MINIATURE MERCURY CONTACT REED SWITCH CONSTRUCTION

摘要

A mercury wetted reed switch in which the electrical switch contacts are provided with a geometric configuration which minimizes the amount of magnetic force required to close the switch contacts which are normally open in the absence of a magnetic field and which at the same time provides a quick acting switch for applications which cannot tolerate delays. A first conductive magnetic member (11) is supported by insulating support structure (10) and has a stepped construction provided by a magnetic conductive extension (11b) laterally offset from axial alignment with the rest of the member and extending parallel to the axial direction away from the support. A second conductive magnetic member (13) provides an armature support element supported on the insulating support structure (10) and generally aligned with but separated from the first magnetic member. The second conductive magnetic member also has a stepped construction provided by magnetic conductive extension (13a) laterally offset from the axial alignment to the same side as the extension (11b) of the first conductive member. A magnetic armature member (15) extends between the first and second magnetic members and is of such length and position that it overlaps the axial extending portions of each conductive magnetic member and fits within the step of each without touching. A spring support member (16) connects the armature support element and the armature. The spring support provides a flexible connection which permits the armature to move into improved alignment with the first and second magnetic members to a reluctance minimizing position in the presence of a magnetic field.