Snap-action electrical switch for automotive air control units
US4816629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H13/72
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The disclosed pushbutton operated automotive air control unit incorporates a unique snap-action electrical switch in which the movable contactor has a combination of sliding and rocking movement. The contactor is rockably supported on a fulcrum member which is movably mounted on the slidable carriage. The fulcrum member includes a locating projection, loosely received in a slot formed in the contactor. A coil spring is interposed between the carriage and the fulcrum member for biasing the contactor toward a first fixed contact. There is also a second fixed contact having contactor rocking lugs for slidably engaging the contactor, as the carriage is moved between first and second positions. In the first position, the lugs engage a portion of the contactor which is on the remote side of the fulcrum member from the first fixed contact, whereby the contactor is rocked into electrical engagement with the first fixed contact. The movement of the carriage to its second position causes movement of the contactor relative to the lugs until the fulcrum member passes the lugs whereby the contactor is abruptly rocked out of engagement with the first fixed contact, thus affording a snap action.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.