Vandalproof pushbutton switch actuators

[nali]

Either these don't exist or my Google-fu is fading... so last resort try the good denizens of EEVBLOG 

I'm looking for a low profile panel mounted vandal-proof IP66 or greater rated pushbuton (non illuminated) in the style of the picture below - but just the mechanical actuator. The idea is there will be a PCB mounted just behind the panel with either a tactile switch or microswitch on the PCB itself. I want to avoid cables & connectors, and I know some switches have PCB pins for direct mounting although I'm not too keen on that especially for something that is likely to get thumped in its lifetime.

I know there are modular switches which utilise a clip-in microswitch as part of the switch assembly but that's not what I'm looking for, I'd like the two parts to be seperate.

Any ideas welcome, thanks

[Stray Electron]

   It sounds like you need some kind of switch used for outdoor alarm controller panel.  I would call one of the US, oops UK based switch manufacturers and ask to talk to one of their engineers and see what they recommend.  They may even give you a few as free samples.

[abeyer]

The idea is there will be a PCB mounted just behind the panel with either a tactile switch or microswitch on the PCB itself. I want to avoid cables & connectors, and I know some switches have PCB pins for direct mounting although I'm not too keen on that especially for something that is likely to get thumped in its lifetime.

I would have assumed that said thumping is why you wouldn't want something either soldered or directly mechanically coupled to your pcb, and they use off-board connections instead.

[nali]

The idea is there will be a PCB mounted just behind the panel with either a tactile switch or microswitch on the PCB itself. I want to avoid cables & connectors, and I know some switches have PCB pins for direct mounting although I'm not too keen on that especially for something that is likely to get thumped in its lifetime.

I would have assumed that said thumping is why you wouldn't want something either soldered or directly mechanically coupled to your pcb, and they use off-board connections instead.

That's exactly why I don't want pins. Mechanical should be do-able if I can limit the travel to the switch plus maybe a bit of PCB flex (unless the button is pushed I'd expect an air gap anyway). My wireless front door bell uses a mechanical button and a pretty standard-looking tactile PCB switch behind it although of course it's not rugged by any stretch of the imagination. (In fact although this is a very specific application the product itself will basically be like a rugged wireless doorbell)

I didn't want to use wires/connectors if possible as i) space constraint ii)assembly cost and iii)It will connect to a high-Z GPIO so I'll need to add in ESD & filtering. But I've more or less reached the conclusion that what I envisage doesn't exist, well not off the shelf anyway. Although this is a trial for a commercial application I won't have the numbers to justify anything custom.

[jc101]

Why not have a direct PCB mounted one, with a tiny board soldered in the back with a connector on.  Then have a jumper wire link to your main PCB?
Easy to change if damaged, and mechanically isolated.

Not an option if really space constrained though.  Though you could use a pogo pin header onto pads on the main PCB, which gives an element of movement/flexibility between the switch and the PCB.  Depends on the application really.

[nali]

The application is a simple RF pushbutton, it'll be mounted at bus stops and on poles to make electonic displays provide audio announcements via a propriatry protocol. To be perfectly honest I don't think it's a particularly good idea but I've been asked to come up with something so that's that

It's just a trial at the moment so I could use wires or whatever, but I try to think as forward as possible to manufacturing & deployment.

Pogo pins is food for thought... some pushbuttons have terminals which might work directly with pogos, registration might be challenging but worth a look.

[jc101]

A push button with cups for direct soldering wires might be good for pogo pins, help with alignment. Just use wide pads on the PCB.

[NiHaoMike]

How about a capacitive touch button? Easy to make completely sealed.

[nali]

How about a capacitive touch button? Easy to make completely sealed.

I'd still need to physically connect it though, so that doesn't tick any of the boxes I'm afraid. Also don't they need to be powered? I have a pretty tight power budget as I'm hoping for 5yr life from a CR2032 coin cell*

[*TBD, as is everything at this moment]

[voltsandjolts]

Try searching "push button head" but you'd likely need some custom spacer to your pcb mounted switch. Got a 3D printer?

[nali]

Try searching "push button head" but you'd likely need some custom spacer to your pcb mounted switch. Got a 3D printer?

Now *that* looks hopeful, thanks!

Yes I have a 3D printer as I expect I'll be making either an insert for a standard enclosure or maybe even a custom housing. I've done both before, though not IP rated.

[voltsandjolts]

Maybe you could put a reed switch on the pcb and a small magnet in the push button head, but would need some trial and error to get reliable setup, magnet strength vs gap and linear movement when pressed. Dunno, maybe silly idea. I was gonna suggest hall sensor but reed switch is zero power and good for switching very low current.