Rotary switch with spaced circuit boards and discrete contacts on rotor opposite faces electrically insulated from furthermost board

Claim 1

A multiple position rotary switch in a housing having an area defined in two mutually orthogonal directions, said switch comprising: switch contact means for selectively closing electrical circuits upon contact, said means including an electrically insulating rotatable wheel extending substantially across said area substantially dividing said housing into a first section and a second section having first and second sides and having mounting means on both said first and second sides for selectively attaching a plurality of contact brush sets electrically isolated from each other; a first printed circuit board positioned stationary relative to the wheel in said first housing section, said first board having electrical conductors positioned thereon facing the said first wheel side, the said circuits of said board being adapted to be closed selectively upon contact of said conductors with the brush sets on said wheel; and a second printed circuit board positioned stationary relative to the wheel in said second housing section, said second board having electrical conductors positioned thereon facing the said second wheel side, said circuits of said second board being adapted to be closed selectively upon contact of said conductors with the brush sets on said wheels; wherein said first wheel side substantially covers said electrical conductors positioned on said first printed circuit board, and said second wheel side substantially covers said electrical conductors positioned on said second printed circuit board to isolate any electrical connection of said first board from brushes on said second wheel side, and to isolate any electrical connection of said second board from brushes on said first wheel side.