Abstract:
An apparatus ( 10 ) includes spaced contacts ( 40 ). A rocking contact ( 50 ) has first and second arms ( 52  and  54 ) in electrical contact with each other and is supported for rocking movement in opposite first and second directions. The first arm ( 52 ) is movable into engagement with a first one of the contacts ( 40 ) when the rocking contact ( 50 ) rocks in the first direction. The second arm ( 54 ) is movable into engagement with the second one of the contacts ( 40 ) when the rocking contact ( 50 ) rocks in the second direction. An actuator ( 32 ) is pivotable to effectuate rocking movement of the rocking contact ( 50 ) in the first and second directions. The first and second contacts ( 40 ) include respective terminals ( 70  and  76 ) for helping to mount the apparatus. The terminals ( 70  and  76 ) each comprise compliant pin connectors.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to an electrical switch that incorporates the use of compliant connectors. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a rocker switch. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Switches for making and breaking electrical circuits are widely known. Manually operated switches include an actuator that is manually actuatable to cause making/breaking action of switch contacts to energize/de-energize one or more electrical circuits associated with the contacts. For example, vehicles with electric power devices, such as windows, may have a control system with several individual switches for controlling operation of the windows. Among these switches may be a rocker switch that has an actuator in the form of a lever actuatable to effectuate rocking movement of a contact 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising first and second spaced contacts. A rocking contact has first and second arms in electrical contact with each other. The rocking contact is supported for rocking movement in opposite first and second directions. The first arm moves into engagement with the first contact when the rocking contact rocks in the first direction. The second arm moves into engagement with the second contact when the rocking contact rocks in the second direction. An actuator is pivotable to effectuate rocking movement of the rocking contact in the first and second directions. The first and second contacts each comprise a terminal for helping to mount the apparatus. The terminals each comprise a compliant pin connector. 
   The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an electric vehicle window motor operable in first and second rotational directions. A printed circuit board delivers electrical signals to the electric motor to cause the electric motor to rotate in the first and second rotational directions. A rocker switch is operable to switch electrical signals to the electric motor via the printed circuit board. The apparatus also includes means for connecting the rocker switch to the printed circuit board. The means consists essentially of compliant pin connectors of the rocker switch. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a rocker switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the rocker switch illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of the rocker switch illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  are a sectional views taken generally along line  4 — 4  in  FIG. 3 , showing parts of the rocker switch in different positions; 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are sectional views taken generally along line  5 — 5  in  FIG. 3 , showing parts of the rocker switch in different positions; 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  are sectional views taken generally along line  6 — 6  in  FIG. 3 , showing parts of the rocker switch in different positions; 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side views of portions of the rocker switch of  FIGS. 1-5 ; and 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  are magnified elevation views illustrating the installation of the rocker switch. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention relates to an electrical switch for controlling a device on a vehicle. The device may be any device on a vehicle, such as a window, a seat, a mirror, or the like. The specific embodiment of the invention described below relates to a power window. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the switch of the present invention may control a device other than a window. 
   The present invention is also applicable to various switch constructions. As representative of one such switch construction of the present invention,  FIGS. 1-6C  illustrate a rocker switch assembly  10  (hereinafter “rocker switch”). The rocker switch  10  is implemented in a system  12  (shown schematically in  FIGS. 4A-6C ) that includes an electric window motor  14  and a vehicle electrical system including an electrical power source in the form of a battery  16  and a ground  18 . The rocker switch  10  controls operation of the electric motor  14  for raising and lowering a vehicle window (not shown). The electric motor  14  is capable of bi-directional rotation, i.e., a reversible motor, such as a DC motor. As will be described herein below, the rocker switch  10  of the present invention may provide “manual” control of the operation of the electric motor  14  (and thus the vehicle window), and may also provide some “automatic” control of the operation of the electric motor. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the rocker switch  10  includes a base  30  that supports an actuator in the form of a lever  32  for pivotal or rotational movement about an axis  34 . A series of terminals  40  protrude from a lower surface  36  of the base  30  of the rocker switch  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker switch  10  includes six such terminals  40  arranged in first and second rows  42  and  44 . The terminals  40  are for connecting the rocker switch  10  to plated-through holes  48  of a member  46  (see FIGS.  3 - 6 C), such as a printed circuit board. The terminals  40  may thus carry electrical signals between the rocker switch  10  and the other portions of the system  12  via the printed circuit board  46 , as will be described herein below. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the rocker switch  10  includes first and second switch members  50  and  100  associated with the first and second rows  42  and  44  of terminals  40 , respectively. Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the first switch member  50  includes a first contact arm  52  and an opposite second contact arm  54 . The first and second contact arms  52  and  54  are in electrical contact with each other and may, for example be formed of a single piece of metal material, such as copper or a copper alloy. The first and second contact arms  52  and  54  each may include a domed contact portion  56  and  58 , respectively. 
   The first switch member  50  is supported by a body portion  60  that may be formed of a material, such as plastic. The first switch member  50  may thus be insert molded in the body portion  60 . The body portion  60  includes an upper actuator surface  62  and an opposite lower rocker surface  64 . The first and second contact arms  52  and  54  each have a portion exposed on the rocker surface  64  of the body portion  60 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the first switch member  50  is associated with the three terminals  40  in the first row  42 . Among these terminals are a terminal  70  connected to ground, a terminal  72  connected to a first directional input  74  of the motor  14 , and a terminal  76  connected to the battery  18 . The terminals  70 ,  72 , and  76  are formed of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, and may be connected to the base  30  by suitable means, such as by insert molding or press fitting the terminals into the base. The ground terminal  70  includes a contact portion  80  presented toward the contact portion  56  of the first contact arm  52 . The battery terminal  76  includes a contact portion  82  presented toward the contact portion  58  of the second contact arm  54 . 
   The rocker surface  64  of the body portion  60  is supported by the base  30  of the rocker switch  10  and/or the motor terminal  72 . In this configuration, the first switch member  50  is maintained in electrical contact with the motor terminal  72 . A spring biased actuator pin  90  supported in the lever  32  has a domed end surface  92  that rides on the actuator surface  62  of the body portion  60  and helps maintain the body portion and first switch member  50  supported on the base  30  and/or motor terminal  72 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , the second switch member  100  includes a first contact arm  102  and an opposite second contact arm  104 . The first and second contact arms  102  and  104  are in electrical contact with each other and may, for example be formed of a single piece of metal material, such as copper or a copper alloy. The first and second contact arms  102  and  104  each may include domed contact portions  106  and  108 , respectively. 
   The second switch member  100  is supported by a body portion  110  that may be formed of a material, such as plastic. The second switch member  100  may thus be insert molded in the body portion  110 . The body portion  110  includes an upper actuator surface  112  and an opposite lower rocker surface  114 . The first and second contact arms  102  and  104  each have a portion exposed on the rocker surface  114  of the body portion  110 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the second switch member  100  is associated with the three terminals  40  of the second row  44 . Among these terminals  40  are a terminal  120  connected to ground, a terminal  122  connected to a second directional input  124  of the motor  14 , and a terminal  126  connected to the battery  18 . The terminals  120 ,  122 , and  126  may be formed of an electrically conductive material and may be connected to the base  30  by suitable means, such as insert molding or press fitting the terminals into the base  30  of the rocker switch  10 . The ground terminal  120  includes a contact portion  130  presented toward the contact portion  106  of the first contact arm  102 . The battery terminal  126  includes a contact portion  132  presented toward the contact portion  108  of the second contact arm  104 . 
   The rocker surface  114  of the body portion  110  is supported by the base  30  of the rocker switch  10  and/or the motor terminal  122 . In this configuration, the second switch member  100  is maintained in electrical contact with the motor terminal  122 . A spring biased actuator pin  140  supported in the lever  32  has a domed end surface  142  that rides on the actuator surface  112  of the body portion  110  and helps maintain the body portion and second switch member  100  supported on the base  30  and/or motor terminal  122 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6C , the rocker switch  10  may also include one or more actuator members. In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker switch  10  includes first and second actuator members  150  and  170 , respectively. The lever  32  includes first and second actuator arms  160  and  180  associated with the first and second actuator members  150  and  170 , respectively. 
   The first actuator member  150  is supported by the base  30  for axial movement along an axis  152 . The first actuator member  150  has a domed actuator end  154  presented toward the first actuator arm  160  of the lever  32  and an opposite actuator end  156  that protrudes from the lower surface  36  of the base  30 . The first actuator member  150  may be biased by means (not shown) such as a spring to an up or non-actuated position illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6C . 
   The second actuator member  170  is supported by the base  30  for axial movement along an axis  172 . The second actuator member  170  has a domed actuator end  174  presented toward the second actuator arm of the lever  32  and an opposite actuator end  176  that protrudes from the lower surface  36  of the base  30 . The second actuator member  170  may be biased by means (not shown) such as a spring to an up or non-actuated position illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the first switch member  50  is maintained in contact with the motor terminal  72  regardless of the position of the lever  32 . Electrical conductivity is thus maintained between the first directional input  74  of the motor  14  and the first switch member  50  regardless of the position of the lever  32 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , when the lever  32  is in a non-actuated central or neutral position, the first directional input  74  of the motor  14  is connected to ground  18  via the first contact arm  52  and the ground terminal  70 . This prevents the motor  14  from being energized to run in a first rotational direction associated with the first directional input  74 . 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a counterclockwise direction as shown in  FIG. 4B , the actuator pin  90 , riding on the actuator surface  62 , urges the first switch member  50  to rock clockwise such that the contact portion  58  of the second contact arm  54  engages the contact portion  82  of the battery terminal  76 . In this first actuated condition, voltage from the battery  16  is supplied to the first directional input  74  of the motor  14 , which energizes the motor to run in the first rotational direction. This may result in the vehicle window (not shown) raising or lowering, depending on the wiring configuration of the system  12 . For purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the window lowers when the motor  14  runs in the first rotational direction. 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a clockwise direction as shown in  FIG. 4C , the actuator pin  90 , riding on the actuator surface  62 , urges the first switch member  50  to rock counterclockwise such that the contact portion  56  of the first contact arm  52  engages the contact portion  80  of the ground terminal  70 . In this second actuated condition, the first directional input  74  of the motor  14  is connected to ground  18 . This prevents the motor  14  from being energized to run in the first rotational direction. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , the second switch member  100  is maintained in contact with the motor terminal  122  regardless of the position of the lever  32 . Electrical conductivity is thus maintained between the second directional input  124  of the motor  14  and the second switch member  100  regardless of the position of the lever  32 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , when the lever  32  is in the non-actuated position, the second directional input  124  of the motor  14  is connected to ground  18  via the second contact arm  104  and the ground terminal  120 . This prevents the motor  14  from being energized to run in a second rotational direction associated with the second directional input  124 . 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a counterclockwise direction to the first actuated condition of the rocker switch  10  as shown in  FIG. 5B , the actuator pin  140 , riding on the actuator surface  112 , urges the second switch member  100  to rock clockwise such that the contact portion  108  of the second contact arm  104  engages the contact portion  130  of the ground terminal  120 . Thus, in the first actuated condition, the second directional input  124  of the motor  14  is connected to ground  18 . This prevents the motor  14  from being energized to run in the second rotational direction. 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a clockwise direction to the second actuated condition as shown in  FIG. 5C , the actuator pin  140 , riding on the actuator surface  112 , urges the second switch member  100  to rock counterclockwise such that the contact portion  106  of the first contact arm  102  engages the contact portion  132  of the battery terminal  126 . In this second actuated condition, voltage from the battery  16  is supplied to the second directional input  124  of the motor  14 , which causes the motor to run in the second rotational direction. As a result, the vehicle window (not shown) would raise. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6C , the system  12  may include first and second devices,  200  an  210 , respectively, such as dome switches, that are mounted or otherwise associated with the circuit board  46 . The first dome switch  200  is actuatable to switch electrical power from the vehicle battery  18  to a first auto-lower circuit  202 , which is electrically connected to the first directional input  74  of the motor  14 . The second dome switch  210  is actuatable to switch electrical power from the vehicle battery  18  to an auto-raise circuit  212 , which is electrically connected to the second directional input  124  of the motor  14 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the lever  32  is in the non-actuated position, the first and second dome switches  200  and  210  remain in the non-actuated condition. Thus, when the lever  32  is in the non-actuated position, the auto-lower circuit  202  and the auto-raise circuit  212  remain in a non-actuated or non-energized condition. 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a counterclockwise direction beyond the first actuated condition as shown in  FIG. 6B , the first actuator arm  160  of the lever  32  engages the first actuator member  150  and urges the first actuator member in a downward direction along the axis  152 . If the lever  32  is actuated a predetermined distance in the counterclockwise direction, the first actuator member  150  will actuate the first dome switch  200  and thus energize the auto-lower circuit  202 . 
   Once energized, the auto-lower circuit  202  is operative to energize the first directional input  74  of the motor  14  to cause the window to lower automatically to a fully-lowered, i.e., open position. Once energized, the auto-lower circuit  202  is sealed in the energized state until the command is canceled either via a manual command (i.e., by actuating the lever  32  in the clockwise direction) or via an internal cancel triggered by means, such as a motor current sensor, motor torque sensor, or limit switch (not shown). 
   If the lever  32  is actuated in a clockwise direction beyond the second actuated condition as shown in  FIG. 6C , the second actuator arm  180  of the lever  32  engages the second actuator member  170  and urges the second actuator member in a downward direction along the axis  172 . If the lever  32  is actuated a predetermined distance in the counterclockwise direction, the second actuator member  170  will actuate the second dome switch  210  and thus energize the auto-raise circuit  212 . 
   Once energized, the auto-raise circuit  212  is operative to energize the second directional input  124  of the motor  14  to cause the window to raise automatically to a fully-raised, i.e., closed position. Once energized, the auto-raise circuit  212  is sealed in the energized state until the command is canceled either via a manual command (i.e., by actuating the lever  32  in the counterclockwise direction) or via an internal cancel triggered by means, such as a motor current sensor, motor torque sensor, or limit switch. 
   According to the present invention, each of the terminals  40  comprises what may be referred to as a compliant connector pin or a compliant pin. Compliant pins are given this name because they deflect, deform, or otherwise comply with a hole or aperture into which they are press-fitted in order to form an interference fit. This interference fit helps connect the compliant pin to a member in which the hole or aperture extends. The terminals  40  may have a variety of compliant pin configurations. By way of example, two such compliant pin configurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Each terminal  40  of the rocker switch  10  may be formed according to either of the compliant pin configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the compliant pin portion  250  of the terminal  40  may include a pair of spaced beam portions  252 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the beam portions  252  may be spaced symmetrically with respect to an axis  248  of the pin portion  250 . The beam portions  252  each have first end portions  254  that merge with each other at an interface end  256  of the pin portion  250 . The interface end  256  merges with the respective portions of the terminals  40  that are secured to the base  30  of the rocker switch  10  (see FIGS.  4 A- 5 C). The beam portions  252  each have second end portions  260 , opposite the first end portions  254 , that merge with each other at terminal insertion end  262  of the pin portion  250 . The pin portion  250  includes a central opening  270  that is defined by opposing inner surfaces  272  of the beam portions  252 . The inner surfaces  272  may have a variety of configurations or contours, such as straight, flat, curved, and cylindrical. 
   The beam portions  252  each include an outer surface  280  that are presented facing outward, that is, away from each other and away from the axis  248 . The outer surfaces  280  help define an outer surface of the pin portion  250 . The outer surfaces  280  may include a combination of cylindrical, flat, or curved surfaces that are blended or intersect each other to form an outer contour of the pin portion  250 . In the embodiments of both  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the contour of the pin portion  250  is such that the interface end  256  and insertion end  262  have a narrowed or tapered configuration. The pin portion  250  tapers outward from the axis  248  or widens between the interface end  256  and insertion end  262 . 
   The pin portion  250  has an interface portion  282  that includes respective portions of the beam portions  252 . The interface portion  282  includes an interface surface  284  of each of the outer surfaces  280  of the beam portions  252 . The interface surfaces  284  include the widest portion of the pin portion  250  as measured along a lateral axis  290  of the pin portion, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  248 . The interface surfaces  284  are rounded, curved, or cylindrical in the region of the lateral axis  290  and merge with an insertion surface  286  that extends along the insertion end  262  of the pin portion  250 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the interface portion  282  of the pin portion  250  may include portions of each of the beam portions  252  that are widened in comparison with the remainder of the beam portions. 
   The electrically conductive material used to construct the terminals  40  may be a metal alloy. The contact  10  may, for example, be stamped from a metal alloy sheet stock material using a die that is cut to form the desired configuration. The metal sheet stock material may, for example, be a copper alloy, such as a tin-brass alloy or phosphor-bronze alloy, or could be alloys of other metals, such as stainless steel. These metals may be tempered or otherwise treated to provide desired qualities, such as hardness, tensile strength, and yield strength, and may also be coated or otherwise treated to provide corrosion resistance. 
   As a result of the compliant pin construction of the terminals  40 , the rocker switch  10  of the present invention may be installed in a quick and reliable manner without the use of solder or other materials, such as adhesives or fasteners. This is shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C . Referring to  FIG. 8A , the rocker switch  10  is positioned with the terminals  40  presented toward the printed circuit board  46 . The rocker switch  10  is directed in a downward direction indicated generally by the arrow labeled  300  toward the plated through-holes  48  in the circuit board  14 . Each of the through-holes  48  has a side wall  302  that is plated, coated, or otherwise formed with an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold, nickel; tin-lead, or combinations or alloys thereof). 
   Referring to  FIG. 8B , as the rocker switch  10  moves in the downward direction  300 , the interface surfaces  284  of the beam portions  252  engage the printed circuit board  46 . More specifically, the interface surfaces  284  of the beam portions  252  engage diametrically opposite locations on the side wall  302  of the through-hole  48  adjacent the intersection of the side wall and an upper surface  304  of the circuit board  46 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the interface portions  282  of the pin portion  250  form an interference with the through-hole  48 . More specifically, an interference is formed between the interface surfaces  284  of the beam portions  252  and the side wall  302 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8C , as the rocker switch  10  moves farther in the downward direction  300 , the beams  252  are urged toward each other as a result of normal forces exerted on the interface portions  282  by the side wall  302  of the through-hole  48 . As the pin portion  250  enters the through-hole  48 , the beam portions  252  deflect toward each other in a direction generally along the lateral axis  290 . Also, as the rocker switch  10  moves farther in the downward direction  300 , the interface surfaces  284  of the beam portions  252  slide past the intersection of the side wall  302  and the upper surface  304  of the printed circuit board  46 . Once the interface portions  282  enter the through-hole  48 , the interface surfaces  284  slide along the side wall  302 . 
   When the beam portions  252  deflect as a result of the pin portion  250  being inserted into the through-hole  48 , they exert a force on the side wall  302 . This force is caused by the resilience of the material used to construct the terminals  40 . The material construction of the terminals  40  causes the beam portions  252 , when deflected toward each other, to have a spring bias that urges the beam portions away from each other and toward the side wall  302 . Thus, when the terminals  40  are inserted into the through-hole  48  and the beam portions  252  are urged toward each other, the beam portions are biased in an opposite direction into engagement with the side wall  302  of the through-hole  48 . This causes a frictional engagement between the interface surfaces  284  of the beam portions  252  and the side wall  302 . Since the side wall  302  may be plated or otherwise coated with an electrically conductive material, this engagement may also result in an electrically conductive connection between the terminals  40  and their respective side walls and thereby between any devices (e.g., the motor  14 ) connected with the rocker switch  10  via the circuit board  46 . 
   As the pin portion  250  is urged into the through-hole  48 , the side wall  302  may also be deformed as the interfaces portions  282  cut into or gouge the electrically conductive material of the side wall. This deformation may help promote or enhance the frictional engagement between the interface portions  282  and the side wall  302 . It will be appreciated that the amount of frictional engagement between the beam portions  252  and the side wall  302  can be adjusted to desired levels by altering the material construction of the terminals  40  and/or the side wall, by altering the amount of interference between the interface portions  282  and the side wall, and also by altering the configuration of the compliant pin portion  250 . 
   As the terminals  40  are moved in the downward direction  300  into the installed condition of  FIG. 8C , leg portions  310  of the base  30  engage the upper surface  304  of the circuit board  46 . This helps prevent over-insertion of the terminals  40  into their respective through-holes  48 . This also helps ensure that the rocker switch  10  is placed in a desired position relative to the circuit board  46  when in the installed condition. This may, for example, help place the first and second actuator members  150  and  170  in a desired position relative to the first and second dome switches  200  and  210  (see FIGS.  6 A- 6 C). 
   In helping to position the rocker switch  10  relative to the circuit board  46 , the leg portions  310  also help determine and maintain the axial position of the pin portion  250  in the through-hole  48  when fully inserted. More specifically, this helps to limit insertion of the pin portions  250  in the through-holes  48  and thereby helps determine the axial position of the pin portions when fully inserted in the through-hole  48 . The frictional engagement between the pin portions  250  and the side walls  302  helps provide a retention force that helps retain the terminals  40  and, thus, the rocker switch  10  in the installed condition with the leg portions  310  positioned against the circuit board  46 . 
   “Retention force” refers to the degree to which the frictional engagement between the pin portion  250  (i.e., the interface portions  282 ) and the side wall  302  prevents removal of the contact terminals  40  once fully inserted in the through-holes  48 . To measure the retention force exhibited by the terminals  40 , a measurement is made as to the amount of force, applied to any one of the terminals in a direction generally parallel to the axis  248  (see FIGS.  7 A and  7 B), that is required to remove the terminal from the through-hole  48  once the terminal is fully inserted in the through-hole. “Insertion force” refers to the amount of force required to insert one of the pin portions  250  in the through-hole  48 . 
   The pin portions  250  of the terminals  40  have a thickness that is measured perpendicular to the axes  248  and  290 . The configuration of the pin portion  250  of the terminal  40 , the material construction of the terminal, the construction of the through hole  48 , and the interference between the through hole and the pin portion all help determine the insertion and retention forces for the pin portion. 
   For example, the configuration of the pin portions  250  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  may be constructed of an ASTM Specification No. B591 tin-brass copper alloy. This alloy may have the following composition: 88.0-91.0% copper, 1.5-3.0% tin, 0.05-0.20% nickel, 0.05-0.20% iron, 0.01-0.20% phosphorous, and the remainder zinc and no more than 0.05% lead. An ASTM B591 alloy having this composition is commercially available from the Olin Corporation of Norwalk, Conn., which markets the alloy as Olin Alloy No. 4252. With a spring hardened temper, this alloy has a tensile strength of 95-110 ksi, a nominal yield strength of 100 ksi, and a nominal elongation of 4%. 
   In the configuration of  FIG. 7A , the pin portion  250  may have, for example, a thickness of about 0.64 millimeters. The width of the pin portion  250  of  FIG. 7A  measured between the outer surfaces  284  at the widest point on the pin portion may be about 1.19 millimeters. The side wall  302  of the through hole  48  may have an inner diameter of about 1.01 millimeters. In this configuration and constructed with the ASTM B591 material set forth above, the terminal  40  may have an insertion force of about 9.3-19.5 pounds and a retention force of about 8.9-15.6 pounds, depending on the plating of the through hole  48 . More specifically, for a tin-lead and HASL plated through hole  48 , the terminal  40  may have an insertion force of about 12.7-15.4 pounds and a retention force of about 11.7-13.2 pounds. For a tin-lead and gold/nickel electroplated through hole  48 , the terminal  40  may have an insertion force of about 10.0-16.9 pounds and a retention force of about 10.2-13.6 pounds. For a tin-lead and gold/nickel electroless immersion plated through hole  48 , the terminal  40  may have an insertion force of about 9.3-13.9 pounds and a retention force of about 8.9-12.1 pounds. For a tin-lead and silver electroless immersion plated through hole  48 , the terminal  40  may have an insertion force of about 11.5-19.5 pounds and a retention force of about 12.2-15.6 pounds. 
   From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. For example, the rocker switch illustrated includes both auto-raise and auto-lower functionality. It will be appreciated, however, that the rocker switch could be configured to include only one auto function, such as auto-lower only. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.