Waterproof switch sealing structure

Abstract

A sealing structure for a waterproof switch includes a switch body and a waterproof shell. The switch body has a base at its opening for fixing pins. The base is sealed to the inner wall of the switch body. The waterproof shell is snapped onto the base. A reinforcing layer is provided on the base. Each end face of the reinforcing layer along the pin distribution direction has a first snap-fit ​​plate. Each first snap-fit ​​plate includes a snap-fit ​​portion protruding from the reinforcing plate along the pin distribution direction. The waterproof shell has two first snaps corresponding to each snap-fit ​​portion on each side. A first snap-fit ​​groove is formed between the snap-fit ​​portion and the base for the first snaps to engage. The beneficial effect of this invention is that the symmetrical arrangement of the double first snaps and double snap-fit ​​groove structure significantly improves the bonding strength between the waterproof shell and the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sealing structure for a micro switch, and more particularly to a sealing structure for a waterproof switch. Background Technology

[0002] As a common circuit control component, microswitches need to be waterproof to meet specific operating conditions in humid or dusty environments. Currently, waterproof microswitches are widely used in household appliances (such as washing machines and water heaters), automotive electronics (door locks and window controls), industrial equipment (outdoor control panels), and outdoor lighting systems. Their typical structure adds a waterproof component to the traditional microswitch. During operation, external force triggers the internal spring mechanism via a button or lever, achieving contact connection and disconnection. The core waterproofing measure typically uses an elastic sealing ring and a waterproof cover. When the external actuator presses the switch button, the waterproof cover is fixed to the base via a snap-fit ​​structure, forming a sealed cavity with the sealing ring to prevent liquid penetration along the operating axis. Some high-end models also have epoxy resin injection molding encapsulation at the terminals, forming a multi-layered protection system.

[0003] Existing waterproof structures mainly rely on the snap-fit ​​connection between the waterproof cover and the base. However, frequent mechanical impacts during long-term use can easily lead to fatigue deformation of the snap-fit, especially in environments with large temperature fluctuations. The difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of different materials will exacerbate the widening of the connection gap. When a gap occurs between the waterproof cover and the base mating surface, capillary action will cause liquid to seep into the switch cavity, resulting in oxidation and failure of the metal contacts. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a sealing structure for a waterproof switch that offers better sealing performance after snapping.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a sealing structure for a waterproof switch, comprising a switch body and a waterproof shell. The switch body has a base for fixing pins at an opening. The base is sealed to the inner wall of the switch body. The waterproof shell is snapped onto the base. A reinforcing layer is provided on the base. A first snap plate is provided on each of the two end faces of the reinforcing layer along the pin distribution direction. The first snap plate includes a snap part protruding from the reinforcing plate along the pin distribution direction. Two first snaps are provided on the waterproof shell corresponding to each snap part on each side. A first snap groove is formed between the snap part and the base for the first snaps to engage.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the symmetrical arrangement of the double first buckles and double buckle groove structure significantly improves the bonding strength between the waterproof shell and the base. The design of the buckle portion extending along the pin direction makes the force distribution more uniform, avoiding buckle breakage caused by single-point stress concentration. As a preferred embodiment, a guide slope can be provided on the inner side of the buckle portion, generating a progressive clamping force when the first buckle is inserted, ensuring that the buckle portion and the wall of the first buckle groove form surface contact rather than line contact, which can improve the transverse tensile strength. In addition, the reinforcing layer can be made of a high-friction coefficient composite material, and its surface can be provided with an array of staggered micro-protrusions, which form a mechanical interlocking structure with the adhesive after potting and curing, effectively preventing the adhesive layer from peeling off under vibration.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary waterproof housing, which is snapped onto the switch body. After the auxiliary waterproof housing is snapped onto the switch body, the inner end face of the auxiliary waterproof housing causes the first snap to move toward the bottom of the first snap groove.

[0008] The auxiliary waterproof shell forms a secondary locking mechanism, and the radial pressure generated during its installation can eliminate the assembly gap of the main waterproof shell. As a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the auxiliary waterproof shell can be provided with a tapered clamping surface to form an interference fit with the outer wall of the main waterproof shell; or it can be made of a shape memory alloy material, which continuously provides clamping force after elastic deformation after installation.

[0009] Furthermore, the auxiliary waterproof housing includes an expansion wall disposed on the outer side wall of the waterproof housing where the buckle is disposed, the expansion wall being provided with a second buckle groove, and the switch body being provided with a second buckle corresponding to the second buckle groove and cooperating therewith.

[0010] The expansion wall design achieves dual locking and stress dispersion. The engagement direction of the second snap-fit ​​groove and the second snap-fit ​​is perpendicular to that of the main snap-fit, forming a spatial cross-locking. As a preferred method, the expansion wall can be designed as a wave-shaped elastic arm, which generates radial deformation during engagement; a damping strip is installed in the second snap-fit ​​groove to absorb vibration energy.

[0011] Furthermore, the expansion wall is integrally formed with the waterproof shell, and the expansion wall extends from the end face of the waterproof shell toward the switch body. The second snap-fit ​​groove is located at the center of the expansion wall and part of the second snap-fit ​​groove is located outside the waterproof shell.

[0012] The one-piece molded structure ensures overall sealing and mechanical strength. The expansion wall extends in the same direction as the installation, facilitating automated assembly. As a preferred option, a reinforcing rib can be provided at the root of the expansion wall, and the wall thickness adopts a gradual design (gradually increasing from the end to the root); a guide slope is provided at the opening of the second snap-fit ​​slot, forming a self-locking mechanism with the barb structure of the second snap-fit.

[0013] Furthermore, the reinforcing layer is used to improve the adhesion of the adhesive during potting. A reinforcing groove is provided between the reinforcing layer and the base for the potting adhesive to flow in after the waterproof shell is snapped in place. The extension direction of the reinforcing groove is consistent with the pin arrangement direction.

[0014] The design, combining a snap-fit ​​seal with a reinforcing layer and a reinforcing groove, significantly improves the bonding strength between the potting compound and the base, as well as the sealing performance between the waterproof shell and the base after snapping. The reinforcing groove extends along the pin arrangement, allowing the potting compound to flow evenly between the pins, forming a continuous sealing interface. This structure avoids the localized debonding problem caused by compound shrinkage in traditional potting processes, while the reinforcing layer provides additional mechanical support for the waterproof shell.

[0015] Furthermore, the reinforcing layer includes a support seat protruding from the center of the base and a reinforcing plate disposed on the support seat and extending to both sides perpendicular to the pin distribution direction. The reinforcing groove is located between the reinforcing plate and the base. After the potting compound has cured, the reinforcing plate is placed on top of it to prevent the waterproof shell from falling off the base.

[0016] This structure forms a three-dimensional support frame through the combination of a support base and reinforcing plates. The support base, located at the center of the base, disperses the axial pressure applied by the waterproof shell; the reinforcing plates on both sides provide lateral restraint, and the cured potting compound is held between the reinforcing plates and the base, forming a double fixation. As a preferred approach, the reinforcing plates can be designed in a stepped shape, with a thickness gradient zone near the support base to alleviate stress concentration; or a perforated mesh structure can be used to ensure strength while facilitating adhesive penetration. The ends of the reinforcing plates can be provided with downward-bent anti-detachment edges, forming a dovetail groove structure with the base, further enhancing the axial holding force of the waterproof shell.

[0017] Furthermore, each reinforcement groove is provided with a diversion block protruding from the support base at its center. The diversion block is used to guide the potting compound into the reinforcement groove located on both sides of it.

[0018] The diverter block significantly optimizes the adhesive flow path. As the dispensing head moves along the needle direction, the diverter block evenly guides the adhesive to the two side reinforcement grooves, preventing adhesive buildup in the central area. As a preferred design, the diverter block can be designed as an arrowhead-shaped flow guide structure with a guide ramp at the front end; or a V-shaped flow guide groove can be provided on the surface of the diverter block to create a laminar flow effect for the adhesive. The protrusion distance of the diverter block can be set to 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the depth of the reinforcement groove, effectively diverting the adhesive without obstructing its flow.

[0019] Furthermore, the reinforcing plate and the support base are flush with each other on the end face perpendicular to the pin distribution direction, and both the first snap-fit ​​groove and the reinforcing groove are filled with potting compound.

[0020] The flush end face design ensures positioning accuracy during waterproof shell installation, while the symmetrical arrangement of the first snap-fit ​​plate enables bidirectional locking. The protruding direction of the snap-fit ​​part is consistent with the pin distribution, preserving sufficient elastic deformation space without interfering with the pin arrangement. As a preferred approach, the snap-fit ​​part can adopt a trapezoidal cross-section design, with a stress relief groove at the base and a guide ramp at the top; the inner wall of the first snap-fit ​​groove can be coated with a wear-resistant coating to reduce wear during repeated disassembly and assembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the extension direction of the first buckle groove is perpendicular to the pin distribution direction, and a limiting block protruding from the support base is provided at the center of each first buckle groove. The limiting block cooperates with the first buckles on both sides to prevent the first buckles from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the pin direction.

[0022] The limiting block effectively solves the problem of lateral loosening of the snap fasteners. When the waterproof shell is subjected to lateral force, the limiting block and the snap fastener form a surface contact constraint. As a preferred method, the limiting block can be designed as a hemispherical protrusion that cooperates with the arc-shaped groove on the inner wall of the snap fastener to achieve multi-directional limiting; or wedge-shaped guide surfaces can be set on both sides of the limiting block to automatically correct the snap fastener position during installation. As another preferred method, there is a gap between the limiting block and the first snap fasteners on both sides for filling with potting compound, so as to form an elastic transition between the limiting block and the first snap fasteners, and at the same time, the snap fastening strength between the first snap fastener and the first snap fastener groove can be improved by the cured potting compound.

[0023] Furthermore, the switch body is provided with sealing elements for airtightness testing on the end face corresponding to the base and on the two end faces corresponding to the pin distribution direction.

[0024] Multi-directional sealing configurations ensure the accuracy of test results. End face seals test axial sealing performance, while side seals assess lateral protection. As a preferred approach, the seals can be stepped multi-layer silicone rings, with an outer hard, wear-resistant layer and an inner elastic sealing layer; alternatively, a pressure sensor can be embedded within the seal to monitor pressure changes in real time during the test. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the waterproof switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a disassembly diagram of the waterproof switch according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is an axonometric view of the base of an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the first buckle groove in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5This is an isometric view of the waterproof shell according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is an internal view of the switch body according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The sealing structure of a waterproof switch according to an embodiment of this utility model is shown in Figures 1-6: it includes a switch body 1 and a waterproof shell 2. A base 3 is provided at the opening of the switch body 1, and the base 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the switch body 1 by a sealing connection. A reinforcing layer 4 is provided on the upper surface of the base 3. This reinforcing layer 4 consists of a support base 41 and reinforcing plates 42 symmetrically distributed on both sides of the support base 41. A diversion block 43 is formed by an upward protrusion at the center of the support base 41, and reinforcing grooves 44 are formed on both sides of the diversion block 43, with the extension direction consistent with the arrangement direction of the pins 9.

[0032] The reinforcing plate 42 has first snap-fit ​​plates 5 at both ends perpendicular to the distribution direction of the pins 9. The ends of the first snap-fit ​​plates 5 extend to both sides to form snap-fit ​​portions 51. The waterproof shell 2 has a corresponding first snap-fit ​​21. A first snap-fit ​​groove 6 is formed between the snap-fit ​​portion 51 and the base 3. A limiting block 61 is provided in the first snap-fit ​​groove 6. Gaps for potting compound are formed between both sides of the limiting block 61 and the first snap-fit ​​21.

[0033] The auxiliary waterproof housing 7 is connected to the waterproof housing 2 via an expansion wall 71. The outer surface of the expansion wall 71 has a second latching groove 72, and the switch body 1 has a corresponding second latch 11. The expansion wall 71 has a certain bending angle, which is set such that when the auxiliary waterproof housing 7 is assembled, the first latch 21 will have a pre-tightening displacement along the depth direction of the first latching groove 6. Both the reinforcing groove 44 and the first latching groove 6 are injected with potting compound during assembly, which, after curing, forms a mechanical interlocking structure.

[0034] The switch body 1 is provided with a sealing element 8 for airtightness testing on the end face corresponding to the base 3 and on the two end faces corresponding to the pin distribution direction.

[0035] The installation process of this embodiment is as follows: During assembly, the base 3 is first fixed to the switch body 1, and then the waterproof shell 2 is initially positioned by the engagement of the first buckle 21 with the first buckle groove 6. The potting compound injected through the reinforcing groove 44 is evenly filled into the cavities on both sides under the guidance of the diverter block 43, and after curing, it forms a shear-resistant adhesive layer. During the assembly of the auxiliary waterproof shell 7, the elastic deformation of the expansion wall 71 causes the first buckle 21 to generate an axial clamping force, while the second buckle 11 and the second buckle groove 72 cooperate to achieve circumferential positioning.

[0036] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for a waterproof switch, comprising a switch body and a waterproof housing, wherein the switch body has a base for fixing pins at an opening, the base is sealed to the inner wall of the switch body, and the waterproof housing is snapped onto the base, characterized in that: The base is provided with a reinforcing layer, and each end face of the reinforcing layer along the pin distribution direction is provided with a first snap plate. The first snap plate includes a snap part protruding from the reinforcing plate along the pin distribution direction. The waterproof shell is provided with two first snaps corresponding to each snap part on each side. A first snap groove is formed between the snap part and the base for the first snaps to snap into. It also includes an auxiliary waterproof shell, which snaps onto the switch body. After the auxiliary waterproof shell snaps onto the switch body, the inner end face of the auxiliary waterproof shell causes the first snaps to move toward the bottom of the first snap groove.

2. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The auxiliary waterproof housing includes an expansion wall provided on the outer side wall of the waterproof housing with a buckle, the expansion wall is provided with a second buckle groove, and the switch body is provided with a second buckle corresponding to the second buckle groove and cooperating with it.

3. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The expansion wall is integrally formed with the waterproof shell, and the expansion wall extends from the end face of the waterproof shell toward the switch body. The second snap-fit ​​groove is located at the center of the expansion wall and part of the second snap-fit ​​groove is located outside the waterproof shell.

4. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcing layer is used to improve the adhesion of the glue during the glue pouring process. A reinforcing groove is provided between the reinforcing layer and the base for the glue to flow in after the waterproof shell is snapped in place. The extension direction of the reinforcing groove is consistent with the pin arrangement direction.

5. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reinforcing layer includes a support base protruding from the center of the base and a reinforcing plate disposed on the support base and extending to both sides perpendicular to the pin distribution direction. The reinforcing groove is located between the reinforcing plate and the base. After the potting compound cures, the reinforcing plate is placed on top to prevent the waterproof shell from falling off the base.

6. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: At the center of each reinforcement groove is a diversion block protruding from the support base, which is used to guide the potting compound into the reinforcement grooves located on both sides of it.

7. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcing plate and the support base are flush with each other on the end face perpendicular to the pin distribution direction, and both the first snap-fit ​​groove and the reinforcing groove are filled with potting compound.

8. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The extension direction of the first snap-fit ​​groove is perpendicular to the pin distribution direction. A limiting block protruding from the support base is provided at the center of each first snap-fit ​​groove. The limiting block cooperates with the first snap-fit ​​on both sides to prevent the first snap-fit ​​from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the pin.

9. The sealing structure of the waterproof switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch body is provided with sealing elements for airtightness testing on the end face corresponding to the base and on the two end faces corresponding to the pin distribution direction.

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