Abstract: A push button switch (1) includes: a base (30) having a plurality of terminals arranged separately from each other on a same circumference; a movable contact brush (50) having a plurality of contact portions arranged on the plurality of terminals; a rotor (90) having cams that bring the plurality of contact portions into contact with or separate from the plurality of terminals, and is supported to be capable of rotating about an axis of the base (30); an actuator (70) that abuts against a gear provided on the rotor (90) and moves in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the base (30) to rotate the rotor (90); and a button (60) that abuts against the actuator (70), moves the actuator (70) by a press-in operation, and restores elastically by a spring force.

Abstract: A fault state indication device for a circuit breaker includes: a contact group; and a transmission assembly and an indication assembly that are mounted inside a housing. The contact group implements a normally open contact group and a normally closed contact group. The transmission assembly acts on a contact support, different open and closed states of the contact group are realized via the contact support. The indication assembly indicates a fault state, the indication assembly is linked with the circuit breaker, and carries out a corresponding state indication in response to a fault.

Abstract: A switch device (10) and method for generation of energy for operating the switch device (10), wherein the switch device (10) is provided with a drive unit (120) interacting with an actuation device operable by a user, and with a moving device (130) configured to be set in motion by the drive unit (120), and with an energy harvester (132, 140, 140a) for providing energy to the switch device (10) in dependence on a motion of the moving device (130), such that energy for commands or other operations is provided to the switch device (10). The moving device (130) is configured to be repeatedly repositioned in relation to a defined zero position, as long as it has kinetic energy, in order to provide kinetic energy which can be converted in electric energy by the energy harvester (132, 140, 140a). Such an electromechanical device for generating energy can ensure wireless operation of the switch device (10) without the need of batteries or any other kind of power supply.

Abstract: In a key switch, a base is disposed under a keycap. A frame has a receiving space for accommodating the keycap, and the receiving space is defined with a first dimension, a second dimension and a third dimension, and any two of the first, second and third dimensions are perpendicular to each other. A guiding mechanism is disposed between the keycap and the base, and configured to guide the keycap in response to an external force exerted on the keycap to move in substantially parallel to the frame with a first displacement in the first dimension, a second displacement in the second dimension and a third displacement in the third dimension.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a switch, a button member and a supporting portion. The housing has an opening. The button member includes an operating portion, a rocker shaft and an acting portion. The operating portion is exposed through the opening. The shaft is coupled to the operating portion and pivotable. The acting portion is coupled to the shaft, configured to face the switch and to pivot about the shaft, thereby pressing the switch. The supporting portion is configured to support the button member, the supporting portion being configured to be elastically deformed by part of the button member and to return the button member.

Abstract: An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button that a player can push; a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a predetermined normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position; a stopper plate configured to hold the entertainment button in the protruding position; and a protruding position detector configured to detect the entertainment button being held by the stopper plate.

Abstract: This novel jumper features an integrated mechanical switch that allows resetting the CMOS memory of computer motherboards just by actuating a reset button on the jumper, instead of moving a prior-art jumper back and forth over the CMOS-reset block. The disclosed jumper can also be adapted for use as temporary button for powering on, restarting and resetting motherboards when tested alone; in this case the jumper just needs to be inserted over the corresponding pair of pins on the front-panel header of the motherboard. This jumper is also applicable to other electric or electronic devices where operating the jumper's integrated switch is more convenient or safer than moving prior-art jumpers or manually shorting up pins on printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A push-button switch comprises a lower housing, an upper housing, four terminals, a spring, a driven wheel, and a driving wheel. The terminals are integrally molded with the upper housing and only the contact portions thereof are exposed, such that the movable contacts of an annular conductive plate face upward and remain hovering for the annular conductive plate rotating smoothly before the annular conductive plate contacts with the terminals in order to avoid a deformation and an impact damage between the terminals and the tactics contacts.

Abstract: In an initial state where a push rod is pressed down, a base of a movable contact point board supporting a movable contact point makes contact with inclined protruding portions of a moving block by a second spring to be inclined. When the movable contact point makes contact with a fixed contact point following the projecting of the push rod, the base makes contact with stoppers. Thereafter, since the moving block alone rises, the movable contact point board rotates following the end edges of the stoppers according to release of the pressing by the protruding portion. Thereby the movable contact point largely slides and is displaced to the fixed contact point.

Abstract: A push button switch including a base having a contact disposition surface on which a plurality of fixed contacts are positioned around a circle, a rotor rotatably disposed on the base about a rotating shaft passing through a center of the circle, the rotor including a plurality of movable contacts positioned to come into contact with and separate from the plurality of fixed contacts about the rotating shaft, a push button adjoined to an outer peripheral surface of the rotor and movably disposed in a direction orthogonal to the rotating shaft of the rotor, the push button being configured to rotate the rotor by a push operation; and a cover configured to accommodate the base, the rotor, and the push button, the cover exposing an operation unit of the push button.

Abstract: A rotor on which a moving contact is attached is received and rotatably held in a body, and a knob is received and held in the body side by side with the rotor and is movable. A plurality of first and second teeth are circumferentially staggered with each other on an outer perimeter surface of the rotor near one end and near the other end, respectively, in the direction of the axis of the rotor to project from the surface. An inclined surface is formed in each of the first and second teeth. A projecting part is formed on the knob to project toward the rotor. In response to a depression of the knob, the projecting part pushes the inclined surface of the second teeth to rotate the rotor and, in response to a return of the knob, pushes the inclined surface of the first teeth to rotate the rotor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a switch, a button member and a supporting portion. The housing has an opening. The button member includes an operating portion, a rocker shaft and an acting portion. The operating portion is exposed through the opening. The shaft is coupled to the operating portion and pivotable. The acting portion is coupled to the shaft, configured to face the switch and to pivot about the shaft, thereby pressing the switch. The supporting portion is configured to support the button member, the supporting portion being configured to be elastically deformed by part of the button member and to return the button member.

Abstract: This is directed to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. In some embodiments, a button assembly may include a button having distinguishable regions, limbs, and a set of switches positioned adjacent the button, where at least one of the switches is activated when one of the regions is actuated. In some embodiments, a button assembly may span a support member of a housing, and may be at least partially secured in an opening of the housing by bracket. In these embodiments, the button assembly may be operative to rotate about an axis in response to a user interaction event to activate a switch.

Abstract: Electrical device with axial control, such as switch, double-pole switch, toggle switch, inverter or the like, including a box-like containment structure (20) in insulating material, in which are housed: at least two connection terminals (31, 32), at least one fixed electrical contact (35) connected to one (31) of the connection terminals, at least one rocker arm element (36) carrying at least one mobile electrical contact (37) and connected electrically to another (32) of the connection terminals, and an axial actuation member (70) kinematically connected via a first oscillating support (50) to the rocker arm element (36), so as to make it oscillate between two predetermined stable positions, wherein on the first oscillating support (50) acts a second oscillating support (60) which is made to oscillate in one direction or in the other at each actuation of the axial actuation member (70).

Abstract: Disclosed is a push switch device. Since a push button is pressed to relatively rotate first and second pressing members in opposite directions and a push direction conversion unit converts the relative rotation of the first and second pressing members into a push movement in a switching direction, a pressing projection of the first pressing member can accurately vertically press an apex of a movable terminal. Therefore, a sense of click when the movable terminal is resiliently deformed and recovered can be maintained well, and a slide friction generated between the movable terminal and the pressing projection of the first pressing member can be minimized, preventing decrease in sense of operation and reduction in lifespan of parts due to the friction. In addition, an operation sense of the push button can be improved because straightness of the push button can be improved and there is no additional repulsion, except the repulsion by the resilient deformation of the movable terminal.

Abstract: A multi-position switch includes a base and a cover. The base and the cover form a receiving space having a lateral surface. The cover defines a through hole and includes a bottom surface and a number of ratchet teeth protruding from the bottom surface and arranged around the through hole. A number of positive contacts and a negative contact are arranged on the lateral surface. The button includes a button body having a side surface and a number of protrusions protruding from the side surface. The button body passes through the through hole and is external to the cover. Each protrusion is located between two neighboring ratchet teeth and has a sloping end. A conductive member is arranged under the button body and includes a conductive rod having two ends configured for respectively contacting one of the positive contacts and the negative contact.

Abstract: Upward urging force by operation force of a tact switch and restoring force of a rubber body are applied to an operation body via a pressing body. Then, pressing operation of a push button section causes the operation body to press down the rear ends of left and right sections of the pressing body. This follows that, with both contact sections in contact with a step section functioning as the support points, an operation section on the front end of the pressing body is pressed up to turn on the tact switch. In this process, when the push button section is pressed, the center of rotation of the operation body is changed depending on which portion of the push button section is pressed, causing the distance between a pressed portion of the operation body and the center of the rotation are almost equal independent of which portion is pressed. As a result, the load to operate the push button section is substantially equalized independent of which portion of the operation body is pressed.

Abstract: In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the housing.

Abstract: A dual mode switch is provided in accordance with the present invention. The switch is selectively and mechanically cycled between a first state and a second state while power is provided to a biasing member. The switch is selectively cycled from the second state to the first state by stopping the supply of power to the biasing member.

Abstract: A groove-like recess, substantially V-shaped, extending vertically is formed on the outer circumference of an operation shaft, and a projection engaging the recess is provided on a guide hole, namely the inner circumference of a hollow pipe. Such makeup provides an automotive push switch that reduces an impactive force caused when the recess hits the projection within the movable range of the operation shaft, by decomposing or dispersing the force according to the inclination angle of the slope, and so does the hitting sound.

Abstract: In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the housing.

Abstract: An electric switch, in particular for a high load, such as a power switch. The switch has a contact system comprising a movable switching contact and at least one stationary contact. A movable actuation member, when moved, interacts with the switching contact for the purpose of switching the contact system. If appropriate, the switch may also have a movable locking means, which interacts with the actuation member in an interlocking manner. The actuation member is in operative connection with a lever in such a way that, when there is movement of the actuation member, the lever carries out a pivoting movement. The pivoting movement of the lever moves the switching contact for the purpose of switching and/or the locking means for the purpose of interlocking, in particular with increasing transformation of the displacement covered by the actuation member.

Abstract: A pedal actuated switch assembly The switch assembly comprises a housing, a linear actuator resiliently supported in the housing and coupled with the a pedal for linear movement relative to the housing, a rotational actuator rotatably supported in the housing and coupled with the linear actuator such that the linear movement of the linear actuator produces a rotational movement of the rotational actuator, and an electrical switch supported in the housing and controllable by the rotational movement of the rotational actuator for selectively opening and closing the electrical switch.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch having a housing (10), a push button (12) mounted in said housing for axial movement between a normal position and a depressed position, the push button being spring-loaded into the normal position and carrying an elastically mounted cam element (24), at least one micro-switch (14) arranged in the housing, and a switch actuating rocker mounted within the housing for pivotal movement, the switch actuating rocker having an actuating arm (20) for actuating the micro-switch and a transmission arm (18) engaged by the cam element to hold the actuating rocker in the normal position when the push button is in the normal position, move the actuating arm away from the micro-switch when the push button is initially depressed, move the actuating arm to a position actuating the micro-switch on movement of the push button to its depressed position, and force the actuating rocker to its normal position on return of the push button from the depressed position to the normal position.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch includes an upper case (1) having a cylinder portion (1b) and a button (3) which is capable of a sliding motion along the cylinder portion (1b). A rotor (5) having a flange (1a) at the bottom thereof performs a sliding reciprocating motion while rotating in the predetermined direction responding to reciprocating motion of the button (3) by setting the axis of rotation as the long axis of the cylinder portion (1b). A contact segment (4) is inserted in the rotor 5 and stationary terminals (2a, 2b, and 2c) oppose the contact segment (4). The rotor (5) carries out a predetermined angle rotation for every reciprocating motion of the button (3) to effect alternating ON/OFF switching action. Arms (4a) curve toward stationary terminals (2a, 2b, and 2c) and elastically buckle in accordance with the variation in distance between stationary terminals (2a, 2b, and 2c) and the rotor(5) when the rotor (5) performs a sliding reciprocating motion.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a casing, first and second fixed contacts, and a moving contact lever having first and second parts for contact with the first and second fixed contacts, respectively. A spring resiliently biasses the lever into contact with both of the first and second fixed contacts. There is also a pushbutton movable between first and second positions to cause the lever to move into contact with and out of contact from the fixed contacts, respectively. The pushbutton and spring act upon the lever at respective positions that are offset from each other. The lever is pivotable by the pushbutton in one direction to separate the first part from the first fixed contact and, subsequently, in an opposite direction to separate the second part from the second fixed contact.

Abstract: A rotary push switch has upper and lower housings locked together by protuberances along one housing in locking grooves along the other. A return spring and an actuator are in a carrier within the upper housing together with a push button and a movable terminal. A plurality of fixed terminals are integrally formed with the lower housing and soldering holes are formed through a bottom of the lower housing at positions corresponding to the fixed terminals so that a power line can be connected to the fixed terminals.

Abstract: A mounting unit (1) formed e.g. as a switch block has a downwardly open housing (2) and a base member closing the latter and serving as an actuating element (4) for locking members (9). The actuating element (4) adapted to be urged telescopically into the housing (2) upon insertion into a mounting opening (16) actuates a crank drive for repeatable adjustment of the locking members (9). By strong pressure on the mounting unit (1) one can release the locking members (9) again in simple fashion.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch, comprising

Abstract: A pushbutton has a body including a barrel and a plunger longitudinally movable in the barrel. A plurality of longitudinally extending teeth on the plunger engage a plurality of longitudinally extending teeth on a rotatable ratchet coaxial with the plunger. The ratchet is spring loaded against the plunger. A rotatable electrical contact cup connected to the ratchet makes or breaks contact with a fixed electrical terminal in the body. The plunger teeth each include a driving face which causes rotation of the ratchet. The driving face has an angle from a normal to the longitudinal direction of the plunger wherein the angle is at least the arctangent of the coefficient of friction between the ratchet teeth and the plunger tooth plus the arctangent of the effective coefficient of friction between electrical contacts in the switch, plus a margin of safety greater than the arctangent of the effective coefficient of friction between other parts of the switch. The angle is up to about 30 degrees.

Abstract: The size of the key switch apparatus, particularly its height, is reduced to allow its use even in keyboard-type electronic musical instruments. By virtue of a key-driven actuator, multiple terminal strips are allowed to contact bus bars 20a-21e installed in more than one stage so as to produce multiple tones simultaneously. In this key switch apparatus, the multiple bus bars 20a-21e are installed, being shifted in location in their respective stages, and multiple terminal strips 24a-25e are also installed in each stage so that they may contact the individual bus bars individually. In addition, the actuator has a terminal-strip engaging means for controlling the movements of the multiple terminal strips 24a-25e.

Abstract: The switching device has an actuation surface and a force transmission element disposed in a holding device. The holding device has a mechanical guide that defines a motion of the force transmission element. If pressure is exerted on the actuation surface, the force transmission element at least partially performs a rotary motion in dependence on an actuation path traveled by the actuation surface. During the process, force transmission to the switching element is deflected and guided away from the switching element as soon as the force transmission element starts to at least partially perform the rotary motion.

Abstract: A miniature electrical switch is closed when a pusher (44) is pushed forwardly (F) to snap down a snap dome tripping member(36) and push a contact blade (50) against a contact part (28). Forward sliding of the actuator is converted into downward movement of the snap dome, by a rigid lever (48) of generally T shape, with a rear branch (51) having laterally spaced trunnions (60) for pivoting and a center section (52) with a cam follower upper surface (76). A ramp (94) at the front of the push member depresses the cam follower as the actuator slides forward. The trunnions are of largely rectangular cross section and pivot on an edge (130).

Abstract: A switch and method for using the same that can be used in a variety of devices or systems. The switch has a contact carrier capable of rotating within the base of the switch. An actuator, attached to the switch base, has an end located within the center of the actuator. The end is positioned adjacent to the contact carrier. Force applied to the actuator causes the contact carrier to rotate. Because the end of the actuator is adjacent to the contact carrier, a short actuation stroke is required. A switch contact is attached above the contact carrier and further attached to a contact substrate of a device or system. The switch contact rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the contact carrier. The rotational position of the switch contact in relation to the contact substrate determines the function of the device or system attached to the switch assembly.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch has a coupler magnet layer that normally holds an electrically conductive magnetic armature spaced from a substrate layer. An overlay having an overlay electrical conductor formed thereon covers the pushbutton switch. The overlay electrical conductor, which electrically contacts a crown on the armature, is part of a set of electrical conductors that is normally closed. When a user provided actuation force causes the armature to break away from the coupler magnet layer, the set of electrical conductors is opened.

Abstract: A three-step switch includes a casing defining a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber, an actuating device mounted in the first receiving chamber, three metal contact plates and a metal conducting plate mounted in the second receiving chamber, the actuating device being forced to rotate the metal conducting plate through a predetermined angle relative to the metal contact plates when pressed, to further achieve a three-step switching operation.

Abstract: A push-pull switch operator includes a housing. A rotary drive is rotationally mounted in the housing and has a circumferential cam track. An actuator is operatively coupled to the rotary drive for converting linear movement of the actuator to rotary movement of the rotary drive. A pusher is received in the housing and has a follower pin riding in the cam track to convert rotary movement of the cylinder to linear movement of the pusher. The pusher actuates an electrical switch. A cap is operatively coupled to the actuator for manually operating the actuator between in, middle and out positions to selectively operate the pusher.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a combination of an electronic visual display on a housing, electronic circuitry in the housing, the housing having at least one human user depressible surface with associated analog pressure-sensitive element for output of a signal of variable value utilized by the circuitry to control or manipulate one or more functions of the device. The at least one analog pressure-sensitive element receives pressure applied by a user's finger or thumb to the depressible surface, varied pressure applied by the user determines varied value of the signal. The resultant control manipulation from the analog variable value is in some manner indicated, displayed or made visually detectable on the display at least at the time of manipulation so that the user receives visual feedback allowing termination, increase or decrease, if needed or desired, of finger pressure on the depressible surface of the analog sensor.

Abstract: A pushbutton, momentary ON switch has a body including a barrel with longitudinally extending internal splines and ways between the splines. A plunger has radially extending lugs in the ways and is longitudinally movable in the barrel. A plurality of longitudinally extending camming teeth on the plunger engage a plurality of longitudinally extending camming teeth on a rotatable ratchet coaxial with the plunger. The ratchet is spring loaded against the plunger. The ratchet has radially extending dogs which fit into the ways when the plunger is retracted and come out of the ends of the ways when the plunger is advanced. A rotatable electrical contact cup connected to the ratchet and electrically connected to an external lead makes or breaks contact with a fixed electrical terminal in the body. The plunger teeth include a leading ramp face and a trailing ramp face wherein the leading ramp face extends a greater distance in the circumferential direction than the trailing ramp face.

Abstract: A switch device 1 has an outer frame 2, and a rotor 13 . A spring 14 is provided between the bottom 7 of the outer frame 2 and the rotor 13 in such a manner that its two ends are secured to the outer frame 2 and the rotor 13. The rotor 13 is operated with the aid of an operating knob 3. The bottom 7 has first and second body-side protrusions 9 and 10 which have sloped surfaces, and steps, and are arcuate. The rotor 13 has first and second operating-element-side protrusions 19 and 20 with respect to the body-side protrusions 9 and 10 which have sloped surface and steps and are arcuate. The rotor 13 has a rod 18. As the rotor 1 is operated, the rod 18 is protruded from a through-hole 8, thus performing a switching operation. When the switch device 1 is operated, the force of operation of the operating knob 3 is improved, being the sum of a frictional force attributing to the slip between the sloped surfaces of the protrusions 9 and 10 and the sloped surfaces of the protrusions 19 and 20.

Abstract: An operation-staggered dual switch is provided having a casing, first and second switching mechanisms installed in the casing, the switching mechanisms being operatively connected such that operation of the first switching mechanism may follow operation of the second switching mechanism after a predetermined delay, wherein the operation-staggered dual switch includes delay means comprising a connection rod having indentations formed on one side, a train of toothed wheels having a leading toothed wheel and a trailing toothed wheel, the leading toothed wheel of the train of toothed wheels being engaged with selected indentations of the connection rod, and a rotary damper connected to the trailing toothed wheel of the train of toothed wheels, the connection rod being responsive to initiation of operation of the first switching mechanism for moving in a given direction.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for alternate action switching devices having at least two states includes a housing structure and an actuator member slidably engaged therewith. In order to move the switching device between states, the actuator member has a contoured surface that moves along and remains in constant sliding engagement with a correspondingly contoured surface on the housing. A biasing member urges the actuator surface into the housing surface throughout operation. This provides noiseless operation of the switching device.

Abstract: An actuator converts an input movement to a control movement with a bistable action. The actuator is operable to provide a first control movement in response to a first input movement and a second control movement immediately upon the second input movement. The actuator is embodied in a foot switch and in an air switch.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cam-assisted switch. A keycap or button is provided with three or more cam contact points. A cam member is provided with an associated number of outwardly extending fingers corresponding to each cam contact point on the keycap. Each finger has a flat top surface, side surfaces and a slope surface extending from the top surface to a side surface. A base is provided with cam finger stops and a dome support point. A dome is carried on the dome support to bias the cam in one direction. As the keycap is depressed, the contact points each engage a sloped surface on one of the respective cam fingers. As the keycap is further depressed, the displacement of each keycap contact point is the same thus eliminating any wobble. When the operator releases the keycap, the dome biases the cam in the opposite direction returning the keycap to its original position.

Abstract: A quiet smooth acting push button switch, which permits partial actuation without a change of state, including a body, a cover and a contact cup having one or more tabs, the cup rotatibly mounted on the cover. A plunger, actuator and a ratchet with radially expanding helical camming ramps are mounted in the body, which incrementally rotate the contact cup and tabs upon successive actuations of the switch. Two terminals mounted on the cover are interruptably in contact with the tabs as the tabs are rotated during switch operation. The actuator may be a pawl, bail or a resilient portion of the plunger and has at least one hook for engaging a helical camming surface of the ratchet and rotatibly driving the rachet in response to a depression and release of the plunger.

Abstract: A protective switch having an actuation side. The protective switch includes a base having walls, a pivot shaft connected to the walls of the base, and a switching rocker pivotal on the pivot shaft to be pivotally seated on the base. The switching rocker includes two lever arms for switching the protective switch on and off. A housing is placed on the base and protectively surrounds the switching rocker. A housing cover is located on the actuation side of the protective switch and protectively covers the switching rocker. The housing cover includes an opening therethrough. A plurality of hinges are each disposed on a respective lever arm of the switching rocker. An actuation attachment extends through the opening of the housing cover and is modularly connected to the switching rocker by the hinges for pivoting the switching rocker.

Abstract: A switch device includes an automatic return type operating piece depressed to move and automatically returned to an original position, a swinging member swingably mounted on a shaft, the swinging member being swung in opposite directions alternately whenever depressed by the operating piece, an articulation piece provided at the end portion of the swinging member in such a manner that the articulation piece is urged towards the front end thereof, and a V-shaped articulation member having a top and two slopes, functioning to hold the swinging member at one of two swing positions with the articulation piece abutted against one of the two slopes, and to hold the swinging member at the other swing position with the articulation piece abutted against the other slope so as to achieve, a switching operation, wherein two member selected from the group consisting of the push rod, the center of rotation of the swinging member, and the top of the V-shaped articulation member are arranged on one and the same straight li

Abstract: A pushbutton switch is provided comprising a pushbutton having its lower portion inserted in a pushbutton housing section and being formed in its lower end with a pin accommodating hole; a pin having its upper end portion resiliently held in the pin accommodating hole by a coil spring; and a movable contact support having a movable contact piece therein and held in a switch housing section for seesaw motions by the lower end of the pin, whereby electric connection of the common contact is switched between two fixed contacts. A spring retainer plate to which the lower end of the coil spring is fixed is housed in the switch housing section for vertically upward and downward sliding movements. The spring retainer plate is formed at its opposite ends with legs depending therefrom for always maintaining the posture of the spring retainer plate parallel to the bottom panel.

Abstract: In a lever switch, a contact actuating part provided in a lever is movable in a first direction by shifting of the lever and the top portion of a movable contact is depressable in a second direction substantially at right angles to the first direction while being pressed by a pressing force caused by the movement of the contact actuating part. The lever switch includes a plate which is provided between the contact actuating part and the top portion of the movable contact to convey the pressing force to the movable contact. The top portion has a sloped face facing the contact actuating part so as to form an angle of friction .theta. 1 with respect to the first direction, the plate has a central part and a side part which is bent toward the contact actuating part so as to form an angle of friction .theta. 2 with respect to the first direction, and the angle of friction .theta. 2 is smaller than the angle of friction .theta. 1.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch which permits partial actuation without a change of state, including a body, a cover and a contact cup having a plurality of tabs, the cup rotatably mounted on the cover. A plunger and ratchet mechanism mounted in the body incrementally rotate the contact cup and tabs upon successive actuations of the switch. A first terminal mounted on the cover is interruptibly in contact with one of the tabs as they are rotated by operation of the ratchet mechanism, while a second terminal mounted on the cover maintains electrical contact with the contact cup. A plurality of camming ramps formed in the cover are in intermittent communication with the tabs, first lifting them above a planar portion of the first terminal, then permitting one of them to come to rest on the planar portion of the terminal completing an electrical circuit between the first and second terminals. In another embodiment, a third terminal is mounted on the cover in a coplanar spaced apart relationship with the first terminal.