Device and switching device

Abstract

A device (120) comprising: a case (122); a printed circuit board (125) arranged inside the housing (122); and an elastic seat (123) that covers a surface of the printed circuit board (125) on one side of the printed circuit board (125), wherein the housing (122) has the following a wall (122D, 122E) with an opening (122A) provided on one side and another opening (122C) provided on another side, which is different from the one side, wherein the wall (122D, 122E) extends between the one opening (122A) and the other opening (122C) in a direction which intersects with a direction in which one surface of the circuit board (125) extends, wherein the elastic seat (123) has a flange (123B, 123C), and wherein the flange (123B, 123C) touches the wall (122D, 122E) so that it is deflected at the wall (122D, 122E), wherein the elastic seat (123) has a first run (123D), wherein the first drain (123D) adjoins the flange (123B, 123C), wherein the first drain (123D) is shaped such that it projects from one side of the wall (122D, 122E) to the other side, wherein the first drain (123D) is formed by notching a part of the flange (123B, 123C), the device (120) further comprises: a lower cover (126) that blocks the other opening (122C), the lower cover (126) has a second drain (126C), wherein the second drain (126C) is designed to extend from one side of the lower cover (126) to another side of the lower cover (126), wherein the lower cover (126) is designed such that a part of the lower cover (126) corresponding to the first drain (123D) is notched.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation of international application no. PCT / JP2019 / 043507, filed on November 6, 2019, which claims priority from Japanese patent application no. 2018-232646, filed on December 12, 2018. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein in full by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and a switching device. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0003] A conventional technique has been developed in which the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) housed in a casing is covered with a rubber covering to improve the PCB's waterproof properties. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which the entire top surface of a PCB equipped with a fixed contact, a light-emitting element, or the like is covered with a rubber seat in a switching device. US Patent 2009 / 0057114A1 relates to a push-button switch, which can be used, for example, as an emergency stop switch, mounted on a handle of a vehicle such as a motorcycle or off-road vehicle. US Patent 2013 / 0001055A1 relates to an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, that includes a toggle switch.

[0004] Patent document 1: JP H02 - 98 420 A

[0005] In the prior art, however, water can penetrate the printed circuit board by seeping into the interior of the housing and circulating from the surface of the lid, along the outer edge of the lid, to the back of the lid. To prevent such a situation, there is a need for a technique that can improve the water resistance of the printed circuit board inside the housing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A device according to one embodiment comprises a housing, a printed circuit board arranged inside the housing, and an elastic seat covering a surface on one side of the printed circuit board, wherein the housing comprises a wall having an opening provided on one side and another opening (also called a further opening) provided on another side (also called a further side) that is different from the one side, wherein the wall between the one opening and the other opening extends in a direction that intersects a direction in which one surface of the printed circuit board extends, wherein the elastic seat has a flange, and wherein the flange contacts the wall in order to deflect against the wall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric seat switch according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows an installation structure of a switching device in the switch for the electrical seat according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the switching device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper surface of a rubber cap according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lower surface of the rubber cap according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along a line AA of the rubber cap. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in a YZ plane of the switching device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in an XY plane of the switching device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0007] One embodiment is described below with reference to the figures. (Outline of the switch for the power seat 100)

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric seat switch 100 according to the embodiment. The in Fig. The electric seat switch 100 shown in Figure 1 is an operating device for controlling the vehicle's seat height and adjusting the tilt angle. The switch 100 for the electrically adjustable seat can, for example, be positioned at a predetermined location inside the vehicle (e.g., on the inside of the door on the driver's side). In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the positive direction of the Z-axis in the figures is set to point directly upwards (an example of "one" in the claim), and the negative direction of the Z-axis in the figures is set to point downwards (an example of "the other" in the claim).

[0009] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the electric seat switch 100 comprises a main unit 110. The main unit 110 has a base section 110A that is partially raised from its surface. The base section 110A is provided with a switching device 120 and a slider 112. The switching device 120 (an example of a "device" and a "switching device" within the meaning of the claims) is a control element that is actuated to adjust the tilt angle of the electrically adjustable seat and has a so-called rocker switch that is integrated into the switching device 120 and can be actuated to adjust the angle or position of the headrest. The slider 112 is a control element that is actuated to adjust the forward and backward position of the electric seat.

[0010] The switch for the electrically adjustable seat 100 is electrically connected to a vehicle-mounted control unit via a plug and cable. A plug (not shown) at the distal end of a cable extending from the vehicle side is connected to a socket 110B located laterally on the main unit 110. In this way, the switch for the electric seat 100 sends an electrical signal to the control unit, corresponding to the actuation of the switching device 120 and the sliding actuator 112, causing the control unit to operate the electric seat. (Installation structure of the switching device 120)

[0011] Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an installation structure of the switching device 120 in the electric seat switch 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the switch device 120 can be installed in a base section 110A of the main unit 110.

[0012] In particular, the base section 110A is designed with openings 110C and 110D, which have a circular shape. On the other hand, the switching device 120 is provided with cylindrical sections 126A and 126B, which have a cylindrical shape and extend from the lower surface of a lower cover 126 (see Fig. 3) protrude downwards.

[0013] The cylindrical section 126A is inserted into the base section 110A from the opening 110C and fits into other components (not shown) provided within the base section 110A. The cylindrical section 126B is inserted into the base section 110A from the opening 110D and fits into other components (not shown) provided within the base section 110A. In this way, the switching device 120 is attached to the base section 110A in such a way that it cannot easily detach from the base section 110A.

[0014] The switching device 120 comprises a cable 127 that runs through the interior of the cylindrical section 126B and emerges from the front edge of the cylindrical section 126B. A connector 127A at the front end of the cable 127 is connected to a connector (not shown) on a circuit board inside the main unit 110 to establish an electrical connection with a circuit board inside the main unit 110. (Structure of the switching device 120)

[0015] The switching device 120 is described in detail below. For the sake of simplicity, the direction of the Z-axis in the figure is defined as the vertical direction, and the direction of the X-axis and Y-axis in the figure is defined as the horizontal direction.

[0016] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of a switching device 120 according to the embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the switch device 120, viewed from above, comprises an operating knob 121, a housing 122, a rubber cap 123, a spacer 124, a circuit board 125, a bottom cover 126 and a cable 127.

[0017] The actuating button 121 is an actuating element of the rocker switch and is arranged in an upper opening 122A (e.g., an opening as claimed) formed on the top of the housing 122. It is rotatably mounted by the housing 122 in the first and second directions of rotation D1 and D2, respectively, which are oriented in opposite directions. The actuating button 121 is an element in which the pivot shaft is used as a limit for the pressing action on one or the other end, and the pressing action on one or the other end is performed by the user. When pressed, the actuating button 121 rotates in the first or second direction of rotation D1 and D2 and actuates a switch 125A or switch 125B mounted on the circuit board 125 to activate an adjustment function for the angle or position of the headrest of the electric seat.The control knob 121, for example, is formed by injection molding a resin material.

[0018] The housing 122 is a container-like element with a lower opening 122C (an example of the claimed ‘other opening’) on the underside (see Fig. 7) A generally rectangular upper opening 122A is formed on the top of the housing 122 as seen from above. An operating knob 121, which has essentially the same shape as the upper opening 122A, is arranged in the upper opening 122. The upper opening 122A is formed by a pair of inner wall surfaces that are essentially parallel to the YZ plane and face each other in the figure, as well as by the upper ends of the walls 122D, 122E (described in paragraphs 0037, 0038), which are provided for connecting the inner wall surfaces. Each of the inner walls is provided with a projecting shaft support 122B for pivotally mounting the operating knob 121. The housing 122 can be formed, for example, by injection molding a resin material.

[0019] A rubber cap 123 is an example of a claimed "elastic fit" and is an element that covers the top surface of the printed circuit board 125. The printed circuit board 125 is covered by a rubber cap 123 to improve its waterproof properties. The rubber cap 123 is formed, for example, by compression molding an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or similar. The rubber cap 123 has a three-dimensional shape in which a portion overlapping the electronic component (e.g., switches 125A and 125B, connector 125C) is hollowed out, allowing the electronic components mounted on the surface of the printed circuit board 125 to be covered.

[0020] The spacer 124 is a flat, plate-shaped element that is provided in a gap between the upper surfaces of the switches 125A and 125B and the inner surface of the rubber cap 123 to fill the gap.

[0021] The printed circuit board 125 is a flat, plate-shaped element in which a variety of electronic components are installed. The printed circuit board 125 can, for example, be a PCB (printed wiring board) made of an insulating material such as glass epoxy. The switch 125A, the switch 125B, and the connector 125C are installed on the surface of the printed circuit board 125. The switch 125A outputs a switching signal to move the headrest of the electrically adjustable seat closer to or further away from the user when the switch 125A is pressed by turning the control knob 121 in the first direction of rotation D1. The switch 125B outputs a switching signal to move the headrest of the electrically operated seat in a direction away from or closer to the user when the switch 125B is pressed in the second direction of rotation D2 of the control knob 121.Connector 125C allows a switching signal output by switches 125A and 125B to be delivered to the main unit 110 via cable 127 when connector 127B, located at the other end of cable 127, is connected. The lower cover 126 is a flat element that closes the lower opening 122C in the housing 122 by supporting the lower surface of the printed circuit board 125, mounting the board 125, and securing it to the lower opening 122C in the housing 122. Cylindrical sections 126A and 126B, each cylindrical in shape, project downwards from the lower surface of the lower cover 126.

[0022] Cable 127 is a wiring element for transmitting a switching signal output by switches 125A and 125B from the circuit board 125 to the main unit 110. Cable 127 runs through the interior of the cylindrical part 126B, which is provided in the lower cover 126, and emerges from the housing 122. One end of cable 127 is fitted with a connector 127A. Connector 127A is connected to a connector (not shown) provided in the main unit 110. The other end of cable 127 is fitted with connector 127B. Connector 127B is connected to a connector 125C provided on the circuit board 125. Cable 127 can be, for example, a copper wire coated with an insulating material such as polyethylene, vinyl, or the like. (Structure of the rubber cap 123)

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rubber cap 123, seen from the top of the rubber cap 123 according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rubber cap 123 from the underside of the rubber cap 123 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 4 rubber caps 123 shown along a line of AA.

[0024] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4-6, the rubber cap 123 comprises a skirt section 123A (or skirt part), a flange 123B, a flange 123C, a notch 123D, a regulating part 123E and a regulating part 123F.

[0025] The skirt section 123A is an example of the claimed “skirting section” and is a skirt-like section formed downwards from the lower surface of the rubber cap 123. The skirt section 123A is formed in a circumferential wall to surround a printed circuit board 125 which is arranged on the lower surface side of the rubber cap 123.

[0026] The flange 123B is an example of the ‘flange’ claimed in the claims and is a horizontal, flat, plate-shaped section which extends linearly in the X-axis direction along a section of the negative side of the Y-axis of the skirt section 123A of the rubber cap 123 in the figure and extends in the direction of the negative side of the Y-axis.

[0027] The flange 123C is another example of a ‘flange’ as claimed and is a horizontal, flat, plate-shaped section which extends linearly in the direction of the X-axis along a section of the positive side of the Y-axis of the skirt section 123A of the rubber cap 12 in the figure and extends in the direction of the positive side of the Y-axis.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the negative side of the Y-axis of the rubber cap 123 has a cross-sectional shape in which the flange 123B extends horizontally and outwards and the skirt section 123A extends downwards from the base section of the flange 123B.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the flange 123C extends horizontally and outwards on the positive side of the Y-axis in the figure of the rubber cap 123, and the skirt section 123A extends downwards from the base section of the flange 123C.

[0030] The notch 123D is an example of the “first step” described in the claims, in which part of the circumferential section of the rubber cap 123 is cut into the inside (the positive side of the Y-axis in the figure). As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment the notch 123D is formed by cutting a section of the flange 123B into the end of the downstream side (the positive side of the X-axis in the figure) along the water flow path on the top of the flange 123B as the water enters the surface side of the rubber cap 123. The "downstream side" means the side toward which the object falls in the direction of gravity when the electric seat switch 100 is installed in a predetermined position in the vehicle, i.e., the downstream side of the water flow generated by gravity. The notch 123D can be formed adjacent to the flange 123B, extending through the flange 123B from top to bottom.

[0031] The regulating sections 123E and 123F are walls formed by a portion of the rubber cap 123 that is raised like a seat. Regulating section 123E is a wall-like section arranged linearly along the Y-axis on the negative side of the X-axis in the figure, and not the protruding section 123G, which covers the switches 125A and 125B. Regulating section 123E is formed in the rubber cap 123 like the seat on the negative side of the X-axis relative to the area 123H where the protruding section 123G is located in the figure. Regulating section 123F is a wall-like portion arranged linearly along the Y-axis on the positive side of the X-axis in place of the protruding section 123G shown in the figure.The regulating section 123F, like the seat in the rubber cap 123, is formed on the positive side of the section in the X-axis relative to a region 123H, which in the figure is provided with the protruding section 123G. The flange 123B is provided on the negative side of the Y-axis in the figure of the region 123, which lies between the regulating section 123E and the regulating section 123F in the rubber cap 123. In this way, the rubber cap 123 allows water to flow to the flange 123B, while the water is regulated by the regulating sections 123E and 123F to prevent water penetrating the interior of the housing 122 from flowing out of region 123H. (Cross-sectional structure of the switching device 120)

[0032] Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the switching device 120 in the YZ plane according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the switch device 120 in the housing 122 comprises a rubber cap 123, a spacer 124, a circuit board 125, and a lower cover 126, which overlap from the lower opening 122C of the housing 122, with the actuating button 121 being attached to the upper opening 122A of the housing 122, and the lower cover 126 being screwed to the housing 122. The switch device 120 allows the switches 125A and 125B to be pressed by pressing the actuating button 121 through the rubber cap 123 and the spacer 124.

[0033] At the in Fig. In the switch device 120 shown in Figure 7, the upper surface, located on the top of the circuit board 125, is completely covered by the rubber cap 123. Thus, the switch device 120, by means of the rubber cap 123, can prevent water from penetrating the circuit board 125 from the top, even if water enters the housing 122 through a gap around the operating button 121 at the upper opening 122A.

[0034] Additionally, the circuit board 125 in the switching device 120 is surrounded by an edge section 123A, which acts like a circumferential wall on the side of the lower surface of the rubber cap 123. In particular, the skirt section 123A extends downwards to a position below the lower surface of the circuit board 125. This allows the switching device 120 to prevent water from penetrating the circuit board 125 from the side by means of the skirt section 123A, even if water penetrates the underside of the rubber cap 123.

[0035] On the negative side of the Y-axis in the figure of the switching device 120 in the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 7, the housing 122 has a wall 122D extending in the direction that intersects the direction (in the direction of the XY plane) in which the positive side of the Z-axis of the circuit board 125 or a surface of the negative side of the Z-axis in the figure extends between the upper opening 122A formed in the positive side of the Z-axis in the figure and the lower opening 122C formed in the negative side of the Z-axis in the figure. The flange 123B of the rubber cap 123 then abuts the inner surface of the wall 122D, and the flange 123B is pressed against the wall 122D and is in a downwardly bent state.Since the wall 122D and the flange 123B are tightly fitted together, with no gap between them, the switching device 120 allows water to flow downstream (the positive direction along the X-axis in the figure) along the upper surface of the flange 123B without water flowing to the lower surface of the flange 123B, even if water enters the upper surface of the rubber cap 123. Specifically, the switching device 120 has a groove d1 formed by the top of the flange 123B and the inner surface of the wall 122D through the flange 123B, which is deflected downwards so that water entering the housing 122 flows within the groove d1. This allows water entering the housing 122 to be more reliably directed downstream of the flange 123B.

[0036] Similarly, in the Fig. In the switch device 120 shown in Figure 7, the housing 122 is provided with a wall 122E on the positive side of the Y-axis in the figure, which intersects the plane formed by the circuit board 125. The flange 123C of the rubber cap 123 then abuts the inner surface of the wall 122E, and the flange 123C is pressed against the wall 122E and positioned in a downwardly deflected position. Because the wall 122E and the flange 123C are in close contact, with no gap between them, the switch device 120 allows water to flow downstream (the positive direction along the X-axis in the figure) along the upper surface of the flange 123C without water flowing towards the lower surface of the flange 123C, even if water enters the upper surface of the rubber cap 123.In particular, the switching device 120 has a groove d2, which is formed by the downward bending of the flange 123C and the upper surface of the wall 122E, so that water penetrating the housing 122 flows within the groove d2. Accordingly, the water penetrating the housing 122 can be more reliably directed downstream of the flange 123C.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, walls 122D and 122E have pressure sections 122a and 122b that contact flanges 123B and 123C. Pressure sections 122a and 122b comprise the claimed "inclined section," which is positioned such that the lower side (the negative side of the Z-axis) is a greater distance from the rubber cap 123 than the upper side (the positive side of the Z-axis). Pressure sections 122a and 122b are examples of the "pressure sections" mentioned in the claims and form constrictions that partially narrow the space between wall 122D and wall 122E within the housing 122. The narrow section is configured in a position that slightly overlaps the upper surface of flange 123C. When the rubber cap 123 is pressed against the narrow section from below, the narrow section abuts the flanges 123B and 123C, causing the flanges 123B and 123C to deflect downwards.Therefore, when the switching device 120 pushes the rubber cap 123, the spacer 124, the circuit board 125 and the lower cover 126 from the lower opening 122C of the housing 122 to a predetermined height inside the housing 122, the flanges 123B, 123C are deflected downwards by the pressure sections 122a, 122b.

[0038] This means that the switching device 120 can easily install any component into the housing 122, with a high water-stopping capability being achieved by the flanges 123B and 123C. The switching device 120 is also able to compensate for manufacturing defects in the flanges 123B and 123C by allowing the flanges 123C to deflect downwards.

[0039] Furthermore, the switching device 120 can selectively bend only the distal end of the flanges 123B and 123C of the rubber cap 123 by reinforcing the base sections of the flanges 123B and 123C, which are the branching points, by providing the skirt sections 123A to the base sections of the flanges 123B and 123C, thereby preventing the other sections of the rubber cap 123 from lifting off the circuit board 125. (Water flow in the switching device 120)

[0040] With reference to Fig. Section 8 describes the flow of water in the switching device 120. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in the XY plane of the switching device 120 according to the embodiment.

[0041] Water entering the housing 122 from the upper opening 122A flows into the area 123H between the regulating section 123E and the regulating section 123F, which is provided on the top of the rubber cap 123 at a point that overlaps the upper opening 122A.

[0042] The water flowing into area 123H flows through area 123H into flange 123B, which is formed on the negative side of the Y-axis in the figure of area 123H, according to gravity, as indicated by arrow A1 in Fig. Figure 8 shows the water flowing into area 123H. Alternatively, the water flowing into area 123H flows through area 123H into the regulating section 123F formed on the positive side of the X-axis in the figure of area 123H according to gravity, as indicated by arrow A2 in Figure 8. Fig. 8 shown.

[0043] Water flowing into regulating section 123F flows downstream (negative direction of the Y-axis in the figure) along regulating section 123F according to gravity, as indicated by arrow B2 in Fig. 8 shown, from the notch 123D formed on the downstream side of the regulating section 123F, through the flange 123B and onto the upper surface of the lower cover 126.

[0044] Meanwhile, the water flowing into flange 123B flows in a downstream direction (the positive direction along the X-axis in the figure) along flange 123B according to gravity, as indicated by arrow B1 in Fig. 8 shown, and flows from the notch 123D formed on the downstream side of the flange 123B, through the flange 123B to the upper surface of the lower cover 126.

[0045] Especially because the groove d1 (see Fig. 7) in a sealing section between the flange 123B and the wall 122D formed by the downward deflection of the flange 123B, water flowing into the flange 123B flows within the groove d1 to be guided more reliably to the notch 123D.

[0046] Water flowing down to the top of the lower cover 126 exits through the lower cover 126 from a drain opening 126C (an example of the claimed “second drain”) formed on the lower cover 126 downstream (on the positive side of the X-axis in the figure) from the notch 123D at the edge, as indicated by an arrow C in Fig. 8, and flows out of the switching device 120. In this embodiment, the drain opening 126C is formed by notching a section of the edge of the lower cover 126 at a position corresponding to the notch 123D of the rubber cap 123. The drain opening 126C can be configured to penetrate the lower cover 126 from the top to the bottom.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the notch 123D is indented inwards to avoid interfering with the rib 122F, which is formed on the inner surface of the wall 122D. The ribs 122F are designed to engage with the engagement grooves 126D (see Figure 8). Fig. 3) provided, which are formed on the edges of the lower cover 126 to facilitate the positioning of the lower cover 126 relative to the housing 122. That is, the notch 123D has the function of preventing interference with the ribs 122F and of allowing the rubber cap 123 to slide off to the rear. (Construction of the mounting surface 126E of the lower cover 126)

[0048] Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lower cover 126 according to the embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the lower cover 126 comprises a rib 126F that projects upward from the mounting surface 126E of the lower cover 126 and is provided in a dam-like form such that its upper surface contacts the underside of the printed circuit board 125 and the contact surface between the lower cover 126 and the printed circuit board 125 surrounds a wiring pattern formed on the underside of the printed circuit board 125. The rib 126F is an example of a "rib" according to the claims and acts as a water stop wall to prevent water from penetrating the area surrounded by the rib 126F, since the height of the rib is greater than that of the mounting surface 126E. An area that is part of the lower surface of the printed circuit board 125 surrounded by the rib 126F is an area where high water resistance is required. Wiring patterns and through-holes, for example, may be provided in this area. (No-entry zone 125D)

[0049] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a blocking area 125D defined in the printed circuit board 125 according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 shows the circuit board 125, which is mounted on the mounting surface 126E of the lower cover 126. In Fig. 10. The ribs 126F on the back of the circuit board 125 are also indicated by dashed lines, and the blocking area 125D defined on the underside of the circuit board 125 is hatched.

[0050] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, an area outside the area enclosed by the contact surface of the ribs 126F on the underside of the printed circuit board 125 is defined as the forbidden area 125D. The forbidden area 125D is an area in which wiring patterns and through-holes cannot be installed. In other words, the switching device 120 in this embodiment has no wiring pattern and no through-hole in the forbidden area 125D of the printed circuit board 125. Accordingly, the switching device 120 according to this embodiment does not suffer any malfunction, such as electrical corrosion of the wiring pattern or immersion of the surface of the printed circuit board 125 through the through-hole, even if the forbidden area 125D of the printed circuit board 125 is immersed in water.

[0051] Furthermore, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 10, the barrier area 125D is slightly enlarged inwards towards the rib 126F. This prevents the wiring pattern and the through-hole from being located in the submerged area, even if the printed circuit board 125 is slightly immersed in the area surrounded by the ribs 126F due to the gap between the top of the abutting ribs 126F and the bottom of the printed circuit board 125. Therefore, this prevents electrical corrosion of the wiring pattern and exposure of the surface of the printed circuit board 125 to water through the through-hole, etc.

[0052] The restricted area 125D can be equipped with a grounding pattern. This grounding pattern does not cause problems such as water immersion; there is no potential difference and no problems such as electrical corrosion, as no electrical potential is generated, even if water is present.

[0053] As described above, the switching device 120 according to the embodiment has the rubber cap 123, which covers the upper surface of the circuit board 125 and has the flanges 123B and 123C in a bent state by being pressed against the walls 122D and 122E of the housing 122. Accordingly, the switching device 120 according to the embodiment can maintain a hermetic contact of the flanges 123B and 123C against the inner surfaces of the walls 122D and 122E by means of the elastic restoring force of the flanges 123B and 123C. In particular, the switching device 120 according to the embodiment allows manufacturing defects of the flanges 123B and 123C to be tolerated by the extent of the deflection of the flanges 123B and 123C, by pressing the flanges 123B and 123C against the inner surfaces of the walls 122D and 122E to remain hermetically sealed.Thus, according to the switching device 120 of the embodiment, the rubber cap 123 prevents water from entering from the upper surface of the rubber cap 123 and prevents water from entering the lower side of the rubber cap 123 from the gap between the flanges 123B and 123C and the walls 122D and 122E, thereby improving the waterproof property for the circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122.

[0054] In the switching device 120 according to the embodiment, the walls 122D and 122E comprise the flanges 123B and 123C and the pressure sections 122a and 122b, which are provided with the chamfers 122a1 and 122b1 such that the lower side is further away from the rubber cap 123 than the upper side. Thus, the switching device 120 according to the embodiment can cause the flanges 123B and 123C to be deflected downwards by the pressure sections 122a and 122b simply by pressing the rubber cap 123 and the circuit board 125 from the lower opening 122C of the housing 122 to a predetermined height within the housing 122. In this way, the switching device 120, according to an embodiment of the circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122, can have an enhanced waterproof property and also improve the ease of assembly of the switching device 120.

[0055] Furthermore, the rubber cap 123 in the switching device 120 of the embodiment has the skirt section 123A, which extends along the circumference of the rubber cap 123 and downwards from the base section of the flanges 123B and 123C. This enables the switching device 120 of the embodiment to prevent water from entering the printed circuit board 125 from the side of the printed circuit board 125, even if water penetrates through the skirt section 123A into the underside of the flanges 123B and 123C. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the switching device 120 is able to selectively bend only the front end side of the flanges 123B and 123C because the base section of the flanges 123B and 123C, which are the branching points, is reinforced by the provision of the skirt section 123A, so that lifting of the rubber cap 123 from the circuit board 125 can be suppressed.Thus, according to the embodiment, the switching device 120 can improve the waterproof property for the printed circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the switching device 120, the skirt section 123A is provided in the circumferential wall surrounding the printed circuit board 125. This allows the switching device 120, according to this embodiment, to prevent water from penetrating the printed circuit board 125 from the side of the board 125 across its entire outer circumference by utilizing the skirt section 123A. Thus, the switching device 120, according to this embodiment, can further improve the waterproof properties of the printed circuit board 125 located inside the housing 122.

[0057] Furthermore, the rubber cap 123 in the switching device 120 according to the embodiment has the notch 123D, which is formed along a path in which the flanges 123B and 123C extend from a top to a bottom, or which is formed by notching a section of the flanges 123B, 123C. This enables the switching device 120 according to one embodiment to drain water flowing on the flanges 123B and 123C from the notch 123D to the underside of the flanges 123B and 123C. That is, the switching device 120 according to the embodiment can prevent water from accumulating on the flanges 123B and 123C. Therefore, the ingress of water into the lower surface of the rubber cap 123 from the gap between the flanges 123B and 123C and the walls 122D and 122E can be made more difficult.Thus, in the switching device 120 of the embodiment, the water resistance of the circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122 can be further improved.

[0058] Furthermore, the lower cover 126, which closes the lower opening 122C in the housing 122, has a drain opening 126C in the switching device 120 according to the embodiment. This drain opening is formed according to the recess 123D, extends from a top surface of the lower cover 126 to a bottom surface of the lower cover 126, or is formed by cutting into the edge of the lower cover 126. This allows the switching device 120, according to the embodiment, to drain water flowing from the recess 123D onto the lower cover 126 from the drain opening 126C to the underside of the lower cover 126 (i.e., to the outside of the switching device 120). In other words, the switching device 120, according to the embodiment, can prevent water from accumulating on the lower cover 126, which would otherwise make it difficult to immerse the circuit board 125 between the rubber cap 123 and the lower cover 126.Thus, according to one embodiment, the switching device 120 can be more waterproof in relation to the circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122.

[0059] In the switching device 120 of the embodiment, the lower cover 126 also includes the rib 126F, which projects upward from the mounting surface 126E of the lower cover 126 and is provided in a dam-like shape, such that the upper surface contacts the underside of the printed circuit board 125 and the contact surface of the printed circuit board 125 surrounds a wiring pattern formed on the underside of the printed circuit board 125. Thus, the switching device 120 of the embodiment can be prevented by the rib 126F from being immersed in water in a region of a section of the lower surface of the printed circuit board 125 (e.g., an area where the wiring pattern and the through-hole may be provided), even if water penetrates the mounting surface 126E of the lower cover 126. Therefore, the waterproof property of the printed circuit board 125 provided in the housing 122 can be further improved in the switching device 120 of the embodiment.

[0060] Furthermore, in the switching device 120 of the embodiment, the circuit board 125 is provided neither with a wiring pattern nor with a through-hole in the area outside the area surrounded by the ribs 126F on the lower surface of the circuit board 125 (the prohibited area 125D). Thus, the switching device 120 of the embodiment can prevent the wiring pattern from electrically corroding, the surface of the circuit board 125 from being immersed in water through the through-hole, or similar events, even if the prohibited area 125D of the circuit board 125 is immersed in water.

[0061] While the embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications or variations are possible within the scope of the invention, as defined in the attached claims.

[0062] In the embodiment described above, the invention is illustrated by way of example using a switching device with an operating button for actuating the electric seat. However, the invention is not limited to this and is applicable to any device with a structure in which one side of the circuit board is covered with an elastic seat, at least within the housing.

[0063] This international application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2018-232646, which was filed on December 12, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be improved or modified for improvement purposes or in the sense of the invention.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the water resistance of a printed circuit board located in a housing can be increased. [Description of reference symbols] 100 switches for electric seats 110 Main unit 110A Base Unit 120 Device 121 Control knob 122 cases 122a, 122b Print section 122C Lower opening 122D, 122E Wall 123 rubber caps (elastic seats) 123A Apron 123B, 123C flange 123D notch (first drain) 124 spacers 125 printed circuit boards 125D Prohibited Area 126 Under cover 126C Drain connection (second outlet) 126E Mounting surface 126F rib 127 cables

Claims

[1] A device (120) comprising: a case (122); a printed circuit board (125) arranged inside the housing (122); and an elastic seat (123) that covers a surface of the printed circuit board (125) on one side of the printed circuit board (125), wherein the housing (122) has the following a wall (122D, 122E) with an opening (122A) provided on one side and another opening (122C) provided on another side, which is different from the one side, wherein the wall (122D, 122E) extends between the one opening (122A) and the other opening (122C) in a direction which intersects with a direction in which one surface of the circuit board (125) extends, wherein the elastic seat (123) has a flange (123B, 123C), and wherein the flange (123B, 123C) touches the wall (122D, 122E) so that it is deflected at the wall (122D, 122E), wherein the elastic seat (123) has a first run (123D), wherein the first drain (123D) adjoins the flange (123B, 123C), wherein the first drain (123D) is shaped such that it projects from one side of the wall (122D, 122E) to the other side, wherein the first drain (123D) is formed by notching a part of the flange (123B, 123C), the device (120) further comprises: a lower cover (126) that blocks the other opening (122C), the lower cover (126) has a second drain (126C), wherein the second drain (126C) is designed to extend from one side of the lower cover (126) to another side of the lower cover (126), wherein the lower cover (126) is designed such that a part of the lower cover (126) corresponding to the first drain (123D) is notched. [2] Device (120) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic seat (123) has a skirt section (123A) wherein the skirt section (123A) extends from a base section of the flange section towards the other side. [3] Device (120) according to claim 2, wherein the skirt section (123A) is designed as a circumferential wall surrounding the circuit board (125). [4] Device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower cover (126) includes a rib (126F), wherein the rib (126F) projects into one side of the lower cover (126) in a dam-like shape, wherein the rib (126F) contacts another side of the printed circuit board (125), wherein the rib (126F) is provided to be in a shape that surrounds a wiring pattern formed on the other side of the printed circuit board (125). [5] Device (120) according to claim 4, wherein the printed circuit board (125) does not have the wiring pattern or a through hole in an area outside of an area surrounded by the contact surface on the other side of the printed circuit board (125). [6] Device (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (120) is a switching device for operating an electrically operated seat of a vehicle.

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