Waterproof control box and washing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a waterproof control box and washing equipment. The waterproof control box comprises a box body, a control assembly and a blocking frame. An installation groove is formed in the box body, the control assembly comprises a circuit board and a terminal socket which are arranged in the installation groove, the terminal socket is arranged on the side face of the circuit board, and the blocking frame is connected with the circuit board and surrounds the terminal socket; a sealant filling area used for filling sealant is arranged in the mounting groove, the sealant filling area is located outside the blocking frame, and a waterproof layer is arranged in the blocking frame; the sealant in the sealant filling area and the waterproof layer in the blocking frame can fully prevent water from entering the control assembly, and the control assembly cannot be short-circuited after being used in a humid environment for a long time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of waterproof control box technology, specifically, it relates to a waterproof control box and a washing device. Background Technology

[0002] Household laundry appliances such as washing machines and dryers are easily exposed to water during operation, requiring their control components to be waterproofed. Taking washing machines as an example, the control components are typically waterproofed using a potting compound. To ensure the sealant applied inside the compound reaches the required thickness, the circuit board's connectors are usually vertically oriented, inserted from a socket at the end of the circuit board. The socket is located outside the compound to prevent it from being sealed by the sealant. This results in a less compact control component structure, occupying more installation space, and also leads to a thicker washing machine tray, affecting the washing machine's size and appearance.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a current washing machine control component employs a horizontal plug-in terminal that inserts into a socket on the side of the circuit board, resulting in a more compact structure and a thinner washing machine tray for mounting the control component. However, due to the socket location, the horizontal plug-in terminal cannot be used to seal the circuit board with potting compound; therefore, a waterproof coating method is used to waterproof the circuit board.

[0004] However, the waterproofing effect of spraying waterproof materials is limited. If the washing machine is in a high-humidity working environment for a long time, the circuit board is prone to short circuits, which affects the safety of the washing machine and the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof control box with terminal sockets on the side of the circuit board and capable of being sealed with potting compound, thereby solving the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a waterproof control box is provided, comprising:

[0008] The box body has an internal mounting groove.

[0009] A control component, comprising a circuit board disposed within the mounting slot and a terminal socket disposed on the side of the circuit board;

[0010] A retaining frame, which is connected to the circuit board and surrounds the terminal socket;

[0011] A glue-filling area, which is located within the mounting groove and outside the retaining frame, is used to fill sealant.

[0012] A waterproof layer is provided inside the retaining frame.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the waterproof layer is a three-proof paint coating.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom of the baffle frame and the surface of the circuit board are bonded together with adhesive.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the bottom of the baffle frame forms an annular plane and is attached to the surface of the circuit board.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, a snap-fit ​​structure is also included, through which the baffle frame and the box body are snapped together.

[0017] In some embodiments of this utility model, the buckle structure is disposed on the retaining frame, and the buckle structure is configured to extend out of the mounting groove and bend to the outside of the box body; the outside of the box body is provided with a mating part that engages with the buckle structure.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the baffle is located near at least one side plate of the box body, and the mating part is disposed on the side plate near the baffle.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the circuit board cooperates with the side plate of the box body, the baffle is close to at least one side plate of the box body, and a potting channel is formed between the baffle, the side plate close to the baffle, and the circuit board, and the sealant enters the potting channel.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the outer side of the baffle frame forms a stepped structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the potting channel is formed between the stepped structure, the side plate near the baffle frame, and the circuit board.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this utility model, a washing device is also provided, including the aforementioned waterproof control box.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:

[0023] The waterproof control box includes a housing, control components, and a retaining frame. The control components include a circuit board and terminal sockets housed in a mounting slot within the housing. The terminal sockets are located on the side of the circuit board, resulting in a compact structure. By adding a retaining frame, which connects to the circuit board and surrounds the terminal sockets, the retaining frame separates the terminal sockets from the encapsulation area outside the retaining frame, preventing the sealant from contacting the terminal sockets. A waterproof layer is installed inside the retaining frame to waterproof the unencapsulated areas. The sealant and waterproof layer provide sufficient waterproofing for the control components, ensuring that they will not short-circuit due to water ingress even after prolonged use in humid environments.

[0024] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the waterproof control box proposed in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame and fixing adhesive of the first embodiment of the waterproof control box proposed in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the waterproof control box proposed in this utility model.

[0029] The reference numerals and their corresponding component names in the figure are as follows:

[0030] 1. Box body; 11. Side panels; 12. Base plate;

[0031] 2. Control components; 21. Circuit board; 22. Terminal socket;

[0032] 3. Retaining frame; 31. Step structure;

[0033] 4. Glue dispensing area;

[0034] 5. Fixative adhesive;

[0035] 6. Snap-fit ​​structure; 61. Crossbeam; 62. Side beam;

[0036] 7. Fitting part; 71. Locking block; 72. Locking strip;

[0037] 8. Glue dispensing channel. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the description of the implementation, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0043] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] Wherever possible, the various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually, and these individual aspects may serve as the subject matter of a divisional application.

[0045] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first embodiment of a waterproof control box provided by this utility model is shown.

[0046] The waterproof control box provided in this embodiment includes a box body 1, a control component 2, and a retaining frame 3. A mounting groove is formed inside the box body 1. The control component 2 includes a circuit board 21 and a terminal socket 22 disposed within the mounting groove. The terminal socket 22 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 21. The retaining frame 3 is connected to the circuit board 21 and surrounds the terminal socket 22. Specifically, the terminal socket 22 is located on the side of the circuit board 21 facing outwards from the mounting groove.

[0047] A potting area 4 is provided in the mounting groove of the housing 1. The potting area 4 is located outside the baffle 3 and is used to fill with sealant (not shown in the figure). The sealant covers the circuit board 21 to prevent water from entering the control component 2 and causing a short circuit. The baffle 3 is used to block the sealant, preventing it from entering and from contacting the terminal socket 22 inside the baffle 3.

[0048] A waterproof layer (not shown in the figure) is also provided inside the retaining frame 3. After the adhesive is applied, a waterproof material is sprayed or plated inside the retaining frame 3 to form a waterproof layer, thus waterproofing the area inside the retaining frame 3. The waterproof material can be conformal coating, and the waterproof layer is a conformal coating coating. Of course, other waterproof materials can also be used for the waterproof layer.

[0049] The waterproof control box can be used in washing equipment. In wet operating environments, the sealant and waterproof layer can fully waterproof the control component 2. Even with long-term use in humid environments, the control component 2 will not be short-circuited due to water ingress, thus ensuring product safety and improving user experience.

[0050] Terminal socket 22 is located on the side of circuit board 21 and within the mounting groove, without protruding from the housing 1, resulting in a compact structure. Taking the application of a waterproof control box in a washing machine as an example, the waterproof control box has a compact structure and occupies less space. The mounting plate for the waterproof control box in the washing machine can be designed to be thinner, thereby optimizing the size and appearance of the washing machine.

[0051] To prevent sealant from entering the retaining frame 3, the height of the retaining frame 3 is higher than the height of the sealant in the potting area 4, or the height of the retaining frame 3 is flush with the height of the sealant. The retaining frame 3 can be square, circular, or other shapes that can surround the terminal socket 22.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 includes a side plate 11 and a bottom plate 12, with the side plate 11 surrounding the bottom plate 12. A mounting groove is formed between the side plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, with the opening of the mounting groove facing upwards. The circuit board 21 is parallel to the bottom plate 12, and the terminal socket 22 is located on the upward-facing side of the circuit board 21, allowing the connector to be inserted into the terminal socket 22 from top to bottom.

[0053] It should be noted that the above orientation or positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the attached drawings and is not intended to limit the specific orientation of the waterproof control box when it is actually installed on the washing equipment.

[0054] The circuit board 21 can be fixed to the housing 1 by means of snap-fit, adhesive, screw connection, pin connection, etc. The inner side of the side plate 11 can be provided with a slot, which engages with the edge of the circuit board 21, thereby defining the installation position of the circuit board 21.

[0055] A gap may be left between the bottom surface of the circuit board 21 and the bottom plate 12 of the box 1, and sealant may be poured into the gap to seal the bottom of the circuit board 21.

[0056] Furthermore, a cover plate can be installed on the housing 1 to close the mounting slot and further protect the control component 2.

[0057] In some embodiments of this invention, the bottom of the baffle frame 3 and the surface of the circuit board 21 are bonded together with adhesive 5. The adhesive 5 fixes the position of the baffle frame 3 and provides a seal between the bottom of the baffle frame 3 and the circuit board 21, preventing external sealant from entering the baffle frame 3. The adhesive 5 is designed as a ring corresponding to the bottom of the baffle frame 3 to avoid gaps and improve the sealing effect.

[0058] The fixing adhesive 5 can be 3M double-sided tape, cut to a shape that fits the bottom surface of the baffle 3. Both sides of the 3M double-sided tape are bonded to the bottom surface of the baffle 3 and the surface of the circuit board 21, respectively.

[0059] The fixing adhesive 5 can also be glue or other existing adhesives.

[0060] In some embodiments of this invention, the bottom of the baffle 3 forms a flat annular plane that fits against the surface of the circuit board 21. The flat annular plane fits perfectly against the surface of the circuit board 21, reducing gaps and thus better blocking external sealant.

[0061] In some embodiments of this utility model, the waterproof control box also includes a snap-fit ​​structure 6, and the baffle frame 3 and the box body 1 are snapped together by the snap-fit ​​structure 6 to fix the position of the baffle frame 3.

[0062] In one specific embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure 6 is disposed on the retaining frame 3. The snap-fit ​​structure 6 is configured to extend out of the mounting groove of the box body 1 and bend to the outside of the box body 1. The outside of the box body 1 is provided with a mating part 7 that engages with the snap-fit ​​structure 6. The mating part 7 can fix the position of the snap-fit ​​structure 6.

[0063] Specifically, the snap-fit ​​structure 6 extends upward from the top of the retaining frame 3 and then bends downward to form a downward-opening slot that can snap onto the side plate 11 from top to bottom. The portion of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 extending to the outside of the side plate 11 forms a "U"-shaped frame, which includes two side beams 62 and a crossbeam 61.

[0064] The mating part 7 includes a locking block 71, which protrudes from the outer surface of the side plate 11. The crossbeam 61 of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 can engage with the locking block 71 of the mating part 7. Specifically, the crossbeam 61 of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 can engage with the bottom of the locking block 71 of the mating part 7. A guide slope can be provided on the locking block 71 of the mating part 7, which gradually protrudes from the outer surface of the side plate 11 from top to bottom. During installation, the crossbeam 61 of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 passes over the locking block 71 along the guide slope.

[0065] The mating part 7 also includes two retaining strips 72 protruding from the outer surface of the side plate 11. The two retaining strips 72 are arranged left and right and spaced a certain distance apart. The snap-fit ​​structure 6 is engaged between the two retaining strips 72 of the mating part 7. The two retaining strips 72 respectively position the side beam 62 of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 on the corresponding side, restricting the installation position of the snap-fit ​​structure 6 in the left and right direction, thereby positioning the position of the retaining frame 3. The top of the two retaining strips 72 of the mating part 7 can be provided as a flared structure to guide the snap-fit ​​structure 6 from top to bottom into the space between the two retaining strips 72.

[0066] The snap-fit ​​structure 6 and the retaining frame 3 can be connected as a single unit, and the mating part 7 and the side plate 11 can be connected as a single unit.

[0067] At least one side plate 11 of the retaining frame 3 is close to the housing 1, and a mating part 7 is provided on the side plate 11 close to the retaining frame 3. A snap-fit ​​structure 6 is provided on the side of the retaining frame 3 close to the side plate 11.

[0068] like Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the baffle 3 is close to two adjacent side plates 11 of the box body 1. Each of the two side plates 11 is provided with a mating part 7. The baffle 3 is provided with two snap-fit ​​structures 6. The two snap-fit ​​structures 6 are respectively engaged with the mating part 7 on the corresponding side to position the baffle 3 in the front-back and left-right directions.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-mentioned snap-fit ​​structure 6 and mating part 7 are merely examples, and other structures that can achieve the snap-fit ​​connection between the retaining frame 3 and the box body 1 fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0070] When installing the waterproof control box, first insert the control component 2 into the mounting slot of the box body 1, then install the retaining frame 3 so that the retaining frame 3 surrounds the terminal socket 22 on the circuit board 21. The snap-fit ​​structure 6 on the retaining frame 3 engages with the mating part 7 on the side plate 11 of the box body 1. The bottom of the retaining frame 3 is glued to the surface of the circuit board 21 with fixing adhesive 5 to fix the position of the retaining frame 3. Then, fill the potting area 4 inside the box body 1 with sealant to seal the circuit board 21. Finally, spray waterproof material on the inner area of ​​the retaining frame 3 to form a waterproof layer.

[0071] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a waterproof control box provided by this utility model is shown.

[0072] The waterproof control box provided in this embodiment includes a box body 1, a control component 2, and a retaining frame 3. A mounting groove is formed inside the box body 1. The control component 2 includes a circuit board 21 and a terminal socket 22 disposed within the mounting groove. The terminal socket 22 is disposed on the side of the circuit board 21. The retaining frame 3 is connected to the circuit board 21 and surrounds the terminal socket 22. The terminal socket 22 is located within the mounting groove and on the side of the circuit board 21 facing outwards from the mounting groove, without protruding from the box body 1. This design results in a compact structure and a smaller installation space.

[0073] The mounting groove of the housing 1 is provided with a potting area 4 for filling sealant, and the potting area 4 is located outside the retaining frame 3. The sealant covers the circuit board 21 to prevent water from entering the circuit board 21 and causing a short circuit. The height of the retaining frame 3 is higher than the height of the sealant, or the height of the retaining frame 3 is flush with the height of the sealant, thereby blocking the sealant and preventing the sealant from contacting the terminal socket 22 inside the retaining frame 3.

[0074] The frame 3 also includes a waterproof layer to waterproof the area within it. This waterproof layer can be made of conformal coating or other waterproof materials. The sealant and waterproof layer effectively waterproof the control component 2, ensuring product safety.

[0075] The bottom of the retaining frame 3 and the surface of the circuit board 21 are bonded together using adhesive 5. The adhesive 5 secures the retaining frame 3 in place and seals the gap between the bottom of the retaining frame 3 and the circuit board 21, preventing external sealant from entering the retaining frame 3. The adhesive 5 is designed in a ring shape corresponding to the bottom of the retaining frame 3 to avoid gaps and ensure a good seal.

[0076] Specifically, the housing 1 includes a side plate 11 and a bottom plate 12, with the side plate 11 surrounding the bottom plate 12. A mounting groove is formed between the side plate 11 and the bottom plate 12, with the opening of the mounting groove facing upwards. A terminal socket 22 is located on the upward-facing side of the circuit board 21, and the connector can be inserted into the terminal socket 22 from top to bottom.

[0077] The edge of the circuit board 21 mates with the side plate 11 of the housing 1. The retaining frame 3 is close to at least one side plate 11 of the housing 1. A potting channel 8 is formed between the retaining frame 3, the side plate 11 close to the retaining frame 3, and the circuit board 21, and sealant enters the potting channel 8. The potting channel 8 is located between the adjacent retaining frame 3 and the side plate 11 and is part of the potting area 4. It seals the gap between the retaining frame 3 and the side plate 11 and protects the edge of the circuit board 21 at the gap.

[0078] In one embodiment, a stepped structure 31, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, is formed on the outer side of the retaining frame 3. A potting channel 8 is formed between the stepped structure 31, the side plate 11 near the retaining frame 3, and the circuit board 21. The stepped structure 31 is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a smaller distance between its upper part and the side plate 11 and a larger distance between its lower part and the side plate 11. The potting channel 8 is located at the lower part of the stepped structure 31, which increases the width of the potting channel 8, facilitating the entry of sealant and sealing the edge of the circuit board 21.

[0079] In another embodiment, the outer side of the retaining frame 3 forms a gradually tapering slope from top to bottom, which is used to form a potting channel 8. The potting channel 8 is formed between the outer slope of the retaining frame 3, the side plate 11 near the retaining frame 3, and the circuit board 21. The outer slope of the retaining frame 3 gradually tapers from top to bottom, and the gap between the lower part and the side plate 11 is larger, which can increase the width of the potting channel 8, which is conducive to the entry of sealant and ensures that the edge of the circuit board 21 is sealed.

[0080] Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​structure 6 can be provided between the retaining frame 3 and the box body 1, and the retaining frame 3 can be fixed in position by snapping together with the retaining frame 3. The snap-fit ​​structure 6 can be provided on the retaining frame 3, extending out of the mounting groove of the box body 1 and bending to the outside of the side plate 11 of the box body 1. The outside of the side plate 11 is provided with a mating part 7, which can engage with the snap-fit ​​structure 6 to fix the position of the snap-fit ​​structure 6, thereby positioning the retaining frame 3.

[0081] This utility model embodiment also provides a washing device, including the aforementioned waterproof control box. The washing device can be a washing machine, dryer, washer-dryer combo, dishwasher, etc.

[0082] Taking a top-loading washing machine as an example, the washing machine has a tray base on top, which serves as the mounting platform for the control panel and components. A waterproof control box is installed inside the tray base. The waterproof control box includes a body 1, control components 2, and a retaining frame 3. The body 1 has an internal mounting groove. The control components 2 include a circuit board 21 housed within the mounting groove and terminal sockets 22 located on the side of the circuit board 21. The terminal sockets 22 do not protrude from the body 1. Connectors are inserted into the terminal sockets 22 from the side of the circuit board 21. This compact structure helps reduce the installation space occupied by the waterproof control box within the tray base, allowing the tray base to be designed thinner, thus optimizing the size and appearance of the top-loading washing machine.

[0083] The baffle 3 is bonded to the circuit board 21 and surrounds the terminal socket 22. A potting area 4 is formed outside the baffle 3. The sealant filled in the potting area 4 covers the circuit board 21. A waterproof layer is set inside the baffle 3 to waterproof the device and fully seal the control component 2. Even if the pulsator washing machine is used for a long time in a watery environment, the control component 2 will not be short-circuited by water, effectively ensuring product safety.

[0084] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A waterproof control box, characterized in that, include: The box body has an internal mounting groove. A control component, comprising a circuit board disposed within the mounting slot and a terminal socket disposed on the side of the circuit board; A retaining frame, which is connected to the circuit board and surrounds the terminal socket; A glue-filling area, which is located within the mounting groove and outside the retaining frame, is used to fill sealant. A waterproof layer is provided inside the retaining frame.

2. The waterproof control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waterproof layer is a three-proof paint coating.

3. The waterproof control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the baffle frame and the surface of the circuit board are bonded together with adhesive.

4. The waterproof control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the baffle forms an annular plane and is attached to the surface of the circuit board.

5. The waterproof control box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a snap-fit ​​structure, through which the baffle frame and the box body are snapped together.

6. The waterproof control box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure is disposed on the retaining frame, and the snap-fit ​​structure is configured to extend out of the mounting groove and bend to the outside of the box body; the outside of the box body is provided with a mating part that engages with the snap-fit ​​structure.

7. The waterproof control box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The baffle is located near at least one side plate of the box body, and the mating part is disposed on the side plate near the baffle.

8. The waterproof control box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board mates with the side plate of the housing, the baffle is close to at least one side plate of the housing, and a potting channel is formed between the baffle, the side plate close to the baffle, and the circuit board, and the sealant enters the potting channel.

9. The waterproof control box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outer side of the baffle frame forms a stepped structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. The potting channel is formed between the stepped structure, the side plate near the baffle frame, and the circuit board.

10. A washing device, characterized in that, The waterproof control box includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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