Terms for Configuration and Structure
A Pushbutton Switch is a switch designed so that its contacts are opened
and closed by depressing and releasing a pushbutton on the Switch in the
direction of its axis. Pushbutton Switches come in two categories: lighted
and non-lighted. The structure of a typical Lighted Pushbutton Switch is
shown below. Broadly speaking, Lighted Pushbutton Switches are made up of
the 5 sections shown below.
Non-lighted Pushbutton Switches are made up of 4 sections, the 5 sections
shown below less the light source.
Terms for Operating
Action
|
Operation |
Explanation |
|
Momentary operation |
The pushbutton returns to
its original position after it is released. |
|
Alternate operation |
The first time the
pushbutton is pressed, an internal lock mechanism holds it in the same
position. The next time it is pressed, the lock is released and the
pushbutton returns to its original position. |
|
Push-pull operation |
When the pushbutton is
pressed, an internal lock mechanism holds it in the same position. The
pushbutton is returned to its original position when the pushbutton is
pulled to release the lock. |
|
Push-lock, turn-reset
operation |
When the pushbutton is pressed, an internal lock mechanism holds it in
the same position. The pushbutton is returned to its original position
when the pushbutton is twisted to release the lock. |
Terms for Pushbutton Switches
Terms Related to Operating Characteristics
|
Classification |
Term |
Abbreviation |
Unit |
Definition |
|
Force
(torque) |
Operating Force (torque) |
OF |
N, N·m |
The
force (or torque) that must be applied to the pushbutton to move it
from the free position to the operating position. |
|
Releasing Force (torque) |
RF |
N, N·m |
The
force (or torque) that must be applied to the pushbutton to move it
from the operating limit position back to the returned position. |
|
Total
Travel Force (torque) |
TTF |
N, N·m
|
The force (or
toque) on the pushbutton when it reaches the stopper. |
|
Position |
Free
Position |
FP |
mm, (°) |
The
position (or angle) of the pushbutton when there is no external force
applied to it. |
|
Operating Position |
OP |
mm, (°) |
The
position (or angle) of the pushbutton when the movable contact changes
from the free position state to the operating position state due to an
external force. |
|
Release
Position |
RP |
mm, (°) |
The
position (or angle) of the pushbutton when the movable contact changes
from the operating position state to the free position state due to
the reduction of external force. |
|
Total
Travel Position |
TTP |
mm, (°) |
The
position (or angle) of the pushbutton when it reaches the stopper. |
|
Set
Position |
SP |
mm, (°) |
The position of
an alternate operation pushbutton when it is in the self-holding
state, or the position (or angle) of a selector switch when it is in
the self-holding state. |
|
Travel |
Pretravel |
PT |
mm, (°) |
The
distance (or angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from
the free position to the operating position. |
|
Overtravel |
OT |
mm, (°) |
The
distance (or angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from
the operating position to the operating limit position. |
|
Movement Differential |
MD |
mm, (°) |
The
distance (or angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from
the operating position back to the returned position. |
|
Total
Travel |
TT |
mm, (°) |
The
distance (or angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from
the free position to the operating limit position. |
|
Releasing Travel |
RT |
mm, (°) |
The
distance (or angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from
the returned position to the free position. |
|
Lock
Travel Alternate |
LTA |
mm, (°) |
The distance (or
angle) through which the pushbutton moves in going from the free
position to the set position. |
Terminal Symbols
|
Symbol |
Meaning |
|
COM |
Common terminal |
|
NC |
Normally closed
terminal |
|
NO |
Normally open
terminal |
Contact Forms
|
Name |
Contact form |
|
Double-throw |
 |
|
Normally closed |
 |
|
Normally opened |
 |
|
Double-break |
 |
General Terms
|
Term |
Explanation |
|
Chameleon lighting |
Full-screen lighting in one of 3 colors: red, green, or orange.
(Orange is produced by simultaneous illumination of red and green.) |
|
Simultaneity |
This
term is used for switches that have more than one contact circuit. It
indicates the difference in time or position between the contacts when
all the contacts of the switch are opened or closed in one operation.
|
|
LED
lighting |
• LED-lighted models are lit with an LED
installed in the base of the Pushbutton Unit.
• The LED is mounted internally; it
cannot be removed.
 |
|
LED-lamp lighting |
• LED lamp-lighted models use the same
light source as incandescent lamp-lighted models, with an LED instead
of a filament.
• The Lamp (i.e., the LED lamp) and the
Pushbutton Unit can be separated.
 |
|
Incandescent lamp lighting |
• Incandescent lamp-lighted models are
lit with an incandescent lamp.
• The Lamp (i.e., the incandescent lamp)
and the Pushbutton Unit can be separated.
 |
|
Voltage
Reduction Unit |
For
16-dia. A16 (M16) models and 22-dia.
A22 (M22) models |
The Voltage Reduction
Unit has a smoothing circuit and resistor, and lights the 24-VAC/VDC
LED lamp by applying 110 (or 220) VAC/VDC directly to the Lamp
terminals. |
|
Matrix
mounting |
Mounting several
Switches in vertical and/or horizontal lines. |
|
Locking
Switches |
Switches that have the functionality to self-hold when the pushbutton
is operated. |
|
Horizontal side-by-side mounting |
Mounting Switches side-by-side with the long side of the Switch
(rectangular models) horizontal. |
|
Vertical side-by-side mounting |
Mounting Switches
side-by-side with the long side of the Switch (rectangular models)
vertical. |
Terms Related to IEC947
and IEC950 Explanation
|
Term |
Explanation |
|
Rated
operating
voltage (Ue) |
VAC:
120, 240, 380, 480, 500, 600
VDC: 125, 250, 440, 500, 600 |
|
Rated
operating
current (Ie) |
Specified by the manufacturer on consideration of rated operating
voltage (Ue), rated frequency, rated energizing time, area of
application, and type of enclosure protection. |
|
Rated
insulation
voltage (Ui) |
• Determined by creepage distance and
the dielectric strength.
• The maximum Ue value must not exceed
the maximum Ui value.
• If there is no Ui value specified, the
maximum Ue value is taken as the Ui value. |
|
Pollution degree |
1.
Either no pollutants are present, or only dried, non-conductive
pollutants are present (e.g., clean rooms).
2. Basically, only non-conductive pollutants are present, or only
transient conductivity occurs due to condensation (indoor locations,
such as offices).
3. Conductive pollutants are present, or non-conductive pollutants are
present in locations where condensation is expected (e.g., factories).
4. Conductivity due to impurities is a constant possibility, or
conductivity is caused by conductive dust, rain, or snow (e.g.,
outdoor locations). |
|
Electric shock protection class |
Class
I: These devices require grounding. Electric shock is prevented by
basic insulation and charged parts that would be subject to
dangerously high voltages if the insulation was damaged, are grounded.
Class II: Electric shocks are prevented by double insulation or
enforced insulation.
Class III: No countermeasures against electric shocks are required
because the electric circuits in use operate in a low-enough voltage
range. |
|
PTI |
Proof tracking
index.
Specified CTI values (comparative tracking indices):
Materials satisfying the 175, 250, 300, 375, and 500 levels are
denoted as PTI-175, PTI-250, PTI-300, PTI-375, and PTI-500
respectively. |
|
IP |
IP-[1][2]
(IEC529)
Meaning of first number-Degree of protection against solid materials
and people (See below.)
Meaning of second number-Degree of protection against water (See
below.)
|
No. |
Meaning of first
number |
Meaning of second
number |
|
Degree of protection
against solid materials |
Degree of protection
for people |
Degree of protection against water |
| 0 |
No protection
|
No protection
|
No protection |
| 1 |
No penetration by any
solid object with a diameter of 50 mm or more. |
Cannot be touched with
the palm of your hand. |
Protects against
vertical drops of water. |
| 2 |
No penetration by any
solid object with a diameter of 12.5 mm or more. |
Cannot be touch with
fingers. |
Protects against drops
of water approaching
at a maximum angle of 15° to the vertical. |
| 3 |
No penetration by any
solid object with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more. |
Same as at left. |
Protects against
sprinkled water. |
| 4 |
No penetration by any
solid object with a diameter of 1.0 mm or more. |
Same as at left. |
Protects against water
spray. |
| 5 |
Protection against dust |
No penetration by any
object with a diameter of 1.0 mm or more. |
Protects against water
jet spray. |
| 6 |
Dustproof |
No penetration by any
object with a diameter of 1.0 mm or more. |
Protects
against high-pressure water jet spray. |
|
Recommended Products
 |
Pushbutton Switch
A16
Separate construction with cylindrical
16-dia. body. |
|
Pushbutton Switch
A22
Install in 22-dia. or 25-dia. panel
cutout (when using a ring). |
 |
Knob-type Selector
Switch
A22S / A22W
|
|
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