Abstract: A tease-proof rotary switch has a driving shaft which is coupled to a driven shaft through a coupling spring. The driven shaft is connected to a rotating switch assembly. The driving shaft rotates, storing energy in the spring which, in turn, can rotate the driven shaft. The energy stored in the spring may be sufficient to start the rotation of the switch and to seat it in the next stable switch position. Alternatively, the driving shaft can engage an element of the driven shaft to start the rotation which can then be completed to the next stable position by the energy stored in the spring.

Abstract: A novel rotary switch includes metal contact segments integrally molded into annular plastic frame members which segments are then further sealed to prevent passage of flux or other contaminants from reaching the interior of the switch. Further, each contact segment has an arcuate interior contact portion which engages a rotating bridging member on the inner periphery of the arcuate surface. The arcuate segments are spaced together so that the bridging member that conducts signals to the arcuate surface never contacts a plastic surface. A toothed member is provided to cam the bridging member out of contact with one contact segment before making contact with the next adjacent contact segment.