Eindcontacten

Eindcontacten, also known as limit switches or end stops, are electromechanical devices that detect the position of an object. They are typically used to signal when a moving part, such as a machine component or a door, has reached the end of its travel. When activated, an eindcontact changes the state of its electrical contacts, which can then be used to control other circuits or machinery.

These devices consist of an actuator, which is the part that physically interacts with the object being detected, and a switch mechanism. The actuator can come in various forms, including levers, plungers, rollers, or springs, designed to suit different applications and types of movement. The switch mechanism is usually a simple microswitch that opens or closes a circuit when the actuator is pressed or moved.

Eindcontacten are widely employed in industrial automation, robotics, and various mechanical systems. In manufacturing, they can prevent machinery from over-traveling, ensuring safety and preventing damage. In automated doors, they signal when the door is fully open or closed. They are also found in elevators to indicate the position of the car at each floor and in conveyor systems to control the flow of materials. Their reliability and relatively simple operation make them a common choice for position sensing in many electromechanical applications.