Waterproof switch

Abstract

A waterproof switch comprises a switch body and a waterproof shell, a base used for fixing pins is arranged at an opening of the switch body, the base is connected with the inner wall of the switch body in a sealed mode, the waterproof shell is buckled on the base, and a reinforcing layer used for improving glue pouring adhesive force during glue pouring is arranged on the base. The two end faces, in the pin distribution direction, of the reinforcing layer are each provided with a first buckle plate, and each first buckle plate comprises a buckle part protruding out of the reinforcing plate in the pin distribution direction. The waterproof shell is provided with two first buckles corresponding to the buckle parts on each side, first buckle grooves for the first buckles to be buckled in are formed between the buckle parts and the base, and after the first buckles on each side and the first buckle grooves are in buckle fit, the buckle positions are filled with pouring sealant. The waterproof shell has the beneficial effects that through the design that the buckle is matched with the reinforcing layer and the reinforcing groove in a sealing manner, the bonding strength between the pouring sealant and the base and the sealing performance after the waterproof shell and the base are buckled can be remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a micro switch, and more particularly to a waterproof switch. Background Art

[0002] As a common circuit control component, a micro switch needs to have waterproof performance in humid or dusty environments to meet the requirements of specific working conditions. Currently, waterproof micro switches are widely used in household appliances (such as washing machines, water heaters), automotive electronics (door locks, window controls), industrial equipment (outdoor control panels), and outdoor lighting systems, etc. Its typical structure adds a waterproof component on the basis of the traditional micro switch. When working, an external force triggers the internal elastic sheet mechanism through a button or a swing rod to achieve the on and off of the contacts. The core waterproof measure usually uses an elastic sealing ring in cooperation with a waterproof cover. When the external actuator presses the switch button, the waterproof cover is fixed under the base through a snap structure, and together with the sealing ring, it forms a sealed cavity to block the penetration of liquid along the operation axis. Some high-end models also inject and encapsulate epoxy resin at the wiring terminals to form a multi-level protection system.

[0003] The existing waterproof structure mainly relies on the snap connection between the waterproof cover and the base. However, during long-term use, frequent mechanical impacts can easily cause the snap to fatigue and deform. Especially in an environment with large temperature differences, the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of different materials will exacerbate the expansion of the connection gap. When there is a gap between the mating surfaces of the waterproof cover and the base, capillary action will cause liquid to seep into the switch cavity, resulting in the oxidation and failure of the metal contacts. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a waterproof switch with better sealing effect after snapping.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A waterproof switch includes a switch body and a waterproof shell. The switch body is provided with a base for fixing pins at the opening, and the base is hermetically connected to the inner wall of the switch body. The waterproof shell is snapped onto the base. It is characterized in that: a reinforcement layer for improving the adhesive force of potting glue is provided on the base, and first snap plates are provided on both end faces of the reinforcement layer along the distribution direction of the pins. The first snap plate includes a snap portion protruding from the reinforcement plate along the distribution direction of the pins; two first snaps are provided on the waterproof shell corresponding to each side of the snap portion, and a first snap groove for the first snap to snap into is formed between the snap portion and the base. After the first snap on each side forms a snap fit with the first snap groove, the snap position is filled with potting glue.

[0006] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Through the symmetrically arranged double first buckles and double buckle grooves structure, the bonding strength between the waterproof shell and the base is significantly improved. And through the design of the buckle sealing and cooperating reinforcement layer and the reinforcement groove, the bonding strength between the potting glue and the base and the sealing performance after buckling between the waterproof shell and the base can be significantly improved. The design that the buckle part extends along the pin direction makes the force distribution more uniform, avoiding the buckle breakage caused by single-point stress concentration. As a preferred method, a guiding inclined plane can be arranged inside the buckle part. When the first buckle is inserted, a progressive pressing force is generated to ensure that the buckle part forms a surface contact rather than a line contact with the wall surface of the first buckle groove, which can improve the transverse tensile strength. In addition, the reinforcement layer can be made of a composite material with a high friction coefficient, and a micro-protrusion array arranged in a staggered manner can be set on its surface to form a mechanical interlocking structure with the colloid after the glue is cured, effectively preventing the glue layer from peeling off in a vibrating environment.

[0007] Furthermore, it further includes an auxiliary waterproof shell, which is buckled on the switch body. After the inner end face of the auxiliary waterproof shell is buckled on the switch body, the first buckle moves towards the bottom of the first buckle groove.

[0008] The auxiliary waterproof shell forms a secondary locking mechanism, and the radial pressure generated by its installation can eliminate the assembly gap of the main waterproof shell. As a preferred method, a conical pressing surface can be arranged on the inner wall of the auxiliary waterproof shell to form an interference fit with the outer wall of the main waterproof shell; or it can be made of a shape memory alloy material, and elastic deformation occurs after installation to continuously provide a pressing force.

[0009] Furthermore, the auxiliary waterproof shell includes a tightening wall arranged on the outer side wall of the waterproof shell where the buckle is provided. A second buckle groove is arranged on the tightening wall, and a second buckle matching with the second buckle groove is arranged on the switch body correspondingly.

[0010] The tightening wall design realizes double locking and stress dispersion. The cooperation direction of the second buckle groove and the second buckle is perpendicular to the main buckle, forming a spatial cross-locking. As a preferred method, the tightening wall can be designed as a wavy elastic arm, which generates radial deformation when buckled; a damping rubber strip is arranged in the second buckle groove to absorb vibration energy.

[0011] Furthermore, the tightening wall is integrally formed with the waterproof shell. The tightening wall extends from the end face of the waterproof shell towards the switch body, and the second buckle groove is located at the center of the tightening wall and part of the second buckle groove is outside the waterproof shell.

[0012] The integrally formed structure ensures the overall sealing performance and mechanical strength. The extending direction of the tightening wall is consistent with the installation direction, which is convenient for automatic assembly. As a preferred method, a reinforcing rib can be arranged at the root of the tightening wall, and the wall thickness adopts a gradient design (gradually increasing from the end to the root); a guiding inclined plane is arranged at the opening of the second buckle groove to form a self-locking with the barb structure of the second buckle.

[0013] Furthermore, the reinforcement layer is used to improve the adhesion of the potting glue during potting. A reinforcement groove is provided between the reinforcement layer and the base for the potting glue to flow into after the waterproof shell is buckled. The extending direction of the reinforcement groove is consistent with the arrangement direction of the pins.

[0014] Through the design of the snap - seal cooperation between the reinforcement layer and the reinforcement groove, the bonding strength between the potting glue and the base and the sealing performance between the waterproof shell and the base after buckling can be significantly improved. The reinforcement groove extends along the arrangement direction of the pins, enabling the potting glue to flow evenly along the pin gaps to form a continuous sealing interface. This structure can avoid the problem of local degumming caused by the shrinkage of the colloid in the traditional potting process, and at the same time, the reinforcement layer provides additional mechanical support for the waterproof shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the reinforcement layer includes a support seat protruding from the center of the base and reinforcement plates arranged on the support seat and extending respectively towards both sides perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins. The reinforcement groove is located between the reinforcement plate and the base, and the reinforcement plate covers it after the potting glue cures to prevent the waterproof shell from disengaging from the base.

[0016] This structure forms a three - dimensional solid support framework through the combination of the support seat and the reinforcement plates. The support seat is located at the center of the base and can disperse the axial pressure exerted by the waterproof shell; the two - side reinforcement plates form a lateral restraint, and the cured potting glue is clamped between the reinforcement plate and the base to form a double fixation. As a preferred method, the reinforcement plate can be designed in a stepped shape, with a thickness - gradient area set near the support seat to relieve stress concentration; or a hollow grid structure can be adopted, which not only ensures strength but also facilitates the penetration of the glue. The end of the reinforcement plate can be provided with an anti - detachment edge bent downward to form a dovetail groove structure with the base to further enhance the axial holding force of the waterproof shell.

[0017] Furthermore, a flow - dividing block protruding from the support seat is provided at the center of each reinforcement groove. The flow - dividing block is used to divert the potting glue into the reinforcement grooves on both sides of it.

[0018] The setting of the flow - dividing block significantly optimizes the glue flow path. When the injection head moves along the pin direction, the flow - dividing block evenly guides the glue to the two - side reinforcement grooves, avoiding glue accumulation in the central area. As a preferred method, the flow - dividing block can be designed as an arrow - shaped diversion structure with a diversion inclined surface at the front end; or a V - shaped diversion groove can be provided on the surface of the flow - dividing block to make the glue produce a laminar flow effect. The protruding distance of the flow - dividing block can be set to 1 / 3 - 1 / 2 of the depth of the reinforcement groove, which can effectively divert the glue without hindering its flow.

[0019] Furthermore, the reinforcement plate and the support seat are flush with each other on the end face perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins, and both the first snap - groove and the reinforcement groove are filled with potting glue.

[0020] The flush end face design ensures the positioning accuracy during the installation of the waterproof housing, and the symmetrical arrangement of the first buckle plates realizes two-way locking. The protruding direction of the buckle part is consistent with the pin distribution, which not only reserves sufficient elastic deformation space but also does not interfere with the pin arrangement. As a preferred method, the buckle part can adopt a trapezoidal cross-section design, with a stress relief groove set at the root and a guiding inclined plane set at the top; a wear-resistant coating can be set on the inner wall of the first buckle groove to reduce the wear during repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the extending direction of the first buckle groove is perpendicular to the pin distribution direction, and a limiting block protruding from the support seat is set at the center of each first buckle groove. The limiting blocks cooperate with the first buckles on both sides of them respectively to prevent the first buckles from shifting in the direction perpendicular to the pins.

[0022] The setting of the limiting blocks effectively solves the problem of lateral loosening of the buckles. When the waterproof housing is subjected to a lateral force, the limiting blocks and the buckles form a surface contact constraint. As a preferred method, the limiting blocks can be designed as hemispherical protrusions, which cooperate with the arc-shaped grooves on the inner wall of the buckles to achieve multi-directional limiting; or wedge-shaped guiding surfaces can be set on both sides of the limiting blocks to automatically correct the positions of the buckles during installation. As another preferred method, there is a gap for potting glue to fill between the limiting blocks and the first buckles on both sides, so as to form an elastic transition between the limiting blocks and the first buckles. At the same time, the buckle strength between the first buckles and the first buckle grooves can also be improved by the cured potting glue.

[0023] Furthermore, sealing elements for airtight testing are set on the end face of the switch body corresponding to the base and on the two end faces corresponding to the pin distribution direction.

[0024] The setting of the multi-directional sealing elements ensures the accuracy of the test results. The end face sealing element can detect the axial sealing performance, and the side sealing element evaluates the lateral protection ability. As a preferred method, the sealing element can adopt a stepped multi-layer silicone rubber ring, with a hard wear-resistant layer on the outer layer and an elastic sealing layer on the inner layer; or a pressure sensor can be embedded in the sealing element to monitor the pressure change during the test in real time. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 Isometric view of the waterproof switch according to the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Exploded view of the waterproof switch according to the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 Isometric view of the base according to the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 Partial enlarged view of the first buckle groove according to the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 Isometric view of the waterproof housing according to the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 Internal view of the switch body according to the embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, an embodiment of the waterproof switch of the present invention includes a switch body 1 and a waterproof shell 2. A base 3 is provided at the opening of the switch body 1, and the base 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the switch body 1 by a sealed connection method. A reinforcing layer 4 is provided on the upper surface of the base 3. The reinforcing layer 4 is composed of a support base 41 and reinforcing plates 42 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the support base 41. A diversion block 43 protrudes upward from the center of the support base 41, and reinforcing grooves 44 with an extending direction consistent with the arrangement direction of the pins 9 are formed on both sides of the diversion block 43.

[0027] At both ends of the reinforcing plate 42 perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins 9, first snap plates 5 are respectively provided. The end of the first snap plate 5 extends to both sides to form snap portions 51. A first snap 21 is provided at the corresponding position of the waterproof shell 2. A first snap groove 6 is formed between the snap portion 51 and the base 3, and a limiting block 61 is provided in the first snap groove 6. Gaps for filling potting glue are formed between both sides of the limiting block 61 and the first snap 21.

[0028] The auxiliary waterproof shell 7 is connected to the waterproof shell 2 through a tightening wall 71. A second snap groove 72 is provided on the outer surface of the tightening wall 71, and a second snap 11 is provided at the corresponding position of the switch body 1. The tightening wall 71 has a certain bending angle, and the bending angle is set so that when the auxiliary waterproof shell 7 is assembled in place, the first snap 21 generates a pre-tightening displacement along the depth direction of the first snap groove 6. Potting glue is injected into the reinforcing groove 44 and the first snap groove 6 during assembly, and a mechanical interlocking structure is formed after curing.

[0029] Seals 8 for airtight testing are provided on the end face of the switch body 1 corresponding to the base 3 and on the two end faces corresponding to the pin distribution direction.

[0030] The installation process of this embodiment is as follows: During the assembly process, first fix the base 3 to the switch body 1, and then preliminarily position the waterproof shell 2 by snapping the first snap 21 with the first snap groove 6. The potting glue injected through the reinforcing groove 44 is evenly filled into the cavities on both sides under the guidance of the diversion block 43, and a bonding layer with shear resistance is formed after curing. When the auxiliary waterproof shell 7 is assembled, the elastic deformation of the tightening wall 71 causes the first snap 21 to generate an axial pressing force, and at the same time, the second snap 11 cooperates with the second snap groove 72 to achieve circumferential positioning.

[0031] The above embodiments are only one of the preferred specific embodiments of the present invention, and the ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention are all included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof switch, comprising a switch body and a waterproof shell. The switch body is provided with a base for fixing pins at the opening, the base is hermetically connected to the inner wall of the switch body, and the waterproof shell is snap-fitted on the base, characterized in that: A reinforcing layer for improving the adhesion of glue during glue filling is provided on the base. First snap plates are provided on both end faces of the reinforcing layer along the distribution direction of the pins. The first snap plate includes a snap portion protruding from the reinforcing plate along the distribution direction of the pins. Two first snaps are provided on the waterproof housing corresponding to each side of the snap portion. A first snap groove for the first snap to snap into is formed between the snap portion and the base. After the first snap on each side forms a snap fit with the first snap groove, the snap position is filled with potting glue.

2. The waterproof switch according to claim 1, wherein: An auxiliary waterproof housing is further included. The auxiliary waterproof housing is snapped onto the switch body. After the inner end face of the auxiliary waterproof housing is snapped onto the switch body, the first snap moves towards the bottom of the first snap groove.

3. The waterproof switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary waterproof housing includes a tightening wall provided on the outer side wall of the waterproof housing where the snap is provided. A second snap groove is provided on the tightening wall. A second snap matching with the second snap groove is provided on the switch body corresponding to the second snap groove.

4. The waterproof switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tightening wall is integrally formed with the waterproof housing. The tightening wall extends from the end face of the waterproof housing towards the switch body. The second snap groove is located at the center of the tightening wall and part of the second snap groove is located outside the waterproof housing.

5. The waterproof switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reinforcing layer is used to improve the adhesion of glue during glue filling. A reinforcing groove for the potting glue to flow into after the waterproof housing is snapped is provided between the reinforcing layer and the base. The extending direction of the reinforcing groove is consistent with the arrangement direction of the pins.

6. The waterproof switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reinforcing layer includes a support seat protruding from the center of the base and reinforcing plates provided on the support seat and extending respectively towards both sides perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins. The reinforcing groove is located between the reinforcing plate and the base. The reinforcing plate covers the potting glue after curing to prevent the waterproof housing from disengaging from the base.

7. The waterproof switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: A diversion block protruding from the support seat is provided at the center of each reinforcing groove. The diversion block is used to divert the potting glue into the reinforcing grooves on both sides of it.

8. The waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcing plate and the support seat are flush with each other on the end face perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins. The first snap groove and the reinforcing groove are both filled with potting glue.

9. The waterproof switch according to claim 8, characterized in that: The extending direction of the first snap groove is perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins. A limiting block protruding from the support seat is provided at the center of each first snap groove. The limiting block cooperates with the first snaps on both sides of it respectively to prevent the first snap from shifting along the direction perpendicular to the pins.

10. The waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Sealing members for airtight testing are provided on the end face of the switch body corresponding to the base and on the two end faces corresponding to the distribution direction of the pins.

Images