Patent Abstract:
A mobile phone proofed against water, dust, and physical shocks (tri-proofed) has a structure comprising a first casing, a second casing, and a third casing. The first casing is provided with protrusions, and the third casing is provided with convex blocks. The second casing is provided with a first groove for a protrusion, and is provided with a second groove for a convex block. The protrusions and the convex blocks are both interference fits in the grooves. Moreover, the second casing also includes cosmetic surfaces. The first casing and the third casing have outer surfaces and each cosmetic surface protrudes out of the outer surfaces. The cosmetic surfaces are in first contact when the mobile phone is dropped. Waterproofing, dustproofing, and shockproofing are simultaneously achieved with the single second casing structure.

Full Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The subject matter herein generally relates to a tri-proof structure, and a mobile phone using the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Products which are tri-proof (waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof) are desirable. A conventional tri-proof structure usually include a first casing, a waterproof rubber ring, and a second casing. The first casing is provided with a first soft rubber. The first soft rubber and the first casing are double-color molded. The second casing is provided with a second soft rubber. The second soft rubber and the second casing are also double-color molded. The first soft rubber and the second soft rubber cooperatively form a soft rubber surface, the soft rubber surface provides a buffer and shockproof effect. Simultaneously, the second casing further defines a groove, the waterproof rubber ring is assembled in the groove. The first casing presses on the waterproof rubber ring and is assembled together with the second casing via a fixing member. In the aforementioned structure, the first soft rubber and the first casing are double-color molded, and the second soft rubber and the second casing are double-color molded. A structure of the mold is complex, a cost of the mold manufacture is high, and a precision requirement to the molding machine is high, thus the manufacturing cost of a mobile phone is increased. In addition, because of the sole complete circle structure and a small cross-section area of the waterproof structure, during the process of assembling the waterproof structure to the groove, the operation is inconvenient, and the assembly has an inferior consistency and a structural bias. Thus the waterproof effect is affected. In an aspect of the waterproof and sealing effect, the waterproof effect of the structure mainly depends on a degree of pressure and sealing between the waterproof rubber ring and the first casing and between the waterproof rubber ring and the second casing. Moreover, the waterproof rubber ring has manufacturing tolerances and assembly biases, thus a larger interference value is required to ensure the waterproof effect. A greater locking force is accordingly required between the first casing and the second casing and a larger casing strength is accordingly required. In addition, there exists an assembly line after the assembly of the first casing soft rubber and the second casing soft rubber, which can affect the aesthetic appearance of the product. Simultaneously, the first casing soft rubber and the second casing soft rubber only provide a buffer and shockproof effect, and the waterproof rubber ring only provides a waterproof and dustproof effect, all must be used simultaneously to achieve a tri-proof effect. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tri-proof structure. The structure with a tri-proof effect reduces a production manufacturing cost of the product, and reduces an assembly difficulty. In the present disclosure, the assembly consistency is better and the tri-proof effects are more reliable. 
         [0004]    Preferably, the present disclosure employs two kinds of tri-proof structures on a single structure. Tri-proof requirements at different structural positions are presented, thus the application of the present disclosure is wider and more flexible. 
         [0005]    Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile phone using the same. The manufacturing cost of the mobile phone is decreased and the assembly efficiency is improved. 
         [0006]    A tri-proof structure includes a first casing, a second casing, and a third casing. The first casing is provided with a protrusion. The third casing is provided with a convex block. The second casing is made of soft material. The second casing defines a first groove corresponding to the protrusion of the first casing and defines a second groove corresponding to the convex block of the third casing. The protrusion and the first groove, and the convex block and the second groove are both interference fittings. The first casing and the third casing are both assembled to the second casing. The second casing further includes a cosmetic surface. The first casing and the third casing each further include an outer surface. The cosmetic surface protrudes out of the outer surfaces of the first casing and the third casing. 
         [0007]    Preferably, the third casing further includes opposite upper and lower ends. The opposite upper and lower ends employs another waterproof structure. The opposite upper and lower ends each define a concavity. The second casing also includes another opposite upper and lower ends. The other opposite upper and lower ends each is a strip structure. Each strip structure is received in one concavity and is an interference fit with the first casing in assembly together with the first casing. 
         [0008]    A mobile phone using the same is provided. 
         [0009]    The groove of the second casing is an interference fit with the protrusion of the first casing and is an interference fit with the convex block of the third casing. Thus the present disclosure can efficiently achieve a waterproof and dustproof effect between the second casing and the first casing and between the second casing and the third casing. The second casing is made of soft material and is protruded out of the outer surface of the first casing and the third casing, thus the second casing provides a buffer and shockproof effect. The present disclosure employs a single structure and simultaneously achieves a tri-proof effect. In addition, the first casing, the second casing, and the third casing are made of one material, which does not need double-color molding and thus saves molding production cost. A common sole color molding machine can satisfy the production requirement, thereby decreasing a production manufacturing cost of the product. In the assembly process, because of the groove defined at the second casing, the third casing and the second casing, and the first casing and the second casing, are assembled in a plug or socket manner. As compared to the related art of providing a complete circle waterproof soft rubber with a small cross-section area, the operation process of the present disclosure is simpler and more reliable. Simultaneously, the second casing is made of soft material, the first casing, the second casing, and the third casing are interference fits and tightly joined after assembling, there is not a gap between the first casing, the second casing, and the third casing. Moreover, the plug or socket assembly employs a certain depth of plugging. Therefore, as compared to the related art of a mere press fit between the first casing and the second casing, the waterproof and dustproof effects of the present disclosure are more reliable. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, because the size of the ends of the casing is small and the present disclosure employs a concave third casing and a strip second casing, the present disclosure achieves a better waterproof effect in a defined space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a tri-proof structure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates an assembly view of the structure of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion “R” of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of portion “R” of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged view of a portion “S” of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of portion “S” of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The present disclosure and mobile phone are to be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments herein. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , a tri-proof structure for a mobile phone is shown. The mobile phone includes a first casing  1 , a second casing  2 , and a third casing  3 . The first casing  1  and the third casing  3  are both assembled to the second casing  2 , and are assembled together via a fixing member. The tri-proof structure for the mobile phone includes a tri-proof structure for opposite left and right sides  60 ,  61  and a tri-proof structure for opposite upper and lower ends  70 ,  71 . The waterproof structures that the opposite left and right sides  60 ,  61  and the opposite upper and lower ends  70 ,  71  employ are different. Thus a problem that the spaces of the opposite left and right sides  60 ,  61  are sufficient but the spaces of the opposite upper and lower sides  70 ,  71  are limited are resolved. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , the tri-proof structure for the opposite left and right sides  60 ,  61  is shown. The first casing  1  is provided with a protrusion  11  at each of the opposite left and right sides of the first casing. Each protrusion  11  includes a first top surface  11   a.  The third casing  3  is provided with a convex block  31  at each of the opposite left and right sides of the third casing  3 . Each convex block  31  includes a second top surface  31   a.  The second casing  2  is made of soft material, and defines a first groove  21  corresponding to each protrusion  11  of the first casing  1  and a second groove  22  corresponding to each convex block  31  of the third casing  3 . Each first groove  21  includes a first bottom surface  21   a,  and each second groove  22  includes a second bottom surface  22   a.  The fit between each first top surface  11   a  and the corresponding first bottom surface  21   a  and the fit between each second top surface  31   a  and the corresponding second bottom surface  22   a  are interference fit  50   a  and interference fit  50   b  correspondingly. The interference fits ensure a waterproof and dustproof effect between the first casing  1  and the second casing  2 , and between the second casing  2  and the third casing  3 . Preferably, each protrusion  11  further includes two opposite first sidewalls  11   b.  A gap  100   a  is provided between each first sidewall  11   b  and a corresponding first groove  21 . Each convex block  31  also includes two opposite second sidewalls  31   b.  Similarly, a gap  100   b  is also provided between each second sidewall  31   b  and a corresponding second groove  22 . Thus, the assembly of the protrusions  11  to the first grooves  21  and the assembly of the convex blocks  31  to the second grooves  22  is convenient and employ a “plug-in” process. Simultaneously, the gaps  100   a  and  100   b  respectively provide a space for deformation in relation to interference fits  50   a  and  50   b.  Deformation is more reliable, which improves the waterproof and dustproof effects. Simultaneously, the second casing  2  further includes a cosmetic surface  25  at each of the opposite left and right sides of the second casing  2 . The first casing  1  and the third casing  3  respectively further include an outer surface  12  and an outer surface  32  at each of the opposite left and right sides of the third casing. Each outer surface  12  and a corresponding outer surface  32  are substantially located on a same plane. Each cosmetic surface  25  protrudes out of the plane formed by the corresponding outer surfaces  12  and  32  after assembly, simultaneously a partial structure of the second casing  2  at each cosmetic surface  25  wraps around the corresponding outer surfaces  12  and  32  for a better joint between the first casing  1  and the second casing  2 , and between the second casing  2  and the third casing  3 . The cosmetic surfaces  25  of the second casing  2  are firstly in contact when dropping, thereby resolving the shockproof problem efficiently. Simultaneously, an anti-skid structure is provided on each cosmetic surface  25  and provides a better feel for users. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the position of each protrusion  11  of the first casing  1  and the position of the corresponding convex block  31  of the third casing  3  are opposite to each other. The position of each first groove  21  and the position of the corresponding second groove  22  are opposite to each other rather than in a staggered configuration. A divider is further provided between each first groove  21  and the corresponding second groove  22 . Each protrusion  11  and the corresponding convex block  31  cooperatively push against the divider. Thus, the protrusions  11  and the convex blocks  31  support each other, and the deformation of the divider is more efficient. 
         [0025]    The first casing  1  is further provided with at least four first positioning columns  16 . The second casing  2  is provided with a number of first positioning holes  26 . The number of the first positioning holes  26  is the same as the number of the first positioning columns  16 . The position of each first positioning column  16  is opposite to the position of one corresponding first positioning hole  26 . Moreover, the assembly of the first positioning columns  16  and the first positioning holes  26  provide positioning for the assembly of the first casing  1  and the second casing  2  together. Preferably, the third casing  3  is further provided with at least four in number of the second positioning columns  36 . The second casing  2  is also provided with the same number of second positioning holes  27 . The position of each second positioning column  36  is opposite to the position of one corresponding second positioning hole  27 . Moreover, the assembly of the second positioning columns  36  and the second positioning holes  27  provide positioning for the assembly of the second casing  2  and the third casing  3  together. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , a tri-proof structure for the opposite upper and lower ends  70 ,  71  is shown. The third casing  3  further includes opposite upper and lower ends  33 ,  34 . The opposite upper and lower ends  33 ,  34  each defines a concavity  35 . The second casing  2  also includes other opposite upper and lower ends  23 ,  24 . The other opposite upper and lower ends  23 ,  24  are each a strip structure. Each strip structure is assembled in a concavity  35  and is interference fitted with the first casing  1  during further assembly. The interference fit ensures effective waterproofing and dustproofing between the opposite upper and lower ends of the first casing  1  and the second casing  2  and between the opposite upper and lower ends of the second casing  2  and the third casing  3 . Moreover, the first casing  1  also includes opposite upper and lower ends structures  13 ,  14 . The opposite upper and lower ends structures  13 ,  14  are each provided with a protruding strip  15 . Each protruding strip  15  is assembled in a concavity  35  and presses the strip structure  23  or the strip structure  24  to form an interference fit. The assembly of the protruding strips  15  in the concavities  35  sufficiently ensures the pressuring and reliable deformation of the strip structures  23 ,  24 , thus the waterproof and dustproof effect is improved. Each protruding strip  15  further includes a top surface  15   a.  Each of the strip structures  23 ,  24  includes two opposite sidewalls  23   b.  The top surface  15   a  of each protruding strip  15  and each of the strip structures  23 ,  24  constitutes interference fit  50   c.  A gap  100   c  is provided between each of the two opposite sidewalls  23   b  and the concavity  35 . Thus, assembly of each of the strip structures  23 ,  24  and the concavity  35  is easy and convenient. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the third casing  3  is further provided with at least four protruding cylindrical columns  38 . Each cylindrical column  38  defines a bolt hole. Each cylindrical column  38  further includes an annular step  40 . The second casing  2  is provided with the same number of circular rings  28  as there are cylindrical columns  38 . The respective positions of the circular rings  28  corresponds to the positions of the cylindrical columns  38 . Each circular ring  28  is sleeved on an annular step  40 . The first casing  1  is provided with screw holes, in positions corresponding to the positions of the bolt holes. The screw holes are the same in number as the number of the bolt holes. The third casing  3 , the second casing  2 , and the first casing  1  are assembled and held together via bolts. 
         [0028]    In any particular embodiment, the tri-proof structure of the present disclosure mainly employs the second casing made of soft material to simultaneously achieve the tri-proof effect, reducing the production cost of the product. Simultaneously the tri-proof structure of the present disclosure provides sufficient space for the elastic deformation generated by the interference fit, thus the deformation is ensured to be reliable. Convenience in assembly is paramount in the tri-proof structure of the present disclosure, thus the production efficiency is improved. Moreover, the present disclosure further provides a new tri-proof design idea, namely two kinds of tri-proof structures are combined and applied in one tri-proofed product. 
         [0029]    In the present disclosure, the interference fits  50   a,    50   b,  and  50   c  form the waterproof and dustproof structure. The second casing  2  is made of soft material and is protruded out of the outer surfaces of the first casing  1  and the third casing  3 . The second casing made of soft material is in first contact when the mobile phone is dropped, thus the second casing provides a buffer and shockproof effect. The present disclosure employs a single second casing structure to simultaneously achieve a tri-proof effect. Simultaneously, the first casing  1 , the second casing  2 , and the third casing  3  are each made of a single material, which avoids double-color molding. A common single color molding machine can satisfy the production requirement, thereby decreasing a production manufacturing cost of the product. In the assembly process, because of the gaps  100   a,    100   b,  and  100   c,  the assembly is convenient and can be completed in a “plug-in” manner. As compared to the related art of providing a complete circle waterproof soft rubber with a small cross-section, the operation process of the present disclosure is simpler and more reliable. In addition, the interference fits  50   a,    50   b,  and  50   c  operate to a certain plug depth when being plugged together. Therefore, the first casing, the second casing, and the third casing of the present disclosure are interference fits and held together tightly after assembling, and there is no gap. Compared to the related art of a mere press fitting between the first casing and the second casing, the waterproof and dustproof effect of the present disclosure is more reliable. Moreover, the present disclosure further provides a new tri-proofing design idea, namely two kinds of tri-proofing structures are combined and applied in one tri-proofed product. When there is sufficient space, the tri-proof structure for the opposite left and right sides of the present disclosure is employed. When the space is limited, the tri-proof structure for the opposite upper and lower ends of the present disclosure is employed. 
         [0030]    The above is a detailed description with the accompanying drawings of a tri-proof structure and a mobile phone using the tri-proof structure. The ideas of the present disclosure are not limited to the field of mobile phones, for example, any waterproofing requirement between casings can use the ideas of the present disclosure to change and develop. In addition, the combination of two kinds of tri-proof structures in one device of the present disclosure can further be developed to even more types of tri-proof structures.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7