Patent Publication Number: US-7714241-B2

Title: Sealed exterior switch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/624,396, filed Nov. 2, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to switches, and more particularly to a switch and a sealed contact enclosure for a switch. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is desirable for an exterior switch, e.g., an exterior vehicle switch, to withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions, abuse from a car wash, off-road activity, etc. Known switches may fail due to moisture ingress into the dry contact area of the switch. In one known configuration, a seal is established by a separate elastomeric membrane that is captured between two rigid components that combine to form a housing for the switch assembly. Screws are used to draw one rigid component toward the other, and fix the two rigid components such that they capture the elastomeric membrane. Features acting to impinge and clamp the elastomeric membrane may be added to the rigid components. The intent is to provide a watertight seal around the entire perimeter of the membrane. This approach to sealing may however be unsatisfactory, since the membrane can shift when coupled to the housing or during the assembly of the screws, thereby compromising the integrity of the seal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments consistent therewith, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the switch assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a back cover consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the switch assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a back cover consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a housing consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a housing consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a housing consistent with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a housing consistent with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a switch assembly including a leaf spring contact consistent with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to a sealed switch assembly. Consistent with various embodiments, a sealed switch assembly may suitably be employed in connection with various automotive applications. For example, a sealed switch consistent with the present disclosure may be suitably employed for actuating the release of a lift gate, vehicle door, etc. Consistent with such applications, the switch assembly may be disposed on the exterior of the vehicle, and may therefore be exposed to the environment. It is recognized, however, that a switch consistent with the present disclosure may be suitably employed in connection with various additional applications, including applications unrelated to vehicular and/or automotive applications. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exploded view of an embodiment of a switch assembly  10  consistent with the present disclosure is shown. The switch assembly  10  may generally include a housing  12  and a back cover  14 . The switch assembly  10  may further include a contact closure means, such as a micro-switch  16  and a rocker  18  for actuating the micro-switch, e.g., by transmitting a force to the micro-switch  16  to open or close an electrical circuit. One or more resilient features, for example springs  20 ,  22 , may be provided to bias the rocker  18  relative to the micro-switch  16 . In the illustrated embodiment the springs  20 ,  22  are disposed between the back cover  14  and the rocker  18  to bias the rocker away from the micro-switch  16 . The back cover  14  may be configured to be coupled to the housing  12 , e.g., via screws  24 . 
     As shown in the transverse cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2 , the switch housing  12  may include a body  26  having an over-molded feature  27  overlying at least a portion of the body  26 . The body  26  may be formed from a polymeric material, for example, nylon, e.g., nylon 6, nylon 6-6, polycarbonate, polypropylene, etc. The over-molded feature  27  may be an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., Santoprente™. The over-molded feature  27  may include a flexible membrane disposed over at least a portion of an opening  30  defined in the body  26  and/or a surrounding region of the body  26 . The flexible membrane may be sealingly engaged with said body  26  and may define at least a portion of an actuation portion  28 . The over-molded feature  27  may also overlie at least a portion of a rearwardly extending wall  32  of the body  26  defining a recess. 
     The actuation portion  28  may provide a tactile feature, such as the illustrated convex surface. With additional reference to the longitudinal cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 , the rocker  18  may be disposed in a cavity provided by the cooperation of the housing  12  and the back cover  14 . The rocker  18  may have an arcuate surface generally corresponding to the tactile feature of the actuation portion  28 . A force applied to the actuation portion  28  may deform the flexible membrane and the force may be transmitted via the rocker  18  to the micro-switch  16 , thereby actuating the switch, i.e., changing the state of the switch, as by opening or closing an electrical connection. 
     The micro-switch  16  may be at least partially supported by the back cover  14 , and/or may be at lest partially disposed in a recess  17  defined in the back cover  14 . A connector  34  may be integrally formed with the back cover  14 , e.g., via insert molding. As shown, the connector  34  may include one or more electrical contacts  36 . The electrical contacts  36  may be electrically coupled to the micro-switch  16 . According to one embodiment, the contacts  36  may provide mounting pads, onto which a surface mount micro-switch may be bonded. Various additional structures and/or arrangements may also, or alternatively, be used for provided for electrically coupling the micro-switch to a vehicle system, e.g., a pigtail connector. 
     In addition to the recess  17  for the micro-switch  16 , and the connector  34 , the back cover  14  may include spring locating features, such as protrusions  21 ,  23 . The protrusions  21 ,  23  may locate and/or support the springs  20 ,  22  on the back cover  14 . The back cover  14  may also include an upstanding wall  38  extending therefrom. 
     In one embodiment, the rocker  18  may be pivotally mounted to convert a linear actuation force applied to the actuation portion  28  into a rocking motion of the rocker  18 . The rocker  18  may include a pivot feature on each end, e.g., tab  31  visible in  FIG. 1 . The tabs  31  may be configured to be at least partially supported by cooperating features on the back cover  14 , such as support shelves  33 ,  35 . Consistent with such an embodiment, a force applied to the rocker  18 , through the actuation portion  28 , may cause the rocker  18  to pivot about the tab  31  against the bias of at least one of the springs  20 ,  22 . The pivotal movement of the rocker  18  may produce a rocking motion rather than a linear travel. As shown, the tab  31  may have a generally rounded or cylindrical shape to facilitate smooth pivoting of the rocker  18 . The rocking motion of the rocker  18  may allow the actuating feature  19  of the rocker  18  to contact and actuate the micro-switch  16 . The rocking motion may reduce sticking of the rocker and may provide smooth actuation of the switch, even for button geometries of a relatively long length, small width, and small depth, which may be observed in the corresponding rocker geometry. Embodiments including linear motion of the rocker are also contemplated herein. 
     Consistent with one embodiment, a lubricant may be provided between the over-molded feature  27  on the inside of the actuation portion  28  and the cooperating surface of the rocker  18 . The lubricant between the actuation portion  28  and the rocker  18  may reduce or prevent the occurrence of slip and stick between the over-molded feature  27  and the rocker  18  during operation, e.g., when the actuation portion is depressed to actuate the switch. Reducing or preventing slip and stick between the over-molded feature and the rocker may provide a smooth operation of the switch. A variety of suitable lubricants may be used. One suitable lubricant may include a Teflon™ grease, such as a grease with small spherical Teflon™ filler particles. 
     The over-molded feature  27  overlying at least a portion of the body  26  of the housing  12  may be provided by molding the over-molded feature  27  directly over the body  26 . The body  26  may be formed, e.g., by injection molding. The over-molded feature  27  may be over-molded onto the housing in the same molding operation. For example, the mold used for forming the body may be adjusted to provide a second cavity corresponding to the region to include the over-molded feature. A second material, e.g., an elastomer, may then be injected into the second cavity. Alternatively, the over-molded feature  27  may be over-molded onto the body  26  in a separate, e.g., a subsequent, molding operation. The material used for the over-molded feature  27  may vary in durometer and thickness to increase tear resistance and improve or adjust the tactile feel of the switch assembly  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the over-molded feature  27  may be a low durometer thermoplastic elastomer rubber which may seal the switch from the front and along the inside walls of the housing body  26 , to the rear of the switch housing  12 . In this manner, the over-molded feature may, generally, provide a continuous cavity that may receive at least a portion of the rocker and may receive at least a portion of the micro-switch, enclosed by the back cover. Such a configuration may, at least in part, reduce and/or prevent the ingress of dirt and/or water. 
     A sealed switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure may protect the internal circuitry and/or components of the switch and the finish panel receiving the switch from the ingress of dirt and/or moisture. Consistent with various aspects of the present disclosure, one or more sealing features may be included to provide the desired protection against the ingress of dirt and/or water. As discussed above, molding the over-molded feature  27  over the housing body  26  may provide a seal between the body  26  and the actuation portion  28 . The seal between the body and the actuation portion may provide uniform integrity around the entire perimeter of the actuation portion  28  and the opening  30  defined in the body  26 . 
     According to one aspect, the switch assembly  10  may be configured to provide sealing engagement between the switch housing  12  and the back cover  14 . The integrity of the seal between the housing  12  and the back cover  14  may be increased by including an elastomeric beam  44  along the perimeter of the rearwardly extending wall  32  of the body  26 . As shown, e.g., in  FIG. 3 , the back cover  14  may at least partially overlie the elastomeric beam  44 . When the back cover  14  is coupled to the housing  12 , e.g., by the screws  24 , the back cover  14  may be compressed against the beam  44  to provide sealing engagement between the cover  14  and the housing  12 . As shown, the beam  44  may be formed as part of and/or an extension of the over-molded feature  27 . 
     In one embodiment, the elastomeric beam  44  may be provided as a continuous feature, and may have a generally uniform thickness. To allow a beam  44  of generally uniform thickness, the housing  12  may include a boss or land around each screw hole. The screw holes may, therefore be disposed outside of the continuous beam  44 . In this manner, the corresponding holes  46  in the back cover  14  may lie outside of the beam  44  when the switch assembly  10  is complete. In such an embodiment, it may not be necessary to seal the screws  24  and/or screw holes  46 , as these openings may not extend into the interior of the switch assembly. 
     The width of the beam  44  may generally be in the range of from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. In further embodiments, the width of the beam  44  may generally be in the range from about 0.25 mm to about 10.0 mm. Various other beam widths may also be suitable. The thickness of the beam  44  may generally be in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm. In further embodiments, the thickness of the beam  44  may generally be in the range of from about 0.25 mm to about 3.0 mm. Other beam thicknesses may also be suitable. 
     The seal integrity between the back cover  14  and the housing  12  may be affected by a number of conditions and/or attributes. For example, the flatness of the housing  12  and the flatness of the back cover  14  may influence the sealing capacity. Similarly, the stiffness of the back cover  14  may affect the uniformity of the seal between the back cover  14  and the housing  12  around the perimeter of the housing  12 . The durometer and thickness of the elastomeric material forming the beam  44 , as well as the number of screws  24 , the diameter of the screws  24 , and the distance between the screws  24  may all affect the seal between the back cover  14  and the housing  12 . For example, larger diameter screws may be placed further apart. 
     The sealing capability of the back cover  14  and the housing  12  may be improved by incorporating a rib  48  into the design of the back cover  14 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The rib  48  may be a continuous feature and may follow the perimeter of the beam  44  on the housing  12 . According to one embodiment, the rib  48  may be positioned to generally centrally contact the beam  44  when the back cover  14  is assembled to the housing  12 . When the back cover  14  is coupled to the housing  12 , the rib may provide a line of concentrated stress against the beam  44 . The line of concentrated stress may improve the seal between the back cover  14  and the housing  12 , and may also reduce the screw clamping force necessary for creating a seal. According to an embodiment, the rib  48  may have a generally semi-circular geometry and may be sized to penetrate from about 25-50% of the thickness of the beam  44 . Greater or lesser penetration of the thickness of the elastomeric beam  44  may also, in some embodiments, reduce the screw clamping force. The rib  48  may also be of different cross-section, such as triangular, rectangular, etc., and could be designed to penetrate the thickness of the beam  44  from about 10-80% to achieve a seal. 
     According to another aspect, the switch assembly  10  may be sealed to prevent and/or reduce the ingress of dirt, water, etc. by a seal between the over-molded feature  27  and the housing body  26  at the actuation portion  28 . As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the actuation portion  28  may have a domed surface which may allow the over-molded feature  27  to flex during actuation of the switch with relatively little, or no, increase in the tensile stress across the surface of the actuation portion  28  and/or at the interface between the over-molded feature  27  at the actuation portion  28  and the portion of the housing body  26  defining the opening  30 . The little, or no, increase in the tensile stress during actuation may reduce and/or prevent the weakening of the bond between the over-molded feature  27  and the body  26 . 
     As also shown, the actuation portion  28  may provide a cosmetic surface, with the over-molded feature  27  overlying, and being bonded to, a portion of the body  26  defining the opening  30 . The bond between the over-molded feature  27  and the body  26  may allow the elimination of exposed screws, which may not be esthetically appealing, and therefore may not be desired to create a seal across the actuation portion  28 . As shown, in an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a relatively large flat surface may be provided around the domed feature of the actuation portion  28 . The bonded surface area of the over-molded feature  27  and the body  26  around the opening  30  may be sufficient to retain the over-molded feature  27  in position and provide a seal against the ingress of dirt, water, etc. 
     According to another aspect, a seal may be provided between the housing  12  and a finish panel  50  into which the switch assembly  10  may be assembled. The housing  12  may include a mounting flange  52 . The mounting flange  52  may include a beam  54  of elastomeric material which may extend completely around the mounting flange  52 . In one embodiment, the beam  54  may extend generally the full width of the mounting flange  52 . The seal between the mounting flange  52  and the finish panel  50  may be completed by fixing the switch assembly  10  to the finish panel  50 . Fixing the switch assembly  10  to the finish panel  50  may at least partially compress the elastomeric beam  54  around the entire perimeter of the mounting flange  52 . Features similar to the rib  48  on the back cover  14  may be included on the finish panel  50  to increase the integrity of the seal between the switch assembly  10  and the finish panel  50 , e.g., by creating a line of concentrated stress. Cooperating screw features may also be added to both the switch assembly  10  and to the finish panel  50  to increase the integrity of the seal. 
     In one embodiment, the elastomeric beam  54  included on the mounting flange  52  may be formed as an over-molded feature. In such an embodiment the elastomeric beam may be bonded to the housing body  26  as a result of the over-molding operation. In one particular embodiment, the elastomeric beam  54  may be formed from the same material as the over-molded feature  27 . Furthermore, the elastomeric beam  54  may be formed as part of the over-molding operation during which the over-molded feature  27  is over-molded on the housing body  26 . The body  26  may include one or more feed runners  40 ,  42 , which may permit the flow of the elastomeric material from the region of the over-molded feature  27  during over-molding operation to form the elastomeric beam  54 . The feed runners  40 ,  42  may include channels formed in the body  26  that may be filled with the elastomeric material during an over-molding operation. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , in one embodiment the switch assembly  10  may include one or more latch features  56 ,  58  for coupling the housing and/or the switch assembly to a finish panel. The latch features  56 ,  58  may be integrally formed with the housing  12 . One latch feature  56 ,  58  may be disposed at each of two opposing sides of the switch assembly  10 . As shown, e.g., in  FIG. 2 , the plane of the actuation portion  28  may not be parallel to the mounting flange  52 . However, the latching edge  57 ,  59  of the latch features  56 ,  58  may be oriented generally parallel to the mounting flange  52 . An injection molding operation for forming the housing  12  may be constrained by the direction which the mold components move during a standard molding operation. Standard side-actions for the molding operation may be designed to move generally normal, or perpendicular, to the standard direction of movement of the mold components. Consistent with such an embodiment, the latch features  56 ,  58  may be designed to facilitate manufacture using standard side-actions, and thereby eliminate the cost of angular side-actions. In such an embodiment, the length of the latch features  56 ,  58  may vary from one end to the other, as shown in  FIG. 7 . To allow the latching edge  57 ,  59  of the latch features  56 ,  58  to translate parallel to the surface of the housing  12  to which they are attached, the thickness of the latch features  56 ,  58  may be tapered from one edge to the other, i.e., the longer edge of the latch features  56 ,  58  may be thicker than the shorter edge. 
     As mentioned above, the finish panel  50  may include a bead configured to engage the beam  54 , which may increase the seal integrity, e.g., by creating a line of concentrated stress between the finish panel and the beam  54 . In additional embodiments, the finish panel and/or the mounting flange  52  or beam  54  may include various features which may improve the seal between the finish panel  50  and the switch assembly  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the seal may be improved by incorporating another sealing feature into the elastomeric beam  54   a ,  54   b , which is located on the surface of the mounting flange  52 . As shown, a flap  60   a ,  60   b  may be provided extending from the beam  54   a ,  54   b . In one embodiment, the flap  60   a  may be oriented extending generally normal from the beam  54   a . In another embodiment, the flap  60   b  may be oriented extending from the beam  54   b  at an angle. In either configuration, the flap  60   a ,  60   b  may be integrally formed with the beam  54   a ,  54   b  during the over-molding operation. A housing consistent with the present disclosure may be provided including both an angled flap and a normal flap. An angled flap  60   b  may be utilized on areas of a beam  54   b  where a side-action in the mold may allow a mold component to engage and disengage with the flap  60   b  to facilitate molding. On areas of a beam  54   a  where a side-action is not as easily utilized, a flap  60   a  extending generally normal to the flange  54   a  may be provided. In such an embodiment, the angled and normal flaps may be connected around the perimeter of the beam depending upon mold design and the convenience and/or desired use of side-actions. 
     As mentioned, the housing  12  and/or at least some of the sealing surfaces described herein may be produced by a single over-molding operation, in which the housing body  26  may be molded from a first material and a second, e.g., elastomeric, material may be molded to overlie at least a portion of the body  26  to provide the over-molded feature. In one embodiment, the gate for injecting the elastomeric material may be located on the outer surface of the body  26 , e.g., a gate may be located on one or both of the feed runners  40 ,  42 . The feed runners  40 ,  42  may allow the elastomer to flow to the sealing surface of the mounting flange  52 , e.g., to form the beam  54 . During molding of the over-molded feature  27 , the feed runners  40 ,  42  may also allow the elastomer to flow into the inner surface of the body  26  to form the actuation portion  28 , overlie at least a portion of the inner surface of the rearwardly extending wall  32 , and form the beam  44  along the perimeter of the rearwardly extending wall  32  of the body  26 . 
     In one embodiment the thickness of the region of the over-molded feature  27  overlying the inner surface of the rearwardly extending wall  32  may be sized to permit the back cover  14  to be assembled to the housing  12  with minimal force. According to some embodiments, the back cover  14  may engage the housing  12  and remain engaged with the housing  12  during subsequent operations of the assembly operation, for example until the screws  24  are assembled. In one such embodiment, the dimensions of the over-molded feature  27  overlying the inner surface of the rearwardly extending wall  32  may be sized to engaged the upstanding wall  38  of the back cover  14 , e.g., and frictionally retain the back cover  14  to the housing  12 . Another alternative may include providing a mismatch between the mating radii that extend around the perimeter of the back cover  14  and the housing  12 , i.e., a radius on the housing may be smaller than the mating radius on the back cover  14 . The mismatch in the mating radii may result in an at least partial interference and a seal between the two radii. 
     Various alternative structures and/or techniques may be employed to achieve one or more of the seals discussed herein. For example, the seal between the back cover and the housing may include ultrasonic welding of the two components to achieve a seal to prevent and/or reduce the ingress of dirt and/or water. Similarly, the back cover may be bonded to the housing, e.g., via adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, etc. Since alternative techniques for sealing the back cover and the housing may not require an elastomeric material to provide the seal the elastomeric material, e.g., the beam around the perimeter of the rearwardly extending wall, may not be required between the housing and the back cover. 
     The tear resistance of the over-molded feature at the actuation portion may be varied according to particular applications. For example the tear resistance may be increased by increasing the thickness of the material at the actuation portion and/or by increasing the durometer of the elastomer. The tear resistance of the over-molded feature at the actuation portion may further be increased by incorporating flexible tear resistant feature. For example, the over-molded feature may incorporate a flexible mesh at the actuation portion. The flexible mesh may, in some embodiments, be incorporated as part of the over-molding operation. According to another aspect, the bond between the elastomeric material, e.g., of the over-molded feature  27  and the housing body  26 , may be increased by incorporating cross-holes  62  or cavities to create three-dimensional mechanical interlocks between the over-molded feature  27  and the body  26 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . Similar features may be used to increase the bond strength between the elastomeric material and the body at and/or along any of the elastomeric beams. In a related manner, the bond between the elastomeric material and the body may be increased by modifying the texture of the mating surface on the body. While these aspects may be advantageous, they are not considered essential to the present disclosure. 
     Consistent with a previously discussed embodiment, compression springs may be used to bias the rocker toward a neutral position, i.e., toward the actuation portion and in which the micro-switch is in an open condition. Referring to  FIG. 11 , consistent with another embodiment, a switch assembly  10   b  may be provided in which the plurality of springs and the micro-switch may be replaced, for example, by a single leaf spring  64 . The leaf spring  64  may be resiliently deformable by the rocker  18  toward the back cover  14   b . The contacts from the connector  34  may provide contact pads for an electrically conductive leaf spring  64 . The switch may be actuated, i.e., the circuit closed, by resiliently deforming the electrically conductive leaf spring  64  to complete the circuit between the contact pads provided by the contacts extending from the connector  34 . Various other embodiments and configurations may also suitably be employed consistent with the present disclosure. 
     A switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure may be completely sealed, and therefore a volume of air may be trapped within the switch assembly. Automotive industries standards require the switch to operate properly between the temperatures of −40 C. and +85 C. During actuation at elevated temperatures, the volume of air may generate an increase in pressure within the switch that could compromise seal integrity. According to one embodiment, an increase in pressure may be avoided by creating a pathway or a hole for air to escape. A relief hole  66 , as contemplated herein, may be placed in the connector  36 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 . In such an embodiment the capability to relieve internal pressure may be limited since mating connectors used for these applications form a seal with the connector  36 . According to another embodiment, a through-hole may be incorporated into the housing. The through hole may be covered and/or filled with a permeable moisture barrier that may allow air flow but may inhibit moisture ingress into the switch. Both of these options for pressure relief may also provide an opening for leak testing the assembled switch. 
     Therefore, according to one aspect, a switch assembly is provided including a housing having a body and an over-molded feature. The over-molded feature may include a flexible membrane sealing engaged with the body and defining an actuation portion. The housing may be configured to sealingly engage a finish panel. The switch assembly may also include a back cover that is configured to be sealingly coupled to the housing. Additionally, the switch assembly may include a rocker disposed between at least a portion of the actuation portion of the housing and the back cover. The rocker may transmit a force applied to the actuation portion to actuate a switch. 
     According to another aspect, the present disclosure may provide a sealed switch assembly including a housing having a body and an over-molded feature. The over-molded feature may include a flexible membrane defining at least a portion of an actuation portion. The over-molded feature may also define a sealing beam around at least a portion of a perimeter of a rearwardly extending wall of the body. The sealed switch assembly may also include a back cover that is configured to sealing engage the housing via the sealing beam. The back cover may also include a micro-switch that is at least partially supported by the back cover. A rocker may be pivotally disposed between at least a portion of the actuation portion and at least a portion of the back cover. 
     According to yet another aspect, a sealed switch assembly is provided including a body having a rearwardly extending wall, and opening, and a mounting flange. An over-molded feature includes a flexible membrane sealing engaged with the body and disposed over at least a portion of the opening. The flexible membrane may define at least a portion of an actuation portion. The over-molded feature may also include a first beam disposed around a perimeter of the rearwardly extending wall and may also include a second beam disposed around the mounting flange. A back cover may include a recess and a micro-switch at least partially disposed in the recess. The back cover may be configured to be sealingly coupled to the body via the first beam. The switch assembly may also include a rocker disposed between at least a portion of the actuation portion and at least a portion of the back cover. The rocker may be pivotally mounted to transmit an actuating force from the actuation portion to the micro-switch. 
     It should also be understood that the various features and aspects of the exemplary switch assemblies described herein may be combined with one another. Furthermore, the features and aspects of the invention herein are susceptible to use with other switch assemblies in addition to the exemplary assemblies. 
     The embodiments that have been described herein are but some of the several which utilize this invention and are set forth here by way of illustration, but not of limitation. It is obvious that many other embodiments, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art may be made without departing materially from the spirit and scope of the invention.