or more protrusions 313 may be provided on the top of the elastic pressing member 310 to facilitate the switch pressing operation. The elastic pressing member 310 may be coupled to the upper housing 320 to cover and seal the open top of the receiving space 324 of the upper housing 320. The waterproof protrusion 316 may be inserted into the closed-loop waterproof groove 358 to form a waterproof structure 315. The waterproof structure 315 prevents moisture from penetrating into the space housing the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200.

[0123] Different from the above configuration, the waterproof protrusion 316 and the waterproof groove 358 may be provided on the lower housing 350 and the elastic pressing member 310, respectively.

[0124] The elastic pressing portion may include a drum 330. The drum 330 may be accommodated in the drum accommodating space 317 of the elastic pressing member 310. The top side of the drum 330 may abut the inner surface of the raised portion 314 and cover the open top of the lower housing 350. The bottom of the drum 330 may be provided with a protrusion 332 that contacts the button unit 15 or 230 of the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200. When an external force is applied to press the raised portion 314 of the elastic pressing member 310, the external force is transmitted to the button unit 15 or 230 of the waterproof switch device 10, 100, or 200 through the protrusion 332, thereby pressing the dome-shaped switch contact 32 or 232.

[0125] The waterproof switch module 300 for a vehicle trunk door can have a dual waterproof structure: one is the waterproof structure of the waterproof switch device 10, 100 or 200, and the other is the waterproof structure 315 provided by the waterproof groove and the waterproof protrusion 316, and the waterproof structure provided by the elastic waterproof pad 340.

[0126] In the above description, the case where the waterproof switch device 10 , 100 or 200 is applied to a vehicle trunk door is described as an example, but the waterproof switch device 10 , 100 or 200 can be applied to devices or structures used in various environments requiring waterproof properties.

[0127] As described above, although the embodiments are described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the accompanying technical solutions, and may make changes. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalent forms of the technical solutions are also within the scope of the accompanying technical solutions.

Claims

1. A waterproof switch device, comprising: a switch bracket including a top side and side walls and providing a terminal accommodating space surrounded by the top side and the side walls; The first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion include: a first switch terminal and a second switch terminal, each of the first switch terminal and the second switch terminal being at least partially exposed to the outer surface of the top side of the switch holder; and a first terminal guide portion and a second terminal guide portion, each of the first terminal guide portion and the second terminal guide portion being at least partially exposed to the terminal accommodating space, wherein the first switch terminal and a first remaining portion of the first terminal guide portion, and the second switch terminal and a second remaining portion of the second terminal guide portion are embedded in the interior of the switch holder to become one with the switch holder; a first switch cable and a second switch cable, terminal leads of which are electrically connected to exposed portions of the first terminal guide portion and the second terminal guide portion, respectively, and located in the terminal accommodating space, with remaining portions of the first switch cable and the second switch cable extending out of the terminal accommodating space; a button unit including switch contacts configured to switch the first switch terminal and the second switch terminal on or off depending on whether a pressing force is applied, the button unit being coupled to the top side of the switch bracket so that a switch contact space accommodating the first and second switch terminals and the switch contacts is sealed to be waterproof; and a waterproof portion that fills the terminal accommodating space so that the exposed portions of the first terminal guide portion and the second terminal guide portion in the terminal accommodating space and the first switch cable and the second switch cable are completely embedded in the waterproof portion to make them waterproof, In which, the ends of the first remaining part and the second remaining part of the first switch terminal part and the second switch terminal part embedded in the switch bracket extend to the side wall of the switch bracket and are exposed to the outside, and the surfaces of the reserved sections up to the ends of the first remaining part and the second remaining part are respectively formed with concave and convex cut structures to prevent moisture from penetrating along the surface.

2. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 1, wherein: The switch bracket is an insulating plastic bracket manufactured by an injection molding process, such that the first remaining portion and the second remaining portion of the first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion are embedded therein.

3. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 1, wherein: The waterproof portion is formed of a resin that is filled in the terminal receiving space and cured, wherein the resin includes at least one of epoxy resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane.

4. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 1, wherein: The switch bracket includes a terminal housing, which includes a rod mounting unit and a terminal fixing member, wherein the rod mounting unit provides a switch contact accommodating space, and the switch contact accommodating space is surrounded by side walls of a certain height on the top side and has an open top, the terminal fixing member is located below the rod mounting unit and forms the bottom of the switch contact accommodating space, and the first remaining part and the second remaining part of the first switch terminal part and the second switch terminal part are respectively embedded in the terminal fixing member.

5. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 4, wherein: The button unit includes: a switch contact disposed in the switch contact accommodating space to always maintain contact with the first switch terminal and configured to contact the second switch terminal only when downward pressure is applied to the switch contact; a sealing member hermetically configured to be sealingly connected to the top side of the rod mounting unit so that the switch contact accommodating space is completely covered and waterproof, and configured to be in contact with or close to the top surface of the switch contact; a rod provided on the sealing member and having a cylindrical shape with stepped lateral sides in which a lower portion of the rod is thicker than an upper portion of the rod; and A cover is configured to engage with the sealing member and overlap the sealing member so that the upper portion of the rod is inserted through the cover, the lower portion of the rod is prevented from sliding out of the cover by engaging the stepped lateral side, and space is provided for the rod to move upward and downward.

6. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 5, wherein: The sealing member comprises: an annular flat portion sealingly bonded to the entire top side of the pole mounting unit by a waterproof adhesive; an annular push guide protrusion that protrudes outward and is surrounded by the flat portion and recessed downward; and a push block portion that protrudes downward from the center of the push guide protrusion and is arranged to contact or approach a center portion of a top side of the dome-shaped switch contact to uniformly press the dome-shaped switch contact; The annular flat portion, the push guide protrusion and the push block portion are integrally formed.

7. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 5, wherein: The sealing member is made of any one of rubber, silicone resin, and polyurethane having waterproof properties.

8. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 5, wherein: The switch contact is an elastic conductor with a convex dome-shaped central portion, so that by applying downward pressure to the central portion, the switch contact can be deformed into a shape in which the central portion is flush with the edge portion on a horizontal plane, and when the downward pressure is released, the switch contact can return to its original dome shape.

9. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 4, wherein: The switch holder further includes a partition wall protruding downward from a bottom surface of the terminal holder in the terminal accommodating space to physically separate the first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion.

10. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 9, wherein: The switch bracket further includes cable guide portions formed side by side on inner surfaces of the side walls on both sides of the partition wall and configured to accommodate the first switch cable and the second switch cable to guide the first switch cable and the second switch cable to be fixed to both sides of the partition wall.

11. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 4, wherein: The first switch terminal portion and the second switch terminal portion are configured such that they are exposed only to the terminal accommodating space without being exposed through a side wall of the switch holder.

12. The waterproof switchgear according to claim 1, wherein: The button unit includes: a switch contact configured to be disposed on the first switch terminal and the second switch terminal to always maintain contact with the first switch terminal and to contact the second switch terminal only when downward pressure is applied; A waterproof cover is bonded to the top side of the switch bracket and covers the first switch terminal, the second switch terminal, and the switch contact, thereby sealing a receiving space formed by cooperating with the top side of the switch bracket to encapsulate the first switch terminal, the second switch terminal, and the switch contact to make them waterproof.

13. A waterproof switch module for a vehicle trunk door, comprising: The waterproof switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a housing unit comprising an upper housing and a lower housing that are press-fitted to each other, and the upper housing and the lower housing are configured to provide a waterproof switch accommodating space containing the waterproof switch device, wherein a central portion of the upper housing is open, and a closed-loop groove or protrusion for waterproofing is formed on the top side of the lower housing along the periphery of the accommodating space; and An elastic pressing portion is configured to be combined with the upper shell to completely cover the open central portion of the upper shell, wherein a closed-loop protrusion or groove for waterproofing formed along the circumference of the edge of the elastic pressing unit is press-fitted into a closed-loop protrusion or groove for waterproofing formed on the lower shell to prevent moisture from penetrating into the waterproof switch accommodating space, wherein a portion of the bottom of the elastic pressing portion is configured to contact the button unit of the waterproof switch device.

14. The waterproof switch module according to claim 13, wherein: The lower housing includes a pair of switch supports, which are vertically fixed to the bottom, spaced apart from each other, and provided with locking claws at the upper part. The pair of switch supports elastically support the press-fit waterproof switch device, thereby fixing the press-fit waterproof switch device so that it is not taken out.

15. The waterproof switch module according to claim 13, wherein: It also includes an elastic waterproof pad, which is arranged between a pair of switch supports on the bottom of the lower housing, and the waterproof switch device is placed on the elastic waterproof pad, thereby improving the waterproofness of the lower side of the waterproof switch device.

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