The toggle switches is an electrical device used to control the state of a circuit, allowing it to be switched between on and off. Its operating mechanism involves flipping a lever back and forth to open or break an electrical connection. It consists of a lever, a fixed switch frame, and electrical contacts.
A toggle switch is a commonly used electronic component, mainly used for the on-off control of AC or DC power supply circuits. By toggling the handle, the internal movable contact and fixed contact can make contact or break, to control the connection or disconnection of the circuit. When the button is pressed, the spring can be compressed to make the electrodes contact, allowing the circuit to conduct. Conversely, the circuit is disconnected, thereby achieving the on-off control of the electrical circuit.
3.Components of the toggle switches
A toggle switch, also known as a rocker switch, has a small circular or square shape and can be fixed to the panel of a device. It is mainly composed of a handle, a fixed bracket, a plastic shell, and contact pieces with PIN feet. The handle is usually made of metal, but some switches are designed with a plastic handle to consider ESD. The handle has various shapes, including circular, conical, flat, plastic, and lock rod (a type of handle designed to prevent erroneous operation, requiring the locking pin to be pulled up when switching). The feet generally have solder pins and screw pins.
A toggle switch usually consists of the following components:
In this simple internal structure diagram, the lever and spring are located at the top, the contacts are in the middle, and the base is at the bottom. When the button is pressed, the spring is compressed, causing the contacts to come into contact with each other, thereby forming a circuit. When the button is released, the spring returns to its original shape, and the contacts separate, breaking the circuit. The components of the entire toggle switch are enclosed by a housing, which protects the internal components from external influences.
4.Applications of the toggle switches
Toggle switches are used to control the power switch, mode selection, volume control, play/pause, and other functions in various machines or devices. Due to its advantages of convenient use, simple structure, sensitive switching, and long service life, they are widely used in instruments, lighting fixtures, industrial equipment, security products, medical devices, and other industries. Many operations in various occasions are completed through toggle switches, such as the function keys of taxi meters and control keys of smart homes. In short, toggle switches are simple, practical, and powerful electronic components, and are widely used due to their flexibility and practicality. With the continuous development of technology, the application scope of them will be further expanded and improved.
5.Circuit Differences of the toggle switches
Direct current (DC) circuits and alternating current (AC) circuits are two basic types of circuits, and their main differences lie in the direction of current and the rule of the magnitude change. Specifically, their differences are as follows:
toggle switches in DC circuits: In a DC circuit, they are usually used to control the switch of DC power supply, motor, lighting, and other equipment. For example, the start button and lighting switch in a car, and the switch in handheld devices powered by batteries.
toggle switches in AC circuits: In an AC circuit, they are usually used to control the switch of indoor lighting, fans, air conditioners, and other home appliances. They can also be used to control the switch of industrial equipment, robots, and machine tools.
6.Switch Structures of the toggle switches
Single pole single throw (SPST), single pole double throw (SPDT), and double pole double throw (DPDT) are different types of switch structures, and their definitions are as follows:
Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) switch: The SPST switch is the simplest type of switch, with only one contact point that can connect or disconnect the circuit. When the button is pressed, the contact point closes, and the circuit is connected; when the button is released, the contact point opens, and the circuit is disconnected.
Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch: The SPDT switch has a switchable contact point and can connect the circuit to two different positions. When the button is pressed, the contact point switches from one position to another, connecting the circuit to the other position; when the button is released, the contact point returns to its original position, connecting the circuit to the original position.
Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch: The DPDT switch has two switchable contact points and can connect the circuit to two different positions. When the button is pressed, both contact points switch to the other position, connecting the circuit to the other position; when the button is released, both contact points return to their original position, connecting the circuit to the original position.
7. Product Shapes
Circular: Circular toggle switches typically have compact dimensions and a simple design, making them suitable for smaller electronic devices.
Square: Square toggle switches typically come in two designs – with right angles or with rounded corners. They have a clean and elegant appearance and are widely used in household appliances, electronic devices, and industrial control applications.
Rectangular: Rectangular toggle switches typically have a rectangular or square shape and are suitable for devices that need to be installed in tight spaces.
Oval: Oval toggle switches typically have a streamlined design and are suitable for situations where aesthetics are a consideration.
8. Product Functions
8.1 Mini/small toggle switch:
With installation hole sizes of 6mm and 8mm, they have a compact structure and are easy to operate. They are suitable for control in limited spaces, and attention should be paid to their electrical parameters (such as rated voltage and current) to avoid exceeding their capacity and causing equipment failure or damage.
8.2 Illuminated toggle switch:
With installation hole sizes typically of 12mm or 16mm, they have a built-in LED indicator light. When the circuit is in the “on” state, the LED indicator light will light up, allowing users to visually perceive the switch’s status and determine whether the circuit is working properly. Different colors of LED lights can be produced, such as red, green, yellow, blue, and white.
8.3 High current toggle switch:
With a voltage range of 110~220V, high current toggle switches can handle higher currents and powers and are suitable for controlling large appliances.
8.4 Waterproof toggle switch:
FILN was the first company in the world to manufacture waterproof illuminated toggle switches. With installation hole sizes of 16mm and others, its tail is glued and can be immersed in water, providing excellent waterproof performance. Different colors of LED lights can be produced, such as red, green, blue, and white, to meet users’ different color requirements. Single-color or dual-color customization can be provided according to requirements. It has a wide range of applications and can be used in automobiles, yachts, underwater operations, and other fields.
9. Knowledge Expansion
1 inch = 2.54 cm 12 inches = 1 foot.
In Europe, the common toggle switch types have circular or square buttons and are typically used in electrical and mechanical equipment fields. The design is relatively simple and practical. In the United States, the common types have rectangular buttons, and they are usually used in electrical and mechanical equipment fields. The design is more streamlined and modern. The design of toggle switch is usually influenced by local culture and design trends.
