Switching device and electronic device
By designing an integrated structure for the cover, toggle, and soft sealing parts, the problem of insufficient waterproofing of traditional buttons is solved, simplifying the switching device and improving its reliability, thus meeting the requirements for lightweight and high reliability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUIZHOU TONLY ELECTRONICS LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images

Figure CN224400257U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of control switch technology, and in particular to a switch device and electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] In modern electronic devices, buttons are key human-computer interaction components that receive user commands to activate device functions. Common triggering methods include pressing, flicking, or touching. However, traditional button structures generally lack waterproofing capabilities, making them susceptible to damage from liquid intrusion.
[0003] To address the waterproofing issue, traditional toggle switches often employ a sliding cover mounted on the housing. This sliding cover actuates the switch body, triggering the function. Waterproof silicone rings are installed around the sliding cover, housing, and switch to create a tight seal, preventing liquid from entering.
[0004] However, this traditional structure has many components and is complex, which not only increases manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty, but also makes the sliding cover prone to wear and sealing failure, resulting in insufficient long-term reliability and making it difficult to meet the requirements of thinner and lighter equipment and higher reliability. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a switching device and electronic device that simplifies the traditional waterproof switch structure.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a switching device, comprising:
[0007] A switch assembly, comprising a circuit board and a switch key, the switch key being disposed on one side of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board; and
[0008] A sealing element includes a cover portion, a toggle portion, and a soft sealing portion; the cover portion covers the side of the circuit board where the switch is located, and the side of the cover portion opposite to the circuit board has a first through hole; at least a portion of the toggle portion passes through the first through hole to connect with the switch; the soft sealing portion is located between the outer wall of the toggle portion and the inner wall of the first through hole to seal the first through hole;
[0009] The covering part, the actuating part, and the soft sealing part are integrally formed. Attached Figure Description
[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the switch assembly provided by this utility model;
[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the switch assembly provided by this utility model;
[0013] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the switch assembly provided by this utility model;
[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the switch assembly provided by this utility model.
[0015] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0016] 100. Switching device; 1. Switching assembly; 11. Circuit board; 12. Switch; 2. Seal; 21. Cover; 211. Mounting section; 212. Clearance section; 22. Toggle section; 221. Toggle section; 2211. Sealing ring groove; 222. Connecting section; 23. Soft sealing section; 231. First sealing section; 232. Second sealing section; 233. First sealing protrusion; 234. Second sealing protrusion; 235. Corrugated protrusion; 3. Sealing cover; 31. Cover body; 32. Connecting post; 4. Fastener.
[0017] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0019] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0020] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0021] This utility model proposes a switching device.
[0022] To achieve the above objectives, please refer to Figure 1 The present invention proposes a switching device comprising a switching assembly 1 and a sealing member 2. The switching assembly 1 includes a circuit board 11 and a switch 12. The switch 12 is disposed on one side of the circuit board 11 and electrically connected to the circuit board 11. The sealing member 2 includes a covering part 21, a toggle part 22, and a soft sealing part 23. The covering part 21 covers the side of the circuit board 11 where the switch 12 is disposed, and a first through hole is formed on the side of the covering part 21 away from the circuit board 11. At least a portion of the toggle part 22 passes through the first through hole to connect with the switch 12. The soft sealing part 23 is disposed between the outer wall of the toggle part 22 and the inner wall of the first through hole to seal the first through hole. The covering part 21, the toggle part 22, and the soft sealing part 23 are integrally formed.
[0023] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the soft sealing part 23 is manufactured using a two-color molding process. During manufacturing, the basic outlines of the cover part 21 and the actuating part 22 are first shaped using a hard material. Then, a soft material is injected into the same mold, precisely wrapping around the main actuating part 22 and filling the space between the first through hole of the cover part 21 and the actuating part 22. Finally, the two materials with different properties are fused into a single unit. The two-color molding process greatly simplifies the number of parts and the assembly process, ensuring the precision and tightness of the soft sealing part 23's connection with other components, thereby providing a more reliable and durable sealing effect.
[0024] The aforementioned "switch 12" is not limited to push-button switches or micro switches; it can also be various other trigger-type switches. Therefore, the design of the toggle part 22 needs to determine its specific operating mode based on the selected type of "switch 12." This ensures that when the user applies operating force to the toggle part 22, the force is accurately transmitted to the "switch 12" below the cover 21. For example, if the "switch 12" is push-button type, the toggle part 22 typically needs to be designed to move up and down relative to the cover 21; while if the "switch 12" is micro-switch type, the toggle part 22 may need to be designed to slide left and right or forward and backward relative to the cover 21. Therefore, the specific shape, elastic characteristics, and stroke parameters of the toggle part 22 must be precisely matched to the selected type of "switch 12" to ensure both comfortable operation for the user and stable and reliable switch action.
[0025] Here, there is no restriction on the specific shapes of the toggle part 22 and the cover part 21. For example, the toggle part 22 can be made into a cylindrical or square column shape according to design requirements. The core requirement is that it should be convenient for the user to operate while being able to connect securely to the switch 12 below. The main function of the cover part 21 is to provide protection, so it can usually be designed as a relatively large sheet or plate structure to ensure that it can effectively cover and protect the components below.
[0026] The soft sealing part can be regarded as a sealing ring. Its core function is to provide good sealing performance. Therefore, the soft sealing part needs to be adapted to the shape of the toggle part 22 and the first through hole. Utilizing the elasticity and compressibility of its material, it fits tightly between the outer side wall of the toggle part 22 and the inner side wall of the first through hole to prevent external water, dust or other contaminants from entering the sensitive electronic component area. In addition, the soft sealing part should be able to deform with the slight displacement of the structure when the user toggles the toggle part 22, but always maintain effective sealing contact to avoid damage to the sealing effect due to switching operation.
[0027] Furthermore, there are several ways to connect the toggle part 22 and the switch 12. For example, a precise slot or hole can be made at one end of the toggle part 22, and the corresponding structure of the switch 12 (usually a protruding part) can be assembled into this slot. This design can be further optimized to use a snap-fit structure for quick, tool-free assembly. Alternatively, fasteners 4, such as screws, bolts, or clips, can be used to firmly fix the toggle part 22 and the switch 12 together. This method usually provides extremely high connection strength and stability. Alternatively, adhesives (such as structural adhesives) or ultrasonic welding can be used to bond or weld the two together. This method can achieve a completely sealed connection, helping to improve the overall waterproof and dustproof performance. Therefore, the specific connection method chosen depends on the specific application scenario, requirements for connection strength, assembly efficiency, cost, and whether subsequent maintenance and disassembly are needed.
[0028] In summary, the switching device provided by this utility model simplifies the traditional waterproof structure of switches by designing the sealing element 2 as an integrally formed structure comprising a cover 21, a toggle part 22, and a soft sealing part 23. Specifically, the toggle part 22 of this application passes through the first through hole on the cover 21 and connects to the switch 12, while the soft sealing part 23 is disposed between the outer wall of the toggle part 22 and the inner wall of the first through hole to seal the first through hole. Thus, the soft sealing part 23 can replace the sliding cover and multiple independent waterproof silicone rings that need to be additionally assembled in the traditional waterproof design. It can not only reliably seal the gap between the inner wall of the first through hole and the outer wall of the toggle part 22, effectively preventing liquid intrusion, but also the soft material is not easily worn, thereby improving the long-term reliability and service life of the switching device and better meeting the requirements of device thinness and high reliability.
[0029] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the cover portion 21 has a receiving groove on the side away from the circuit board 11, and a first through hole is formed in the bottom wall of the receiving groove; the soft sealing portion 23 includes a first sealing section 231 and a second sealing section 232 protruding from one side of the first sealing section 231, the first sealing section 231 is received in the receiving groove, and the second sealing section 232 is inserted into the first through hole.
[0030] It should be noted that the shapes of the first sealing section 231 and the second sealing section 232 are not limited here. Their cross-sectional shapes can be flexibly designed according to actual application requirements. Common sealing structure cross-sectional shapes include, but are not limited to, O-shaped (circular cross-section), square (rectangular cross-section), V-shaped, U-shaped, and L-shaped. For example, the first sealing section 231 may be designed to fit tightly into the groove, such as having a square or specific curved cross-section, so as to stably fit in the groove; while the second sealing section 232, since it needs to be inserted into the first through hole and form an effective seal, may be designed to fit tightly against the hole wall, such as having an O-shaped cross-section or a specific elastic shape, to ensure that the hole can be reliably sealed after insertion.
[0031] In this embodiment, during assembly, the first sealing segment 231 is housed in the aforementioned receiving groove, thereby achieving basic positioning and initial sealing of the seal 2 and preventing displacement during operation. The second sealing segment 232 is inserted into the interior of the first through hole to block the internal channel of the through hole, thereby forming a double sealing barrier, which significantly improves the waterproof sealing performance and reliability of the overall structure and effectively prevents the possibility of liquid intrusion through gaps.
[0032] In one embodiment, the actuating part 22 includes an actuating section 221 and a connecting section 222. At least a portion of the actuating section 221 is located in the receiving groove and / or the first through hole. The side of the actuating section 221 near the circuit board 11 is in sealing contact with the side of the second sealing section 232 away from the circuit board 11. The connecting section 222 protrudes from the side of the actuating section 221 near the circuit board 11 and is connected to the switch 12.
[0033] It should be noted that the connection method between the connecting section 222 and the switch 12 can refer to the connection method between the toggle section 22 and the switch 12 described above.
[0034] In this embodiment, the sealing contact between the actuating section 221 and the second sealing section 232 forms a double barrier, greatly enhancing the waterproof and dustproof performance and improving the product's protection level and reliability. Simultaneously, the design of the actuating section 221, embedded in the groove and through hole, ensures precise positioning, a stable structure, and no shaking during operation, guaranteeing a good feel and accurate connection.
[0035] To further facilitate user operation and enhance the user experience, the outer surface of the toggle segment 221 can also be treated with anti-slip protrusions, textures, or soft-touch coatings as needed. These designs can significantly increase the friction between the user's fingers and the toggle segment 221, preventing slippage during operation and allowing the user to toggle more accurately and easily, especially maintaining good operability when wearing gloves or with wet hands.
[0036] Please see Figure 2In one embodiment, the second sealing section 232 is provided with a first sealing protrusion 233 on the side away from the circuit board 11; the toggle section 221 is provided with a sealing ring groove 2211 on the side near the circuit board 11; the first sealing protrusion 233 is sealed and inserted into the sealing ring groove 2211.
[0037] In this embodiment, when the flexible sealing part 23 is formed, its molding material flows into and fills the sealing ring groove 2211 on the actuating section 221, thereby forming a first sealing protrusion 233 that matches the ring groove. Thus, the cooperation between the first sealing protrusion 233 and the sealing ring groove 2211 forms a structured sealing interface. When the flexible sealing part 23 is subjected to pressure or deformation, the first sealing protrusion 233 is further pressed against the side wall of the ring groove, generating greater contact pressure, thereby providing a more reliable and durable sealing effect, effectively preventing dust, moisture, or liquid from axially intruding.
[0038] In one embodiment, the switching device further includes a sealing cover 3, which covers the side of the cover portion 21 away from the circuit board 11. The sealing cover 3 has a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole. The end of the toggle portion 22 away from the key 12 passes through the second through hole and is exposed on the outside of the sealing cover 3. The sealing cover 3, the first sealing section 231 and the second sealing section 232 form a sealing cavity.
[0039] It should be noted that the shape and size of the sealing cover 3 can be consistent with or slightly larger than the cover 21, such as a sheet or plate structure, to ensure that it can effectively cover and protect other components.
[0040] In this embodiment, the sealing cover 3 not only protects the cover portion 21 and the components below it, but also works in conjunction with the soft sealing portion 23 to completely isolate the active area of the toggle portion 22 from the internal precision components such as the circuit board 11, effectively preventing dust, moisture, and even liquids from entering the interior from the operating end. This ensures that the internal circuit board 11 is reliably protected even in harsh external environments, thereby improving the overall reliability and service life of the switching device.
[0041] In one embodiment, a second sealing ring 234 protrudes from the side of the first sealing section 231 near the sealing cover 3, and the second sealing ring 234 seals against the sealing cover 3.
[0042] In this embodiment, by additionally providing a second sealing protrusion 234 on the first sealing section 231 and having it directly abut against the sealing cover 3, an auxiliary sealing interface is formed, significantly enhancing the reliability of the seal. Even if the sealing effect of the main body of the first sealing section 231 slightly decreases due to manufacturing tolerances, assembly errors, or minor deformation caused by long-term use, this protrusion ring can provide an independent, additional sealing point, greatly reducing the risk of overall seal failure. At the same time, the concentrated and controllable contact area provided by the protrusion ring design can more effectively transmit and maintain sealing pressure, ensuring a tight fit with the sealing cover 3 and improving contact stability.
[0043] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, a portion of the structure of the second sealing section 232 on the side opposite to the circuit board 11 protrudes into the sealing cavity to form a corrugated protrusion 235.
[0044] In this embodiment, the design of the corrugated protrusions 235 significantly enhances the sealing effect and reliability. Their undulating surface can elastically deform under pressure, more tightly filling the contact gaps and distributing pressure more evenly, effectively preventing dust and moisture intrusion. Simultaneously, the corrugated structure also possesses excellent cushioning and shock absorption properties, absorbing external impacts and vibrations to protect internal precision components. Furthermore, the corrugated structure can disperse stress and delay material aging, thereby improving the durability of the seal 2 and even the entire switching device. It is an effective structure for enhancing the overall protective performance and reliability of the product.
[0045] It should be noted that one or more corrugated protrusions 235 can be set according to actual needs to adapt to different sealing strengths, space constraints or buffering requirements.
[0046] Please continue reading. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the cover portion 21 includes two mounting sections 211 and a clearance section 212 disposed between the two mounting sections 211; the mounting sections 211 are connected to the circuit board 11; at least a portion of the structure of the clearance section 212 is spaced apart from the circuit board 11, and the clearance section 212 and the circuit board 11 enclose a receiving space; the clearance section 212 has a first through hole; the switch 12 is located within the receiving space.
[0047] In this embodiment, since the switch 12 protrudes from the circuit board 11, the design of the cover 21 includes a clearance section 212 that maintains a certain distance from the circuit board 11, allowing both to enclose an independent receiving space to "wrap" the switch 12 within it. This design not only provides physical protection for the switch 12, preventing it from being subjected to lateral impacts or accidental bending, but also reserves space for subsequent sealing processes (e.g., providing a seal 2 between the clearance section 212 and the circuit board 11 or around the switch 12), facilitating a more reliable sealing effect.
[0048] It should be noted that, to better fit the raised switch 12, or for aesthetic or strength considerations, the clearance section 212 can be designed as an arched structure. This curved design provides a more natural wrap and support, making the switch 12 more evenly stressed during operation, resulting in a more comfortable feel. It also reduces stress concentration points and improves structural durability. Of course, depending on actual needs, the clearance section 212 can also be designed as a beam-bridge type (i.e., a relatively straight or slightly curved structure). This design may be easier to manufacture in some cases, or provide more operating space. Furthermore, the clearance section 212 can also be square, polygonal, or even a customized streamlined design based on the specific contours of the switch 12 to meet specific functional or aesthetic requirements. The choice of shape must comprehensively consider factors such as the switch's operating force, stroke, expected lifespan, manufacturing cost, and the overall product appearance.
[0049] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the mounting section 211 has a connection hole; the circuit board 11 has a through hole on the side opposite to the cover 21 corresponding to the connection hole; the switching device also includes a fastener 4, the locking end of the fastener 4 passing through the through hole and fixed in the connection hole.
[0050] In this embodiment, by opening a connection hole in the mounting section 211 and a through hole in the corresponding position on the circuit board 11, and locking the two together with fasteners 4, the structural stability and reliability of the switching device are greatly improved. Thus, the cover 21 can be firmly fixed to the circuit board 11, effectively preventing displacement or detachment due to vibration, impact, or operating force, thereby protecting the internal circuitry and switching components.
[0051] It should be noted that the phrase "the locking end of fastener 4 passes through the through hole and is fixed to the connecting hole" refers to the fact that the locking end of fastener 4 can effectively lock the cover 21 onto the circuit board 11. A common implementation is that fastener 4 is a screw or pin, whose locking end is threaded into the connecting hole, utilizing the thread engagement to generate axial force. However, depending on actual design requirements, other fixing structures can be provided inside the connecting hole, such as allowing riveting deformation, incorporating snap-fit features, designing an interference fit, or even reserving welding or bonding points. This provides greater flexibility, allowing for the selection of the most suitable fixing scheme based on specific application scenarios, material properties, cost budgets, and assembly process requirements, thereby optimizing assembly efficiency, connection strength, or cost control.
[0052] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the switching device further includes a sealing cover 3, which includes a cover body 31 and a connecting post 32. The cover body 31 is adapted to the shape of the covering part 21 and covers the side of the covering part 21 away from the circuit board 11. The connecting post 32 is located on the side of the cover body 31 near the covering part 21. The end of the connecting post 32 away from the cover body 31 is inserted into the connecting hole and is fixedly connected to the locking end of the fastener 4.
[0053] In this embodiment, on the one hand, the cover body 31 is shaped to match the cover portion 21 and covers its back side, effectively preventing external environmental factors such as dust and moisture from intruding into the switch device, playing a crucial protective and sealing role, and improving the reliability and service life of the device. On the other hand, the connecting post 32 cleverly utilizes the original connecting hole. Its plug-in design not only provides a stable installation base for the sealing cover 3, preventing it from shifting or falling off, but also, through the fixed connection between the connecting post 32 and the locking end of the fastener 4, allows the fastener 4 originally used to fix the cover portion 21 to be reused, locking and fixing the cover portion 21 and the sealing cover 3 together. In this way, the assembly process is simplified, the number of fasteners 4 required is reduced, and the production cost is lowered. At the same time, this integrated fixing method also improves the stability and sealing performance of the overall structure.
[0054] This utility model also provides an electronic device, which includes a switching device. The specific structure of the switching device is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electronic device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.
[0055] It should be noted that the electronic device can be any portable or stationary device that requires an integrated operating switch. Examples include smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices (such as smartwatches and fitness trackers), remote controls, game controllers, digital cameras, audio players, smart home control panels, and even certain types of industrial control equipment or medical electronic devices.
[0056] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A switching device, characterized by include: A switch assembly, the switch assembly including a circuit board and a switch, the switch being disposed on one side of the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board; and A sealing element includes a cover portion, a toggle portion, and a soft sealing portion; the cover portion covers the side of the circuit board where the switch is located, and the side of the cover portion opposite to the circuit board has a first through hole; at least a portion of the toggle portion passes through the first through hole to connect with the switch; the soft sealing portion is located between the outer wall of the toggle portion and the inner wall of the first through hole to seal the first through hole; The covering part, the actuating part, and the soft sealing part are integrally formed.
2. The switching device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover portion has a receiving groove on the side opposite to the circuit board, and the bottom wall of the receiving groove has the first through hole. The soft sealing part includes a first sealing section and a second sealing section protruding from one side of the first sealing section. The first sealing section is accommodated in the groove, and the second sealing section is inserted into the first through hole.
3. The switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating part includes: A toggle segment, at least a portion of which is located within the receiving groove and / or the first through hole, wherein the side of the toggle segment near the circuit board seals against the side of the second sealing segment opposite to the circuit board; and A connecting segment protrudes from the toggle segment on the side near the circuit board and is connected to the switch.
4. The switching device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second sealing section has a first sealing protrusion ring on the side opposite to the circuit board; A sealing ring groove is provided on the side of the toggle section closest to the circuit board; The first sealing convex ring is sealed and inserted into the sealing ring groove.
5. The switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching device further includes a sealing cover, which covers the side of the cover portion away from the circuit board, and the sealing cover has a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole; The end of the toggle part opposite to the switch is provided with the second through hole so as to be exposed on the outside of the sealing cover; The sealing cover, the first sealing section, and the second sealing section form a sealing cavity.
6. The switching device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first sealing section has a second sealing ring protruding on the side near the sealing cover, and the second sealing ring abuts against the sealing cover in a sealing manner.
7. The switching device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes two mounting sections and a clearance section disposed between the two mounting sections; the mounting sections are connected to the circuit board; at least a portion of the structure of the clearance section is spaced apart from the circuit board, and the clearance section and the circuit board enclose a receiving space; the clearance section has the first through hole. The switch is located within the accommodating space.
8. The switching device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting section is provided with a connection hole; the side of the circuit board opposite to the cover part is provided with a through hole corresponding to the connection hole; The switching device also includes a fastener, the locking end of which passes through the through hole and is fixed inside the connection hole.
9. The switching device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The switching device further includes a sealing cover, the sealing cover comprising: A cover body, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the covering portion, and the cover body covering the side of the covering portion opposite to the circuit board; and A connecting post is provided on the side of the cover body near the covering part. The end of the connecting post facing away from the cover body is inserted into the connecting hole, and the connecting post is fixedly connected to the locking end of the fastener.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the switching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.