Patent ID: 6423918
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A dome switch for an electrically operated product having a housing and a circuit board mounted by the housing, the dome switch comprising:first and second electrical contacts mounted on the circuit board in a spaced relationship from each other; an electrically conductive dome switch member having a domed shape with a central portion including a dimple that projects toward but is normally spaced from the first contact on the circuit board, and the dome switch member having a peripheral portion that is slidably engaged with the second contact; two retainers that extend between the circuit board and the housing to retain the dome switch member while permitting sliding thereof on the circuit board to provide alignment with the first and second contacts; and a switch actuator that is actuatable to flatten the dome switch member and move the dimple of its central portion into contact with the first contact and thereby electrically connect the first and second contacts, and the switch actuator having an alignment button that is received by the dimple in the central portion of the dome switch member to provide sliding thereof on the circuit board and alignment with the first and second contacts upon the initial flattening actuation by the switch actuator.