Patent ID: 6262646
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electrical switch, comprising:a substrate;electrodes disposed on the substrate and defining at least one set of spaced switch contacts;a major spacer adjacent to and in contact with the substrate and having an opening aligned with said at least one set of switch contacts;an actuator subassembly disposed in the opening of the major spacer for selectively opening or closing the switch contacts, the actuator subassembly comprising a platform mounted on the substrate and defining a cavity adjacent the switch contacts and an electrically conductive armature disposed in the cavity, one of the platform and armature including a permanent magnet and the other being made of magnetic material such that the armature is normally held spaced from the switch contacts in engagement with the platform by the magnetic attraction between the platform and armature, the armature being releasable from the platform upon application of a switch closing force to engage and close the switch contacts.