Switches High precision microswitches By Jana Pilhofer, product marketing at ZF Group S
hall I choose this switch type or the other? How do I find the right product for my application? For new applications, the developers must find the optimal functional and cost-efficient solution. The wide range of applications and uses cannot be covered by one switch type or switch series. Depending on the application, the switch manufacturer has to offer the customer a more or less tailored switch solution.
In addition to the required electrical parameters, the size and special characteristics play an important role. The reliability of the switch contacts as a link between mechanics and electronics is critical. This reliability is mainly dependent on the construction of the switch, the contact materials used, the electric load, and on the environmental conditions. Snap-action microswitches are activated by a spring-operated (or “snap action“) mechanism. Depressing the actuator triggers the switching operation, with a predefined force and travel. The switching speed itself is largely independent of the speed of actuation; a special feature of a snap switch is that the switching operation occurs with a constant speed. The switch opens / closes by the snap action mechanism as soon as a predefined down stroke is achieved. The positive characteristics of a snap switch are: Fast reaction: snap switches are known for their fast reaction time and are suitable for applications that require an immediate and accurate switching.
High precision: the snap mechanism guarantees a clear and defined transition between the switching states and ensure a high precision.
Long lifetime: Many of them can be used for millions of switching cycles which ensures a long operating time.
Compact design: microswitches often have a very compact size so they can be integrated in various systems and devices. The ZF portfolio combines different product groups which can be classified by their size: Miniature, Subminiature, Subsubminiature and Ultraminiature. Thanks to the modifiability of the individual product groups, there is a high number of variants within the portfolio.
36 May 2024 Components in Electronics
new wires and returning the building to its previous state. Electricians are required. To gain a full picture of the budget required, it is not enough to consider only the initial costs, but also for the follow-up costs if re-designs are required over time.
This enables customers to choose between different switching capacities, mounting types, circuitries, terminals, and actuators. Due to the wide range of product groups and their variants, the ZF switches are used for diverse applications. These include household appliances, gaming and vending machines, electric drives and controls, and tools. The decades of experience in the development and production of switches are the basis of a new switch at ZF: an inductive – electromechanical – energy harvesting switch which is completely battery free and wireless. By mechanical actuation, the ZF Energy
Harvester generates the required energy for the transmission of an RF protocol. This energy harvesting switch is a sustainable alternative for battery-powered or wired switches, for example, in the building automation sector. Whether for new buildings or in retrofit buildings, wires require a detailed plan and an evaluation of project sites for suitable wire connections between several actuators, sensors, control units and receivers. Once complete, it is only possible to change the positions of these modules with an investment of effort and money. Adjustments require a new planning phase, tear down, laying of the
An alternative to cabling is RF communication between lights and pushbuttons. As soon as it comes to the decision whether to use batteries or energy harvesting technology, the initial cost consideration is still a crucial factor for building owners. To receive a full picture, further criteria need to be evaluated. These include the additional maintenance of battery changing, cost of purchase and cost of disposal. Building managers need to understand the performance of battery-powered modules and have a detailed overview of the locations of the modules, while keeping track of when to change the batteries. For hotels, airports, manufacturing facilities and offices, this would mean monitoring hundreds of light switches, located within a large building complex over several offices and floors. A dead battery requires time and effort to prevent operational failure, and checking batteries requires time- consuming effort. Safe battery disposal is an additional consideration.
Energy harvesting solutions can resolve the disadvantages that come from using wires and batteries. Using ZF’s technology based on the inductive principle, a small generator can create mechanical energy typically around 330 µWs by manual actuation. This energy output is enough to reliably transmit RF commands to smart lighting applications or other smart home modules. These commands include ON / OFF and dimming of lights. The communication range varies between the protocols used and achieves up to 30 metres indoors, by the used frequency range of either 865MHz or 915MHz. The main advantage is saving maintenance for more than 20 years, due to the long lifetime of the energy harvesting generators. Up to 1,000,000 switching cycles can be achieved. With the reliability and precision of its solutions, ZF is a strong partner for different applications and different market sectors.
https://switches-sensors.zf.com/
www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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