Miniature two-level pushbutton switch

Abstract

A miniature, two-level pushbutton switch comprises a base for mounting a plurality of relatively movable electrical contacts and a plurality of relatively fixed electrical terminals. The base includes at least one support surface for supporting the contacts and terminals. A pushbutton is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement along a predetermined straight line. The contacts include an elongate contact bar having at least one flat contact surface mounted for movement in response to actuation of the pushbutton in a first direction and a contact dome having at least one flat contact surface normally spaced apart from the contact surface of the contact bar when the pushbutton is in an unactuated condition. The terminals include a first terminal including a gripping portion for holding the contact bar in assembled condition with the base while achieving electrical contact with the contact bar. A second terminal includes a gripping portion engaging the base and an extension which urges the contact dome against the base support surface, thereby holding the contact dome in assembled condition with the base while achieving electrical contact with the contact dome. A third terminal includes a gripping portion engaging the base and an extension spaced apart from the contact surface of the contact dome when said pushbutton is in an unactuated condition.