Liquid-metal push-button switch

摘要

The liquid-metal push-button switch contains a permanent magnet ring (7) which is arranged such that it moves to and fro (in a reciprocating manner) in a housing (1). A layer (9) extends over the entire surface of the permanent magnet ring (7) and consists of two metals, one of which is soluble in mercury. A liquid-metal film (11) is deposited onto this layer (9), over its entire free length. Current-conducting contacts (3) are passed through the base (2) of the housing (1). Metal layers (10) consisting of two metals are deposited on that end surface of the contacts (3) which is located in the interior of the housing (1). One of these two metals is soluble in mercury. Liquid-metal films (12) extend over the entire length of these layers (10). The liquid-metal film (11) makes contact with the liquid-metal films (12) when the permanent magnet ring (7) is displaced, and is used as an element (8) which closes the current-conducting contacts (3). <IMAGE>