Abstract:
A machine insertable miniature DIP switch (10) comprises a housing (12) insert molded about a plurality of terminals (40). The terminals (40) are oppositely disposed pairs having interior portions (44) located within housing chambers (30) formed by transversely extending walls (20), with the ends of the pairs of terminals separated by an open area (A) comprising a depression. An actuator (60) includes an upward extension (64) above a top plate (62) with a contactor receptacle (66) located therebelow, a depending detent wall (68) with a detent protrusion (70) on one side of the actuator, and an oppositely disposed depending actuator side wall (72). The detent protrusion (70) is received by detent openings (22) within the associated transverse wall (20), top plate extensions (63) are positioned over the associated transverse wall, and the oppositely disposed actuator side wall (72) is positioned for engagement with a shelf (24) located in the associated transverse wall. A contactor (80) comprises a U-shaped upper portion (82) received in the actuator receptacle (66) to effect a self-leveling, load equalizing coupling, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of outwardly extending legs (84), each leg (84) having an arcuate foot (86, 87) at an end thereof. The arcuate feet (86, 87) engage the interior terminal portions (44) whereby lateral displacement of the actuator (60) effects constant pressure slideable engagement of the contactor (80) with the terminals (40) to complete or open an electrical circuit therebetween, without the contactor feet (86, 87) engaging any housing material.