CONTACT STRUCTURE FOR A SWITCH

摘要

A contact structure for a sliding switch includes a conductive stationary contact (120) disposed on a base (112) and a conductive movable contact (124) for electrically contacting the stationary contact (120). The movable contact (124) is movable along a path (A, B) between a current-inhibiting position and a current-permitting position with respect to the stationary contact (120). At least one of the contacts (120, 124) has a protruding portion (144a, 144b) that provides an electrical interface for discharge of arcing as the movable contact (124) terminates electrical interface for discharge of arcing as the movable contact (124) terminates electrical communication with the stationary contact (120). As a result, the invention prevents, or substantially reduces, degradation in switch performance, which might otherwise be caused by debris accumulation associated with arcing.