An enclosure

Abstract

An enclosure includes a first enclosure member having a first seal support portion and a first elastomeric seal element provided to the first seal support portion, and a second enclosure member having a second seal support portion and a second elastomeric seal element provided to the second seal support portion. The first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity. When the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are secured relative to each other, a first sealing surface of the first elastomeric seal element bears against a second sealing surface of the second elastomeric seal element to provide a seal interface, where a clamping force between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion is normal to the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

Description

AN ENCLOSURESTATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to Australian Patent Application Number 2024904269, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an enclosure for housing one or more objects, more particularly a resealable enclosure for housing electronics.BACKGROUND

[0003] Sealed enclosures are widely known for housing electronics and providing protection from environmental conditions, particularly moisture. These enclosures are often made of rigid plastic components, with an elastomeric seal at the interface where components come together to form an assembled enclosure. There are numerous instances in which an enclosure may need to be reopened at some time in the future, for example for battery replacement, product repair, or end-of-life dismantling. In some of these circumstances the enclosure would need to be closed again, with the seal being functional thereafter.

[0004] The elastomeric seal is commonly provided in the form of a gasket or an O-ring. The seal may be a separate part, or bonded to the rigid plastic enclosure in an overmoulding process. In a compressionsealing arrangement, the elastomeric seal is squeezed between the rigid plastic parts. In the case of it being a separate part, the elastomer conforms to the interface surfaces of the rigid parts, filling gaps and deforming around surface imperfections to provide a barrier to water ingress. The elastic nature of the material applies a reaction force in response to the compression of the enclosure, the pressure of which maintains the barrier despite potential water pressure acting against the seal, and small deformations of the rigid plastic components in use.

[0005] In the case of the elastomeric component being overmoulded, the mechanism of sealing against rigid plastic due to compression deformation is the same, however it is chiefly relevant to the initially- exposed interface surface of the seal (i.e., the surface that is not bonded to the elastomeric component). The other interface surface of the seal - the surface that is bonded to its corresponding rigid plastic component - typically forms a seal with that rigid plastic component by way of adhesion established in the overmoulding process.

[0006] Compression seals require a certain level of compression force along the entire length of the seal, often around the entire periphery of the enclosure. This often means that more closely spaced fasteners or more rigid enclosure components are required, compared to what would otherwise be necessary tohouse the electronics and perform the other functions of the enclosure. The additional fasteners and enclosure rigidity can mean more material costs, assembly costs, product complexity, and difficulty during repair work or end-of-life dismantling. Product aesthetics, as well as physical size and weight may also be compromised in order to provide sufficient compression force over the entire length of the seal.

[0007] For a given enclosure rigidity and fastener spacing, the selection of softer seal materials can improve sealing performance because the seal has a greater ability to deflect and conform when compression forces are marginal. However softer elastomers are typically less durable and can be more expensive to produce. The addition of ribs in the seal and / or in the corresponding area of the rigid parts can also improve sealing pressure by reducing the contact area, however there is an attendant loss of effective seal width and increased manufacturing complexity. A cambered seal profile, in which the amount of nominal compression (i.e., the theoretical amount of seal interference) decreases with proximity to fastener locations (e.g., the seal is designed to have bulges in it that rise and fall between fastener positions), is another method that attempts to mitigate the inherent effects of fastener spacing on compression seal performance. However, this approach requires careful analysis and iterative modeling of the two opposing factors (i.e., enclosure force versus proximity to fasteners, and reaction force from seal compression versus proximity to fasteners), and it is challenging to achieve efficacy.

[0008] In addition to the product design concessions as described above, sometimes the efficacy of compression seals is improved by the addition of grease to the interface surfaces. The purpose of the grease is to perform gap-filling at a small scale to help the seal seat correctly in place without pinching or rolling, and to protect the seal from damage due to abrasion and embrittlement. However, greasing seals is not very production-friendly, in addition to adding to costs. It tends to be messy in a factory environment, and it is difficult to achieve a continuous line of grease applied sparingly. Grease also has a tendency to attract dust and turn to gunk, and is not convenient for repairs and servicing.

[0009] Aspects of the technology of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming one or more of the problems discussed above. It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0010] Further aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.SUMMARY

[0011] According to one aspect of the present technology there is provided an enclosure, including: a first enclosure member having a first seal support portion, and a first elastomeric seal element provided to the first seal support portion; a second enclosure member having a second seal support portion, and a second elastomeric seal element provided to the second seal support portion;wherein the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity, wherein, when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are secured relative to each other, a first sealing surface of the first elastomeric seal element bears against a second sealing surface of the second elastomeric seal element to provide a seal interface.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present technology there is provided a sealing arrangement for use in an enclosure having a first enclosure member and a second enclosure member configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity, including: a first elastomeric seal element provided to a first seal support portion of the first enclosure member; a second elastomeric seal element provided to a second seal support portion of the second enclosure member; wherein, when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are secured relative to each other, a first sealing surface of the first elastomeric seal element bears against a second sealing surface of the second elastomeric seal element to provide a seal interface.

[0013] In examples, a clamping force between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion is normal to the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

[0014] In examples, the first elastomeric seal element may be overmoulded to at least the first seal support portion, and the second elastomeric seal element may be overmoulded to at least the second seal support portion.

[0015] In examples, the first seal support portion may include a first sealing surface to which the first elastomeric seal element is provided. In examples, the second seal support portion may include a second sealing surface to which the second elastomeric seal element is provided.

[0016] In examples, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be substantially flat. In examples, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be substantially planar.

[0017] It should be appreciated that the width of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be influenced by the nature of the product. For example, in the context of smaller scale consumer products (such as cellphones or wristwatches), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 0.2 mm to 3 mm. In the context of agricultural electronics products (e.g., electronic identification readers), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 1 mm to 5 mm. In more environmentally exposed applications (e.g., an outdoor electrical termination box), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0018] In examples, the elastomeric seal elements may be made of a relatively soft material. In examples the material may have a Shore A hardness in the range of 35 to 65, preferably in the range of 40 to 50, and more preferably in the order of 45. In examples the surface roughness of the first sealing surface andthe second sealing surface may be relatively smooth. In examples the surface roughness, in terms of average roughness (Ra) in pm may be in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, preferably in the order of 0.2 to 0.6, and more preferably in the order of 0.4. In examples the elastomeric seal elements may be made of the same material. In alternative examples the respective elastomeric seal elements may be made of different materials, or made of the same material but having different properties.. In examples, the elastomeric seal elements may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In an example, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomer.

[0019] In examples, the enclosure may include a plurality of fastening elements configured to selectively secure the first enclosure member to the relative second enclosure member.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present technology there is provided an electronic identification (EID) reader, including: an elongate reader portion; a handle portion extending from the elongate reader portion at an obtuse angle, wherein the EID reader further includes a battery power source portion at an end of the handle portion distal from the elongate reader portion.

[0021] In examples, the handle portion may be curved along its length.

[0022] In examples, the battery power source portion may be bulbous relative to the handle portion.

[0023] In examples, the electronic identification (EID) reader may include an enclosure implementing a sealing arrangement substantially as herein described. In examples the enclosure may include the elongate reader portion, the handle portion, and the battery power source portion.

[0024] The above and other features will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembled enclosure according to one aspect of the present technology.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the enclosure with one enclosure member removed.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an enclosure member and elastomeric seal element of the enclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the elastomeric seal element of the enclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a first cross-sectional view of the enclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a second cross-sectional view of the enclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7A is an isometric view of an exemplary electronic identification (EID) reader according toone aspect of the present technology.

[0033] FIG. 7B is a side view of the exemplary EID reader.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary enclosure 100 according to one aspect of the present technology. In this example the enclosure 100 includes first and second enclosure members 200 configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity in which one or more objects (for example, electronic components) may be housed. In the illustrated example the assembled enclosure 100 takes the form of a cylinder with hemispherical ends. However, it should be appreciated that alternative enclosure shapes or forms are contemplated which implement the sealing arrangement of the present technology.

[0035] It is anticipated that the sealing arrangement of the present technology may enable the provision of a less stiff enclosure in comparison with known sealing arrangements - e.g., by selecting a lower modulus material and / or having the enclosure less geometrically stiff (for example, less deep, and / or less thick) - due to the lower compressing forces required by the sealing arrangement. In examples the enclosure members 200 are made of a rigid plastics material. By way of example, the enclosure members 200 may be made of a polycarbonate-polyester (PC+PET) polymer blend.

[0036] A sealing arrangement 300 is provided between the enclosure members 200, to seal the internal cavity from the environmental conditions at the exterior of the enclosure 100. The sealing arrangement 300 includes first and second elastomeric seal elements 302, provided to the respective first and second enclosure members 200. Each elastomeric seal element 302 includes a perimeter portion 304, and an interior portion 306. In this example, the perimeter portion 304 is continuous about the perimeter of the enclosure member 200, with the interior portion 306 extending over the interior surface of the enclosure member 200.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, the rim of each enclosure member 200 acts as a seal support, and includes a flat support surface 202. In the illustrated example, the support surface 202 is planar - i.e., lying in the same plane around the rim. This flat surface is relatively easy to manufacture, and because the seal at the interface between seal elements 302 and rigid substrate (i.e., the support surface 202) is made by way of an adhesive bond, there is a reduced need for that interface surface to be configured with features for the seal element to mechanically lock into. It is noted that in embodiments 'keying' features could be provided in the support surface 202, if there was a concern about the level of adhesive bond in a particular application (i.e., that adhesive bond was at risk of being broken by forces applied to it in use).

[0038] The perimeter portion 304 of the seal element 302 is provided on the support surface 202, and has a flat seal surface 308. In the illustrated example, the flat seal surface 308 is planar.

[0039] It should be appreciated that the width of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be influenced by the nature of the product. For example, in the context of smaller scale consumerproducts (such as cellphones or wristwatches), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 0.2 mm to 3 mm. In the context of agricultural electronics products (e.g., electronic identification readers), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 1 mm to 5 mm. In more environmentally exposed applications (e.g., an outdoor electrical termination box), the width of the sealing surfaces may be in the order of 2 mm to 10 mm.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the elastomeric seal elements 302 include a beveled portion 310 between the seal surface 308 of the perimeter portion 304 and the interior portion 306, to smoothen the transition of thicknesses. In the illustrated example, the elastomeric seal elements 302 include a step portion 312 between the seal surface 308 of the perimeter portion 304 and the beveled portion 310. The step portion 312 may assist with isolating the seal interface surfaces from the other interior surfaces (i.e. assist with allowing the seals to compress and conform to each other independently of any effects stemming from the thinner interior portion 206).

[0041] In the illustrated example, elastomeric seal elements 302 are made of a thermoplastic elastomer, such as styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS). While this example is not intended to be limiting to all examples of the present technology, the inventor has determined this material to provide adequate sealing performance, pleasing tactile feel, and is relatively easy to mould for manufacturing purposes.

[0042] In this example, and referring to FIG. 6, the enclosure members 200 are secured relative to each other by way of screw fasteners passed between a plurality of matching pairs of first screw post portion 204 and second screw post portion 206 extending towards, and mating with, each other within the internal cavity. The clamping force resulting from securing the respective enclosure members relative to each other is normal to the abutting seal surfaces 308 of the perimeter portions 304. In other words, the

[0043] Alternatively, the sealing arrangement of the present technology may enable fastening methods with inherent 'backlash' to be used, whereas they would not be implemented in conventional compression seal arrangements that require as much compressive force as possible. Further, the sealing arrangement may also allow relatively weak attachment methods to work, such as magnets or light press fits. In some embodiments, no fasteners at all may be used (i.e., relying on cohesion of the seals), or a nominal number (e.g., one) to support the cohesion.

[0044] In the illustrated example, adjacent screw post portions 204 / 206 are spaced apart by about 200 mm. This comparatively sparse spacing is enabled by the relatively low compression force required to achieve effective sealing at the sealing interface of the seal arrangement 300. It will be appreciated that this spacing may be dependent on product context, and other aspects of the design. For agricultural electronics products (e.g., electronic identification readers), it is envisaged that a screw spacing of about 40 mm to about 80 mm may provide adequate compression.

[0045] FIG. 7A and 7B illustrate an electronic identification (EID) reader 700 - also referred to as a RFID tag reader - according to one aspect of the present technology. The EID reader 700 includes an elongatereader portion 702 (e.g., containing an antenna configured to act as a transceiver), a curved handle portion 704 extending from the elongate reader portion 702 at an obtuse angle, and a bulbous battery power source portion 706 at an end of the handle portion 704 distal from the elongate reader portion 702. The weight of the battery in the battery power source portion 706 acts as a counterbalance to the elongate ready portion 702 about a balance point 708.

[0046] In this example, the EID reader 700 has an enclosure having first enclosure portion 710 and second enclosure portion 712. A sealing arrangement 300 therebetween is substantially as described above - i.e., having elastomeric seal elements 302 interfacing with each other to seal the enclosure.

[0047] The present technology enables functional compression sealing to be achieved with relatively small compression forces. This means that fastener spacing can be relatively large, and therefore fastener quantity is reduced, which reduces product cost and complexity. The seal interface surfaces in the present technology may be relatively simple, flat geometric forms. This reduces design and mould-making complexity.

[0048] With the overmoulding of the elastomeric seals, potential complications with manual assembly may also be avoided. Additionally, other elastomeric elements on the product, such as soft hand grips and rubber bumpers, can be produced at the same time as the enclosure seals, as part of the same moulding.

[0049] The illustrated embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the figures. The foregoing description is intended only by way of example and simply illustrates certain selected exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0050] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0051] The invention(s) of the present disclosure may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0052] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in at least one embodiment. In the foregoing description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art may well recognize, however, that embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without at least one of the specific details thereof, or can be practiced with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0053] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise" or "include", or variations thereof such as "comprises", "includes", "comprising" or "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0054] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An enclosure, including: a first enclosure member having a first seal support portion, and a first elastomeric seal element provided to the first seal support portion; a second enclosure member having a second seal support portion, and a second elastomeric seal element provided to the second seal support portion; wherein the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity, wherein, when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are secured relative to each other, a first sealing surface of the first elastomeric seal element bears against a second sealing surface of the second elastomeric seal element to provide a seal interface, wherein a clamping force between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion is normal to the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first elastomeric seal element is overmoulded to at least the first seal support portion, and the second elastomeric seal element is overmoulded to at least the second seal support portion.

3. The enclosure of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first seal support portion includes a first sealing surface to which the first elastomeric seal element is provided, and the second seal support portion includes a second sealing surface to which the second elastomeric seal element is provided, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are substantially flat.

4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are substantially planar.

5. The enclosure of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first elastomeric seal element and the second elastomeric seal elements are made of material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 35 to 65.

6. The enclosure of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the surface roughness of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, in terms of average roughness (Ra) in, is in the range of 0.1 pm to 0.8 pm.

7. The enclosure of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first elastomeric seal element and the second elastomeric seal elements are made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

8. The enclosure of claim 7 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is a styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomer.

9. The enclosure of claims 1 to 8, wherein the enclosure is that of an electronic identification (EID) reader including an elongate reader portion, a handle portion extending from the elongate reader portion at an obtuse angle, and a battery power source portion at an end of the handle portion distal from the elongate reader portion.

10. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the handle portion is curved along its length.

11. The enclosure of claim 9 or 10, wherein the battery power source portion is bulbous relative to the handle portion.

12. A sealing arrangement for use in an enclosure having a first enclosure member and a second enclosure member configured to be secured relative to each other to define an internal cavity, including: a first elastomeric seal element provided to a first seal support portion of the first enclosure member; a second elastomeric seal element provided to a second seal support portion of the second enclosure member; wherein, when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are secured relative to each other, a first sealing surface of the first elastomeric seal element bears against a second sealing surface of the second elastomeric seal element to provide a seal interface, wherein, in use, a clamping force between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion is normal to the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

Images