ALPS Develops SSCN Series Water-Proof Two-Way Detection Switches

High-Contact-Reliability Detection Switch with Wide-Angle On-Stroke

Duesseldorf, Germany, Mai 19, 2005 – ALPS has announced the development of the SSCN series of two-way detection switches with a wide on-stroke angle. These switches provide high contact reliability even under severe conditions of environmental moisture and dust. This is a new series in ALPS’ lineup of two-way-detection capable, water-proof switches. Today, with the increase in onboard devices intended to increase the comfort, convenience, and safety of automobiles, the shift to electronic control systems is advancing rapidly. Devices and components installed in automobiles are exposed to water, dust, and other adverse conditions, but in the interests of maximizing safety, such components must be highly reliable and offer ease of use. The SSCN series are versatile sensors that can be used to detect the position of automobile doors and trunk lids, door locks, and drive mechanisms on consumer electronics and other devices used around water. Employing its proprietary high-precision processing technology, ALPS used fixed contact points on both the left and right sides of the switch to achieve a clip type, two-sided, sliding contact-point structure. This structure is resistant to particles and dust, vibration, and impact, which contributes to high contact reliability, and also offers noiseless operation. In addition, the operating mechanism of the switch is clad in rubber, which gives this switch a high degree of water resistance. SSCN series switches have a wide, two-way on-stroke of 30o in both directions, which contributes to ease of use and improved design of drive mechanisms, in which the operating position is easily subject to substantial cumulative error. In addition to its wide on-stroke angle, ALPS used its proprietary mechanical design capabilities to achieve reduced switch size, which will contribute to smaller sizes of automotive and electronic components. Features ALPS’ proprietary precision machining engineering achieves high contact reliability, and a wide on-stroke angle contributes to improved design of drive mechanisms. Proprietary clip type, two-sided, sliding contact-point structure offers higher contact reliability. Use of sliding contact-points allows silent operation. Wide on-stroke angle and reduced size contributes to improved design of drive mechanisms. Water resistance satisfies the requirements of the IEC standard IP67. Principal Applications Automotive mechanism drive position detectors (To detect the position of doors, closers, trunk lids, etc.) Detect the positions of drive mechanisms on consumer electronics and other devices used around water.

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to YEN 602 billion. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office is located in Düsseldorf. A team of specialists is working here in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. From Düsseldorf the activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes and the European distribution are co-ordinated. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, located in Sweden, is servicing the Scandinavian market.