Bent lead actuator adds flexibility to tiny sealed switches

This version has a stainless steel actuating lever with a small anti-snag bend at the end which contacts the actuating object, and a rounded spring bend at the ‘pivot’ end.

Options put the lever on either the left or right side of the switch.

Parts are numbered ‘D2GW-AL6xxx’ (subject to confirmation by Omron) and operate with 1.5Nmax and release at 0.1Nmin.

The company describes this as: “substantially higher operating and releasing forces compared to existing solutions.”

The lever has ~3mm of free travel before actuation and the ~3mm of further travel is allowed.

Body footprint is 8.3 x 5.3mm and, as an example of height, the version with press-fit terminals (photo top left) is 18.8mm from the bottom of the terminals to the highest point of the lever.

As with existing D2GW variants, some of the switches are sealed to IP67 “excluding the terminals on the terminal models”, said Omron. Operation is up to 85°C.

To improve reliability, contacts inside are silver, double and slide to wipe away impurities. Maximum resistive load is 13.5Vdc 10mA, and there is a 5V 1mA lower limit.

Body shape options for mounting include versions for siding sideways into a slot, or with a hole to accept a screw. Terminations include the press-fit style mentioned above for solder-less PCB installation, simple solder terminals, PCB leads or moulded-in wire leads.

The company sees the switches being used in vending machines, smart meters, electric vehicle charging stations, security systems, air conditioning and white goods.

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