Key actuable electrical switch

Abstract

A key-actuable electrical switch for a key having a distal end portion including a hook and an abutment section, a central portion including key cuts defining a tumbler pin code and a proximal end shank portion. The switch includes a housing having a first portion rotatably receiving a key core including a plurality of tumbler pins, the first portion including a set of tumbler pin retraction bores housing springs for urging the tumbler pins into engagement with the tumbler pin code portion of the key. The key cooperates with the key core, tumbler pins and retraction bores to permit sliding movement of the key longitudinally of the core in the locked position and in at least one other switch actuating position. The switch includes a first pair of circuit terminals and a movable contact carrier having a first position opening a circuit between the first pair of circuit terminals and a second position closing the circuit between the first pair of circuit terminals. The switch also includes a sliding actuator mechanism actuated by longitudinal movement of the key, and a race for slidably mounting the actuator mechanism within the switch housing. A connector assembly couples the actuator mechanism to the movable contact carrier. Sliding movement of the actuator mechanism moves the contact carrier to the second position to close the circuit between the first pair of terminals.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.