Detector switches seek automotive applications

The SPVQ4 Series comprises waterproof, high-contact-reliability detector switches that have a long stroke and can withstand severe conditions.

With the SPVQ4 Series ALPS Electric Europa offers waterproof, high-contact-reliability detector switches that have a long stroke and can withstand severe conditions.

Today, with the increase in onboard devices intended to increase the comfort, convenience and safety of automobiles, the shift to electronic control systems is advancing rapidly.

Devices and components installed in automobiles are exposed to water, dust, and other adverse conditions, but in the interests of maximising safety, such components must be highly reliable and offer ease of use.

The SPVQ4 Series are versatile sensors that can be used to detect the position of automobile doors and trunk lids, door locks, and mechanisms on consumer electronics and other devices used around water.

Using its proprietary high-precision processing technology, Alps used fixed contact points on both the left and right sides of the switch to achieve a clip type, two-sided sliding contact-point structure.

This structure is resistant to particles and dust, vibration, and impact, which makes the SPVQ4 series highly reliable.

Earlier detection switches used a bat contact point structure.

When breaking contact, these switches required a certain minimum voltage to tear the film of oxidation and fouling that forms on the contact surface.

Because of the self-cleaning properties of the sliding contact structure, the SPVQ4 Series is not subject to that problem.

Any film on the contacts is easily torn, and the switches function reliably, even at low voltage.

In addition, the entire upper portion of the switch is clad in rubber, including the knob, which guards against moisture seeping into this highly-water-resistant switch.

These switches have a total stroke of 2.7mm and an overstroke of 2.0mm.

This is about 1.5 times the stroke of earlier bat contact point detector switches, which contributes to ease of use and improved design of drive mechanisms, in which the operating position are easily subject to substantial cumulative error.

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