How do Micro Switches work?

16 Jul.,2024

 

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How do Micro Switches Work?

Micro switches are small electrical switches that are essential components in many electronic devices such as keyboards, game controllers, and industrial machinery. They work by detecting the presence of physical pressure or contact and triggering a response. In this article, we will explore the working principle of micro switches in detail.

1. The basic structure of a micro switch.

A micro switch consists of several elements such as a lever, a spring, a contact mechanism, and a casing. The casing is made of plastic or metal and is designed to protect the other components from external interference. The lever is typically a metallic arm that can move up and down when pressed. The spring provides the necessary tension to hold the lever in position when it is not pressed. The contact mechanism is where the electrical circuit is completed or interrupted.

2. How the lever and spring work together.

When an external force is applied to the lever, it moves down and pushes the spring down with it. As the lever makes contact with the contact point, the circuit is completed, and the device is activated. When the force is released, the spring pushes the lever back to its original position, and the circuit is interrupted, deactivating the device.

3. Types of contact mechanisms.

There are two types of contact mechanisms in micro switches: normally open and normally closed. Normally open switches are switched off by default and are activated when the lever is pressed. On the other hand, normally closed switches are switched on by default and are deactivated when the lever is pressed.

4. Applications of micro switches.

Micro switches are used in various devices to create an electrical signal when there is a specific level of force applied to them. For instance, keyboard keys are designed to activate when a specific amount of force is applied to them, and the micro switch in the keyboard responds to this force by sending a signal to the computer. They are also used in industrial equipment to detect the position of moving parts.

5. Advantages of micro switches.

Micro switches have several advantages. Firstly, they have a longer lifespan compared to other types of switches because the contacts are less prone to wear and tear. Secondly, they are highly reliable and accurate, meaning that they can detect even the slightest pressure changes. Lastly, they are small in size and can be incorporated into various electronic devices.

In conclusion, micro switches are essential components in various electronic devices, detecting pressure changes and triggering a response. They consist of several components, including a lever, spring, contact mechanism and casing. Normally open and normally closed switches are the two types of contact mechanisms. They are used in applications such as keyboards and industrial machinery, and have several advantages over other switches, including longer lifespans and reliability.

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