The Micro Switch consists of five parts.
Drive Unit:Transmit external forces andmotions to the internal mechanism.
Ouick Action Mechanism Division:Utilizing reed materials withexcellent electrical conductivityfor rapid switching operatlons.
Contact section:Properly connect and disconnect circuits.
Terminal:Connect to external circuits
Shell:Capable of protectinginternal mechanisms
Operating Principle of Micro Limit Switches
By operating the micro switch button, the movable contact is switched from the NC terminal to the NO terminal, there by switching theelectrical circuit.
The switching of electrical signals is achieved through mechanical operation.It can be broadly categorized into ON/OFF switching operations or circuit switching.
Micro limit switches demonstrate extensive application value across multiple industries—including automotive and other transportation vehicles, home appliances, industrial machinery, office equipment, and safety devices—due to their high precision, rapid response (millisecond-level actuation), and long service life (up to 10 million mechanical cycles).
For example, in vending machines, industrial equipment, air conditioners, and flush toilets, microswitches primarily serve detection function.
Micro switches are widely used in automobiles. With their compact size, responsive operation, high precision, and strong reliability, they have become indispensable components in automotive electronic systems, covering multiple core areas such as body control, safety systems, comfort features, and powertrain and chassis systems. Below are specific application scenarios for micro switches in automobiles:
Application Site | Rearview Mirror | Engine hood | Close the door | Convertible roof | Window regulator | Power Pin/Lifting Pin | Car hood | Air Conditioner Panel | Seat |
Function | Position Detection | Plug Switch Detection | Position Detection | Position Detection | Position Detection | Position Detection | Lamp switch | Position Detection | Position Detection |
Micro switches can be categorized into three types based on their size, load capacity, and typical application scenarios: Miniature Micro Switches, medium-sized micro switches, and large micro switches.
Miniature Micro Switches' Features
Compact Size: Dimensions typically measure approximately 12.8mm (L) × 5.8mm (W) × 6.5mm (H), with ultra-thin models offering even slimmer profiles.
Light Touch Operation: Low actuation force (50gf~200gf) provides a light tactile feel, ideal for high-frequency switching.
Low Load Capacity: Generally rated for ≤1A current, suitable for signal control or low-power circuits.
Mini Micro Limit Switches' Typical Applications
Consumer Electronics: Power buttons, volume controls, camera shutters in smartphones; function switch buttons in smart bands and wireless earbuds.
Small Appliances: Temperature control switches in rice cookers; door lock safety switches in microwave ovens (requires waterproof type).
Communication Equipment: Power switches and reset buttons in wireless routers.
Miniature Micro Limit Switches' Advantages
1.Saves internal space, ideal for portable devices.
2.Fast response speed (actuation travel only 0.4mm) enhances user experience.
3.Small microswitches offer a wide range of terminals and actuators for customization. For specific details, please refer to the diagram below.
Features of Medium Micro Switches
Moderate Size: Dimensions typically measure approximately 19.8mm (L) × 6.4mm (W) × 10.2mm (H).
Medium Load Capacity: Supports currents ranging from 1A to 5A, suitable for medium-power circuits.
Long Mechanical Life: Premium products can withstand over 500,000 operations.
Applications of Medium Micro Switches
Computer Hosts: Reset buttons on chassis panels, hard drive indicator switches.
Office Equipment: Paper detection sensors in printers, paper tray eject buttons in copiers.
Home Appliances: Water level detection switches in washing machines, mode selection buttons in air conditioners.
Advantages of Medium Micro Switches
1.Balances size and performance to meet complex circuit environment demands. 2.Resistant to damage from frequent switching, ensuring stable device operation.
3.Micro-motion terminals and pressure handles also come in a wide variety of options.
A micro switch is a pressure-activated rapid-action switch. lt features a contactmechanism with a small contact gap and a snap-action mechanism that operatesat a specified travel distance and force. Encased in a housing, it includes anexternal actuator rod. Due to its narrow contact gap, it is termed a micro switch.also known as a limit switch.
The travel distance of a micro switch refers tothe mechanical displacement or stroke lengthrequired for its contacts to actuate. When pressure or displacement is applied by anexternal mechanica component(such as adrive rod), the micro switch converts this minute displacement into an electrical signal output via its quick-action mechanism.
The core structure of a micro switch comprises atransmission mechanism and internal C-contacts.The minute distance between the a-contacts andb-contacts, known as the contact gap, is precisely what enables the micro switch toachieve precise control.
Contact spacing is specified in four types: 0.25mm, 0.5mm, 1.0mm, and 1.8mm.For the same switch mechanism, a smaller contact gap results in a lower MD value.higher sensitivity, and longer mechanical life (service life). However, this compromises DC breaking performance and resistance to vibration and shock.
In micro switches, when the transmission mechanismis compressed, it produces a certain amount of traveldistance, which is referred to as PT(pre-travel).
In micro switches, after the internal contactstate switches, the actuator can continue to move downward for a certain distance. Thisdistance is referred to as OT(over-travel).
In microswitches, after the internal contacts completea state transition, the actuator continues to move acertain distance until the internal contacts reset. This distance traveled between the state transition and reset is referred to as the MD (travel distance).
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