Importance

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Abstract

A toggle type electric switch includes a first centrally mounted electrical terminal positioned to support a roller member, which defines a translatable pivot axis of an essentially elongate bridging contact which rides on the roller member. A spring loaded plunger-toggle mechanism cooperates with the roller member to define a over-center switching mechanism whereby the bridging contact may selectively engage and disengage a second fixed terminal to establish electrical contact therewith. The effect of the spring loaded plunger member operates to retain the roller member in one position during make of the switch components and shift the roller member for the break of the switch components. In this manner, the make and break surfaces of the mating switch components are different. Therefore, the electric arc contamination that builds up during the component break does not contaminate the surfaces of the switch components that engage during the make cycle, leaving the make surfaces of the components free of arc contamination, corrosion, or other foreign matter. Immediately following the make, the bridging contact member slides along the engaging terminal surface to wipe the mating surfaces clean of any contamination that has occurred since last being wiped clean during the previous make cycle.

First Claim