Switching mechanism and electric switch using the same

A switching mechanism in a spring-reversal type of electric switch comprising:

• a casing having stationary contacts mounted therein;
• an actuator having movable contacts to mate with the stationary contacts and springs to push the rear sides of the movable contacts;
• an operating lever rotatable about its pivot for switching operation;
• a plunger operatively connected to the operating lever;
• a rotatable reversal member for driving the actuator;
• a reversal coiled spring one end of which is connected to the reversal member and the other end of which is connected to the plunger, the reversal coiled spring being responsive to transition across its reversal point for reversing its resilient force in direction, thus making the movable contacts move toward the stationary contacts or leave apart therefrom when depressing or releasing the operating lever,
• wherein the switching mechanism is so constructed that the actuator is allowed to move a predetermined distance before reaching the reversal point on the way to the switching “on” position, thus reducing the distance to the switching “on” position to travel the remaining distance instantly when the reversal member reverses, thereby making the movable contacts mate with the stationary contacts quickly;
• and
• the switching mechanism is so constructed that the actuator is prevented from moving before the reversal point is reached, and that the actuator is released after the reversal point is reached, thereby making the movable contacts leave the stationary contacts quickly.