Do You Know That There Is A Micro Switch Inside The Limit Switch?
The difference is that the limit switch has sturdy housing, and where it comes in contact with the object, a buffer distance is retracted by a spring. The internal micro switch can react when it comes to contact with the object. Because of the buffer distance, the micro switch is protected. The difference between limit switches and micro switches is in appearance and application scenarios.
A micro switch, also known as a miniature snap action switch, is a type of momentary contact switch used widely in automotive, industrial, and medical instruments as a sensor. The switch is called "micro" in the company's name, which started manufacturing it commercially. The actuator of these switches often has a hinged wheel placed above a push button. This switch is widely used in control system applications such as door interlocks, safety switches in elevators, and vending machines. Having a diverse range of engineering applications, micro switches are available in various switch configurations, housing materials, and actuator styles.
Types Of The Limit Switch
There are four general types of limit switches:
1. Whisker Limit Switch
2. Roller Limit Switch
3. Lever Limit Switch
4. Plunger Limit Switch
Usually, depending on the application, a limit switch may be a combination of 2 of the general types, such as roller-lever.
What Are Limit Switches?
A limit switch is an electromechanical device operated by a physical force applied to it by an object. And limit switches are used to detect the presence or absence of an object. These switches were initially used to define an object's travel limit, and as a result, they were named limit switch.
Limit Switches Applications
When you open the fridge door, a light comes on inside. How does that happen? Yes， you guessed it!
A limit switch detects whether the fridge door is open or closed.
Let's look at another application of a limit switch you may encounter at home. On many overhead garage doors, a limit switch stops the door's movement when it reaches its fully opened position.
How Do Limit Switches Work?
Limit switches are electromechanical devices consisting of an actuator mechanically linked to an electrical switch. When an object contacts the actuator, the switch will operate, causing an electrical connection to make or break.
Configurations Of Limit Switches
Limit switches are available in several switch configurations: Normally Open, Closed, or one of each.
Symbols Of Limit Switches
Depending on the origin of the electrical schematic, you may see limit switches drawn in different ways. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have slightly different symbols.
Microswitch
Let's look inside a micro switch, a type of limit switch. A microswitch has two limit switches operating together and sharing a common terminal. One limit switch is usually open, and the other is typically closed. Technically correct, the switch configuration is Single Pole Double Throw, referred to as SPDT. The dashed line indicates that both switches are mechanically connected and will operate simultaneously.
Microswitch Simple Circuit
Alright, let's connect the microswitch to a lamp circuit. In the inactive state, the Red lamp is on as the device is not being operated by an object pushing the Trigger. When the Trigger is pushed, the device will activate, and the Green lamp will come on.
Limit Switches In Action
Now that you've seen the limit switch in action, you are probably thinking about some applications where you have seen them. For example, you might see limit switches operated by a container on an assembly line, operated by a rotating machine part, or any number of other moving mechanical objects. Limit switches could be used to count passing objects or determine the position of a hydraulic cylinder.
Proximity Sensor VS. Limit Switch
Limit switches are slowly starting to disappear from many industrial applications. Proximity sensors are replacing them. Unlike a limit switch, a proximity sensor has no mechanical moving parts. A proximity sensor performs the switching action with electronic switches.
Limit switches will only completely disappear for a while as they outshine their proximity switch counterpart in their ruggedness and reliable operation in challenging environments.
Generally speaking, limit switches are capable of handling much higher current values than proximity sensors.
Unionwell Micro Switch Manufacturer From China
Huizhou Greetech Electronics Co., Ltd, with professional R&D, production, and sales support, has provided various micro switches, automotive switches, water/dustproof switches, pressure switches, and gaming device core switches since 2007. Most of our products are essential core sensing control components used in industries of clean-energy vehicles, automobiles, home appliances, power tools, 5G IoT, industrial automation 4.0, etc.
After being acquired by Huizhou Unionwell Sensing & Control Electronics Co., Ltd in 2021, we have become one of the largest production bases with an area of 35,000 square meters and over 500 employees. Among them are experienced engineers specialized in switches and connectors R&D.
Complete series of products have been granted access permit certifications to major global markets, for instance, ENEC for Europe, UL for America and Canada, and CE for EU, which help export our switches worldwide. As an ISO9001, IATF16949, and ISO14001 certified organization, Huizhou Greetech owns a special techno team concentrating on automated production and test equipment, which helps accomplish 100% automation in the whole manufacturing and test process and ensure the quality consistency and scale effect.
With the ongoing effort of the whole staff, a complete one-stop system has been built up in Huizhou Greetech, which covers product development, precision molding, injection molding, precision stamping, and automated equipment R&D assembling and testing.
Website Office:
https://www.unionwellswitch.com
https://www.greetech-switch.com
For more information Basic Micro Switch, please get in touch with us!