Waterproof button and automobile exterior decoration switch

Abstract

According to the waterproof key and the automobile exterior switch, the waterproof key comprises an upper shell, a lower shell, a waterproof gasket, a sliding block and an electrical element, and the electrical element is arranged in a first cavity; the waterproof gasket is provided with an exhaust structure which is used for communicating the second cavity with the outside so as to maintain the air pressure balance between the second cavity and the outside, so that the electrical element is sealed through the first cavity, and when the pressing part is pressed or the temperature rises, the electrical element can be sealed through the exhaust structure. The increased air pressure in the upper cavity can keep the balance of the internal pressure and the external pressure through the exhaust pipe of the exhaust structure, so that the appearance of the pressing part is ensured to be fit, the outward bulging phenomenon is avoided, and the problem that the cost is high due to the adoption of a waterproof breathable film is also avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic product buttons, and in particular to a waterproof button and an automobile exterior switch. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous improvement of consumption level, there are more and more types of electronic products, and consumers have more and more stringent requirements on the quality of electronic products, especially the waterproof function of electronic products has become a growing concern of consumers. In the design process of waterproofness of electronic products, the waterproof design of buttons is particularly important. For example, for automobile exterior switches, buttons are indispensable components.

[0003] In order to achieve complete sealing and waterproofing, the existing automotive exterior switches generally use soft rubber buttons and plastic body overmolding, and the entire switch is completely sealed or sealed with a waterproof breathable film. If a complete sealing method is used, the soft rubber buttons will bulge outward at high temperatures; if a waterproof breathable film is used, the cost is high. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a waterproof button and an automobile exterior switch, which solves the technical problem in the prior art that if a complete sealing method is adopted, the soft rubber button will bulge outward at high temperature, or if a sealing method with a waterproof and breathable membrane is adopted, the cost is high.

[0005] The utility model provides a waterproof button, characterized in that it includes an upper shell, a lower shell, a waterproof gasket, a slider and an electrical component, the waterproof gasket is a flexible component, the upper shell covers the lower shell, the waterproof gasket is arranged between the upper shell and the lower shell to seal the gap between the upper shell and the lower shell, a first cavity is formed between the waterproof gasket and the lower shell, the electrical component is arranged in the first cavity, a second cavity is formed between the waterproof gasket and the upper shell, the slider is movably arranged in the second cavity, a pressing portion is provided on the upper shell, the position where the pressing portion abuts against the slider is a flexible component, so that external force drives the slider to squeeze the waterproof gasket to trigger the electrical component, and the waterproof gasket is provided with an exhaust structure for connecting the second cavity with the outside to maintain the air pressure balance between the inside of the second cavity and the outside.

[0006] Optionally, the exhaust structure is an exhaust pipe arranged on the waterproof gasket, the electrical component is provided with a first through hole, the lower shell is provided with a second through hole, and the exhaust pipe passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence to connect the second cavity with the outside.

[0007] Optionally, a sealing flange is provided on an outer tube wall of the exhaust pipe extending to the outside of the lower shell, and the sealing flange abuts against the lower shell to seal the second through hole.

[0008] Optionally, the waterproof gasket is provided with a groove adapted to the electrical component, and the electrical component is fixed on the lower shell and accommodated in the groove.

[0009] Optionally, a sealing protrusion is convexly provided on one side of the waterproof gasket abutting against the lower shell, and a sealing groove corresponding to the sealing protrusion is concavely provided in the lower shell, and the sealing protrusion is inserted into the sealing groove to seal the first cavity.

[0010] Optionally, a plurality of limiting ridges are convexly provided on the peripheral side surface of the slider, and the limiting ridges extend along the displacement direction of the slider. A plurality of limiting grooves corresponding to the limiting ridges are concavely provided on the inner side surface of the upper shell body, and the limiting ridges are inserted into the limiting grooves to limit the slider during the displacement of the slider.

[0011] Optionally, the waterproof gasket is provided with conductive particles, and the slider is provided with extrusion columns corresponding to the conductive particles, and when the slider is driven by an external force, the extrusion columns squeeze the conductive particles to contact the electrical components.

[0012] Optionally, the upper shell is provided with a plurality of buckles, the lower shell is provided with a slot adapted to the buckles, and the buckles are engaged with the slots to cover the upper shell onto the lower shell.

[0013] Optionally, the lower shell is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the electrical component is provided with a limiting slot corresponding to the limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion is engaged in the limiting slot to limit the electrical component on the lower shell.

[0014] The utility model provides an automobile exterior switch, comprising any one of the above-mentioned waterproof buttons.

[0015] Beneficial effects achieved by the utility model:

[0016] The utility model adopts a waterproof button, including an upper shell, a lower shell, a waterproof gasket, a slider and an electrical component. Since the electrical component is arranged in the first cavity, the waterproof gasket is provided with an exhaust structure for connecting the second cavity and the outside to maintain the air pressure balance between the second cavity and the outside. Therefore, the utility model seals the electrical component through the first cavity. When the pressing part is pressed or the temperature rises, the increased air pressure in the upper cavity will maintain the internal and external pressure balance through the exhaust pipe of the exhaust structure, thereby ensuring that the shape of the pressing part is fit and will not bulge outward, and avoiding the problem of high cost caused by the use of a waterproof breathable membrane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the waterproof button of an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof button according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of a waterproof button according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic exploded view of the waterproof button of the embodiment of the present application from another angle.

[0022] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. Upper shell; 11. Pressing part; 12. Limiting groove; 13. Buckle; 2. Lower shell; 21. Second through hole; 22. Sealing groove; 23. Card slot; 24. Limiting protrusion; 3. Waterproof gasket; 31. Exhaust structure; 311. Sealing flange; 32. Groove; 33. Sealing protrusion; 34. Conductive particles; 4. Slider; 41. Limiting convex strip; 42. Extrusion column; 5. Electrical component; 51. First through hole; 52. Limiting card slot; 6. First cavity; 7. Second cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0024] In the description of the present application, “plurality” means two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0025] It should also be noted that the directional terms such as left, right, up and down in the embodiments of the present application are merely relative concepts or are based on the normal use status of the product, and should not be considered as restrictive.

[0026] See also Figure 1-Figure 4 The present embodiment provides a waterproof button, characterized in that it includes an upper shell 1, a lower shell 2, a waterproof gasket 3, a slider 4 and an electrical component 5, wherein the waterproof gasket 3 is a flexible component, the upper shell 1 covers the lower shell 2, the waterproof gasket 3 is arranged between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 to seal the gap between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, a first cavity 6 is formed between the waterproof gasket 3 and the lower shell 2, the electrical component 5 is arranged in the first cavity 6, a second cavity 7 is formed between the waterproof gasket 3 and the upper shell 1, the slider 4 is movably arranged in the second cavity 7, a pressing portion 11 is provided on the upper shell 1, and the position where the pressing portion 11 abuts against the slider 4 is a flexible component, so that an external force drives the slider 4 to squeeze the waterproof gasket 3 to trigger the electrical component 5, and an exhaust structure 31 for connecting the second cavity 7 with the outside is provided on the waterproof gasket 3 to maintain the air pressure balance between the inside of the second cavity 7 and the outside.

[0027] Preferably, the upper shell 1 in the present application is a two-color injection molded part, the pressing part 11 is a silicone soft button, and the other parts of the upper shell 1 are hard plastic structures. The upper shell 1 adopts two-color injection molding or overmolding, which can ensure the good combination of the two materials and effectively prevent moisture penetration. Elasticity and durability: Silicone has good elasticity and durability, and can withstand long-term pressing without deformation or wear, so it is very suitable for making buttons.

[0028] Preferably, the waterproof gasket 3 in the present application is made of silicone. Therefore, the waterproof gasket 3 made of silicone has a high high temperature resistance and can maintain stable performance within a certain temperature range, which allows the silicone keypad to be used in various environmental conditions, including high temperature environments. At the same time, when the waterproof gasket 3 is made of silicone material, the conductivity can be increased by adding conductive fillers (such as carbon black, etc.), so that the waterproof gasket 3 can conduct current, thereby realizing the triggering function of the electrical component 5. The waterproof gasket 3 has a soft touch and a good feel, is comfortable to use, and is suitable for use on parts that need to be touched frequently, such as keys.

[0029] Preferably, the electrical component 5 is a PCBA board.

[0030] In a feasible embodiment, the waterproof gasket 3 seals the gap between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 by using the edge skirt of the waterproof gasket 3 to cooperate with the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 for interference extrusion to achieve edge sealing. The waterproof gasket 3 in this embodiment has high chemical stability, can resist the erosion of water, acid and alkali and other chemical substances, and is not prone to corrosion and deterioration, which enables the waterproof gasket 3 to maintain stable performance in a humid environment. In addition, the waterproof gasket 3 in this embodiment has a certain degree of softness and deformability, and can adapt to the shape of the irregular surface of the upper shell 1 or the lower shell 2, thereby forming a tighter seal at the joints and connections, and improving the waterproof effect.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the waterproof gasket 3 divides the internal cavity formed between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 into a completely independent first cavity 6 and a second cavity 7. The cooperation between the waterproof gasket 3 and the lower shell 2 realizes the complete sealing of the first cavity 6, thereby protecting the internal electrical components 5. The first cavity 6 is connected to the outside through the exhaust structure 31 of the waterproof gasket 3, and the internal pressure balance can be achieved through gas exchange when the internal pressure changes, thereby ensuring that the shape of the pressing part 11 is fit-fitting and does not bulge outward.

[0032] See also Figure 3-Figure 4 In a feasible embodiment, the exhaust structure 31 is an exhaust pipe provided on the waterproof gasket 3, the electrical component 5 is provided with a first through hole 51, the lower shell 2 is provided with a second through hole 21, and the exhaust pipe passes through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 21 in sequence to connect the second cavity 7 with the outside. The outer peripheral side of the exhaust pipe is tightly matched with the second through hole 21 to achieve complete sealing of the first cavity 6 and protect the electrical component 5 inside. Specifically, the second through hole 21 is provided at the bottom of the lower shell 2.

[0033] In a feasible embodiment, a sealing flange 311 is provided on the outer tube wall of the exhaust pipe extending to the outside of the lower shell 2, and the sealing flange 311 abuts against the lower shell 2 to seal the second through hole 21. In this embodiment, the sealing flange 311 can further seal the abutting portion between the outer peripheral side of the exhaust pipe and the second through hole 21, thereby improving the sealing and waterproof effect.

[0034] In a feasible embodiment, the waterproof gasket 3 is provided with a groove 32 adapted to the electrical component 5, and the electrical component 5 is fixed to the lower housing 2 and accommodated in the groove 32. In this embodiment, the electrical component 5 can be fixed to the lower housing 2 by screws. The groove 32 can limit the electrical component 5, and when the outer peripheral side edge of the electrical component 5 abuts against the inner peripheral side of the groove 32, the components arranged on the upper surface of the electrical component 5 can be sealed and waterproofed.

[0035] In a feasible embodiment, a sealing protrusion 33 is convexly provided on one side of the waterproof gasket 3 that abuts against the lower shell 2, and a sealing groove 22 corresponding to the sealing protrusion 33 is concavely provided on the lower shell 2, and the sealing protrusion 33 is inserted into the sealing groove 22 to seal the first cavity 6. Since the electrical component 5 has a higher waterproof requirement, the cooperation between the sealing protrusion 33 and the sealing groove 22 can serve as another line of defense for sealing and waterproofing, further improving the sealing and waterproofing performance.

[0036] In a feasible embodiment, a plurality of limiting convex strips 41 are convexly provided on the peripheral side surface of the slider 4, and the limiting convex strips 41 extend along the displacement direction of the slider 4. A plurality of limiting grooves 12 corresponding to the limiting convex strips 41 are concavely provided on the inner side surface of the upper shell 1, and the limiting convex strips 41 are inserted into the limiting grooves 12 to limit the slider 4 during the displacement of the slider 4. The cooperation between the limiting convex strips 41 and the limiting grooves 12 effectively prevents the slider 4 from deflecting during the displacement process, thereby ensuring the performance of the waterproof key.

[0037] In a feasible embodiment, the waterproof gasket 3 is provided with conductive particles 34, and the slider 4 is provided with extrusion columns 42 corresponding to the conductive particles 34. When the slider 4 is driven by an external force, the extrusion columns 42 squeeze the conductive particles 34 to contact the electrical component 5. Specifically, a pressing stroke space is formed between the conductive particles 34 and the electrical component 5. The function of the pressing stroke space is to ensure that the conductive particles 34 will not trigger the electrical component 5 without the action of an external force, and at the same time ensure that the conductive particles 34 have enough deformation space when being pressed so as to trigger the electrical component 5.

[0038] In a feasible embodiment, the upper shell 1 is provided with a plurality of buckles 13, the lower shell 2 is provided with a slot 23 adapted to the buckles 13, and the buckles 13 are engaged with the slot 23 to cover the upper shell 1 on the lower shell 2. Specifically, the buckles 13 are provided with a guiding inclined surface to facilitate the engagement of the buckles 13 with the slot 23.

[0039] In a feasible embodiment, the lower housing 2 is provided with a limiting protrusion 24, and the electrical component 5 is provided with a limiting slot 52 corresponding to the limiting protrusion 24, and the limiting protrusion 24 is engaged in the limiting slot 52 to limit the electrical component 5 on the lower housing 2. The cooperation between the limiting protrusion 24 and the limiting slot 52 facilitates the positioning of the electrical component 5 when assembling the electrical component 5 with the lower housing 2. At the same time, in combination with the embodiment of fixing the electrical component 5 to the lower housing 2 by screws, the cooperation between the limiting protrusion 24 and the limiting slot 52 effectively prevents the electrical component 5 from being offset during the process of screwing the screws.

[0040] The utility model provides an automobile exterior switch, including any waterproof button as described above. The automobile exterior switch in the utility model seals the electrical component 5 through the first cavity 6. When the pressing part 11 is pressed or the temperature rises, the increased air pressure in the upper cavity will maintain the internal and external pressure balance through the exhaust pipe of the exhaust structure 31, thereby ensuring that the shape of the pressing part 11 is docile and will not bulge outward, and also avoiding the problem of high cost caused by the use of a waterproof breathable membrane.

[0041] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, although the present application is described in more detail through the above embodiments, the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present application, and the scope of the present application is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A waterproof button, characterized in that: The invention comprises an upper shell (1), a lower shell (2), a waterproof gasket (3), a slider (4) and an electrical component (5), wherein the waterproof gasket (3) is a flexible component, the upper shell (1) covers the lower shell (2), the waterproof gasket (3) is arranged between the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2) to seal the gap between the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2), a first cavity (6) is formed between the waterproof gasket (3) and the lower shell (2), the electrical component (5) is arranged in the first cavity (6), and the waterproof gasket (3) is arranged in the first cavity (6). A second cavity (7) is formed between the sheet (3) and the upper shell (1); the slider (4) is movably arranged in the second cavity (7); a pressing portion (11) is provided on the upper shell (1); the position where the pressing portion (11) abuts against the slider (4) is a flexible component, so that an external force drives the slider (4) to squeeze the waterproof gasket (3) to trigger the electrical element (5); and an exhaust structure (31) for connecting the second cavity (7) and the outside world is provided on the waterproof gasket (3) to maintain the air pressure balance between the inside of the second cavity (7) and the outside world.

2. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust structure (31) is an exhaust pipe arranged on the waterproof gasket (3); the electrical element (5) is provided with a first through hole (51); the lower shell (2) is provided with a second through hole (21); the exhaust pipe passes through the first through hole (51) and the second through hole (21) in sequence to connect the second cavity (7) with the outside.

3. The waterproof key according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing flange (311) is provided on the outer tube wall of the exhaust pipe extending to the outside of the lower shell (2), and the sealing flange (311) abuts against the lower shell (2) to seal the second through hole (21).

4. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof gasket (3) is provided with a groove (32) adapted to the electrical component (5); the electrical component (5) is fixed on the lower housing (2) and accommodated in the groove (32).

5. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing protrusion (33) is convexly provided on the side of the waterproof gasket (3) abutting against the lower shell (2), and a sealing groove (22) corresponding to the sealing protrusion (33) is concavely provided on the lower shell (2), and the sealing protrusion (33) is inserted into the sealing groove (22) to seal the first cavity (6).

6. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of limiting convex strips (41) are convexly provided on the peripheral side surface of the slider (4), and the limiting convex strips (41) extend along the displacement direction of the slider (4); a plurality of limiting grooves (12) corresponding to the limiting convex strips (41) are concavely provided on the inner side surface of the upper shell (1), and the limiting convex strips (41) are inserted into the limiting grooves (12) to limit the slider (4) during the displacement of the slider (4).

7. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof gasket (3) is provided with conductive particles (34), and the slider (4) is provided with extrusion columns (42) corresponding to the conductive particles (34). When an external force drives the slider (4), the extrusion columns (42) squeeze the conductive particles (34) to contact the electrical element (5).

8. The waterproof key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper shell (1) is provided with a plurality of buckles (13), the lower shell (2) is provided with a clamping groove (23) adapted to the buckles (13), and the buckles (13) are clamped with the clamping groove (23) to cover the upper shell (1) on the lower shell (2).

9. The waterproof key according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The lower shell (2) is provided with a limiting protrusion (24), the electrical component (5) is provided with a limiting slot (52) corresponding to the limiting protrusion (24), and the limiting protrusion (24) is engaged in the limiting slot (52) to limit the electrical component (5) on the lower shell (2).

10. An automobile exterior switch, characterized in that: Comprising a waterproof button as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images