US Patent:
20010032777, Oct 25, 2001
Inventors:
Marshall Finch - Jackson MI, US
Sunne Smith - Las Cruces NM, US
International Classification:
H01H015/02
Abstract:
An improved air-gap slide switch is provided. The air-gap slide switch comprises a slide switch assembly having a slide body and a slide contact removably attached to the slide body for providing electrical conductivity between two printed circuit board contacts when the slide body is in a closed position. No conductivity is provided between the PCB contacts when the slide body is in an open position. The slide body also comprises a longitudinally extending channel wherein a compression spring may be mounted. The compression spring provides a biasing force between the slide body and the slide contact. The slide contact includes two contact arms that retain the slide contact within two contact arm channels located on the slide body. By slidably retaining the contact arms in the contact arm channels, the slide contact is provided a degree of longitudinal motion with respect to the spring channel and the compression spring. As the slide body is moved laterally back and forth from an open to a closed position, a near compressive force is maintained between the slide contact and the PCB contacts.
