Low cost miniature caseless slide-action electric switch having stiffened base member

摘要

A low cost miniature caseless slide action electric switch comprised by a relatively flat insulator base member of substantially uniform thickness throughout its length and breadth and fabricated from a molded thermoplastic material. A plurality of electric terminals extend through the lower one of the flat surfaces and are engagable from the opposite upper flat surface of the insulator base member. The insulator base member further includes at least two sets of opposed, resilient, slide contact housing side retaining members integrally formed on the respective side edges near the ends of the flat insulator base member. The side retaining members extend outwardly in a direction normal to the flat surfaces on the same side of the insulator base member as the upper flat surface. The insulator base member further includes integrally formed stiffening channel portions extending between corresponding side retaining members of the respective opposite sets formed on the same side edge of the insulator base member. At least one electrically conductive slide contact member is supported on the upper flat surface of the insulator base member for engaging the respective electric terminals and making or breaking electrically conducting paths through the terminals. A slidable contact housing member of insulating material is provided and includes at least one cavity for retaining the slide contact member in place on the upper flat surface of the insulator base member. The slidable contact housing member is engaged by and slidably retained in place on the upper surface of the insulator base member by the sets of opposed, resilient, slide contact housing side retaining members. Stops are provided for the slidable contact housing member for restraining movement of slide contact member between predetermined end positions.