US20160278495A1

US20160278495A1 - Outer casing having waterproof function for electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20160278495A1
Application number: US14/664,934
Authority: US
Inventors: Baiyi SONG
Original assignee: Dongguan Memtech Electronic Products Co Ltd
Current assignee: Dongguan Memtech Electronic Products Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-23
Filing date: 2015-03-23
Publication date: 2016-09-29

Abstract

An outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus includes a casing body and a side cover waterproof mechanism. The side cover waterproof mechanism includes a cover body and a limit rib. The cover body includes a plastic layer and a silica gel layer integrally disposed under the plastic layer. The plastic layer is embedded an outer interface of the casing body. The silica gel layer is embedded in an inner interface of the casing body. The limit rib is slidably disposed in an accommodation trough. Between upper and lower casing bodies of the casing body is provided with a silica gel seal ring for sealing. Thus, between the upper and lower casing bodies of the electronic apparatus and between the interfaces of the casing bodies are provided with a waterproof mechanism, respectively, to enhance the waterproof capability of the electronic apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, and more particularly to an outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
An electronic apparatus, such as a cell phone, a tablet computer, an electronic book, and so on, becomes more and more popular. An existing waterproof structure for an electronic apparatus is provided with an O-ring made of a silica gel material between the upper and lower casing bodies. However, the curved portion of the outer casing of the electronic apparatus is unable to mate with the O-ring exactly. This causes the waterproof function halfway and brings inconvenience to the electronic apparatus. Besides, the interfaces of the side wall of the outer casing don't have a waterproof function. Water enters the casing easily. The silica gel material of the conventional O-ring may have a crack because of the variability of the shrinkage to cause a leakage. Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has devoted himself based on his many years of practical experiences to solve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus. Between upper and lower casing bodies of the electronic apparatus and between the interfaces of the casing bodies are provided with a waterproof mechanism, respectively, such that the gaps and the interfaces of the electronic apparatus can be sealed effectively to enhance the waterproof capability of the electronic apparatus.
In order to achieve the aforesaid object, the outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus of the present invention comprises a casing body and a side cover waterproof mechanism disposed at a side wall of the casing body. The side wall of the casing body has an interface and an accommodation trough connected with the interface. The interface includes an outer interface and an inner interface which communicate with each other. The side cover waterproof mechanism comprises a cover body and a soft limit rib connected to one end the cover body. The cover body comprises a silica gel layer and a plastic layer. The silica gel layer is integrally disposed under the plastic layer. The plastic layer is embedded in the outer interface in a plug-in way. The silica gel layer is embedded in the inner interface in a plug-in way. The soft limit rib is slidably disposed in the accommodation trough. The casing body comprises an upper casing body and a lower casing body. One of the upper casing body and the lower casing body is circumferentially formed with a silica gel groove. The silica gel groove is integrally formed a silica gel seal ring. The silica gel seal ring has a seal groove thereon along its extending direction. A lower surface of the other of the upper casing body and the lower casing body is provided with an engaging flange corresponding to the seal groove. The engaging flange is embedded in the seal groove in a plug-in way.
The present invention uses the elasticity of the silica gel to form an interference relative to the interface so as to seal the interface totally. This can prevent water from entering the casing through the interface effectively. Furthermore, the combination of the silica gel seal ring and the casing by molding lowers the assembly difficulty of the product to increase the production efficiency and to overcome the variability of the shrinkage of the conventional waterproof material, such that the product can bear a certain water pressure to enhance the waterproof capability of the product and to prolong the service life of the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the present invention seen from another angle;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of circle L of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of circle M of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of circle N of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of circle P of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing disengagement of the engaging flange and the seal groove; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 11, the present invention discloses an outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus. The outer casing comprises a casing body 10, a side cover waterproof mechanism 20 disposed at a side wall of the casing body 10, and a button waterproof mechanism 30.
The side wall of the casing body 10 has an interface 11 and an accommodation trough 12 connected with the interface 11. The interface 11 includes an outer interface 111 and an inner interface 112 which communicate with each other. The entrance of the accommodation trough 12 is provided with a limit stopper 121.
The side cover waterproof mechanism 20 comprises a cover body 21 and a soft limit rib 22 which is integrally connected to the cover body 21. The cover body 21 comprises a liquid silica gel layer 211 and an inflexible plastic layer 212. The silica gel layer 211 is integrally disposed under the plastic layer 212. The limit rib 22 is integrally formed with one end of the plastic layer 212 and slidably disposed in the accommodation trough 12. A distal end of the limit rib 22 is provided with a barb 221. When the limit rib 22 is pulled outward relative to the accommodation trough 12, the barb 221 of the limit rib 22 is hooked on the limit stopper 121 to prevent the limit rib 22 from being pulled out of the accommodation trough 12. Another end of the plastic layer 212 is provided with a buckle 2121 for fixing the cover body 21 on the interface 11. An inner side of the outer interface 111 has a step 1111 corresponding to the buckle 2121. After the cover body 21 is covered on the interface 11, the buckle 2121 is engaged on the step 1111. The soft limit rib 22 and the buckle 2121 are made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane. After the cover body 21 is covered on the interface 11, the plastic layer 212 is embedded in the outer interface 111 and the silica gel layer 211 is embedded in the inner interface 112. The liquid silica gel layer 211 and the inner interface 112 forms an interference to seal the inner interface 112 totally. Besides, the plastic layer 212 is as an appearance face, which can be painted or formed with a pattern by injection molding. The liquid silica gel layer 211 can be formed on the plastic layer 212 by hot pressing or injection molding. Both the limit rib 22 and the buckle 2121 are integrally formed with the plastic layer 212 by injection.
The button waterproof mechanism 30 comprises a button 31, a hole 32, and a waterproof member 33. The button 31 is placed in the hole 32. The waterproof member 32 is disposed between the button 31 and the hole 32. The waterproof member 32 comprises a stainless steel plate 331 and a liquid silica gel 332 which is integrally formed to wrap the stainless steel plate 331. An outer wall of the waterproof member 33 is engaged in the hole 32. The outer wall of the waterproof member 33 and the hole 33 form an interference. A front end of the waterproof member 33 is provided with a trigger block 333. A rear end of the waterproof member 33 has an accommodation cavity 334. A front end of the button 31 is provided with a boss 311. The boss 311 extends into the accommodation cavity 334 to lean against a bottom wall of the accommodation cavity 334.
The principle of the side cover waterproof mechanism is that when the cover body 21 is opened, the plastic layer 212 and the liquid silica gel layer 211 are pulled out from the outer interface 111 and the inner interface 112. The barb 221 of the limit rib 22 is hooked on the limit stopper 121. When the cover body 21 is closed, the liquid silica gel layer 211 is embedded in the inner interface 112. The liquid silica gel layer 211 and the inner interface 112 form an interference so as to seal the inner interface 112 totally, and then the plastic layer 212 is covered to seal the interface 11 totally.
The principle of the button waterproof mechanism 30 is that after the waterproof member 33 is inserted into the hole 32, the liquid silica gel 332 of the waterproof member 33 and the hole 32 form an interference to seal the hole 32 totally. The button 31 leans against the bottom wall of the waterproof member 33. The pressing action of the button 31 can be transmitted through the waterproof member 33.
The casing body 10 comprises an upper casing body 13 and a lower casing body 14. A lower surface of the upper casing body 13 is circumferentially provided with an engaging board 131. A lower end of the engaging board 131 is provided with an engaging flange 1311. A top wall of the upper casing body 13 has a rectangular through hole 132. A circumferential side of the rectangular through hole 132 has an engaging step 1321. A screen 40 is installed on the engaging step 1321 to cover the rectangular through hole 132. An engaging room 141 is surrounded by a side wall of the lower casing body 14 for installing the upper casing body 13. The engaging room 141 is circumferentially formed with a silica gel groove 142. The silica gel groove 142 is provided with a silica gel seal ring 143 by injection molding. The silica gel seal ring 143 is liquid silica gel. The silica gel seal ring 143 has a seal groove 1431 thereon along its extending direction. The seal groove 1431 has a curve shape corresponding to the engaging flange 1311. After the upper casing body 13 is coupled to the lower casing body 14, the outer wall of the engaging board 131 of the upper casing body 13 is tightly against the inner side of the side wall of the lower casing body 14, and the engaging flange 1311 of the upper casing 13 is tightly engaged with the seal groove 1431 of the lower casing body 14.
The waterproof principle of the upper casing 13 and the lower casing 14 is described hereinafter. After the upper casing body 13 is coupled to the lower casing body 14, the engaging flange 1311 is tightly engaged in the seal groove 1431. The cooperation of the engaging flange 1311 and the seal groove 1431 makes the joint of the upper and lower casing bodies form an annular seal area. Besides, the cooperation of the seal groove 1431 and the engaging flange 1311 form an interference area 15. Thus, the present invention enhances the waterproof capability of the electronic apparatus.
The present invention uses the elasticity of the silica gel to form an interference relative to the interface so as to seal the interface totally. This can prevent water from entering the casing through the interface effectively. Furthermore, the combination of the silica gel seal ring and the casing by molding lowers the assembly difficulty of the product to increase the production efficiency and to overcome the variability of the shrinkage of the conventional waterproof material, such that the product can bear a certain water pressure to enhance the waterproof capability of the product and to prolong the service life of the product.
Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. An outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus, comprising a casing body and a side cover waterproof mechanism disposed at a side wall of the casing body, the side wall of the casing body has an interface and an accommodation trough connected with the interface, the interface including an outer interface and an inner interface which communicate with each other; the side cover waterproof mechanism comprising a cover body and a soft limit rib connected to one end the cover body, the cover body comprising a silica gel layer and a plastic layer, the silica gel layer being integrally disposed under the plastic layer, the plastic layer being embedded in the outer interface in a plug-in way, the silica gel layer being embedded in the inner interface in a plug-in way, the soft limit rib being slidably disposed in the accommodation trough; the casing body comprising an upper casing body and a lower casing body, one of the upper casing body and the lower casing body being circumferentially formed with a silica gel groove, the silica gel groove being integrally formed a silica gel seal ring, the silica gel seal ring having a seal groove thereon along its extending direction, a lower surface of the other of the upper casing body and the lower casing body being provided with an engaging flange corresponding to the seal groove, the engaging flange being embedded in the seal groove in a plug-in way.

2. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein one end of the plastic layer is provided with a buckle for fixing the cover body on the interface, and an inner side of the outer interface has a step corresponding to the buckle, wherein after the cover body is covered on the interface, the buckle is engaged on the step.

3. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the soft limit rib and the buckle are made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane, the silica gel layer being a liquid silica gel layer, the plastic layer being an inflexible plastic layer, the soft limit rib being integrally formed with another end of the plastic layer, a distal end of the soft limit rib being provided with a barb, an entrance of the accommodation trough being provided with a limit stopper, wherein when the soft limit rib is pulled outward relative to the accommodation trough, the barb of the soft limit rib is hooked on the limit stopper.

4. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side wall of the casing body is provided with a button waterproof mechanism, the button waterproof mechanism comprising a button, a hole, and a waterproof member, the button being placed in the hole, the waterproof member being disposed between the button and the hole, the waterproof member comprising a stainless steel plate and a liquid silica gel which is integrally formed to wrap the stainless steel plate.

5. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein an outer wall of the waterproof member is engaged in the hole, the outer wall of the waterproof member and the hole forming an interference, a front end of the waterproof member being provided with a trigger block, a rear end of the waterproof member having an accommodation cavity, a front end of the button being provided with a boss, the boss extending into the accommodation cavity to lean against a bottom wall of the accommodation cavity.

6. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the silica gel groove is disposed on the lower casing body, a lower surface of the upper casing body being circumferentially provided with an engaging board, the engaging flange being integrally disposed at a lower end of the engaging board.

7. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein an engaging room is surrounded by a side wall of the lower casing body for installing the upper casing body, the seal groove being disposed in the engaging room, wherein after the upper casing body is coupled to the lower casing body, an outer wall of the engaging board of the upper casing body being tightly against an inner side of the side wall of the lower casing body.

8. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the silica gel seal ring is liquid silica gel.

9. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seal groove has a curve shape, and the engaging flange has a curve shape corresponding to the seal groove.

10. The outer casing outer casing having a waterproof function for an electronic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a top wall of the upper casing body has a rectangular through hole, a circumferential side of the rectangular through hole having an engaging step, a screen being installed on the engaging step.