Molded electrical switch
US5990433A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2221/044
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Several different types of electrical switches are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed comprising: a molded case having a pair of conductive terminal contacts; and a molded actuator for mating with the case. The actuator is movable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position within the case, and the actuator has at least one spring member and a conductive contact surface. The spring member forces the actuator into the non-conducting position, and the conductive contact surface provides an electrical connection between the pair of conductive terminal contacts when the actuator is in the conducting position. The actuator is retained within the case by a retaining member and/or a snap member. The case and the actuator are molded about the conductive terminal contacts and the spring members, respectively. Furthermore, the conductive contact surface is formed of a conductive elastomer that is grafted to the actuator. In other embodiments, the spring members are molded as a part of the actuator or the case, or the spring members are connected to the conductive contact surface or the conductive terminal contacts with the actuator and …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.