Subminiature switches deliver the smallest available solution

Omron Electronic Components Europe has increased its sealed basic switch portfolio, with devices providing the smallest comparable solution in the industry and supplying multi-angle operation in an IP67-rated sliding-contact package.

The new ultra-small 8.3mm x 7mm x 5.3mm D2EW sealed switches provide flexible customer applications and lower costs by stopping the need for a lever. Compared with existing switches, their innovative pin plunger shape supports operation from a wide angle between the vertical and the horizontal. This decreases the effect of play in the cam position and enhances operating position tolerance.

The design of the switches includes a left-right asymmetric post shape that lowers the risk of incorrect assembly, reducing the necessity for rework and further quality checks. Its sliding contact structure provides quiet operation.

A further advantage of the new switch is a decrease of the minimum applicable load to 50μA, enabling the design of energy-saving applications. The durability can reach 300,000 minimum operations to help longer-life applications. These versatile new switches are offered in normally open and normally closed versions, each supplying a choice of solder or long press-fit terminals.

Applications vary widely and include auto-guided vehicles and robots, vending machines, fast-charge EV stations, factory automation equipment, smart meters, security systems, refrigeration and air conditioning to name just a few. This wide range of potential applications is extended by their IP67 rating, which makes them excellent for usage in wet and dusty environments. For example, they can be employed for detecting the water level in laundry machines and alarm pushbuttons and eliminating problems with dust or powder locks, card readers and mobile printers. The new switches are specified for up to 95% relative humidity and operating temperatures of -40C to +85C.