SWITCH MECHANISM WITH SNAP ACTING SPRING

摘要

A snap action spring assembly for use in a switch is disclosed. The spring assembly includes first terminal and a flexible, electrically conductive flat spring. The flat spring has a fixed end attached to the first terminal and a free end defining a movable contact operable between normal and actuated positions. The flat spring includes an actuation point adapted to engage a mechanical actuator associated with the switch. An intermediate support is positioned between the fixed and free ends of the flat spring, and a second electrically conductive terminal defines a first stationary contact positioned to engage the movable contact in the actuated position. A third electrically conductive terminal defines a second stationary contact spaced from the first stationary contact and positioned to engage the moveable contact in the normal position. A bent spring has a base end engaging the intermediate support and an actuating end engaging the free end of the flat spring. The bent spring aids movement of the flat spring from the normal position to the actuated position as the mechanical actuator engages the actuation point.