The ASQ Series of long stroke switches from Panasonic Electric Works has been extended with the addition of the sub-miniature ASQ Mini and is now available at TTI, Inc., the world’s leading specialist distributor of passive, connector, electromechanical and discrete components.The Panasonic ASQ Series has a sliding contact construction and is exceptionally quiet in use. The design means that direct operation is possible from a lateral direction on a pin plunger, so it eliminates the requirement for a lever and saves space.
The new addition to the Series, the ASQM, is based on the very successful ASQ turquoise stroke switch, which has sold over a hundred million units to date. The ASQ Mini is a sub- miniature switch designed to provide an optimal solution for tactile detection tasks in space-constrained, harsh environment conditions. Measuring a compact 8mm x 8mm and with a depth of only 5mm, the switch has an over travel of up to 2.2mm. Lever installation is possible despite its small size, and operation is possible in various moving parts including metal cams.
An additional benefit offered by the ASQM switch is that contact pressure is not dependent on the operation stroke. High contact reliability supports low level switching loads. As the new ASQM sub-miniature switch is sealed to IP67 standards against dust ingress and water immersion to a depth of up to a metre for up to thirty minutes, it is very suited to harsh environments. Suitable applications in automotive products include detection of door opening and closing, and gear lever position. For consumer products, applications include vacuum cleaners, washing machines, various white goods and air conditioners.