The COVID 19 pandemic has given a boost to a technology that was previously known only to insiders in specialized applications: touchless switches. This sounds confusing at first. We are used to pushing buttons. We usually hear or feel a solid click and immediately know: Well, my input has been accepted successfully. This is what we call tactile feedback in the case of pushbuttons.Other switch technologies such as capacitive or piezoelectric systems provide optical feedback via a point or a ring illumination. The touchless switches do the same: feedback via illumination change.

The challenge

Hygiene, hygiene and hygiene again: that was the credo during the COVID 19 crisis. Pathogens can spread easily and quickly, especially in places with a high frequency of visitors. Touching contact surfaces (e.g., door handles) can transmit bacteria and viruses through smear infection. In the healthcare sector, but also in public buildings, catering or food processing areas, the risk of spread is then particularly high.

The optical technology TOF (Time of Flight) used in the SCHURTER TTS can be programmed individually, with high precision, so that malfunctions are prevented.

 Highest reliability

The switch is programmed so that the standard detection distance is 60 to 0.02 mm. This ensures that wiping over or cleaning the switch surface will not trigger a switching signal. SCHURTER TTS switches offer the highest reliability. Since they have no moving parts, their lifetime is more than 20 million switching cycles.

 Ring illumination and installation

The visual feedback is ensured by a two-color ring illumination (red/green) in the actuator, whose supply voltage is between 5 and 28 VDC. The simple installation of the TTS, which is fixed by means of a nut, and anti-twist protection allow a maximum easy replacement.

 Areas of application

The new TTS touchless switch can be used for a wide range of applications. It is suitable in public areas, for example for vending machines, parking systems, or in sanitary areas. However, the detection distance can also be set so that the switch can be used as a photoelectric barrier for certain applications, this opens up new fields of application.

Innovation and engineering

SCHURTER is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fuses, connectors, circuit breakers, input systems and EMC products as well as a PCB assembly service provider for the electronics industry worldwide. Success for and together with our customers is our permanent incentive. We are accustomed to being innovative to meet challenges in diverse markets. We boldly realize new ideas, and we support and drive forward our R&D teams, each day anew.

Quality across the entire line

Products and services from SCHURTER meet the highest demands on quality – because SCHURTER uses quality-, environmental- and safety-management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, the Six Sigma method and the EFQM Excellence Model. All products carry country-specific testing labels such as VDE, ENEC, UL and CCC. Further, customers profit from excellent service and short delivery times thanks to a well-organized international network of Group companies and distributors.