Low actuating force switch

摘要

A low actuating force switch having one or more resilient switch arms cantilevered within a switch housing and further having an operating member or plunger movable within the housing for flexing the switch arm(s) and for making or breaking one or more circuits. A spring is interposed between the operating member and one of the switch arms for applying a force to this switch arm which in turn flexes the latter. In instances in which the switch arm is normally in an unflexed, open position and in which the operating member continues to move in the direction for closing the contacts after the contacts have closed, the spring takes up or absorbs a substantial portion of the additional movement of the operating member without exerting undue stress on the switch arm. In instances in which the switch contacts are normally closed, the operating member may engage the switch arm distal from its cantilevered connection to the switch housing so as to lessen the force required to open the contacts.