Snap action switch contact with reduced stray arcing
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsJohn Kenneth Tillotson, Matthew Brose, Ian Bradley, Darryl Ballard
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for preventing arcing within a snap action switch, particularly by removing a portion of a contact carrier attached to a stationary contact. A method of forming a contact for use in a snap action switch may comprise welding a contact onto a contact carrier; trimming at least one edge of the contact carrier proximate to the contact; and installing the contact carrier into a snap action switch housing. Trimming the at least one edge of the contact carrier may also comprise removing flash formed during the welding of the contact to the contact carrier.
Claims20
A method of forming a contact for use in a snap action switch, the method comprising:
- forming a contact onto a contact carrier;
- forming flash on the contact carrier, wherein the flash is positioned to extend from the contact along the contact carrier:
- trimming at least one edge of the contact carrier proximate to the contact, wherein the trimming comprises removing the flash;
- and
- installing the contact carrier into a snap action switch housing.
A snap action switch comprising:
- a housing;
- a first spring configured to be moved by an actuator extending from the enclosed housing;
- a second spring configured to apply a bias to the first spring;
- at least one stationary contact located proximate to the second spring;
- a trimmed contact carrier attached to the at least one stationary contact, wherein a portion of the contact carrier proximate to the stationary contact is trimmed;
- a moveable contact attached to the first spring, and configured to contact and move away from the stationary contact based on the movement of the first spring, wherein the first spring is connected to a pin extending from within the housing to the exterior of the housing.
A method of forming a contact for use in a snap action switch, the method comprising:
- attaching a contact to a contact carrier, wherein the contact comprises a material different from that of the contact carrier;
- forming flash on the contact carrier, wherein the flash is positioned to extend from the contact along the contact carrier;
- removing the flash and material from at least one edge of the contact carrier proximate to the contact;
- and
- shaping the edge of the contact carrier proximate to the contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.