Process for producing an on-off push switch and resulting article

Abstract

A method for producing a rotary on-off switch in which a contactor plate is formed from sheet metal stock, integrally molded with a switch housing and thereafter blanked from the sheet metal stock. The switch housing has an integral set of circumferentially spaced abutments at regular intervals in an internal socket opening of the housing. A first switch operating member having a stem and a plurality of crowned teeth is internally mounted in the housing. A second switch operating member also has a set of crowned teeth disposed complementary to those on the first switch operating member, and also is disposed in the housing so that upon coaxial movement of the two operating members the second switch operating member will be caused to rotate abruptly after the second switch operating member has been displaced axially sufficiently to disengage the second switch operating member from the abutments in the housing. This described coaxial movement occurs manually, and a spring effects restoration of the two operating members to their original positions to the accompaniment of additional angular movement of the second switch operating member. An annular drive arm is coupled to the second switch operating member for anular movement therewith, and has resilient upwardly extending contactor paddles biased against and slidably contacting the contactor plate.