1. Meaning

A sliding switch is a switch used to operate on and off horizontally, so it is defined as a sliding switch. It is also one of the most popular varieties of switches.

2. How it works

The sliding switch is composed of a set of contact points and sliding tracks. When the slider slides to a different position, it changes the connection between the contacts to turn the circuit on or off. The principle of sliding switch can be simply summarized into two aspects: contact point and sliding track.

● Contact point: The contact point of the sliding switch is usually made of metal materials, such as copper, silver, etc. The mode of connection between contact points also changes when the slider slides to different locations. The contacts of a sliding switch usually consists of two or more contacts that are connected together by circuits. When the slider is in a certain position, the connection between the contact points is off or on, thus realizing the switch control of the circuit.

● Sliding track: The sliding track of a sliding switch is usually a metal or plastic guide track on which the slider can slide. The design of the sliding track determines the action trajectory of the slide, which affects the connection between the contact points. The sliding tracks can be designed as straight shapes, arc shapes, ring shapes, etc., to suit different applications.

3. Basic structure

The structure of the sliding switch can be divided into several parts, including the slide block, sliding track, contact point, spring, etc.

● Slider: Slider is one of the most important parts of sliding switches and is usually made of metal or plastic. The shape and size of the slide block depend on the application and design requirements. There is usually a bump on the slider for finger manipulation.

● Slide track: The sliding track is another important part of the sliding switch. It can be a straight line shape, arc shape, ring shape, etc., to accommodate different applications. The sliding track is usually made of metal or plastic, and its surface should be smooth to facilitate the movement of the slider. The sliding track is also designed to take into account the action trajectory of the slide block to ensure that the connection between the contact points can be stable and reliable.

● Contact point: The contact point of the sliding switch is usually made of metal materials, such as copper, silver, etc. The number and location of contacts depends on the complexity and design requirements of the circuit. The mode of connection between contact points is usually achieved by a spring to ensure the stability and reliability of the connection.

● Spring: Springs in sliding switches are usually helical and are responsible for maintaining pressure and connection stability between contact points. The material and shape of the spring can also affect the performance and reliability of the sliding switch.

4. Types

According to the different structural forms, the sliding switch can be divided into:

● Linear sliding switch: move horizontally through the handle or knob to control the circuit.

● Rotary sliding switch: rotate through the knob or gear to achieve control of the circuit.

● Dual punch sliding switch: can achieve dual position, unipolar or dual position, bipolar control.

● Multi-gear sliding switch: with the control function of multiple fixed positions, it can be used to adjust the brightness of lights, the speed of fans and other equipment, etc.

5. Features

● With high press and recovery moments to make it more reliable and durable.

● Simple structure and easy to manufacture, install and maintain.

● High contact pressure, good adaptability to certain pollution and oxidation, and stable operation for vibration, shock, vibration, etc.

● Has a higher carrying current and a lower contact resistance.

● Because the sliding switch does not need to rotate, it will not lag or fail after long use like the knob switch.

6. Common applications

● Mobile phone: Slide switches are widely used in modern mobile phones, such as volume adjustment, mute switch, etc. According to statistics, 1.57 billion mobile phones were shipped worldwide in 2020, with most of them using sliding switches.

● Laptop computer: The power switch and volume adjustment functions are also widely used in laptops. According to IDC, 197 million laptops were shipped worldwide in 2020, and sliding switches are widely used.

● Audio equipment: Many audio devices also use sliding switches, such as tuning tables, audio systems, etc. According to Statista, the global audio market reached $9.68 billion in 2020.

7. Note for sliding switch installation

When installing the sliding switch, attention should be paid to distinguish the wiring parts of the fire line and the zero line, and must not install the wrong position, so as not to affect the safe use of the circuit. Its installation height is also noteworthy, usually this switch is not a single installation, common in a row of multiple installation form, the dark switch from the ground height is about 1.2m-1.4m, the horizontal distance from the door frame 150mm-200mm, the open switch should pay attention to the outside of the best set of insulation protective shell.

Conclusion

In short, the sliding switch, as a common control element in electronic devices, realizes the control and switching of complex circuits through simple and effective operation, providing flexible and reliable solutions for various application scenarios.