Protection structure, switch structure and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to a protection structure, a switch structure and a household electrical appliance, and a waterproof cap is provided with an edge part arranged around the circumferential direction of the waterproof cap; a mounting space is formed in the switch frame, the waterproof cap is constructed to be capable of generating flexible deformation under the action of external force so as to enable the edge part to be inserted into the mounting space, and the switch frame can limit the movement of the edge part in the first direction. Through the flexible deformation of the waterproof cap, the edge part of the waterproof cap can be installed on the switch frame, and in the whole installation process of the waterproof cap, the waterproof cap can be fixed on the switch frame only through the deformation of the waterproof cap, no extra gluing operation is needed, and the production efficiency of the switch structure is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of switch technology, and in particular to protection structures, switch structures, and household appliances. Background Technology

[0002] A rocker switch is a household circuit switch hardware product, commonly used in bedrooms, kitchens, and other walls, as well as in common household appliances such as water dispensers. A rocker switch connects or disconnects the circuit by rotating a rocker. However, there is a gap between the rocker and the switch panel. When used in humid areas or damp environments such as bathrooms, moisture from the environment can easily seep into the panel through this gap, damaging the switch components and electrical wiring.

[0003] Therefore, a switch cap is needed to protect the exposed rocker switch. By covering the rocker switch with the switch cap, moisture can be prevented from entering the rocker switch. At the same time, to ensure that users can operate the rocker switch normally, the switch cap is made of soft silicone, so that users can operate the rocker directly through the switch cap to connect or disconnect the circuit.

[0004] Currently, switch caps are mostly installed on the switch frame of rocker switches. Since the switch frame is mostly made of PVC, it cannot be bonded to the silicone material of the switch cap through injection molding. Therefore, the switch cap is currently installed on the switch frame by applying adhesive, but this method is time-consuming and affects the production efficiency of rocker switches. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a protective structure, a switch structure, and a household appliance to address the problem that the time spent on adhesive bonding affects the production efficiency of rocker switches.

[0006] A protective structure for a switch body, comprising:

[0007] A waterproof cap having a rim that surrounds its circumference;

[0008] The switch frame has an internal mounting space. The waterproof cap is configured to flexibly deform under external force so that the edge portion can be inserted into the mounting space. The switch frame can also restrict the movement of the edge portion in a first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the switch frame includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion spaced apart along the first direction, and the mounting space is formed between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion. When the edge portion (22) is inserted into the mounting space, the edge portion is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switch frame includes a top and a side, the side being circumferentially arranged around the top, and a buckle protruding from one side of the side, wherein the buckle and the top form a first limiting portion and the other forming a second limiting portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, a switch hole is provided on the switch frame, the axis of the switch hole is parallel to the first direction, and the waterproof cap covers the switch hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the waterproof cap includes a cap portion, the edge portion protruding from the circumferential sidewall of the cap portion, and the cap portion passing through the switch hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the waterproof cap further includes a limiting portion, which is disposed on the side of the edge portion facing the cap portion, and a limiting groove is formed between the limiting portion and the cap portion;

[0014] The switch frame has a protruding mating part that inserts into the limiting groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, a limiting block is provided on the side of the limiting portion away from the edge portion, and a mating groove is formed in the recess of the switch frame, into which the limiting block is inserted.

[0016] In one embodiment, the limiting part, the mating part, and the mating groove each include multiple, all the limiting parts, all the mating parts, and all the mating grooves are arranged circumferentially around the cap part, each of the mating parts is inserted into one of the limiting parts and the cap part forming a limiting groove, at least some of the limiting parts are provided with limiting blocks, and each of the limiting blocks is inserted into one of the mating grooves.

[0017] In one embodiment, the switch frame includes a top and a side, the side being circumferentially arranged around the top, and a buckle protruding from one side of the side, forming the mounting space between the buckle and the top;

[0018] The buckles include multiple buckles, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the cap portion, and each buckle is aligned with the gap between two adjacent limiting portions in a first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the waterproof cap further includes a filling portion, one end of which is disposed circumferentially around the edge portion, and the other end extends longitudinally in a direction away from the cap portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the filling portion includes a plurality of filling sub-portions, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the edge portion;

[0021] The switch frame includes a top and a side, the side is circumferentially arranged around the top, and a buckle is protruding from one side of the side, forming the mounting space between the buckle and the top;

[0022] The buckles include multiple buckles, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the cap portion, with each buckle located in the gap between two adjacent filling sub-parts.

[0023] In one embodiment, the switch body includes a switch housing, the end of which in a first direction has a snap-fit ​​block protruding toward its own side, the snap-fit ​​block being able to be inserted into an installation space, and the edge portion being located between the snap-fit ​​block and the switch frame.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the first direction, the thickness of the edge portion in its natural state is L1, the thickness of the snap-fit ​​block is L2, and the width of the mounting space is H2, where L1 > H2 - H1.

[0025] In one embodiment, the waterproof cap further includes a filling portion circumferentially disposed around the edge portion and located between the snap-fit ​​block and the inner wall of the mounting space.

[0026] In one embodiment, the thickness of the filling portion in its natural state in the second direction or the third direction is L2, and the distance between the circumferential sidewall of the snap-fit ​​block and the inner wall of the mounting space in the second direction or the third direction is H3, where L2 > H3;

[0027] The second direction, the third direction, and the first direction intersect each other but are not coplanar.

[0028] A switch structure includes a switch body and a protection structure as described in any of the preceding claims;

[0029] The switch frame is disposed on the switch body, and the switch body has a button for switching its own state. The waterproof cap can come into contact with the button during the process of flexible deformation under the action of external force.

[0030] A household appliance comprising the switch structure described in any of the preceding claims.

[0031] The aforementioned protective structure includes a waterproof cap with a circumferentially surrounding edge, a switch frame, and an internal installation space. The waterproof cap is designed to flexibly deform under external force, allowing the edge to insert into the installation space. The switch frame restricts the movement of the edge in a first direction, thus securing the waterproof cap to the switch frame. Throughout the installation process, the waterproof cap's own deformation is sufficient for fixation to the switch frame, eliminating the need for additional adhesive application. This reduces installation time and improves the production efficiency of the switch structure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure in some embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the waterproof cap in the middle protective structure.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the waterproof cap in the middle protective structure.

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Front view of the waterproof cap of the central protective structure.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Side view of the waterproof cap of the central protective structure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the switch frame structure in some embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the switch structure in some embodiments of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 10. Switch frame; 11. Top; 12. Side; 13. Switch hole; 14. Buckle; 15. Mating part; 16. Mating groove;

[0041] Waterproof cap 20; cap portion 21; edge portion 22; limiting portion 23; limiting groove 24; limiting block 25; filling portion 26; filling sub-part 27;

[0042] Switch body 30; button 31; snap-fit ​​block 32; sleeve 33; button housing 34; elastic element 35; light-emitting component 36; light-emitting contact 37;

[0043] Switch housing 40; conductive sheet 41; switch contact 42; first end 43; second end 44; lamp base component 45; switch terminal 46;

[0044] First direction X, second direction Y, third direction Z. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0047] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0050] See Figure 1 An embodiment of this application provides a switch structure including a switch body 30 and a protection structure disposed on the switch body 30. The switch body 30 is used to control the disconnection of the circuit or the magnitude of the current in the circuit. For this purpose, the switch body 30 has multiple states, such as a conducting state for connecting the circuit or a disconnecting state for disconnecting the circuit. Depending on the different states of the switch body 30, the device controlled by the switch body 30 is in different states.

[0051] The switch body 30 is equipped with a button 31, which is used to switch the state of the switch body 30 to control the corresponding device. In order to prevent moisture or dust from entering the button 31 and affecting the operation of the switch body 30, a protective structure is set on the switch body 30 and covers the button 31 to reduce the entry of moisture or dust into the switch body 30.

[0052] Specifically, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The protective structure includes a switch frame 10 and a waterproof cap 20. The switch frame 10 is located on the switch body 30, and the waterproof cap 20 is installed on the switch frame 10 and covers the button 31, thereby protecting the button 31 through the waterproof cap 20 and achieving the effect of waterproofing and dustproofing.

[0053] The waterproof cap 20 is made of flexible and deformable materials such as silicone or rubber. It is not only waterproof and dustproof, but also allows the button 31 to be operated directly through the waterproof cap 20 without removing it. Furthermore, silicone is a high-temperature resistant material, suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as oil heaters, baseboards, and bathroom heaters, overcoming the limitation of current switches that cannot be used in high-temperature environments. The use of soft silicone makes the button operation more flexible and lightweight, resulting in a better user experience. This structure also avoids the protrusions and easy detachment defects of traditional waterproof switches, and can withstand a 30N pulling force, making the structure more reliable.

[0054] In actual use, the user applies a certain external force to the waterproof cap 20 with their finger. The waterproof cap 20 undergoes flexible deformation under the action of the external force, and the waterproof cap 20 can contact the button 31 during the deformation process, so that the user's finger can operate the button 31 through the waterproof cap 20.

[0055] Furthermore, the waterproof cap 20 has an edge 22 arranged around its circumference, a switch frame 10, and an internal installation space. The waterproof cap 20 is configured to flexibly deform under external force, allowing the edge 22 to insert into the installation space. The switch frame 10 restricts the movement of the edge 22 in the first direction X, thereby fixing the waterproof cap 20 to the switch frame 10. During the entire installation process of the waterproof cap 20, fixation to the switch frame 10 can be completed simply through the deformation of the waterproof cap 20 itself, eliminating the need for additional adhesive application. This reduces the installation time of the waterproof cap 20 and improves the production efficiency of the switch structure.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the switch frame 10 includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion spaced apart along a first direction X, with an installation space formed between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion. When the edge portion 22 is inserted into the installation space, the edge portion 22 is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, so that the movement of the edge portion 22 in the first direction X is restricted by the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, thereby fixing the edge portion 22 within the switch frame 10.

[0057] It should be noted that the installation space can be formed by the first limiting part and the second limiting part being set at intervals. In other embodiments, it can also be formed by slotting on the switch frame 10. For example, a mounting groove is formed in the inner sidewall of the mounting hole 13 on the switch frame 10. The mounting groove is arranged around the axis of the mounting hole. The edge 22 of the waterproof cap 20 is inserted into the mounting groove so as to restrict the movement of the edge 22 in the first direction X through the mounting groove.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the switch frame 10 includes a top 11 and a side 12. The side 12 is circumferentially arranged around the top 11, and a buckle 14 protrudes from the side of the side 12 toward the switch hole 13. One of the buckle 14 and the top 11 forms a first limiting part, and the other forms a second limiting part. That is, the buckle 14 and the top 11 are spaced apart along the first direction X, and an installation space is formed between the buckle 14 and the top 11. When the waterproof cap 20 undergoes flexible deformation under the action of external force, the edge 22 can be inserted between the buckle 14 and the top 11, so as to restrict the movement of the edge 22 in the first direction X by the buckle 14 and the top 11.

[0059] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first limiting part and the second limiting part may both be snap-fits, or in some other embodiments, the first limiting part is a snap-fit, the second limiting part is the bottom of the switch frame, and the snap-fit ​​is located above the bottom of the switch frame so that an installation space is formed between the snap-fit ​​and the bottom of the switch frame.

[0060] In some embodiments, a switch hole 13 is provided on the top 11, and the axis of the switch hole 13 is parallel to the first direction. When the switch frame 10 is installed on the switch body 30, the waterproof cap 25 covers the switch hole 13. In actual use, the button 31 is located inside the switch hole 13 or below the switch hole 13. When the user applies a certain external force to the waterproof cap 20 with their finger, the user's finger can pass through the switch hole 13 to operate the button 31. Furthermore, by covering the switch hole 13 with the waterproof cap 25, dust and moisture can be reduced from entering the button 31.

[0061] Furthermore, the waterproof cap 20 includes a cap portion 21, which passes through the switch hole 13, and an edge portion 22 protrudes from the circumferential sidewall 12 of the cap portion 21. Since the cap portion 21 passes through the switch hole 13, the inner wall of the switch hole 13 can limit the circumferential movement of the cap portion 21, preventing the cap portion 21 from moving along the second direction Y or the third direction Z intersecting the first direction X. In conjunction with the switch frame 10 and the edge portion 10, the movement of the cap portion 21 in the first direction X can be restricted, ultimately allowing the waterproof cap 20 to be fixed on the switch frame 10.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the switch body 30 includes a switch housing 40. The end of the switch housing 40 in the first direction X has a snap-fit ​​block 32 protruding toward its own side. The snap-fit ​​block 32 can be inserted into the mounting space between the buckle 14 and the top 11. The switch frame 10 can be fixed to the switch body 30 by the snap-fit ​​between the buckle 14 and the snap-fit ​​block 32.

[0063] The edge portion 22 is located between the snap-fit ​​block 32 and the top 11. When the snap-fit ​​14 and the snap-fit ​​block 32 are engaged, the edge portion 22 is also secured between the snap-fit ​​block 32 and the top 11. Therefore, in actual use, the cap portion 21 of the waterproof cap 20 can be inserted into the switch hole 13 first, then the edge portion 22 can be inserted between the snap-fit ​​14 and the top 11, and finally the snap-fit ​​14 can be fastened onto the snap-fit ​​block 32. This completes the installation of the switch frame 10 on the switch body 30 and the waterproof cap 20 on the switch frame 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first direction X, the thickness of the edge portion 22 in its natural state is L1, the thickness of the locking block 32 is H1, and the distance between the buckle 14 and the top 11 is H2, where L1 > H2 - H1. That is, the distance between the buckle 14 and the top 11 is insufficient to accommodate the edge portion 22 and the locking block 32 in their natural state. Therefore, when the buckle 14 simultaneously fixes the locking block 32 and the edge portion 22, the edge portion 22 will be in a compressed state.

[0065] Thus, when the user pulls on the waterproof cap 20, the edge portion 22 is in a compressed state, making it difficult for the user to pull the waterproof cap 20 out, ensuring the stability of the waterproof cap 20 installation. At the same time, because the edge portion 22 is in a compressed state, through the flexible deformation of the edge portion 22, the edge portion 22 can fill the gap between the top 11 and the snap-fit ​​block 32, thereby preventing water from entering the switch body 30 through the switch hole 13, improving the waterproof and dustproof effect of the switch structure.

[0066] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, only the edge portion 22 may be provided between the buckle 14 and the top 11. That is, the buckle 14 is only used to fix the waterproof cap 20 and not for fixing the switch frame 10 and the switch body 30. Specifically, the distance H2 between the buckle 14 and the top 11, and the thickness L1 of the edge portion 22 in its natural state, are such that H2 ≤ L1, so that the edge portion 22 is fixed between the buckle 14 and the top 11. The switch frame 10 can be fixed to the switch body by insertion or by additionally providing the buckle 14.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, multiple snap fasteners 14 are included, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the switch hole 13. The edge portion 22 is inserted between each snap fastener 14 and the top 11, and the locking block 32 is also inserted between each snap fastener 14 and the top 11, thereby simultaneously fixing the locking block 32 and the edge portion 22 through multiple snap fasteners 14. Specifically, in one embodiment, four snap fasteners 14 are included. The side portion 12 has two opposing inner walls on a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. Two snap fasteners 14 protrude from each inner wall, and the two snap fasteners 14 are arranged at intervals along a third direction Z intersecting both the first direction X and the second direction Y. It is understood that in other embodiments, only one snap fastener 14 may be included, with one snap fastener 14 arranged circumferentially around the switch hole 13, i.e., the snap fastener 14 forms a circle around the switch hole 13.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the waterproof cap 20 further includes a limiting part 23, which is disposed on the side of the edge part 22 facing the cap part 21, and a limiting groove 24 is formed between the limiting part 23 and the cap part 21. Furthermore, a mating part 15 protrudes from the top 11 towards the buckle 14. The mating part 15 is inserted into the limiting groove 24, and through the mating of the mating part 15 and the limiting groove 24, the mating part 15 can be locked between the limiting part 23 and the cap part 21, thereby improving the stability of the waterproof cap 20 on the frame body and reducing the possibility of the waterproof cap 20 detaching from the switch frame 10.

[0069] In some embodiments, a limiting block 25 protrudes from the side of the limiting portion 23 away from the edge portion 22, and a mating groove 16 is recessed on the side of the top 11 facing the buckle 14, into which the limiting block 25 is inserted. Through the engagement of the mating groove 16 and the limiting block 25, and the mutual engagement of the mating portion 15 and the limiting groove 24, a cross-fit is formed, further improving the stability of the waterproof cap 20 on the frame body.

[0070] In some specific embodiments, the limiting part 23, the mating part 15, and the mating groove 16 are all multiple. All the limiting parts 23, all the mating parts 15, and all the mating grooves 16 are arranged circumferentially around the switch hole 13. Each mating part 15 is inserted into a limiting groove 24 formed between a limiting part 23 and a cap part 21. At least some of the limiting parts 23 are provided with limiting blocks 25 protruding from them. Each limiting block 25 is inserted into a mating groove 16. Thus, the waterproof cap 20 is fixed by the multiple limiting parts 23, mating parts 15, and mating grooves 16 surrounding the switch hole 13, which improves the stability of the waterproof cap 20 and prevents the waterproof cap 20 from falling off.

[0071] In one specific embodiment, the limiting portion 23 includes four parts. Two limiting portions 23 are respectively located at both ends of the edge portion 22 in the second direction Y and at both ends in the third direction Z. Limiting blocks 25 protrude from the two limiting portions 23 in the second direction Y. The mating portion 15 includes two parts. The two mating portions 15 are respectively located at both ends of the switch hole 13 in the second direction Y. The two mating portions 15 respectively mate with the two limiting grooves 24 formed between the two limiting portions 23 in the second direction Y and the cap portion 21. The mating groove 16 also includes two parts. The two mating grooves 16 are respectively located at both ends of the switch hole 13 in the second direction Y. The two mating grooves 16 respectively mate with the two limiting blocks 25 on the two limiting portions 23 in the second direction Y.

[0072] No limiting blocks 25 are provided on the two limiting portions 23 in the third direction Z. Thus, the two limiting portions 23 in the third direction Z only serve to fill the gap between the edge portion 22 and the top 11. Each buckle 14 is aligned with the gap between two adjacent limiting portions 23 in the first direction X. The waterproof cap 20 is thinner at the gap between two adjacent limiting portions 23, which facilitates the flexible deformation of the waterproof cap 20, allowing the edge portion 22 to enter the gap between the buckle 14 and the top 11 through the buckle 14. Specifically, there are four buckles 14, and the four buckles 14 correspond to the four gaps formed by the four limiting blocks 25.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the waterproof cap 20 further includes a filling portion 26. One end of the filling portion 26 is arranged circumferentially around the edge portion 22, and the other end extends longitudinally away from the cap portion 21. When the snap-fit ​​block 32 is engaged between the buckle 14 and the top 11, the filling portion 26 is located between the snap-fit ​​block 32 and the inner wall of the side portion 12. That is, the two ends of the snap-fit ​​block 32 in the second direction Y and the third direction Z are respectively abutted by the filling portion 26, thereby filling the interior of the side portion 12 and the gap between the snap-fit ​​blocks 32, further improving the waterproof and dustproof effect of the switch body 30.

[0074] Furthermore, in the second direction Y or the third direction Z, the thickness of the filling portion 26 in its natural state in the second direction Y or the third direction Z is L2, and the distance between the circumferential sidewall of the snap-fit ​​block 32 and the inner wall of the side portion 12 in the second direction Y or the third direction Z is H3, where L2 > H3. That is, the filling portion 26 between the side portion 12 and the snap-fit ​​block 32 will be in a compressed state, thereby effectively filling the gap between the side portion 12 and the snap-fit ​​block 32 and improving the waterproof and dustproof effect of the switch component.

[0075] In some embodiments, the filling portion 26 includes a plurality of filling sub-portions 27, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the edge portion 22. The buckle 14 includes a plurality of buckles 14, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the switch hole 13. Each buckle 14 is located in the gap between two adjacent filling sub-portions 27, thereby preventing the filling portion 26 from affecting the fastening effect of the buckle 14.

[0076] Specifically, the filling part 26 includes four filling sub-parts 27, which correspond to four limiting parts 23 respectively. Each filling sub-part 27 is integrally formed with the corresponding limiting part 23, so that the gap between two filling sub-parts 27 and the gap between two limiting parts 23 are interconnected, which facilitates the edge part 22 to enter the gap between the buckle 14 and the top 11.

[0077] In some specific embodiments, when the snap-fit ​​block 32 is snapped between the buckle 14 and the top 11, the distance between the bottom wall of the mating groove 16 and the top wall of the snap-fit ​​block 32 in the first direction X is H4, and the width of the mating groove 16 in the second direction Y is H5, where H5 > H4 > H3 > H2. In this way, when the waterproof cap 20 is pulled, due to the limited internal dimensions of the switch frame 10 and the snap-fit ​​block 32, the waterproof cap 20 can be stuck and cannot be pulled out, thus reducing the occurrence of the waterproof cap 20 falling off.

[0078] In some embodiments of this application, see [reference] Figure 5 The switch body 30 includes a switch housing 40, a button 31, a conductive sheet 41, and a switch contact 42. The conductive sheet 41 and the switch contact 42 are respectively disposed on the switch housing 40, and one of the conductive sheet 41 and the switch contact 42 is used to connect to the positive terminal of the external power supply, and the other is used to connect to the negative terminal of the external power supply.

[0079] Button 31 is movably mounted on switch housing 40 and includes a first position and a second position during its movement. When button 31 is in the first position, conductive piece 41 is positioned away from switch contact piece 42, thereby disconnecting the circuit controlled by switch body 30. When button 31 is in the second position, conductive piece 41 contacts switch contact piece 42, thereby connecting the positive and negative terminals of the external power supply, and connecting the circuit controlled by switch body 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, the conductive sheet 41 includes a first end 43 and a second end 44 on a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X. The first end 43 of the conductive sheet 41 is mounted on the switch housing 40. When the button 31 is rotated to the first position, the second end 44 contacts the switch contact 42, thereby making the conductive sheet 41 and the switch contact 42 mutually conductive, and the circuit is in a conductive state.

[0081] When the second end 44 contacts the switch contact 42, under the action of the elastic force of the conductive sheet 41, the second end 44 has a tendency to move away from the switch contact 42 along the first direction X. Thus, when the button 31 moves to the second position, the second end 44 moves away from the switch contact 42 under the action of the elastic force of the conductive sheet 41, thereby causing the second end 44 to avoid the switch contact 42, and thus causing the circuit to be in a disconnected state.

[0082] In some specific embodiments, the button 31 is rotatably mounted on the switch housing 40 about a rotation axis. The rotation axis direction, the first direction X, and the second direction Y intersect each other but are not coplanar. One end of the button 31 in the first direction X is located inside the switch hole 13, and the other end of the button 31 is provided with a sleeve 33. The sleeve 33 abuts against the surface of the conductive sheet 41, and during the rotation of the button 31, the sleeve 33 moves along the surface of the conductive sheet 41, thereby driving the conductive sheet 41 to move so that the second end 44 approaches and contacts the switch contact 42.

[0083] Specifically, see Figure 5 When button 31 is rotated clockwise, sleeve 33 moves to the left along the surface of conductive sheet 41, causing the second end 44 to move downwards and finally contact the switch contact 42, completing the circuit connection. When button 31 is rotated counterclockwise, sleeve 33 moves to the right along the surface of conductive sheet 41, and the second end 44 moves upwards under the action of the elastic force of conductive sheet 41, finally separating from the switch contact 42, and the circuit is disconnected.

[0084] The button 31 also includes a button housing 34 and an elastic element 35. The sleeve 33 is movably mounted on the button housing 34. The elastic element 35 elastically connects the button housing 34 and the elastic element 35, and provides a preload force for the sleeve 33 to press the conductive sheet 41. Thus, the elastic element 35 ensures that the sleeve 33 can always press the conductive sheet 41 during the movement of the button 31, reducing the phenomenon of poor contact.

[0085] In some specific embodiments, the button 31 further includes a light-emitting component 36 and a light-emitting contact 37. The light-emitting component 36 is disposed inside the button housing 34 and is electrically connected to the sleeve 33. The light-emitting contact 37 is located outside the button housing 34. The switch body 30 also includes a lamp base component 45, which is disposed on the switch housing 40 and has the same polarity as the switch contact 42 connected to an external power supply. When the button 31 is in the first position, the light-emitting contact 37 is positioned away from the lamp base component 45. When the button 31 is in the second position, the light-emitting contact 37 is connected to the lamp base component 45.

[0086] Thus, see Figure 5 When button 31 is rotated clockwise, sleeve 33 moves to the left along the surface of conductive sheet 41, causing the second end 44 to move downward and contact the switch contact 42. At the same time, the circuit is completed and the light-emitting contact 37 also moves downward until it contacts the lamp base component 45, so that the current can pass through the lamp base component 45, the light-emitting contact 37, the light-emitting component 36, and the conductive sheet 41, and finally cause the light-emitting component 36 to produce light to indicate to the user that the switch structure is in the conducting state.

[0087] Conversely, when button 31 is turned counterclockwise, the second end 44 separates from the switch contact 42, the circuit is disconnected, the light-emitting contact 37 separates from the lamp base component 45, and the light emitted by the light-emitting component 36 is extinguished to indicate to the user that the switch structure is in the disconnected state.

[0088] In some specific embodiments, the switch body 30 further includes three switch terminals 46. One end of each switch terminal 46 extends into the housing and the other end extends out of the housing. One end of the switch terminal 46 extending out of the housing is used to connect to the L line of the mains power and the other end is connected to the conductive sheet 41. One end of another switch terminal 46 extending out of the housing is used to connect to the N line of the mains power and the other end is connected to the switch contact 42. The last switch terminal 46 extending out of the housing is used to connect to the N line of the mains power and the other end is connected to the lamp base component 45.

[0089] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the switch body 30 may also be a button switch 31, a touch switch, or other common switch types, and is not limited here.

[0090] This application also provides a household appliance, including the switch structure as described in any of the above embodiments. Since the household appliance includes all the technical features of the above-described switch structure, it possesses all the technical effects of the above-described switch structure, which will not be repeated here.

[0091] The above-mentioned protective structure has at least the following advantages:

[0092] Through the flexible deformation of the waterproof cap 20 itself, the edge 22 of the waterproof cap 20 can be inserted between the buckle 14 and the top 11 of the switch frame 10. The buckle 14 and the top 11 then limit the waterproof portion in the first direction X. Combined with the circumferential limitation of the waterproof cap 20 by the switch hole 13, the waterproof cap 20 can be fixed to the switch frame 10. Throughout the installation process, the waterproof cap 20 can be fixed to the switch frame 10 simply through its own deformation, eliminating the need for additional adhesive application. This reduces installation time and improves the production efficiency of the switch structure.

[0093] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0094] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective structure for a switch body (30), characterized in that, The protective structure includes: The waterproof cap (20) has an edge (22) arranged around its circumference. The switch frame (10) has an internal installation space. The waterproof cap (20) is configured to be flexible under the action of external force so that the edge portion (22) is inserted into the installation space. The switch frame (10) can restrict the movement of the edge portion (22) in the first direction (X).

2. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch frame (10) includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part spaced apart along the first direction (X), and the mounting space is formed between the first limiting part and the second limiting part. When the edge part (22) is inserted into the mounting space, the edge part (22) is located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

3. The protective structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch frame (10) includes a top (11) and a side (12). The side (12) is arranged circumferentially around the top (11). A buckle (14) protrudes from one side of the side (12). One of the buckle (14) and the top (11) forms the first limiting part, and the other forms the second limiting part.

4. The protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A switch hole (13) is provided on the switch frame (10). The axis of the switch hole (13) is parallel to the first direction (X). The waterproof cap (20) covers the switch hole (13).

5. The protective structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The waterproof cap (20) includes a cap portion (21), the edge portion (22) protrudes from the circumferential sidewall of the cap portion (21), and the cap portion (21) passes through the switch hole (13).

6. The protective structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waterproof cap (20) also includes a limiting part (23), which is provided on the side of the edge part (22) facing the cap part (21), and a limiting groove (24) is formed between the limiting part (23) and the cap part (21). The switch frame (10) is provided with a mating part (15) protruding out, and the mating part (15) is inserted into the limiting groove (24).

7. The protective structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting part (23) has a limiting block (25) protruding from the side away from the edge part (22), and the switch frame (10) has a mating groove (16) recessed therein, and the limiting block (25) is inserted into the mating groove (16).

8. The protective structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting part (23), the mating part (15), and the mating groove (16) each include multiple parts. All the limiting parts (23), all the mating parts (15), and all the mating grooves (16) are arranged circumferentially around the cap part (21). Each mating part (15) is inserted into one of the limiting grooves (24) formed between the limiting part (23) and the cap part (21). At least a portion of the limiting parts (23) are provided with a limiting block (25). Each limiting block (25) is inserted into one of the mating grooves (16).

9. The protective structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The switch frame (10) includes a top (11) and a side (12). The side (12) is arranged around the top (11) in a circumferential manner. A buckle (14) protrudes from one side of the side (12), and the mounting space is formed between the buckle (14) and the top (11). The buckles (14) include a plurality of buckles, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the cap portion (21), and each buckle (14) is aligned with the gap between two adjacent limiting portions (23) in a first direction (X).

10. The protective structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The waterproof cap (20) also includes a filling portion (26), one end of which is arranged around the edge portion (22) in a circumferential direction, and the other end extends longitudinally in a direction away from the cap portion (21).

11. The protective structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filling portion (26) includes a plurality of filling sub-parts (27), all of which are arranged circumferentially around the edge portion (22); The switch frame (10) includes a top (11) and a side (12). The side (12) is arranged around the top (11) in a circumferential manner. A buckle (14) protrudes from one side of the side (12), and the mounting space is formed between the buckle (14) and the top (11). The buckles (14) include a plurality of buckles, all of which are arranged circumferentially around the cap portion (21), and each buckle (14) is located in the gap between two adjacent filling sub-parts (27).

12. The protective structure according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The switch body (30) includes a switch housing (40), and the switch housing (40) has a snap-fit ​​block (32) protruding toward its own side at the end in the first direction (X). The snap-fit ​​block (32) can be inserted into the installation space, and the edge portion (22) is located between the snap-fit ​​block (32) and the switch frame (10).

13. The protective structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the first direction (X), the thickness of the edge portion (22) in its natural state is L1, the thickness of the snap-fit ​​block (32) is H1, and the width of the mounting space is H2, wherein L1 > H2 - H1.

14. The protective structure according to claim 12, characterized in that, The waterproof cap (20) also includes a filling part (26) which is arranged circumferentially around the edge part (22) and located between the snap block (32) and the inner wall of the installation space.

15. The protective structure according to claim 14, characterized in that, The thickness of the filling part (26) in the second direction (Y) or the third direction (Z) in its natural state is L2, and the distance between the circumferential sidewall of the snap-fit ​​block (32) and the inner wall of the installation space in the second direction (Y) or the third direction (Z) is H3, where L2 > H3; The second direction (Y), the third direction (Z), and the first direction (X) intersect each other but are not coplanar.

16. A switch structure, characterized in that, It includes a switch body (30) and a protection structure as described in any one of claims 1-15; The switch frame (10) is disposed on the switch body (30), and the switch body (30) has a button (31) for switching its own state. The waterproof cap (20) can contact the button (31) during the process of flexible deformation under the action of external force.

17. A household appliance, characterized in that, Includes the switch structure as described in claim 16.

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