NKK Switches Announces Miniature Mercury Free Tilt Sensor Switches

Environmentally Friendly Switches Are Engineered to Replace Mercury and Pendulum Switches


SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - March 18, 2010) -  NKK Switches, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of innovative electromechanical switches, today announced the availability of the DSB Series of mercury free tilt sensor switches. These environmentally friendly switches are engineered to replace mercury and pendulum switches and are ideally suited to meet product safety concerns due to normally closed (on) status.

A through hole, PCB mounted device, the DSB Series uses a photo interrupter instead of conventional contacts to ensure high reliability and sensitivity to very small angle changes, while at the same time supporting current environmental and green standards.

Inside, DSB Series switches contain two solid-state devices: one an infrared light emitting diode and the other a photo transmitter. A bright nickel-plated ball rests at the focus point when the switch is level. The internal ball movement allows functionality of 360° circumference rotation. The switch is triggered when tilted beyond ±30° from the horizontal.

The series features a sealed construction for protection from environmental elements, including hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen hydroxide. It has a completely sealed body to allow process compatibility for automated soldering and cleaning. Terminals are made of ammonia resistant material and are crimped to ensure secure PCB mounting and to prevent dislodging during wave soldering.

These switches can be ordered with right angle or straight PC terminals. The primary difference between the two configuration options is the placement of the terminals, as the ball always operates with gravity in the horizontal position. These two configurations allow design engineers flexibility in mounting arrangements. In addition, the compact dimensions of these devices make them ideal for high density mounting if required.

NKK continues to lead the industry in responding to the needs of the marketplace with innovation, high reliability, customization and a commitment to excellence. The company provides a full suite of customization solutions that include: design, programming, printing and support. Downloadable 3D CAD models of the company's switches are available, allowing design engineers to quickly integrate complex models into their designs at no charge. NKK maintains a complete network of qualified representatives and distributors through the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

Engineers who design the human-machine interface for their products rely on the broad product line, specialized design expertise and customer support of NKK Switches. For more information, contact NKK Switches, 7850 E. Gelding Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Phone: (480) 991-0942. Fax: (480) 998-1435. Visit the NKK Web site at www.nkkswitches.com

Contact Information:

For more information, contact:

Chris Walker
(Connect Public Relations)
480-366-6015

Bob Wanless
(NKK Switches)
480-991-0942

NKK Switches' new DSB Series of mercury free tilt sensor switches use a photo interrupter instead of conventional contacts to ensure high reliability and sensitivity to very small angle changes, while at the same time supporting current environmental and green standards.