EP 0758790 A2 19970219 - Method and apparatus for switching mechanism
Title (en)
Method and apparatus for switching mechanism
Title (de)
Verfahren und Gerät für Schaltmechanismus
Title (fr)
Méthode et appareil pour mécanisme de commutation
Publication
Application
Priority
- US 514595 P 19950814
- US 66729996 A 19960620
Abstract (en)
A switching mechanism comprising a housing, a spring, first and second movable contacts mechanically attached to the spring, first and second substantially fixed contacts attached to the housing, and an actuator is provided. The spring comprises first and second edges substantially fixed to the housing. In a rest position the first and second movable contacts do not electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts, respectively. The actuator centrally actuates the spring to cause the first and second movable contacts to move in the same direction as the central portion of the spring and to electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts. The spring is preferably a snap spring shaped in the form of a cross comprising a column member and first and second protruding wings. The first and second movable contacts are preferably mechanically and electrically connected to the first and second protruding wings respectively. The actuator preferably includes a ball, a substantially cylindrical portion having a first outer diameter, and a seal having a second outer diameter. The seal is preferably an O-ring seal which is designed to fit tightly around the substantially cylindrical device and tightly inside the housing. <IMAGE>
IPC 1-7
IPC 8 full level
H01H 13/06 (2006.01); H01H 13/36 (2006.01); H01H 13/48 (2006.01); H01H 13/14 (2006.01)
CPC (source: EP)
H01H 13/06 (2013.01); H01H 13/36 (2013.01); H01H 13/48 (2013.01); H01H 13/14 (2013.01)
Designated contracting state (EPC)
DE ES FR GB IT
DOCDB simple family (publication)
EP 0758790 A2 19970219; EP 0758790 A3 19981104; CA 2181489 A1 19970215; CA 2181489 C 20010612
DOCDB simple family (application)
EP 96305883 A 19960812; CA 2181489 A 19960718