Multi-position wall mountable control switch with tactile feedback linear actuator

摘要

A multiple position wall mountable linear slide switch has a wheel disposed between a linearly moveable actuator and a stationary bearing surface for rolling the actuator in a linear path over the bearing surface upon application of an external sliding force to the actuator. The wheel carries a conductive axle for establishing an electrical connection between switch contacts defining each switch setting. The bearing surface has a plurality of detents, one associated with each switch setting, so that, as the actuator is moved from one position to another, the wheel rolls out of one detent then into another. This motion of the wheel automatically raises the axle away from the contacts at one setting then lowers the axle onto the contacts at an immediately subsequent setting as the actuator is moved between corresponding positions. Additionally, a spring is disposed between the actuator and the wheel/axle combination to urge the wheel against the bearing surface to provide a tactile feedback to the user as the actuator is moved into and out of each setting and to urge the axle against the contacts at each setting.