Panasonic elektromekaniske sensorer og komponenter forhandles af TME
Når man leder efter holdbare og gennemprøvede løsninger til automation, er det umuligt at komme uden om Panasonic-brandet. Leverandørens sortiment omfatter både grundlæggende elektromekaniske komponenter, f.eks. mikrokontakter, samt komplekse sensormoduler.
Nedenfor præsenterer vi udvalget af Panasonic-komponenter, der er beregnet til anvendelse i industrielle systemer og forbrugerenheder (RTV, husholdningsapparater). Det anbefalede sortiment består af to hovedgrupper af løsninger: et udvalg af kontakter og mikrokontakter samt fotoelektriske sensorer. I begge tilfælde er der tale om produkter, der er fremstillet i henhold til leverandørens høje kvalitetsstandarder og kan leveres direkte fra TME’s lagre. Samlet set udgør de et sortiment, der vil have interesse for både automationsproducenter og specialister, der designer og implementerer industrielle systemer.
(Engelsk) Electromechanical elements
First, let’s take a look at the range of switches. Here, you can find elements with various functionalities: miniature components for making interfaces with high current capacities, as well as sensor switches.
TACT micro switches
TACT micro switches have been used for decades in control panels of industrial machines, but also office and household devices, etc. With miniaturization progress, designers increasingly seek compact micro switches even smaller than the “classic” format. Panasonic offers several solutions in this area. Most products are designed for surface mounting (as SMD elements). The range includes straight and angled models, with round and rectangular keys.
An important part of the offer consists of models featuring a profile height below one millimeter, equipped with a spring membrane (in practice, usually pressed by the button plunger that is part of the housing). Such micro switches are most commonly used in portable devices, where size minimization is particularly important.
SNAP ACTION micro switches
Unlike TACT elements, in SNAP ACTION micro switches the button does not have direct contact with the contacts; instead, it operates a hinge stabilized by a spring. This ensures that in both positions, the contacts remain optimally closed, and only a small force is needed to change the switch state. Additionally: the pressing force of the button/plunger is not transferred to the contacts, which extends the component’s lifespan. This enables the use of such switches in applications in robotics and industrial automation as limit sensors, counters, and for other demanding functions.
SNAP ACTION switches are made in many versions, adjusting the offer to all typical applications. The range includes models featuring IP67 sealing, capable of working in environments exposed to flooding and dense dust. Electrical connections are made using factory-installed wires or connectors; versions with THT leads for mounting on printed circuit boards are also available. Importantly, Panasonic has prepared variants equipped with levers – simple (cushioning the press) and with a roller or bend simulating a roller (used, e.g., for counting objects, notches, etc.).
Push-button switches
Panasonic push-button switches are products intended for industrial and automotive applications. They come in mono- and bistable versions. Their contacts tolerate loads from 0.01A to 0.2A at 14V DC – therefore, in most cases, they will be used for indirect control. Customers can choose between SPST or DPDT contact configurations. Pressing the switch produces a audible and tactile feedback, assuring the user of activation. This is an important advantage over interfaces using touch screens and is a desirable feature of control panels in machines, household devices, etc.
Sensor switches
Panasonic sensor switches are compact electromechanical elements used for detecting the position of mechanical parts. Thanks to them, the controller receives information about opening/closing device covers, head position, cartridge placement in a slot (e.g., in printers), etc. Most of these components are designed for surface mounting (SMD), although screw-mounting variants are also available. Contacts have SPST or SPDT configurations. The smallest elements measure just 3.5×3.0x0.9mm.
Lever switches
Lever switches have higher current parameters than those described above and are often used for direct power circuit switching. Panasonic offers elements with contact loads up to 15A at 250V AC or 30V DC. Moreover, buyers have a wide choice of versions from single-pole (SPDT) to 4-pole (4PDT) with 1, 2, or 3 stable positions. In most cases, contacts are made of silver alloy to ensure maximum durability. Switch mounting is classic (panel) with a threaded lever flange. Connections are available as connectors, screw terminals, or soldering leads.
When looking for durable and proven solutions for automation, it is impossible to overlook the Panasonic brand. The supplier’s offer includes basic electromechanical components, e.g., micro switches, as well as complex sensor modules.
Below we present the offer of Panasonic components, intended for use in industrial systems and consumer-class devices (RTV, household appliances). The recommended assortment includes two main groups of solutions: a range of switches and micro switches and photoelectric sensors. In both cases, these are products made according to the supplier’s high standards and available directly from TME warehouses. Together, they form a range that will interest both automation manufacturers and specialists designing and implementing industrial systems.
In this article, we touch on topics such as:
- Electromechanical components for automation
- Compact versions of TACT switches
- Applications and operation of SNAP ACTION elements
- Push-button switches for interface construction
- Electromechanical sensors
- Lever switches adapted to mains voltages
- Types of CX-400 series photoelectric sensors
- Electromechanical elements
- First, let’s take a look at the range of switches. Here, you can find elements with various functionalities: miniature components for making interfaces with high current capacities, as well as sensor switches.
TACT micro switches
TACT micro switches have been used for decades in control panels of industrial machines, but also office and household devices, etc. With miniaturization progress, designers increasingly seek compact micro switches even smaller than the “classic” format. Panasonic offers several solutions in this area. Most products are designed for surface mounting (as SMD elements). The range includes straight and angled models, with round and rectangular keys.
An important part of the offer consists of models featuring a profile height below one millimeter, equipped with a spring membrane (in practice, usually pressed by the button plunger that is part of the housing). Such micro switches are most commonly used in portable devices, where size minimization is particularly important.
SNAP ACTION micro switches
Unlike TACT elements, in SNAP ACTION micro switches the button does not have direct contact with the contacts; instead, it operates a hinge stabilized by a spring. This ensures that in both positions, the contacts remain optimally closed, and only a small force is needed to change the switch state. Additionally: the pressing force of the button/plunger is not transferred to the contacts, which extends the component’s lifespan. This enables the use of such switches in applications in robotics and industrial automation as limit sensors, counters, and for other demanding functions.
SNAP ACTION switches are made in many versions, adjusting the offer to all typical applications. The range includes models featuring IP67 sealing, capable of working in environments exposed to flooding and dense dust. Electrical connections are made using factory-installed wires or connectors; versions with THT leads for mounting on printed circuit boards are also available. Importantly, Panasonic has prepared variants equipped with levers – simple (cushioning the press) and with a roller or bend simulating a roller (used, e.g., for counting objects, notches, etc.).
Push-button switches
Panasonic push-button switches are products intended for industrial and automotive applications. They come in mono- and bistable versions. Their contacts tolerate loads from 0.01A to 0.2A at 14V DC – therefore, in most cases, they will be used for indirect control. Customers can choose between SPST or DPDT contact configurations. Pressing the switch produces a audible and tactile feedback, assuring the user of activation. This is an important advantage over interfaces using touch screens and is a desirable feature of control panels in machines, household devices, etc.
Sensor switches
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Sensor switch with rounded lever facilitating integration
Panasonic sensor switches are compact electromechanical elements used for detecting the position of mechanical parts. Thanks to them, the controller receives information about opening/closing device covers, head position, cartridge placement in a slot (e.g., in printers), etc. Most of these components are designed for surface mounting (SMD), although screw-mounting variants are also available. Contacts have SPST or SPDT configurations. The smallest elements measure just 3.5×3.0x0.9mm.
Lever switches
Lever switches have higher current parameters than those described above and are often used for direct power circuit switching. Panasonic offers elements with contact loads up to 15A at 250V AC or 30V DC. Moreover, buyers have a wide choice of versions from single-pole (SPDT) to 4-pole (4PDT) with 1, 2, or 3 stable positions. In most cases, contacts are made of silver alloy to ensure maximum durability. Switch mounting is classic (panel) with a threaded lever flange. Connections are available as connectors, screw terminals, or soldering leads.
Photoelectric sensors
Photoelectric sensors are the second extensive group of Panasonic products in the TME offer. They are three types of solutions differentiated by the operating principle: reflective sensors, transmitter-receiver, and reflective with reflector. In each case, the module’s function is to detect objects, e.g., counting items on conveyor belts (production, warehouse, shipping). Other applications include determining element position, measuring speed/length, safety installations, and failure detection systems.
Sensors made as a transmitter-receiver pair operate by detecting beam interruption by an object on its path, allowing operation over relatively long distances, e.g., up to 30m, as in the case of the CX-400 series. Reflective versions contain both transmitter and receiver in one housing, detecting light reflected from surfaces – maximum distance is reduced here to 300mm, but mounting and wiring are significantly easier, and accuracy improves. Intermediate distances are covered by reflective sensors with reflector, which detect radiation (or its absence) reflected from a special reflective element. Such models have a range of max. 5m (depending on the model).
The discussed sensors have transistor outputs (NPN or PNP) operating in DARK-ON or LIGHT-ON mode – settings are made during configuration. In selected models, sensitivity adjustment is also possible. In conditions of intense lighting that could disrupt sensor operation, versions equipped with hardware background suppression can be used.
The CX-400 series is adapted to work in 12…24V DC installations. Outputs are connecting wires (up to 2m) or industrial circular connectors (M8 or M12). A significant advantage of these Panasonic solutions is the high IP67 protection rating.
