Push-push switch

Abstract

A push-push switch comprises a dielectric housing in which electrical contact members are secured; contact sections of the contact members are in normal electrical engagement and terminal sections of the contact members are to be electrically connected to conductive members. An actuating member is mounted in the housing for reciprocal and rotational movement therein; a spring biases the actuating member to a normal rest position. Cam members on the actuating member engage the contact members in one position to disengage them and are out of engagement with the contact members in another position causing them to be normally engaged. First and second rows of cam segments are on the actuating member; the cam segments in each of the rows are spaced from one another and the cam segments in the first row are offset with respect to the cam segments in the second row so that cam surfaces of the cam segments of the first row face the cam segments in the second row and cam surfaces of the cam segments of the second row face the cam segments in the first row. Projections extend outwardly from the housing and are normally positioned between adjacent cam segments in the first row whereby, upon movement of the actuating-member from its normal rest position against the spring, the projections engage respective cam surfaces of the cam segments of the second row causing the actuating member to rotate so that the projections are in alignment with respective cam surfaces of the cam segments of the first row; and, upon movement of the actuating member back to the normal rest position, the projections engage the respective cam surfaces of the cam segments of the first row causing the actuating member to rotate further so that the projections are disposed between adjacent cam segments of the first row and the cam members move into engagement with the contact members to disengage the contact sections or move out of engagement with the contact members so that the contact sections are engaged.