Patent · US Expired

Housing for a micro-switch unit

US5113046A · kind A · utility

7Cited by
13References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 3, 1990
Grant dateMay 12, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H9/04
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A commercially available micro-switch is enclosed in a two-piece plastic housing which is provided with centering pins. A tab and slot connection forms a labyrinth between the two housing halves and helps protect the interior from intrusion by dust and water. A mechanical actuator is preferably a U-shaped configuration of flat spring steel with one leg located inside the housing and with another leg located outside the housing. The inner leg of the actuator is divided into a first curved tongue and a second tongue. The second tongue extends along an interior of a side wall of the housing and has a free end which engages the micro-switch unit. A base which connects the inner and outer legs extends through an aperture in the housing and is supported, free from any wear, by an O-ring seal between both housing halves.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.