About Micro Switch
This page provides detailed information about micro switches, which are widely used in home appliances, Automotive, industrial machinery, and more, including their basic information, types, operation, and features.
Basics of Micro Switch
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About Micro Switch
A micro switch is a small switch that operates with a minimal amount of force. It features a minute contact gap and a snap-action mechanism, with the contact mechanism for opening and closing, which operates with a specified movement and force, enclosed in a case. Various shapes of actuators can be attached externally depending on the object being detected.
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Types of Micro Switch
As the name suggests, micro switches are small and operate reliably with a slight force, making them used in a wide range of fields such as home appliances, office automation equipment, factory automation/industrial equipment, automotive equipment, and medical devices. For example, they are found in interlock switches for office equipment, Cleaning robot detection in air conditioners, lid lock detection in washing machines, out-of-stock detection in vending machines, and shift lever position detection in cars. Our surroundings are full of products that use micro switches.
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Interlock switch for copiers （detection of door opening/closing）
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Lid lock detection for washing machines
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Shift lever detection for cars
Basic Features and Operation Information of Micro Switches
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Operation of Micro Switches
A characteristic of micro switch operation is the accompanying unique tactile feedback known as a "click." This occurs because the internal snap-action mechanism instantaneously switches the contacts.
The snap-action mechanism quickly switches between ON and OFF, preventing unstable intermediate states. This prevents contact failure and chattering (signal instability), achieving stable operation. -
About the Snap-Action Mechanism
The snap-action mechanism plays a crucial role in enhancing the stability and reliability of micro switch operation. This mechanism has a structure that instantaneously moves the internal contacts when a certain force or more is applied to the actuator. This clarifies the opening and closing of the contacts, reducing contact failure and wear. Additionally, the snap-action mechanism is less susceptible to external vibrations and shocks, maintaining stable operation even in harsh environments.
Points to Consider When Selecting a Micro Switch
Balance Between Precision Requirements and Durability
When selecting a micro switch, it is important to balance the required precision and durability according to the application. For measuring instruments and medical devices that require high precision, products with minimal variation in operating points and a long lifespan are suitable. On the other hand, for applications with fewer operating cycles, such as home appliances and toys, general-purpose products with lower prices can be chosen.
Operating Environment
The performance of micro switches can be affected by the temperature, humidity, dust, and vibration of the operating environment. In high-temperature and high-humidity environments, it is necessary to select products with excellent environmental resistance. For outdoor environments or environments with a lot of dust, products with dustproof and waterproof performance are suitable.
Evaluation of the Scope of Impact in Case of Failure
Failure of a micro switch can lead to the shutdown or malfunction of the entire device. For devices that require safety or where the impact of failure is significant, it is important to select highly reliable products. It is also effective to implement failure countermeasures such as redundant design and fail-safe design.
Micro Switch by Shinmei Electric
Features of Shinmei Electric's Micro Switch
Our micro switches are high quality and reliable products with 30 years of production experience. Furthermore, by continuously improving our technological level and pursuing quality, we have gained solid trust in various industrial applications.
High Durability and Long Lifespan
Due to the high-precision design of the contacts, they can withstand millions of operations. They exhibit stable performance even in harsh environments (high/low temperature, humidity, vibration).
Compact and Highly Sensitive Operation
Their compact size allows for easy integration into limited spaces, and they reliably perform ON/OFF operations with minimal force.
Reliable Switching Operation
Since ON/OFF switching occurs at a fixed operating point, malfunctions are reduced, and the high-speed contact operation due to the snap-action mechanism improves reliability.
Versatile Applications
They can be used in a wide range of fields such as home appliances, automobiles, industrial machinery, and medical devices. A rich variety of options are available to suit different applications, including drip-proof/dustproof types and those with levers or rollers.
Technical Features of Shinmei Electric's Micro Switch
They feature an insert terminal structure that prevents solder flux from flowing in. We offer four variations ranging from low operating force (0.25N) to high operating force (1.47N). Terminal shapes include solder terminals, printed circuit board terminals, tab #110 terminals, and left/right angle terminals in our series.
| Operating Force | 1：MAX0.25N（25gf） 5：MAX0.98N（100gf） 3：MAX0.49N（100gf） 7：MAX1.47N（150gf） |
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| Terminal Shape | No Indication ：Solder terminal  PR：Right Angle Terminal  P：Printed circuit board terminals  PL：Left Angle Terminal  F：Tab #110 Terminal  |
Reasons why Shinmei Electric is chosen
With high quality and overwhelming cost performance that rivals major competitors and switch manufacturers, our products are used not only by major Japanese manufacturers but also by famous manufacturers worldwide.