Patent ID: 6333479
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A dual in-line finger-actuated switch comprising:a top cover plate formed of a one-piece injection molded plastic material having a substantially flat rectangular contour, said top cover plate having a plurality of centrally disposed slots formed therethrough, said top cover plate having an upper surface with a plurality of beveled portions respectively disposed on opposing ends of said plurality of slots, said top cover plate having a lower surface with a plurality of contoured ridges and grooves respectively formed on opposing ends of said plurality of slots to define a plurality of wave-shaped detents on said opposing ends of said slots;a finger-actuated switch body formed in a rectangular contour of a one-piece injection molded plastic material and having a recess formed in an upper section thereof, said top cover plate being joined to said finger-actuated switch body to cover said recess, said finger-actuated switch body having a plurality of stop blocks formed in said recess, said plurality of stop blocks being disposed in spaced relationship on opposing sides of said finger-actuated switch body;a plurality of contact pins inserted into said recess between respective pairs of said plurality of stop blocks of said finger-actuated switch body, each of said plurality of contact pins having a portion thereof projecting from a respective one of said opposing sides of said finger-actuated switch body, said projecting portion having a step-shaped contour;a plurality of slide buttons disposed in said recess in respective aligned relationship with said plurality of slots, each of said slide buttons being formed of a one-piece injection molded plastic material and having a centrally disposed rectangular slide block extending from an upper side of said slide button, said upper side of said slide button having a rib and a pair of grooves on each of two sides thereof, each said slide button having a lower side with a centrally disposed mounting post and a plurality of support tabs extending therefrom, each of said rectangular slide blocks extending through a respective one of said slots; and,a plurality of flexible metal contact springs respectively coupled to said plurality of slide buttons, each of said flexible metal contact springs having a hole formed therethrough for coupling to a mounting post of a respective slide button;whereby said ribs and pairs of grooves of said slide buttons in respective cooperation with said plurality of contoured ridges and grooves of said top cover plate provide a toggling contact action therebetween and prevent downward displacement of said flexible metal contact springs to maintain a predetermined contact angle thereof.