Dustproof oxidation light touch switch
By introducing a flow channel and sedimentation hole structure into the tactile switch, combined with ePTFE membrane filtration, the problem of metal contact oxidation caused by dust and moisture is solved, a self-cleaning mechanism is achieved, and the reliability and lifespan of the switch are improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUEQING EEN ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
During long-term use, tactile switches are prone to dust and moisture buildup, which can cause dust accumulation or oxidation on the surface of the metal contacts, affecting their reliability and lifespan.
The design incorporates a flow channel and a settling hole structure. A negative pressure is created between the plunger and the switch cover to draw in airflow. The flow channel guides the airflow along a preset path for discharge, while the settling hole accelerates the airflow speed. Combined with ePTFE membrane filtration, this forms a self-cleaning mechanism to prevent the accumulation of dust and moisture.
It effectively reduces dust accumulation, prevents oxidation of metal contacts, improves the cleanliness and reliability of the switch's internal components, extends its service life, and ensures smooth pressing and stable feel.
Smart Images

Figure CN224501756U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tactile switch technology, specifically a tactile switch that prevents dust accumulation and oxidation. Background Technology
[0002] A tactile switch is an electronic control component that achieves instantaneous switching of a circuit through a tiny physical press. Its core function is to provide accurate and reliable touch signals in low-voltage and low-current scenarios. A typical structure consists of a base, a spring mechanism, a movable plunger, and a top cover. The base holds the conductive terminals and the metal spring. One end of the spring is fixedly connected to a common terminal, while the other end remains suspended and normally open with respect to the signal terminal. The plunger is vertically mounted directly above the spring, with its top extending beyond an opening in the top cover. When the user presses the plunger, the downward pressure causes the spring to deform and concave, bringing the suspended end into contact with the signal terminal to form an electrical path. After releasing the pressure, the spring returns to its original elastic state, and the circuit is instantly disconnected, producing a clear "click" tactile feedback. With its clear on / off signals, the tactile switch is essentially the physical interface between the user and digital logic in a circuit system. It converts mechanical pressure into electrical pulse signals, triggering the microcontroller's interrupt response, thereby enabling functions such as device wake-up, mode switching, and parameter adjustment. Compared to photoelectric or capacitive touch switches, its advantages lie in its clear physical feedback, strong resistance to electromagnetic interference, wide environmental adaptability, and more competitive cost. Modern advanced designs further integrate dustproof and sealed structures, long-life springs, and silent technology to meet the high reliability requirements of industrial control, medical equipment, automotive electronics, and other fields. In short, with its precise electromechanical conversion mechanism, the tactile switch has become an indispensable basic component in the field of human-computer interaction.
[0003] When the user presses the switch pin and deforms the metal piece, external air will flow into the tactile switch through the gap between the plunger and the switch cover. Because of the need to allow for movement tolerance and thermal expansion buffer, the existence of the gap is unavoidable. External air will carry a small amount of dust and moisture into the switch. During long-term use, this can easily cause dust accumulation or oxidation on the surface of the metal spring, resulting in obstruction of power and affecting its use. Utility Model Content
[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a tactile switch that prevents dust accumulation and oxidation, possessing the advantages of internal dust prevention and metal sheet oxidation prevention, thus solving the problem of dust accumulation and oxidation on the surface of the metal sheet.
[0006] (II) Technical Solution
[0007] To achieve the aforementioned goals of preventing internal dust accumulation and oxidation of the metal sheet, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a tactile switch for preventing dust accumulation and oxidation, comprising a base, a plunger, and a switch cover. The base has a metal sheet mounting groove, and the metal sheet is connected to the base via a spring and electrically connected to a terminal. A plunger and a switch cover are provided above the metal sheet. A switch post is provided in the middle of the plunger, and the switch post passes through a switch hole in the center of the switch cover. A gap is left between the switch post and the switch hole. A guide groove extending from the edge of the switch post to the edge of the plunger is provided on the upper side of the plunger. The metal sheet mounting groove inside the base has sinking holes with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter around it, and the sinking holes are through holes.
[0008] The guide channels are arranged in a vertically staggered array on the upper side of the plunger.
[0009] The switch cover has a filter groove extending radially from the edge of the switch hole to the edge of the switch cover.
[0010] An ePTFE membrane is pasted inside the filter tank.
[0011] The inner wall of the settling hole is inclined downwards.
[0012] (III) Beneficial Effects
[0013] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a tactile switch that prevents dust accumulation and oxidation, and has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] 1. This dust-resistant and oxidation-resistant tactile switch, through the negative pressure created by the rebound of the plunger, inevitably draws in external air through the gap between the plunger and the switch cover. The carefully designed guide groove on the upper side of the plunger plays a crucial role, effectively guiding this inhaled airflow so that it does not randomly and directly impact the internal sensitive area, but flows evenly and directionally towards the edge of the base along a preset path. Simultaneously, the sinkholes, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, around the mounting slot of the metal plate on the base form a highly efficient airflow outlet. This unique funnel-shaped structure significantly accelerates the airflow velocity through it, forming... This creates a suction force similar to the "Venturi effect." This accelerated airflow not only greatly improves the internal air circulation efficiency but also powerfully flushes away any dust particles and quickly expels them from the switch body, significantly reducing the possibility of dust accumulation inside the base. The entire airflow path is deliberately designed as a pattern of "inhaling from the center, dispersing to the edge through the guide channel, descending along the side wall of the base, and being discharged at high speed through the settling holes." This flow design naturally places the metal spring area in a relatively "quiet zone" or downstream of the airflow, minimizing the direct and continuous contact time between the air and the surface of the metal spring, thereby... The oxidation process of the metal spring is effectively suppressed. The accelerated exhaust characteristics of the sinker hole help to quickly balance the air pressure inside and outside the switch, making the plunger rebound smoother and the feel more stable. Continuous and directional airflow exchange helps to remove trace amounts of moisture that may be generated inside the switch, further reducing the risk of metal oxidation and poor electrical contact. The synergistic effect of the guide groove and the sinker hole forms a "self-cleaning" mechanism, which can maintain a relatively clean and dry interior throughout the entire life cycle of the switch without additional sealing. Finally, the structure of the sinker hole, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, also has a certain physical barrier effect, which can prevent larger external particles from entering the switch. Particles fall directly into the core area of the switch. By optimizing the airflow path and speed, the two key issues affecting the lifespan and reliability of tactile switches—dust accumulation and oxidation—are solved simultaneously. The continuous airflow exchange not only removes dust but also removes trace amounts of moisture that may accumulate in the closed environment inside the switch, reducing the risk of accelerated metal oxidation and increased contact resistance caused by condensation or humid air. Each press-release operation triggers an internal airflow "exchange" and "cleaning" process. This mechanism continues during normal use of the switch, providing a passive and long-lasting cleaning effect.
[0015] 2. This dust-resistant and oxidation-resistant tactile switch uses an array layout to evenly distribute airflow across the entire upper surface of the plunger, preventing excessive local airflow from directly impacting sensitive areas (such as metal contacts). It also ensures that the airflow covers a larger area, improving overall cleaning efficiency. The ePTFE membrane has excellent hydrophobic and breathable properties, efficiently trapping dust while allowing air molecules to pass freely, ensuring rapid balance of internal and external air pressure when the switch is pressed, and preventing plunger rebound delays or abnormal noises caused by negative pressure. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 3 ;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 4 ;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present utility model. Figure 5 .
[0021] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Plunger; 3. Switch cover; 11. Terminal; 12. Metal plate mounting slot; 13. Settling hole; 21. Switch post; 22. Flow guide channel; 31. Switch hole; 32. Filter tank. Detailed Implementation
[0022] 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 protection scope of the present utility model.
[0023] Please see Figures 1-4 A dust-resistant and oxidation-resistant tactile switch includes a base 1, a plunger 2, and a switch cover 3. The base 1 has a metal plate mounting groove 12. The metal plate is connected to the base 1 by a spring and electrically connected to a terminal 11. The plunger 2 and the switch cover 3 are located above the metal plate. The plunger 2 has a switch post 21 in the middle. The switch post 21 passes through a switch hole 31 at the center of the switch cover 3. A gap is left between the switch post 21 and the switch hole 31. The upper side of the plunger 2 has a guide groove 22 extending from the edge of the switch post 21 to the edge of the plunger 2. The metal plate mounting groove 12 in the base 1 has sink holes 13 with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter around it. The sink holes 13 are through holes.
[0024] When the user presses the switch pin 21 to deform the metal sheet, external air flows into the tactile switch through the gap between the plunger 2 and the switch cover. Because of the need for movement tolerances and thermal expansion buffering, the existence of this gap is unavoidable. During the pressing process, the plunger 2 moves downwards, causing some of the internal air to escape. During the rebound process, a negative pressure is formed inside the switch, drawing in external air. The air flows along the guide groove 22 on the upper side of the plunger 2 and towards the periphery of the base 1. The metal sheet mounting groove 12 inside the base 1 has settling holes 13 around it to expel air from inside the base 1. After the gas flows out from the guide groove 22, it flows into the settling holes 13. Simultaneously, the diameter of the settling holes 13 gradually decreases from top to bottom, accelerating the internal airflow speed and reducing dust accumulation inside the base 1. Furthermore, when the airflow flows in from the outside, it flows downwards from the inner edge of the base 1, reducing the contact between the metal sheet and the air, effectively preventing oxidation.
[0025] The guide grooves 22 are arranged in a vertically staggered array on the upper side of the plunger 2.
[0026] See Figure 5 The switch cover 3 has a filter groove 32 extending from the edge of the switch hole 31 to the edge of the switch cover 3 on its lower side, and the filter groove 32 is radial.
[0027] An ePTFE membrane is pasted inside the filter tank 32.
[0028] The inner wall of the settling hole 13 is inclined downwards.
[0029] Working principle: The base 1 has a metal plate mounting groove 12. The metal plate is connected to the base 1 by a spring and electrically connected to the terminal 11. A plunger 2 and a switch cover 3 are provided above the metal plate. A switch post 21 is provided in the middle of the plunger 2. The switch post 21 passes through the switch hole 31 in the center of the switch cover 3, and a gap is left between the switch post 21 and the switch hole 31. A guide groove 22 extending from the edge of the switch post 21 to the edge of the plunger 2 is provided on the upper side of the plunger 2. The metal plate mounting groove 12 in the base 1 has sink holes 13 with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter around it. The sink holes 13 are through holes. When the user presses the switch post 21 to deform the metal plate, external air will flow into the tactile switch from the gap between the plunger 2 and the switch cover. This is because a movement tolerance and thermal expansion buffer are required. Because of the pressure, the existence of gaps is unavoidable. During the pressing process, the plunger 2 moves downward, causing some of the internal air to be discharged outward. During the rebound process, a negative pressure is formed inside the switch, drawing in external air. The air flows along the guide groove 22 provided on the upper side of the plunger 2 and flows to the inside periphery of the base 1. The metal plate mounting groove 12 inside the base 1 is provided with settling holes 13 around it to discharge the air inside the base 1. After the gas flows out from the guide groove 22, it flows into the settling holes 13. At the same time, the diameter of the settling holes 13 gradually decreases from top to bottom, which speeds up the internal airflow and accelerates the airflow movement, reducing dust deposition inside the base 1. Furthermore, when the airflow flows in from the outside, it flows downward from the inner edge of the base 1, reducing the contact between the metal plate and the air, effectively preventing oxidation.
[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0031] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A tactile switch resistant to dust accumulation and oxidation, comprising a base (1), a plunger (2), and a switch cover (3), wherein the base (1) has a metal plate mounting groove (12), the metal plate is connected to the base (1) by a spring and electrically connected to a terminal (11), and the plunger (2) and switch cover (3) are provided above the metal plate, characterized in that: The plunger (2) has a switch post (21) in the middle. The switch post (21) passes through the switch hole (31) at the center of the switch cover (3). There is a gap between the switch post (21) and the switch hole (31). The upper side of the plunger (2) has a guide groove (22) extending from the edge of the switch post (21) to the edge of the plunger (2). The metal plate mounting groove (12) in the base (1) has a settling hole (13) with a large upper diameter and a small lower diameter around it. The settling hole (13) is a through hole.
2. The tactile switch for preventing dust accumulation and oxidation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide grooves (22) are arranged in a vertically staggered array on the upper side of the plunger (2).
3. A tactile switch for preventing dust accumulation and oxidation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switch cover (3) has a filter groove (32) extending from the edge of the switch hole (31) to the edge of the switch cover (3) on its lower side, and the filter groove (32) is radial.
4. A tactile switch for preventing dust accumulation and oxidation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The filter tank (32) is lined with an ePTFE film.
5. A tactile switch for preventing dust accumulation and oxidation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The inner wall of the settling hole (13) is inclined downward.