Evaluation of the touchless pushbutton from Schurter

Let's have a look at five of the key features that can help developers and manufacturers decide which switch to use.

Five key features of TTS series

• operation based on the optical principle
• wide power supply range 5 – 28 Vdc
• high reliability with a service life of up to 20 million actuations 
• 2 available versions: momentary 3-131-894 and latching 3-131-913
• no risk of triggering switching operation of the switch during cleaning and wiping

Optical principle, water resistance, 2 versions available

At first glance, this is a classic rustproof anti-vandal pushbutton with a size of 22 mm and a homogeneous ring backlight. However, a "window" with an optical sensor immediately caught my eye. It is programmed to respond to the finger from a distance of 6 cm to 0.02 mm – i.e., not to zero. Thanks to this it is possible to wipe the switch without it being switched on. The optical technology also allows the system to be tuned so that it does not react to rinsing with water or rain. On the other hand, the fact that the switch evaluates the distance gives us the opportunity to use it as an optical barrier, so we can, for example, block the device in case of an unwanted approach.

Unlike piezo pushbuttons or capacitive pushbuttons, which also have no moving parts (and therefore have a high mechanical life), and can be only in a momentary version, the TTS series also offers a latching switch version. And since the ring backlight is two-colored (red/green), the switching state can be indicated by color.

The switches can be laser-marked by symbols. For standard characters, the minimum order is 10 pieces.

Technical parameters:

• Material of housing and actuator: stainless steel
• Panel cutout: 22 mm
• Supply voltage range: 5 – 28 Vdc
• Max switching voltage: 42 Vac/60 Vdc
• Max switching current: 100 mA
• Type of output: OptoMOS relay
• Switch resistance ON: less than 16 Ohm
• Lifetime: 20 million actuations
• Front-side IP protection class: IP67
• Terminals: 4 wires, 20 cm
• Operating temperature range: - 30 °C to + 85 °C

And finally, short recap

Pavol Buhla, manager of the SOS electronic product specialists’ department:

“The TTS pushbutton series from Schurter is a truly innovative solution for applications with higher focus on hygiene. The combination of a robust metal construction and the fact that the pushbutton does not contain moving parts predestine it for use in applications where there is a high number of actuations and at the same time a high number of users. Two-color backlighting is not quite common for pushbuttons, but it is very practical, because thanks to this we have an immediate information about the status of the switch.

The Schurter touchless pushbutton is therefore ideal for use in hospitals, manufacturing plants, business buildings and hypermarkets, public elevators, parking and vending machines, sanitary equipment, or public toilets.

Despite the higher acquisition costs, this solution seems acceptable thanks to the benefits and possibilities which the TTS series offers. We would find it difficult to find an alternative solution at a lower price level. Our health is worth the money.”

Are you interested in a solution with a touchtless momentary 3-131-894  or latching switch 3-131-913 ? Contact our sales representative at sales@soselectronic.com and ask for a sample.

The need to create a touchless button is a result of the present time and the increased demand for a higher level of hygiene in the operation of devices used by a large number of people or general public. Let's have a look at five of the key features that can help developers and manufacturers decide which switch to use.