Patent ID: 6365853
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical switch for use in a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, said switch comprising:a first contact element which is essentially fixed; a second contact element movable against a return force; an actuating means; and a spacer cage defining a chamber, said first and second contact elements each consisting of an elongated wire shaped or strip shaped material section; said spacer cage having two opposing wall sections located spaced apart from a each other by a fixed distance; said material sections being located between said two opposing wall sections, and being held parallel to one another within said chamber solely by said two opposing wall sections and being spaced apart at a defined distance from each other; said opposing wall sections of said spacer cage extending along said contact elements; said opposing wall sections being connected to each other at spaced apart locations by spaced apart cage portions, said cage portions being located between said contact elements; said actuating means extending into said chamber to engage at least one of said contact elements, said at least one of said contact elements being movable in said chamber and between said cage portions into contact with said other contact element by said actuating means moving in said chamber and elastically deforming said material section of said at least one of said contact elements.