US3566058A

US3566058A - Snap action switch with low force differential

Info

Publication number: US3566058A
Application number: US741427A
Authority: US
Inventors: Phillip M Elliott
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 1968-07-01
Filing date: 1968-07-01
Publication date: 1971-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 1988-02-23
Also published as: DE6925720U; GB1272314A; DE1932958B2; DE1932958A1; FR2012116A1

Abstract

Single-pole double-throw snap action switch device has a rocking element which pivots at one end on a fixed terminal element and at its opposite end pivotally supports a movable contact element in a V-shaped pocket. An actuator member, which can be either rigid or flexible, is mounted to apply an actuating force to the rocking element intermediate its two ends. The actuating member and the rocking element contact each other in a rolling, nonsliding motion which is substantially frictionless. The device also has a mount for an overcenter spring which eliminates any possibility of shifting of the spring''s fixed pivot. This mount comprises a bent apertured tab to which the spring is attached. The aperture in the tab is chamfered on one side of the tab to insure the spring end can only contact the edge of the aperture on the unchamfered side.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Phillip M. Elliott 3,349,202 10/1967 Beer 200/67B(UX) Schiller Park, Ill. 3,407,276 10/1968 Pescetto 200/67B(UX) [2H P L427 Primary Examiner-David Smith,ir. [22] Flled July11968 Att0rneyRobertW.Beart, Michael l(ovac,Barry L.Clark [45] Patented Feb. 23,1971 and Jack Halvorsen [73] Assignee Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Chicago, Ill.

ABSTRACT: Single-pole double-throw snap action switch device has a rocking element which ivots at one end on a [54] SNAP ACTION SWITCH WITH LOW FORCE fixed terminal element and at its opp site end pivotally sup DIFFFRENTIAI1 ports a movable contact element in a V-shaped pocket. An ac- 8 clalmss Drawmg tuator member, which can be either rigid or flexible, is [52] US. Cl 200/67 mounted to apply an actuating force to the rocking element [51] Int. Cl ..H0lh 13/28 intermediate its two ends. The actuating member and the [50] Field ofSearch 200/67, rocking element contact each other in a rolling, nonsliding 67(B) motion which is substantially frictionless. The device also has a mount for an overcenter spring which eliminates any possi- References Cited bility of shifting of the springs fixed pivot. This mount com- UNITED STATES PATENTS prises a bent apertured tab to which the spring is attached. 2,800,546 7/1957 Reitler 200/67B(UX) The aperture in the tab is chamfered on one Side of the tab to 3,030,465 4/1962 Reese. 2O0/67B(UX) insure the spring end can only contact the edge of the aperture 3,114,805 12/1963 Baumer 200/67B(UX) on the uhchamfered Slde HHHH|HHHHIHHlHHHHHIHVJHH[iii]IHHHHHHHHHHHHHHIHHH" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the lnvention This invention relates to snap action switch devices and more particularly, to improved actuating structure therefor which permits a low movement differential and a low force differential for a given degree of contact pressure.

2. Description of the Prior Art 1 Single-pole double-throw snap action switch devices are well known in the prior art. One particular prior art device which is generally similar to the device described herein is that shown in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 596,515, filed Nov. 23, 1966, now US. Pat. 3,407,276 and assigned to the' same assignee as the present application.

In the selection of a switch for a given purpose, factors which are usually of great importance include: (a) the amount of force required to actuate the switchthe operating force; (b) the amount of spring force stored in the switch after actuation which is available to reset the switch-the release force; (c) the amount of movement of the actuator button between the point at which the switch snaps in one direction and in the opposite direction-the movement differential; and (d) the contact pressure. Although the movement differential can be made quite low by moving the fixed support for the overcenter coil spring to a position very close to the movable pivot point for the movable contact blade, such a mounting will necessarily alter the force vectors of the switch elements and reduce the pressure of the contacts. To achieve a desired higher contact pressure, it is then necessary to increase the spring tension. However, since increased spring forces result in higher operating forces and greater friction losses due to parts bending and/or sliding in contact with each other, the amount of energy which is available for resetting the switch after actuation does not increase at the same rate as the increase in operating force. Thus, the force differential, which is the difference between the operating and release forces increases and presents a situation where the release force available becomes undesirably low.

The switch device shown and described in the aforementioned copending application includes an actuator button movable vertically within a set of guides. The flat bottom surface of the actuator button is engaged with a generally flat end surface of a pivoted rocking element which in turn pivotally mounts the movable blade. Since the flat end of the rocking element slides transversely across the end of the actuator button during actuation of the button, it will be understood that not only will sliding friction be produced between the flat end of the rocking element and the bottom of the button, but the sideways movement of the end of the rocking element as it is being actuated will produce a sideways force on the pushbutton which will move it against one or the other of its side guides depending upon whether the button is depressed or released. Although these frictional losses are fairly small, they are significant. Another source of slight frictional loss in the device of the aforementioned application arises from its provision of a small radius pin member for supporting one end of the overcenter coil spring which biases the movable contact member. Although, during actuation, the coil spring pivots only a few degrees, there are, nevertheless, friction losses produced as the spring tends to rotate around the pin.

By reducing the already low friction losses inherent in the prior art design with the structure disclosed herein, tests have shown that the force differential of the prior art switch can be improved by more than 100 percent. For example, one model of a switch made in accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned application has an operating force of 24 grams and a release force of 12 grams. However, by using the improved construction of the present invention, a similar switch has been built which has the same operating force of 24 grams but a release force of 19 grams and higher contact pressures. Since the force differential equals the difference between the operating force and the release force, it will be readily seen that the improved design has a force differential of a mere 5 grams while the prior design has a force dif ferential of 12 grams. Other tests have shown that by changing the angle at which the actuating force is applied, from that disclosed in the aforementioned application, it is possible to increase the vertical force component which is available for resetting the switch after tripping from 25 percent of stored spring energy to nearly 46 percent.

SUMMARY It is an object of this invention to provide a single-pole double-throw snap action switch which has less frictional losses during actuation than prior art devices, that requires less force to operate it for a given movement differential or contact pressure, that retains a greater release force to reset itself, that can utilize parts having a relatively large tolerance variation, that is easy to assemble, that provides a good wiping action, and that is economical.

Another object of this invention is to provide a single-pole double-throw snap action switch which can have certain parts preassembled before they are mounted in the switch case and which can be tested iwhilein the switch case before the cover is applied thereto.

These objects are obtained by the switch device of the present invention which preferably comprises a housing enclosing a plurality of terminals. One of these terminals, a common terminal, has a rocking element pivoted to it and carries a spring means which holds a movable contact element in pivotable contact with the rocking element. Also mounted in the switch case is an actuator member which may be either rigid or flexible. The actuator member is normally held in biased engagement with a portion of the rocking element positioned intermediate the pivoted end of the rocking element and the portion which supports the movable contact member. The actuator member has an actuating portion on its tip which presents a small radius in rolling contact with a groove in the rocking element. The actuator member and the rocking element are mounted relative to each other so that the actuating force is applied generally in a direction perpendicular to a line between the pivoted end of the rocking element and the line of contact with the actuating member. During actuation, the movement between the actuator member and the rocking element appears to be a generally pivotal line to line contact but is actually a slight rolling contact due to the slight radii of the parts. Although, theoretically, the actuator could have a line contact at its tip, sucha tip would easily break. A rounded tip is far stronger and wears much longer.

The overcenter coil spring used in the switch is mounted at one end to an aperture in the movable contact blade and at the other end to an apertured tab portion formed out of the material of the common terminal element. The apertured tab portion is bent upwardly at a slight angle relative to the axis of the overcenter spring. This bending of the tab and a chamfering of the lower edge of the hole in the tab through which the spring passes causes the spring end to pivot on a sharp edge. Such a mounting not only reduces the friction losses inherent in a design wherein the spring end must pivot about a pin but eliminates the shift in the pivot point which could take place if the spring end were mounted in an unchamfered hole. By preventing the possibility of the pivot point shifting, the move ment differential can be made very low without any chance of the switch failing to snap or of the moving contact floating between the fixed contacts.

Another area in which my switch device has improved efficiency, and thus a lower force differential, is in its mounting of a spring lever for operating the actuator member when the switch is assembled to be actuated by an offcenter button and lever system. By mounting the spring lever for movement about a fixed fulcrum point, little of the energy imparted to the spring lever during actuation is lost in the way of friction. Furthermore, since the switch housing includes only two points (one of which is the fulcrum) which must bear on the spring lever at its mounting end, the spring lever can be bent during manufacture within a rather large tolerance range without affecting its operating characteristics.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTiON OF THE DRAWINGS FlG. l is a top plan view of the switch device of the present invention shown in its normal condition and with its cover DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, my improved switch device is shown in its normal, unactuated position. The switch mechanism is enclosed within a case housing indicated generally at which includes outer upwardly extending wall surfaces 12 having holes 14 therein for mounting the switch. Spaced slightly inwardly of the exterior walls 12 are interior walls l6 which are recessed below the height of exterior walls 12 by the thickness of a cover plate (not shown) which is mounted over the central portion of the switch and held thereto by fastening means (not shown) which extend into the cover mounting holes 18. The elements of the switch device are mounted interiorly of the interior walls 16 in a recessed area 20. The interior recessed portion 20 communicates with the outside of the switch case by means of a plurality of slots into which are placed an upper fixed terminal element 24, a lower fixed terminal element 26, and a common fixed terminal element 28. The upper and lower fixed terminal elements 24, 2e are held in place at their opposite ends in the inside of the case by molded formations in the case including a pair of retaining studs 30. The centrally located fixed common terminal element 28 includes the bent arm portion 32 receivable in a slot 34 in the switch case.

The switch mechanism is actuated by an actuator member 36 having an actuating tip portion 38 of small radius. The actuator 36 is guided for reciprocal sliding movement within the case by means of a pair of short integral guide pins 40 and a pair of longer guide members 42, d3. The actuator is preferably molded of plastic and includes a slot 44 for clearing terminal 24. A slot as clears the spring 72. The arrangement of slots permits the actuator to be mounted in the case after the metal switch parts have been assembled.

The fixed common terminal element 28 includes a bent pivot groove portion 48 in which a first pivoted end portion 50 k of a rocking element 52 is positioned. The rocking element 52 of the two

leg portions

54 and 56 is an actuating second portion as which is engaged by the actuating tip portion 38 of the actuator 36. As can be seen in comparing the relative positions of the actuator tip portion 38 and the actuating portion 66 in the normal and actuated positionsof the switch as shown in F265. 1 and 2., it will be obvious'that tip portion 38 has a rolling rather than a sliding action relative to actuating portion 60 due to the rounded surfaces of contact and the fact that the movement of actuator 35 is in a direction generally perpendicular to a line connecting actuating portion fill on rocking element 52 with the pivot portion 50 of said rocking element. Since a sliding contact between

elements

38 and 60 would produce frictional losses in the switch and thus decrease its efficiency and increase its force differential, it is highly desirable that no sliding be permitted to take place between these elements. Although actuating tip portion 38 could be made very sharp so as to assure a line type pivot connection with portion 60 of rocking element 52, such a sharp tip is undesirable for several reasons. For one thing, it is impossible to mold an absolutely sharp corner or to even maintain a fairly sharp corner during extended mold usage. Furthermore, a sharp corner at tip 3% would be fairly weak and thus subject to rapid wear which would in turnalter the position'of actuator 36 during its movement at which switching takes place. Since it is extremely desirable that the actuator maintain its position at which switching takes place throughout the life of the switch, and since this particular switch has been shown to have a life of well in excess of 50 million cycles, it is preferable that the tip portion 38 of the actuator 36 be slightly rounded to give it strength and to permit it to roll without friction in contact with the actuating regions 6% during actuation.

At the end of short leg portion 56 of the rocker element 52 which is the end of the rocking element opposite to the first end portion 50, is a third pivot portion which comprises a V groove 64 for receiving the knife edge 66 of a movable contact blade 68.

As seen in FIG. 3, the movable contact blade 63 is biased into contact with the V groove 6d of rocking element 52 by means of an overcenter coil spring 72. One end 74 of the spring passes through an anchor hole 76 in the movable contact blade. The opposite end 78 of the spring is mounted to a tab 80 formed integrally with the common fixed terminal element 28. The tab 80 has an anchor hole 82 for receiving the end 78 of the spring. Referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the hole 82 is not of constant diameter but includes a chamfered enlarged portion 84 on the bottom of the tab 80. Due to the chamfered portion M as well as the angle at which the tab 80 is bent relative to the axis of the spring 72, it will be appreciated that movement of spring 72 in a counterclockwise direction from its FIG. 1 to its FIG. 2. position will not result in any shifting of the pivot point 85 of the end of spring 78 from the position shown in FIG. 4 wherein it contacts the upper edge of the hole 82. Without the chamfer 84 and the angle of tab 80, it is possible that the pivot point of spring end 78 could shift during switch actuation from the point $5 shown in FIG. 4 to point 86. Obviously, if such a pivot shift could take place, it would greatly affect the operating characteristics of the switch. For example, a shift in pivot position would result in additional friction losses and would increase the opportunity for the movable contact blade 68 to float rather than have its upper movable contact 9t) in positive engagement with upper fixed contact 92 or its lower movable contact 94 in engagement with lower fixed contact 96.

Another significant advantage of my switch device is its ability to withstand extremely high acceleration forces. By limiting the outward movement of the movable blade 68 with a molded wall 97 and by limiting the movement of the rocking element 52 with molded

internal walls

98, 99 these movable elements are trapped so that even if they should be jarred from their seats 64, d8 respectively, they will always return to them. In one test, these movable switch elements did not become detached even after being subjected to forces of 200 G's, although the plastic switch case started to shear internally. By using stronger materials, the ability of the switch to withstand high accelerations could be increased even further.

In order to permit the upper end tilt) of actuator 36 to be actuated from the exterior of the case 10, a secondary spring lever actuator system is provided. Although it is of course possible, and often desirable, to locate a pushbutton in the walls l2, 16 of the case which is directly in line with the actuator 36, I have shown in FIG. 1 an offcenter type of actuator system which utilizes a spring lever so that a much lower operating forcecan be applied to offcenter button 102 then would be required if button 102 were directly in line with actuator 36. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the offcenter actuator button 102 engages the right end We of a spring lever 106 which is mounted in the recessed portion of the case for pivotal movement about a fulcrum 108. A projection 112 formed in the case presses against a point 114 on the lever 106 and cooperates with the pressure applied at point 104 on the other endof lever 106 by pushbutton 102 to maintain the lever in contact with fulcrum at all times. The lever 106 is preferably bent at end 118 as shown in FIG. 1 so as to anchor it in recess 120 in the case. it will be noted that the lever 106 has a radius in the region between pressure point 114 and fulcrum 108 which is greater than that of a boss portion 122 in the case between the same points. This region of greater radius insures that the fulcrum point of the lever will not change during the actuating or return movement of end 104 of the lever. This mounting wherein the fulcrum does not shift is very desirable since it insures that a large percentage of the spring energy imparted to the lever 106 during actuation will be transferred to the actuator 36 and most of the remaining energy will be available to reset the lever 106 and button 102 during a return operation. Furthermore, the design insures that the left end of the lever will not slidingly engage with boss 122. By restricting the movement of lever 106 to a pivoting movement about only a single point, namely 108, there is no change in the lever arm length of lever 106 and thus, the leverage ratio required to be exerted on the lever by the button 102 remains constant, keeping the force differential at a controlled minimum.

in FIG. 5, a modification of the actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 1 is shown. The modified design permits the switch mechanism to be actuated by means of the rotary movement of an external operating lever. The modified design is especially valuable for use in a coin operated switch since it can be actuated with only a few grams of force. The modification of FIG. 5 includes a very thin flexible spring finger actuating member 36a having an actuating tip portion 380. Although the actuating member 360 is flexible, it has the same nonsliding rolling action on the actuating portion 60a of the rocking element 520 as does the rigid actuating tip 38 of the actuator 36 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. The flexible finger 36a has a bent end portion 1000 which is mounted around a rotary actuator support 124. A pair of integral positioning ears 126 project from the actuator support 124 and prevent relative rotation of the actuator end 1000 relative to the actuator support 124. A hearing shoulder 128 extends through the case for rotatably mounting the actuator support 124 to the case. An operating lever 130 is mounted for movement with shoulder 128 and rotary actuator supportl24 and is attached thereto by means such as a hole or a slot. From the dotted lines showings of the various elements of the mechanism in their actuated position, it can be appreciated that only a small rotational movement of operating lever 130 is required to cause the actuating tip portion 38a to pivot the rocking element 52a against a stop portion 134 in the switch case. Once the rocking element 52a has contacted the stop 134, continued overtravel rotation of the operating lever will merely result in additional flexing of the flexible actuating finger 360. By means of appropriate stops (not shown) the rotational travel of rotary actuator support 124 is limited in order to insure that the actuator tip 380 does not become displaced from the actuating region 60 and that the actuating finger 360 does not become bent beyond its elastic'limit.

Although my invention makes it possible to achieve a switch having a very low force differential, it should be recognized that there are rare situations where a switch having-a high force differential is required. For such situations, the various elements such as the springs and spring mounting locations can be changed to achieve the desired results. It should be recognized that even though my switch can be made to have higher force differentials, it would not follow that other switches having high force differentials could be modified to have lower ones.

lclaim:

l. A single-pole double-throw snap action switch device comprising, a switch housing having an actuator member mounted for movement from a normal to a second position, a

movable contact assembly engaged by said actuator member and including a rocking element pivotally mounted at a first portion thereof to,a common terminal element and having a second portion thereof positioned for engagement by said actuator member, a movable contact blade pivotally mounted at one end thereof to a third portion'of said rocking element and carrying at its other end a contact element disposed between a spaced pair of fixed contact elements each being electrically connected to a separate terminal element, said second portion of said rocking element being located intermediate said first and third portions, spring means fixed at one end within said switch housing and at its other end to said movable contact blade for normally biasing the contact element of said movable contact blade against one of said fixed contact elements and for yieldably urging said second portion of said rocking element against said actuator member to hold said actuator member in its normal position said actuator member including at least one actuator portion movable in a rectilinear direction for engaging said second portion of said rocking element throughout its range of movement in rolling, nonsliding, relationship, said actuator member being capable of being actuated for movement to its second position causing substantially simultaneous pivotal movement of said rocking element and said movable contact blade for overcoming the biasing effect of said spring means to provide a wiping effect of the contact element on said movable contact blade as it is moved with a snap action between said fixed contacts, release of said actuator member causing return of the switch components to their normal position, said rolling, nonsliding relationship with said rocking element being retained throughout the range of movement of said actuator member by the engagement of cooperating mating convex and concave surfaces provided on the actuator portion of said actuator member and the second portion of said rocking element with the radius of curvature of the convex surface provided on one of the actuator portion of said actuator member or the second portion of said rocking element being less than the radius of curvature of the concave surface provided on the other of the actuator portion of said actuator member or the second portion of said rocking element.

2. The switch device as'defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator member is disposed within'said switch body and is engaged by a spring lever frictionally mounted near one of its ends for pivotal movement about a fulcrum portion in a recess in said housing, said spring lever being contacted at its other end by a depressable plunger element extending through the housing for engaging and causing pivotal movement of said spring lever to move the actuator member between its normal and second positions, said spring lever being further contacted by a projection in said recess at a point between said fulcrum and said one end, said projection being on the same side of said spring lever as said plunger element, said frictional mounting pennitting a portion of the energy transferred to said spring lever by said depressable plunger when said plunger is depressed to be stored in the portion of said spring lever between said fulcrum and said projection, said stored energy being returned to said spring lever to assist in the resetting of the switch when pressure on the plunger is released.

3. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said spring means comprises a helical coil spring pivotally mounted at one end to an apertured portion of an angled arm on said common terminal element and having its other end mounted to said movable contact blade.

4. The switch device as defined in claim 3 wherein said angled arm is chamfered at one end of said apertured portion for preventing any shift in the pivot support point for said coil spring during movement of said actuator member from its normal to its second position.

5. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator member comprises a pair of spaced legs extending in the direction of movement of said actuator member and defining a pair of actuator portions for engaging said rocking element, said actuator member further comprising a notched portion positioned substantially at a right angle to said legs and spaced therefrom, said notched portion cooperating with a notch formed in one of said fixed terminal elements to permit said actuator member to be installed in said housing subsequent to the installation of said notched fixed terminal element.

6. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rocking element comprises a piece of metal sheet material which is generally L-shaped and arranged in the switch housing with its short leg extending in the direction of movement of said actuator member and adjacent thereto, said short leg being bent at said third portion to include a first V-shaped pocket for receiving the end of said movable contact blade, said rocking element having a long leg arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement 'of said actuator member and having a second V-shaped pocket positioned at said second portion for receiving said actuator portion, the free end of said long leg comprising said first portion.

7. The switch device as defined in claim 6 and further including a plurality; of integral wall portions formed in said switch housing adapted to cooperate with said first and second V-shaped pockets to entrap said movable contact blade and said rocking element and prevent them from being permanently detached from said V-shaped pockets after being subjected to high acceleration forces.

8. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator member comprises a thin flexible spring finger member, the end of said spring finger member opposite said at least one actuator portion being mounted in said switch housing for rotational actuation by an operating lever pivotally mounted in said housing and connected thereto, said spring finger member being adapted to flex and bend between its ends when said operating lever is pivoted beyond the amount of movement necessary to cause said at least one actuator portion to pivot said rocking element to its actuated position.

Claims

1. A single-pole double-throw snap action switch device comprising, a switch housing having an actuator member mounted for movement from a normal to a second position, a movable contact assembly engaged by said actuator member and including a rocking element pivotally mounted at a first portion thereof to a common terminal element and having a second portion thereof positioned for engagement by said actuator member, a movable contact blade pivotally mounted at one end thereof to a third portion of said rocking element and carrying at its other end a contact element disposed between a spaced pair of fixed contact elements each being electrically connected to a separate terminal element, said second portion of said rocking element being located intermediate said first and third portions, spring means fixed at one end within said switch housing and at its other end to said movable contact blade for normally biasing the contact element of said movable contact blade against one of said fixed contact elements and for yieldably urging said second portion of said rocking element against said actuator member to hold said actuator member in its normal position said actuator member including at least one actuator portion movable in a rectilinear direction for engaging said second portion of said rocking element throughout its range of movement in rolling, nonsliding, relationship, said actuator member being capable of being actuated for movement to its second position cAusing substantially simultaneous pivotal movement of said rocking element and said movable contact blade for overcoming the biasing effect of said spring means to provide a wiping effect of the contact element on said movable contact blade as it is moved with a snap action between said fixed contacts, release of said actuator member causing return of the switch components to their normal position, said rolling, nonsliding relationship with said rocking element being retained throughout the range of movement of said actuator member by the engagement of cooperating mating convex and concave surfaces provided on the actuator portion of said actuator member and the second portion of said rocking element with the radius of curvature of the convex surface provided on one of the actuator portion of said actuator member or the second portion of said rocking element being less than the radius of curvature of the concave surface provided on the other of the actuator portion of said actuator member or the second portion of said rocking element.

2. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuator member is disposed within said switch body and is engaged by a spring lever frictionally mounted near one of its ends for pivotal movement about a fulcrum portion in a recess in said housing, said spring lever being contacted at its other end by a depressable plunger element extending through the housing for engaging and causing pivotal movement of said spring lever to move the actuator member between its normal and second positions, said spring lever being further contacted by a projection in said recess at a point between said fulcrum and said one end, said projection being on the same side of said spring lever as said plunger element, said frictional mounting permitting a portion of the energy transferred to said spring lever by said depressable plunger when said plunger is depressed to be stored in the portion of said spring lever between said fulcrum and said projection, said stored energy being returned to said spring lever to assist in the resetting of the switch when pressure on the plunger is released.

6. The switch device as defined in claim 1 wherein said rocking element comprises a piece of metal sheet material which is generally L-shaped and arranged in the switch housing with its short leg extending in the direction of movement of said actuator member and adjacent thereto, said short leg being bent at said third portion to include a first V-shaped pocket for receiving the end of said movable contact blade, said rocking element having a long leg arranged generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of said actuator member and having a second V-shaped pocket positioned at said second portion for receiving said actuator portion, the free end of said long leg comprising said first portion.

7. The switch device as Defined in claim 6 and further including a plurality of integral wall portions formed in said switch housing adapted to cooperate with said first and second V-shaped pockets to entrap said movable contact blade and said rocking element and prevent them from being permanently detached from said V-shaped pockets after being subjected to high acceleration forces.